Prepare for the attack

Canada’s Leading Caribbean Newspaper

Volume 12 • Issue 24

Thursday, January 4 2024

“This storm is brewing, and it’s really hard to anticipate just how bad that will be....”

FULL STORY - PAGE 8

PAGE 2

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

MICHELLE LINARES

Commitment to amplifying the voices of creatives, and community “I am a Toronto based entrepreneur, artist, event planner and highly experienced retail manager.”

So, I am going to stop reader’s right here!

What I have learned about people, and how they view themselves is this; your view of self, and how others see you are not always converging.

I was introduced to this efficacious talent by Lord Fury, one of Toronto Caribbean Newspaper 2023 Classic Man Features. His first words were, “Simone; if you and this young woman start working together, there is going to be problems.”

Right away, my instincts were engaged.

What took me to that next level was the first interaction that I had with her; how she introduces herself, and what I experienced learning about her are night and day in comparison. Yes, Michelle is a Toronto based: entrepreneur, artist, event planner and highly experienced retail manager, but she is so much more.

She is a first-generation Ethiopian/Salvadorian Canadian female, equality and cannabis advocate. Singer/ songwriter and performer, and proudly a University of Toronto Alumni, Hon. BA. Double major in Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies.

This blooming snapdragon (a beautiful and unique flower that represents strength due to their history and symbolism), openly shares her thoughts and opinions, contributing to social discussions and debates with confidence. She advocates for her values and principles, even in the face of opposition. She displays leadership qualities by taking charge when necessary and inspiring others through her actions. She engages in advocacy for herself and others, addressing issues and promoting positive change. She values independence and self-reliance, makes decisions based on her own convictions, and empowers and supports those around her, fostering a sense of community and mutual growth.

As with many of my Woman Empowered Features, I am going to share with you the work that this young lady has dedicated her life to, and why I am so excited to work with awe inspiring Michelle Linares.

One of her achievements that stuck out to me was the fact that she already has a peer reviewed article published titled, “Oral History Collection of Ethiopian and Eritrean Migrants: Literature Review,” co-written with Ruth Belay. This literature review marks the first step in the Oral History Collection of Ethiopian and Eritrean Migrants (OHC-EEM) preliminary scan of existing: government documents, scholarship and historical accounts that focus on the migration of Ethiopian and Eritrean migrants. Through a policy lens and examination of cultural adaptation, this review examined the existing literature that often under-utilizes oral history accounts of Ethiopian and Eritrean migrants. The paper provides key arguments for the collection of migration stories, and the archival preservation of these accounts through the OHC-EEM project.

I then researched the Oral History Collection of Ethiopian and Eritrean Migrants (OHC-EEM).

With the support of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, Michelle was part of a student initiative that provides greater insight into the present and historical dynamic of the diaspora population.

In partnership with the Scarborough Archives, she was one of the student volunteers who created an archival guide focusing on pre-settlement Indigenous history. In conjunction with the Archive Guide, she helped to catalog all of the material pertaining to

Indigenous history. The Pre-Settlement Indigenous History Collection included information on archaeological sites, educational material and other research materials.

Her legacy now has her as an historian, one who has preserved the available material on pre-settlement Indigenous history, and increased accessibility to this information, as well as ensuring the preservation of this material for future archive users.

During her time as an undergraduate at U of T, she became part of “The Summer Abroad Program” a program focused on assisting students in gaining international experience and learning outside of the classroom, all the while completing a full-credit course from the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Michelle, as well as other students from U of T, were taught in the coastal host school where they learned about the Grenadian Revolution for three weeks.

“A lot of the learning took place outside of the classroom – going on excursions, meeting new people, trying the food and really indulging in the culture,” recalls Michelle. “It’s something you can’t do here.”

A natural follow up to her outstanding work is that she was selected to be a speaker at Canadian Music Week. It was her first large speaking role, and it was beside Steve Lobel on cannabis and music. “I pride myself in being true to my path and always making sure my voice is heard standing up for those without a voice,” Michelle shared with me during our discussion.

She is actively involved in social movement groups doing fantastic work here in Toronto. A few include: Humanity Ova Vanity (Instagram Handle: @humanityovavanity.to_) They are a team focused on empowering social response-activity through curated activations, events, workshops and experiences that bridge the gap between industry, art, culture, and come-unity. It is a simplified hands on and introspective approach to what can be fair and just within society.

North Love Arts Collection (Instagram Handle: @ northlovearts) This collective brings storytelling to life through film, captivating audiences and adding a new dimension to artistic repertoire. They have exhibits that serve to curate: conversations, celebrations, and connections.

Their goal in the new year is to make exhibits even more immersive, more impactful. They are dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in the world of art.

At the heart of North Love is their commitment to amplifying the voices of creatives, and building platforms where artists can not only thrive, but shine brilliantly.

Civilian Toronto (Instagram Handle: civilian.to) Michelle has been working in the cannabis industry for over seven years now. She started in cannabis before legalization, and now working on the legal side of things has provided her an opportunity to help others. “We’re here to inspire a journey of discovery and perspective through cannabis,” explains Michelle.

“Everything we do is done differently, and it is all done with innovation, and style. We aim to distinguish every detail and experience connected to cannabis. Our promise is to be un-everything. To be unexpected. To be uncommon. To be unbelievable.”

I LOVE IT ALL! I also welcomed her vulnerability, how open she was about sharing her emotions; allowing me into her psyche, exposing what truly makes her a starseed. She possesses special, unique abilities, and insights, and has a strong sense of purpose that sets her apart from others. Her soul has chosen to incarnate on earth in order to contribute to the spiritual awakening and evolution of humanity.

“Instinct is an unspoken language,” Michelle starts our interview saying. “I assess life differently than others. When I look at risks, I look at them intuitively; my intuition has heightened my sense of creativity, and I am open to unconventional ideas.”

“I was born and raised in the West end of the city; it is in a larger Ethiopian community. One thing that I can say about my community is that we stick together. Both of my parents left their country because of the civil war; my dad traveled through the States before he came to Canada, and my mom got refugee status through Italy.

My grandmother worked for the United Nations, so my mom lived a privileged life until things got bad.

My mom met my dad at Sheridan Mall; it is a place of mix and culture. People always used to ask me how my parents communicated? I answer, ‘They communicated through the language of love.’ My dad is from Latin America, and my mom is Ethiopian. They met in ESL class; someone made a joke about this to me, and at first, I took it to offense, but to be real, it is probably true.

There are a lot of relationships that probably started in ESL class, especially if you are a newcomer to Canada.

My mom already had my sister when she got pregnant with me, and my dad took it upon himself to help raise a stepchild. My parents ended up splitting up; and after this, I moved around a lot throughout the city. I lived in Mississauga, Brampton, and I moved to Malvern in 2006.

I went through a lot and went mute for a while. I was unable to share through my pain. The only thing that I really did was read. One thing that I learned from my parents is to make something out of nothing.”

She is a strong, confident, and empowered woman who is unapologetically assertive and vocal about her beliefs. She inspires and contributes positively to her community and embraces her power. She recognizes and utilizes personal strengths, whether they be intellectual, emotional, or social.

While confident in her views, she remains open to learning from others and adapting her perspectives when necessary.

I am blown away, and I promise, we are going to continue to deliver outstanding women who have every right to be documented in history.

Photo Credit: Derrel Ho-Shing

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

Personal Injury Accident Specialists Motor Vehicle Accident Slip & Fall Injuries Landlord and Tenant

ABRAHAM LEGAL SERVICES

Personal Injury Claims Provincial Offences Pedestrian Accidents

Contact Abraham Legal for a FREE Consultation TEL: 647-696-4898 470 Chrysler Drive Unit 1 Brampton Serving Durham Region, Peel and Halton Region and Toronto and the GTA

NEWS & VIEWS

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 3

Concerns have been rising nationwide as governments start to bring in smart technologies to manage services SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Since the Canadian government launched the Smart Cities Challenge in 2017, buzz around Smart Cities in Canada—as well as the smart cities themselves—has been growing. The Smart Cities Challenge was a competition open to all municipalities, local or regional governments, and Indigenous communities (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) across Canada.

This challenge was created to empower communities across the country to address local issues their residents face through new partnerships, using a smart cities approach. A smart cities approach means achieving meaningful outcomes for residents through the use of data and connected technology. The approach could be

adopted by any community, big or small.

Over the last few years, over 225 municipalities across the country applied to become smart cities, using: information technology systems to improve urban planning, public transportation, smart waste management, and overall, citizens’ lives.

To help local governments get a clearer picture of how best to keep innovating their digital services, in September 2023, Capterra surveyed over 1,000 Canadian residents of cities with a population of at least 100,000 to find out what citizens expect from and how they engage with smart city services.

Although the list of Smart Cities Challenge applicants includes big cities such as: Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, and more, not all Canadians are up to date on their smart city knowledge. When asked about their knowledge of this concept, only 20% of respondents say they know exactly what a smart city is. A quarter (25%) say they are aware of the concept but didn’t have a name for it, while a similar number of respondents (24%) say they had heard the name but didn’t know what it means.

In April 2019, a survey found that 88 per cent of Canadians are concerned

on some level about their privacy when it comes to smart cities. Almost a quarter said they were “extremely concerned.”

Researchers at McMaster University and the University of Ottawa conducted the survey, polling 1,011 Canadians across the country from different demographic subgroups. One thing that wasn’t surprising is that visible minority people and Indigenous people objected more strongly to the use of their personal information by police to prevent crime than did the average Canadian. So that’s not surprising. Forty-two percent of visible minority and Indigenous people versus 32 generally who objected entirely to the use of their personal information by police and crime prevention.

On December 30th, 2023, Dr Lesly Lewis released a statement titled, “The Truth about Smart Cities; Privacy and Autonomy Concerns.”

In the statement, she shares that she has received emails from so many Canadians regarding the expansion of smart city technologies in Canadian communities, and their potential impact on our way of life, and our democratic society. Concerns have been rising nationwide as governments start to bring in smart technologies to man-

age services.

“This has been an issue that I have tracked for years, and there are a lot of layers of concerns when it comes to implementing these smart cities. I have researched this issue and spoken to academics, civil liberties experts, and municipal councilors, and they all agree that: privacy, autonomy, and security must be protected as part of any infrastructure development involving smart technology.”

Dr Lewis decided to put together a video to explain what smart cities are, why they are being promoted, what’s happening here in Canada, and some of the concerns raised by fellow Canadians. In this video, she digs into the concerns around privacy and autonomy and where all of this could lead.

“We must understand the implications of these technologies before we are so far down the road that we’re unable to turn back.”

While smart cities offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to address challenges such as: data privacy, cybersecurity, and inclusivity to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all citizens. Thank you, Dr Lewis, for bringing clarity, and addressing the needs of the people.

SAY HELLO TO 4G PLANS*.

NATION-WIDE TALK & TEXT PLANS STARTING FROM

$15

/mo.

BRAMPTON Bovaird & McLaughlin 10088 McLaughlin Rd N (905) 497-6661

HAMILTON CF Limeridge Mall 999 Upper Wentworth St (905) 387-3030

TORONTO Dufferin Mall 900 Dufferin St (416) 530-0005

SCARBOROUGH Woodside Square 1571 Sandhurst Circle (647) 719-3418

NIAGARA FALLS Mcleod & Dorcehster 7000 Mcleod Rd (289) 783-9007

MISSISSAUGA Derry & McLaughlin 7070 St Barbara Blvd (905) 795-9541

Jackson Square 2 King St W (905) 523-1525

Queen & Lansdowne 1484 Queen St W (416) 530-1800

Peanut Plaza 3030 Don Mills Rd (647) 719-1999

Eastgate Square 75 Centennial Pkwy N (905) 560-4869

China Town 222 Spadina Ave (416) 915-4243

Parkway Mall 85 Ellesmere Rd (416) 666-6197

WINDSOR Tecumseh Mall 7654 Tecumseh Rd (519) 817-3560

TORONTO Dufferin & Eglinton 1818 Eglinton Ave W (416) 787-8890

Queen & Sherbourne 230 Queen St E (647) 533-729

Brimley & Lawrence 2887 Lawrence Ave E (647) 713-1113

St CATHERINES The Pen Centre 221 Glendale Ave (289) 362-3839

Subject to change without notice. *4G speeds of up to 150Mbps. ™ Trademarks used under license ©2023

Wyandotte & Ouellette 45 Wyandotte St W (519) 915-3494 SARNIA Lambton Mall 1380 London Rd (519) 915-3494

NEWS & VIEWS

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 5

To resign, or not to resign; that is the question; Deliberation over the Honourable Greg Fergus resignation PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It was truly a historic day on October 3rd, 2023, when Honourable Greg Fergus was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the 58th Speaker of the House of Commons. His historic appointment was met with words of congratulation, expressions of celebration, and acknowledgement of the first Black man to hold this esteemed position.

However, a few weeks later these praises and support turned to disapproval and dismay when many of these Parliamentarians found out that he recorded a video in support of the outgoing interim leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, John Fraser while dressed in his Speaker’s garb in the Speaker’s office. The video was shown at the event to mark the election of Bonnie Crombie as the new leader of the Provincial Liberals.

Fraser Tolme posted on Facebook on December 4th, 2023, the case against the Speaker. It read, “Former Speaker Andrew Scheer lays out the case against speaker Greg Fergus unacceptable Liberal partisan activity this weekend. This conduct is a direct violation of the House Speaker’s role as an impartial, non-partisan ‘referee’ for the House of Commons, and we will not stand for this blatant abuse of such an important office and title.”

Michael Cooper, Conservative Member of Parliament for St. Albert, Edmonton (Shadow Minister of Democratic Reform) posted a message on Facebook on Friday, December 8th, 2023. It reads, “Greg Fergus betrayed his duty to be non-partisan as Speaker. He was featured at a Liberal convention paying tribute to a Liberal politician.

He then jetted off to D.C. on the taxpayers’ dime and gave more partisan remarks. He needs to seriously reflect on whether he can remain Speaker.”

In a post on Wednesday, December 12th, 2023, he wrote, “The number one rule for the Speaker is non-partisanship. Speaker Greg Fergus betrayed the trust of the House when he engaged in multiple displays of partisanship. He has ignored calls to resign

from the Conservatives Party of Canada and the Bloc Quebecois. It’s up to the New Democrat Party to force his resignation. Will they?”

In response to the attack on Speaker Fergus and calls for his resignation, the West Island Black Community Association issued a call to action in support of Speaker Greg Fergus on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023. It states, “We urge certain Members of Parliament to cease their efforts to remove Honourable Greg Fergus, a dedicated and respected Parliamentarian, from his role as Speaker of the House.”

It notes further that the incident was a “minor indiscretion” as the video was shown without his approval. Furthermore, it notes, “Despite his apology, this incident is being exploited to force his resignation.”

The letter of support acknowledges Honourable Greg Fergus years of selfless contribution to Canadian public life, and the fact that he was elected unanimously by most Members of Parliament. It states that this shows their confidence in his: fairness, impartiality, and respect for parliamentary traditions.

The letter highlights what has happened since he became Speaker. It notes, “Since his election, Speaker Fergus has faced consistent attempts to weaken his authority, including unfounded attacks and disrespectful claims. These claims are rooted in intolerance, jeopardizing the progress made in electing the first Black Canadian after 150 years.”

The Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) tabled a report in the House which asked for three recommendations: an apology, a financial recompense, etc. In a report on December 15th, 2023, CTV states that Speaker Fergus delivered an apology in the House. He states, “I want to thank colleagues for their work and consideration of the serious matter that was put before them. I made a serious mistake. I should have never recorded that video, not in the Speaker’s uniform, not I’m the Speaker’s office. I am deeply sorry. I want to reassure members that nothing like this will ever happen again.”

He expressed gratitude to those who gave him a second chance. He notes, “To those members who have generously extended me a second chance to serve as Speaker, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those members who are opposed to the second chance let me say, I understand your point of view and I will spare no effort to regain your trust.”

CANADA’S LEADING CARIBBEAN NEWSPAPER Selina McCallum TC REPORTER selina@carib101.com

Noel Cunningham FOOD | CULINARY noel@carib101.com

Dave Rankin AFRICAN HISTORY dave@carib101.com

Jay Brijpaul REAL ESTATE jay@carib101.com

TORONTO CARIBBEAN NEWS INC. 55 Rutherford Rd. S., Suite 205, Brampton ON L6W 3J3 647-722-6298 | www.TOCaribNews.com

Simone J. Smith TC REPORTER simone@carib101.com

Dave Rankin TC REPORTER dave@carib101.com

Dr. Vikas Puri HEALTH | WELLNESS drpuri@carib101.com

Paul Junor EDUCATION paul@carib101.com

Fazaad Bacchus FINANCE SPECIALIST fazaad@carib101.com

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Grant Browning grant@carib101.com

Michael Thomas TC REPORTER michael@carib101.com

Christina Gwira TC TECH REPORTER christina@carib101.com

Errol A. Gibbs PHILOSOPHER errol@carib101.com

Brittney Channer SOCIAL JUSTICE brittney@carib101.com

Andrew Stewart FAMILY INSURANCE andrew@carib101.com

EDITOR | PROOFING Alanna Zelau alanna@carib101.com

Stephen Weir TC REPORTER stephen@carib101.com

Paul Junor TC EDUCATION REPORTER paul@carib101.com

Simone J. Smith HUMAN SPECIALIST simone@carib101.com

Christina Gwira TECHNOLOGY christina@carib101.com

Kayla Karim CARIBBEAN SPORTS kayla@carib101.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Trish Browning trish@carib101.com

ARY 10TH

VOLUME

6 • ISSUE

JANU ESDAY, 23 • WEDN

NG EVERYTHI

2018

TO ADVE

RTISE: 647-72

2-6298

POWERED BY

challenging only for the most • PRIVATE •MORTGA MORTGAGES ED AND MORE! IN 1st & 2nd • SELF EMPLOY SPECIALIZING• NEW TO CANADA 17 2019 REFINANCES SDAY, APRIL • WEDNE • ISSUE 5 VOLUME 8

A fee is charged

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER

WE’RE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF:

TOCaribNews Reporters & Sales Representatives on Location in:

Mortgage Agent

Group 12619

Broker Financial

VOLUME 6

Group 12619

YOU NEED

2019

IN ONE

NEWSPAPE TORONTOC I CA R ARIBBEAN.C N HELP OM MAKE “I work for A fee is charged you, YO only for the not the banks! most challen From first consult UR DR SPECIALIZ EAMS A ging credit ation to the solution ING signing REFIN

REALITY

s, and it’s ANCES IN 1st & 2nd especially of your mortgage, • NEW TO MOR then that our I can do for services are free.

CANADA TGAGES • you what PRIVATE • SELF EMPL the banks cannot.”

OYED •MORTGAGES AND MOR E!

• ISSUE 15 • WEDNES

POWERED

SOCIAL LOVE AND STATUS HEARTS POWERED BY

TO

le.ca a www.charlesayode charles@bfgbroker.c

NEED

HING YOU CHARLES AYODELE

EVERYT

TO ADV

Agent |

CALLAPER ME TODAY! I CAN HELP!

EVERYTHIN G

• ONLIN E:

BY

!

NEWSP VOLU DAY,ME SEPTEMBER 8 • ISSU20TH 2017 NEED IN ONE 416-875-4A REALITY! THING YOU www.

E2 • EVERY CAN HELP MAKE YOUR DREAMS 9I2019 WEDNESD 523 sayodele.ca charlecharle JANUARY COM AY, MAR broke “I work for you, not the banks!

From first consultation tos@bfg the signing ofr.ca your mortgage, our services are free.

BBEAN. NESDAY, CH 6 2019 TOCARI fee is charged only for the most challenging credit solutions, and it’s especially then that I can do for you what the banks cannot.” EVERYT • WED : ATORON E 24 • ONLINE HING YOU NEED TO ADVE TO EVE 7 • ISSU ISE: 647-722-6298 416-875-4523 INRYT RTISE: ONE ISE: 647-722-6 SPECIALIZING IN 1st & 2nd MORTGAGES • PRIVATEADVERT MORTGAGES NEWSP ADVERT HING VOLUME

| Broker Financial

CALL ME TODAY! I CAN HELP!

ERTISE:

The statements, opinions and viewpoints made or expressed by the writers do not necessarily represent the opinions and views of the Toronto Caribbean, or the publishers. Toronto Caribbean News Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims, statements, opinions or views, written or reported by its contributing writers, including product or service information that is advertised.

CHARLE S AYODEL E

Mortgage

CHARLESE AYODEL

8 • ISSUE 1 • WEDN ESDAY, FEBRU

ARY 20

.COM ARIBBEAN TORONTOC A REAfree.LITY! ONLINE: R DREAMS 98 • E our services are banks cannot.”

YOUto the signing of your mortgage, the MAK : 647-722-62 do for you what RTISE HELP then that I can From first consultation I CAN not the banks! credit solutions, and it’s especially “I work for you, GES

TO ADVE

VOLUME

ER

NEWSPAP

D IN ONE

YOU NEE

IN ONE

I CAN HELP!

YOUAPER NEED IN ONE

NTOCARIB

BEAN.COM

VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 2019

416-875-4523

www.charlesayodele.ca charles@bfgbroker.ca

298 • ONLINE: 647-722-62 TORONTOCARIBB 98 • ONLI EAN.COM NE: TORO

REFINANCES • NEW TO CANADA • SELF EMPLOYED • AND MORE!

PER

NEWSPA

.COM

RIBBEAN ONTOCA TOR Mortgage Agent | Broker Financial Group 12619 ONLINE: 98 • CALL ME TODAY!

647-722-62

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER

HELCPLIN

TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM

R WKH H DQG LV RSHQ W XU EXVLQHVV WUHSUHQH LQJ IRU HYHU\RQ DWLRQ VRPHWKLove is UH DQ HQ ,I \RX D ÀOLDWHG RUJDQL] JUHDW an emotio VLQHVV 6RFLDO - SXEOLF XQLW\ DI and H VRPH XFn that Valentin U FRPP we all feel, Conven e’s WR PDN EAN K DQQXDO 7& %X RZQHU R H WR EH Day is aODQ IRU V brate Pearson it. The KH SODF day to cele- is completely ONTO CARIBB heartH \RXU S WR DWWHQG WKH W2018 at the FRQWLQX WKLV LV W symbol ANESHA PREMRA non-pro HVV LRQV DQG payroll for of love, is the interna MAHADEO/TOR As with every new on May 6th,in Brampton! & %XVLQtional FRQQHFW the TC Busidren J/TORONTO and there this charity.fit; there is no ALYSSA spend in the Caribbe

EXVLfunds LRQ its 4th year, CARIBBEAN are IRU O RI WKH 7 for new goals? many of us DQG tion Center 100% of serious chil- helpingraised by this Now in FUHDWHG WR SURYLGHnity to FHVV LQ an IRXQGDW 7KH JRD exthat have heart issues.

VWURQJ the manythe foundation.

New year,rolls around, charity goes neurs to SURZDV \HDU JRQH us. very get children FUHDWH D entrepre an opportu PL]H a baby Imagine LV WR with before RU in the Caribbe to that fun activities The Gala had year that the help QHVV 6RFLDO ionals with J RQ DQRWKHU HOS RSWL an 6RFLDO aand very serious sue, but one set FXUUHQW having such as was full they need. is s owners full of volunte not having an WLPH UHÁHFWLQof the new most of this year, ness profess WHFKQLTXHV WR K of a heartLQJV K RQ WKHLU through This eventSDWURQV busines is- persona UDVS LOOV DQG the RFLDO EU ers that The team is about the TCCF donated gifts, a raffle V 7KH 6 RU HVWDEOLV the surgery the promise to make the WKH potential!

SDQG YHQWXUH , it means XQLW\·V PRVW entine’s quiz that gave ly heartbr WKHU FKDQFH WR JV DQG OHDUQ VN go children l time to help dedicate their XVLQHVV business EULQJ WRJHWKHU FRPPXQLW\ MHFWHG E H FRPP must beWR toVKDUH We resolve H RI DQR eaking U GUHDP their ensure that VW RI WK WR a DJ to Day chocolate and away Vala DWHVW cialized ULHV WKH of the founda experie RI QLW\ YLVLRQD This is what nce.FH WKH OtruWDNLQJ DGYDQWDJQLWLHV FKDVH RX DERXW WKHLU WRJHWKHU WKH EH RZQHUV tion get the event wasdance the night of course medical FUHDWLYH LQWURGX two RSSRUWX LYH Founda EXVLQHVV HGXFDWH RWKHUV WKH\ RI- Childre The Caribbe spe- well-dre full of genero away. This care as PLVVHG RSSRUWX H[SHULHQFHV SURGXFWn’s LFHV DQG WKH EXVLQHVV possible. for many, ROG DQG DQG quickly tionR NHHS DQG temptin us, extrem ssed people QHWZRUN SURGXFWV DQG VHUYLFHV (TCCF) is an HPEDUN RQ QHZ as to suppor to help WKHLU EHgVW SUDFW Q KRZ W LQQRYDWLYH On Saturda Unfortunately DFN WR RXU VDPHR UH- WR ely DO at- 5 WKH

solve.

PHQWV R W Z DQG t the cause.who were proud ULJKW E V QRW GLIÀFXOW W This LQGLYLGX DOVR VKDULQJ y, Februar DFKLHYH KHU JUR G FXUUHQ ed On Page TCCF hosted y ZKLOH Continu cause that celebra a Valentin ZHHNV LQ ZH·UH W LW·V DQRWKHU DW WKH\ FDQ IXUW RUH EXVLQHVV PRGHO IUHVK DQ e’s Day 9th, FWLYH KDELWV ,W· XJK IHU ted love XQSURGX VWDUW D \HDU VWURQJ EX XQLTXH ZD\V WKUDQG WR EULQJ P and raised Gala Continued DOO\ IROORZ WKUR LV FRPfunds VROYH WR OWRJHWKHU WR DFWX HQW WR DFKLHYH WKRVH H[SDQG WKHLU E On Page 6RFLDO V QJ 7 way. %XVLQHV RQH SURYLGL PDWWHU D RPPLWP DNH their 7KH 7& Virtual Tours DQG PDNH WKDW F HYHQWV LQ

and High Quality RLQJ WR GR WR P KABRENA URQWR SULVHG RI WZR Down payment ROBINSON/T JRDOV :KDW DUH \RX J HD Photos toORONTO Loans - Cash 6SULQJ WKH 7R Attract moreCARIBBEAN In Jamaica, invites you

QW" 7KLV Back y It isBuyers a centralMortgage formall Offers* not a coinci and popular that “education WKLV \HDU GLIIHUH ONTO CARIBBEAN belief Newspaper March is tise”. dence it all starts at is the key to tans Caribbean 2nd, SIMONE SMITH/TOR that Saturd and 2019, the y Inc success” of Regga Realelementary was child’s On declar First & Second Estate Agent ay, Canad stages Friday, September life. Fraternit overwhelme Alpha of day However, a e Phi 87th 647-8 foundation Day; it hosted ed Tithat hundr 16tha. Saturd their with factors dave@seinadequate Mortgages the Alpha 67-78 the foundation d by the ongoing Equity was also hosting their 12thmemo resources archreal as draising on from such 09 eds ofgala ay night has been receivingsupport to facilitate annualration the across Delta Sigma – as they were ty.ca in educational the Loans fun- community SIMON |Conventi on the grounds dave.sea students regga the House Regional institutions, was the the sisters of E SMITH/from $5000 of great over from the Club rn GTAinfilled rchrealty e fans sentin of Donalda a comthe dream in edXFDWLRQDO IXO Toronto. Hosted g the past, and the brothin Toronto.

Debt years.

TORON downNathan g nized by .co of time artists - $500,000 ÀOOPHQW FDQ the Opera by of town Toron and has Consolidation “I TO CARIBB thisebrate Sorority Inc.,Alpha Fraternity Midweste regga CP24 am still , reprepresen Downer, the Onefirst anchor always happenin 50 VillageEH HDVLO\ GHW to this day organization e. for the very journe collaborated HUUHG what Phi popul EAN t, accomplishe did not know, it is no Theta to,the Centre amazed can be and future is little Home cornu bit fostering who y ofofone to event Pl Suite ar100 at With so much an liveofauctions, Mississaug cel- featured a much-needgenre ning ers of Alpha a mandate Refina copia For those ed city of Toronto, Regga to improve a, ON Titans t eve- together with like-mindedd when looking ncelines. we the mostentertainmen of music oratio comeof discip L4Z e. RootesÀQH artists wasacross GLQLQJ inWRSSHG &with childhood in the great there are some events Inc. ted event weekend tion Home of and nsor Good had visitors in a educaReggaa epassion to support individuals includ we island. neigh1V9 Purcha the ZLWK -DPDLFDQ orchestrate in the His collab Lesse Than with This coordina d, or unatreggae borhood,dand Hotels by like Caribana, asThethe se wonder that FXLVLQH working was an The only those inMolly musicworld Johns Eglint Delta unnotice ; BEAN positions,” U.S.A. in scene d Toless the go Good an Craig, Helping the at event at fortunate on and exquisite vibe incred and of on the withCredit CARIB & Conferhe said. ibly re- Jamaica blossomed ambiance. a wave Hands Foundation seeks that may his Mortgage Agent island Toronto TheWest Found artists took place ONTO uon Airport from all parts is why the team event brought of Culcha er andput

by Andre we have such License lanthropists, Musical considerableWynton Marsa Helping LL/TOR regga in the 1970s #12275 out hwork a contin sactivi- other time the that Hands tended. This n Newspaper takes phi- Jamaican next generationto “improve the of entrepreneur s visiting Artisti CASSE Toronto Marriot e multilives w Jamaica Direct weekend NATA lis, reputa their Theis our LQVLGH cWKH elder bersimmig tions started ofisJamaicans A-KAY of American s. Andre on and after a s and Direct other all of the LYAhim home of of the community in or ties tion as communities &RQVXO Centre.

12th and instru memronto Caribbea during and includ TONE April of encecipati or *HQHUDO herefoundation’s Anne their sFriday, w Craig menta sift through SHAUN bytime in ducer, Marie CALL ing OR creating ute to2IÀFH for our April cord amount supportdirect Y c-a to produ same unique in Toron rants on t Bonner RI made effort the education list, Harbo of a at began the time tofind the novel,ay our eman world-class the continued Quinc after is natalya@lend Sunday, TEXT ties fough system born in vocali a es Hale, who to, Ontar cause urfront’s onthis our cityfrastructure, caster who or, compo counof the who . through Page y Jones lives through Falmouth morefinancia was st, pro5 in for Nelson to deliver weekendresource Jamaica, in io, to of “building noise and education”. a holid , two l.ca416-83 us occasion Caribana 7-5460 tors ended tribOn investment events officially conceptser, | www.lendmo has had ion g as inintroduced , ances da ation and broad to support Centre momento Founder Continued materials, a Mandela perfor compellin weekend was aLee Epsilon his homeland. lished ity.

Karen III, the great It inclus manc-refinancial.ca and exper- maica, President of Helpingwork in multip andestab This 14th.

- OMNI , and music at of Sigma iaity and zaa and tt commun Maulana Kwan Karl Hale expressed Hands Jale music fortun brothers equalsays zaa Assoc Continued Television.

Dewi with activity, compothe Rogers to our Chapter im- of e was first for the is re, On

by Dr.was robust Kwan rnia. it to Page al Toronto es sition that he is 7 genres ian SIMONE SMITH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN - the ians, try,” Lambda ly invited n cultu s for Toronto in 1966, eorgand, CalifoAfrica personal 0 & Second Mortgag our own Virtual the Canad n Canad

TOARTOESNTO HTAHN ASGH OF EDTSITANS BRKEOVER ETA L E C A D CANA SCARBOROUGH A A KWANZREPRESENTING BUY - SEL

WITH CONL - INVEST FIDENCE

DAVE JOH

NSON

Powered DLC BedrockFinancial by Lic 12275

Group

BUY - SEL

WITH CONL - INV FIDENCEST E

iCanad cel- in Oakla of ili phras the Ice, - $500,00 2019, the ToursFirst Africa buildingtraditions andd we in were a weekend and Highfilled with $5000 Swah har- For from Down payment ry 1st, iation (CKA) been cooks from all “As myto rice burning, Quality tion. begin frican Loans to doors in 2004, Proper Television – have from&a of the andtoo much attend Fire HD Photos Equity nt overcooking On Januazaa Assoc the Pan-ASquare is roote ation fruits was meant salt ofLoans life.- Cash This year – along derived using, friends out who is the producer behind MAS- all walks to Attract porta customs a found ation Back asizedTERCHEF CANADA – has become with our more Buyers raltime Mortgag an Kwan Consolid gives ing, “first vance ora in the-there, Kwanzaa,n Philips mak- and to be local celebrithe come for anothemph cultu Debtsoon e Offers*Purchase zaahas ebrated e & Home n diaspns) recon er round at Natha first time; ama- mean The obser journey…” CANADA! one of Canada’s most successful ty- stands an:Refinanc and Kwan international figure of MASTERCHEF that holiday, to for the ian procl a’s vest.” the Africa Credit re. The begin favorite 7 a cyber security analyst, a companies. They have skater,Home Real culinary competiGood (pan Africa Canad lit to help Estate Than Page production n Cultu by panCanada’s in Toron Less 647-or first Canad Agent icas or more Lee. week in car search salesman, and an entrepreneur. tionOffers* is inBuyers their 6th season, andOn they strategically worked across a wide dave@ Good 867to Attract rated - Amer to their Africa HD Photos ing it theKwanzaa to 3D Sign com7809 Continued High Quality Back Mortgage andceleb they will be competing for , repre return with a two-hour premiere range of genres, and are respon- This yearrealty. ca | dave.s now Tours - Cash to world isDown Virtual tion for , and s TONEY The Toron green seven nect ay payment earchr d theLoans YAtitleholda,000 chance to beNATAL one of six of reality, on in April 8th, broadcasting on CTV. sible for over 600dhours ealty.co history.red, black and of the cer- holid ns aroun y, community Mortgage zaa MASTERCHEF 416-837-5460 ng nancial.ca - $500ers and take home the TEXT $100,000 documentary 0proAfrica in CANADA has landed lifestyle, &and -day famil 50 Village lighti OR g KwanRealssing up Estate Agent CALL Centre Pl | www.lendmorefi refinancial.ca g the g the seven ber 26th memorate First Secons from $500 Mississauga, Mortgage Agent cash prize. two nominations for the 2019 Can- gramming. natalya@lendmo Suite “Celebratins of expre sentines durin Decem License #12275 ON Page y Loan L4Z 1V9 5100 culture.a is a mean Continued On This season, over ada Screen Awards including “Best candl y held from Equit ase hrealty.co 647-867-7809 lidation a thouthe 52ndit Canad Reality/Competition Series.” It is no sand promising | dave.searc emon ary 1st.

Home Purch ce bt Conso chefs auditioned chrealty.ca marks

- INVEEST BUY - SELL CONFIDENC WITH

DAVE JOH

NSON

SON

DAVE JOHN

Powered by

DLC BedrockFinancial Lic 12275

Group

Continued On

Page 5

YOU ONLY NEED A DAY TO MAKE A FEW MINUTES First A LIVING & Second WITH STEP BY Mort STEP

Equity Loan MENTORING AND gages YOU’LL BE ABLE THE USE OF A TO TRADE IN THE s from SMARTPHONE, Debt NO EXPERIENCE FOREIGN EXCHANGE Consolidati $5000 - $500 NEEDED. MARKET, ,000 LEARN FROM 10

YEAR INDUSTR

Home Refin

ance

on

NEWSPA

PER

NEWS & VIEWS

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 7

As Caribbeans, some of us still find it hard to embrace African traditions; a deep dive into Kwanzaa SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Kwanzaa was conceived and born in the womb, work and transformative struggles of the Black Freedom Movement. And thus, its essential message and meaning was shaped and shared not only in Sankofa initiatives of cultural retrieval, of the best of our: views, values, and practices as African peoples.

It was also shaped by that defining decade of fierce strivings and struggles for freedom, justice and associated goods waged by Africans and other peoples of color all over the world in the 1960s. Kwanzaa thus came into being, grounded itself and grew as an act of freedom, an instrument of freedom, a celebration of freedom and a practice of freedom.

“Kwanzaa, freedom, justice and peace: Principle and Prectices for a new world” Dr. Maulana Karenga (2023) Historians say that it was in late 1965, or early 1966, Terry (Baraka) Damu, the nineyear old daughter of a US Organization member made a frustrated observation that Black people did not have their own holiday. According to the stories, Terry insisted that since everybody else had a holiday, Black people should have a holiday, too.

Soon after, Dr. Maulana Karenga organized a monthslong research effort where Kwanzaa was conceived and de-

fined, leading to its first celebration in December 1966 at an apartment home in Los Angeles.

The celebration takes place from December 26th to January 1st each year and is celebrated here in Toronto. I have a question to ask you readers; how many of us celebrate Kwanzaa? When was the last time you went to a Kwanzaa celebration event? How many Kwanzaa celebration events happened in Toronto in 2023? In the last few years as Chief Correspondent of the largest Caribbean Newspaper in Canada, I have not received an email for a Kwanzaa celebration, not once!

It made me think; we are a mosaic of cultures, a synergy of religions, Canada is one of the most revered countries in the world, with a large African-Caribbean population living in the GTA, and yet, as Caribbeans, some of us still find it hard to embrace African traditions.

It made me think; why had my parents not taught me about African cultures and traditions; yes, I know many Jamaican traditions, but not many African ones. I know I am not the only one who resonates with this sentiment. So, what could be the reason for this, and how do we now start opening up ourselves to the wisdom of our ancestors.

I have found that people living outside Africa may find it challenging to connect with African traditions due to the physical and cultural distance. The traditions, customs, and values may feel unfamiliar and distant, making it harder to incorporate them into daily life. African Caribbean individuals living outside of Africa often navigate multiple cultural identities. We face challenges in integrating African traditions with the dominant culture of our current location, and this can lead to a sense of cultural dissonance.

Then there are the stereotypes and misconceptions about Africa; you

know what I am talking about. The comments, “I am Jamaican, I am not African.”

Sigh! Overcoming negative stereotypes and fostering a genuine understanding of African cultures may require additional effort on a lot of our parts.

This year, I want to re-introduce what the celebration of Kwanzaa is all about. I want to specifically speak to the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba. Each day of the celebration is dedicated to one of seven principles. The principles are: •

•

•

•

•

•

•

Umoja (Unity) - December 26th: This principle emphasizes the importance of unity within the: family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - December 27th: This principle encourages individuals to define and speak for themselves, determining their own destiny and identity.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) - December 28th: Ujima focuses on building and maintaining community and working together to solve problems.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - December 29th: This principle emphasizes the importance of building and supporting businesses within the community and maintaining economic stability.

Nia (Purpose) - December 30th: Nia encourages individuals to set personal and community goals that are beneficial to the larger community.

Kuumba (Creativity) - December 31st: Kuumba calls for creativity and the use of individual and collective talents to make the community more beautiful and beneficial.

Imani (Faith) - January 1st: The final principle, Imani, focuses on believing in people, families, communities, and

the triumph of righteousness.

What I appreciate about the principles is that they are simple to understand, and according to the founder of Kwanzaa Dr. Maulana Karenga, “It reaffirms the right to resist all forms of unfreedom, injustice and oppression.”

This was written in his most recent address to Africans living in the diaspora. He shared some other thoughts that resonated, “It reaffirms Nana Haji Malcolm X’s teaching that Freedom is essential to life itself. Freedom is essential to the development of the human being. (And) If we don’t have freedom, we can never expect justice and equality. Indeed, only after freedom do justice and equality become a reality in the fullest sense of the principle and practice.”

Teachings out of Africa stress on the importance of building the good world we all want and deserve. It teaches the centrality of togetherness in our constant quest for an inclusive freedom, justice and peace, and it reaffirms the reality that only in collective work and responsibility can we achieve freedom, ensure justice and build the peace and security of persons and peoples we all long for and struggle for all over the world.

Ultimately, the degree to which individuals outside of Africa embrace African traditions is a highly personal journey influenced by a variety of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all experience.

What I would love to see is as a community we move past our ignorance and realize that many of our traditions and rituals are rooted in Ancient African traditions, and we must learn how to embrace and incorporate these traditions in our everyday lives.

Until next year; Happy belated Kwanzaa Toronto!

CIBC in partnership with Lifelong Leadership Institute have first-ever Next Gen Hackathon PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The first-ever CIBC Next Gen Hackathon was on Friday, December 15th, 2023, at the CIBC Square in downtown Toronto. The Student Hackathon involved 98 Leadership by Design (LBD) student leaders of 14 teams, seven students each. It was the culmination of a partnership between CIBC and the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI).

The LLI’s is an educational organization that exists to inspire leadership, develop leaders and dedicate its resources to advancing leadership competencies and personal success among self-identified Black Canadian youth. LBD is the signature program of LLI, which focuses on nurturing and nourishing leadership skills through opportunities to maximize their potential.

Hackathon is an event set up by a company, or an organization that wants

to get a high-quality solution through collaboration between experts. Joshua Tauberer defines it as any event of any duration where people come together to solve problems.

In the case of this CIBC-sponsored Hackathon there was advance preparation that occurred before the one-day hackathon. Each team had to select a theme either one that focused on a non-for-profit (social entrepreneurship) project, or a forprofit entrepreneurship enterprise. The members of each team had to decide on: leadership structure, potential roles, process for assigning names to their project, and the mechanism they use to establish a brand for their enterprise.

Mayple Dorrington, coordinator of the LBD Pursue Entrepreneurship Program, provided information for team members to consider concerning a value proposition. It was highlighted as essential to conduct an environmental scan of the marketplace to identify and understand the target audience’s pain points. This way you will have a clear vision of what you’re solving for. It responds to these four questions: • •

What value are you adding?

What needs are you meeting?

• •

What problems are you solving?

What emotions are you evoking or soothing?

Once the teams identified problems that they would be solving they had to utilize Design Thinking as a creative problemsolving strategy to come up with solutions.

In the materials sent to team members, it was defined as the interactive process of solving problems that are grounded in empathy for key stakeholders. Empathy is key in order to understand and share the feelings of others, and the stakeholder is every person or thing that is affected by this problem.

I spoke with Trevor Massey, Chair of the LLI, regarding the skills that the LBD students will utilize during the Hackathon.

He is thankful that the CIBC has provided a welcoming and state-of-the art space to these students surrounded by CIBC volunteers that reflect them. Students will be provided with opportunities to develop some of the following skills: • • • • •

Collaboration and teamwork Communication Problem-solving Decision making Persuading and mobilizing others to

• • •

work toward a defined outcome Accountability and responsibility Resilience Self-confidence

I interviewed Douglas Carter, SVP of Technology of CIBC, and he shared with me how important it was to see parents and students together in one space that promotes excellence on multiple levels. He told me while CIBC has hosted hackathons in the past, this was the first one involving high school students. He is supportive of the hackathon as it provides an environment in which the students can think of a future in banking.

Jomo Russel, Vice-President of Procurement of CIBC, expressed excitement knowing that students are empowered from being in an environment where they have role models and mentors who look like them playing a supportive position.

The opening remarks were made

by Dante Ellis, a Grade 12 student and Angelika Bell, a student trustee of the TDSB expressed thanks to the parents and organizers in her closing remarks.

PAGE 8

NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Here we are again, with another warning, one that readers we hope you take very seriously SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“There’s a gathering cyber storm,” Sadie Creese, a Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Oxford, said during an interview at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos, Switzerland.

“This storm is brewing, and it’s really hard to anticipate just how bad that will be.”

“This is a global threat, and it calls for a global response and enhanced and coordinated action,” Jürgen Stock, the Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), said in Davos. “The key to winning the battle against cybercrime is, of course, to work together to make it a priority across the geopolitical fault lines.”

During the holidays, I had a chance to Netflix and chill, and I came upon a story of two families fighting for survival amid an inexplicable blackout. Only one thing was for sure: there is no going back to normal. In the movie, technology was mysteriously on the fritz, and the deer around the families’ Long Island hideout were acting strange.

Leave the World Behind is here and its chilling storyline leads well into what I am going to present to you today.

It stars: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke, and is the creative apocalyptic thriller from Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail. The film is based on the bestselling 2020 novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam, who also serves as Executive Producer of the film alongside: Barack and Michelle Obama, Tonia Davis, Daniel M. Stillman, and Nick Krishnamurthy.

“I had been interested in doing a disaster movie for a while, and I specifically wanted to do one surrounding a cyberattack because I don’t think a lot of people have a concrete idea of what that would look like or how detrimental it would be, not just in America, but globally,” writer and director Esmail told Netflix. “The impact of technology on society is something that I’ve always been fascinated by, because I really do think it dramatically changed the way we interact and evolve

as people.”

As a media conglomerate, TCN has been warning our community of pending catastrophe’s sometimes to no avail. We have been called conspiracy theorists, we have been harassed by our Canadian government, and members of the community.

Our last warnings of what was to come with the pandemic fell on deaf ears, and it was not until the dust settled that people began to come to us and share with us their stories, thanking us for the work that we have done.

Well, we are here again, with another warning, one that readers we hope you take very seriously. We are not creating the news; we are reporting what many others will not report until it is too late.

“Not a Question of If, but When!”

In November 2020, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace co-produced a report that warned that the global financial system had become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Advisors to the group that produced the report included representatives from: the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the International Monetary Fund, Wall Street giants like JP Morgan Chase and Silicon Valley behemoths like Amazon.

The ominous report was published just months after the World Economic Forum had conducted a simulation of that very event – a cyber-attack that brings the global financial system to its knees (sound familiar) – in partnership with Russia’s largest bank, which is due to jumpstart that country’s economic “digital transformation” with the launch of its own central bank-backed digital currency.

In September 2021, the largest information sharing organization of the financial industry, whose known members include Bank of America, Wells Fargo and CitiGroup, have again warned that nation-state hackers and cybercriminals were poised to work together to attack the global financial system in the short term.

The Cyber Policy Initiative’s November 2020 report officially titled “International Strategy to Better Protect the Financial System,” begins by noting that the global financial system, like many other systems, is “going through unprecedented digital transformation, which was being accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic.”

In the report it states, “This requires countries not only to better organize themselves domestically but also to strengthen international cooperation to

defend against, investigate, prosecute and ideally prevent future attacks. This implies that the financial sector and financial authorities must regularly interact with law enforcement and other national security agencies in unprecedented ways, both domestically and internationally.”

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023 ranked cybercrime and cyber insecurity as the 8th biggest risk in terms of severity of impact, both in the short term (next two years) and over the next decade. Let’s get our community caught up with what has been happening in the cyber world over the last few years Genesis Market, one the world’s largest, illicit online marketplaces, was shut down in 2023 in a police operation that involved over a dozen international law enforcement agencies. “Operation Cookie Monster” resulted in hundreds of thousands of stolen identities and online access credentials being seized. The FBI and the Dutch National Police spearheaded the crackdown, which resulted in more than 100 arrests worldwide and served as a major blow to global cybercrime efforts, according to officials.

The platform offered over 80 million accounts access credentials from more than 1.5 million compromised computers worldwide since its inception. This includes thousands of credentials stolen from over 460,000 computer devices that were advertised for sale at the time “Operation Cookie Monster” closed down the site.

October 2023 also saw the biggest ever distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, with internet companies including Google and Amazon warning users that these types of attacks could cause widespread disruption unless cybersecurity measures are stepped up. DDoS attacks, aimed to make websites unreachable by overwhelming them with bogus requests for data, are nothing new but they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and disruptive.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023 points to the convergence of geopolitical instability, the arrival of AI that can amplify cyberattacks and a lack of cybersecurity expertise as drivers of such cyber risks.

Cyberattacks such as: phishing, ransomware and DDoS attacks are on the rise. Cloudflare, a major US cybersecurity firm that provides protection services for over 30% of Fortune 500 companies,

found that DDoS attacks increased 79% year-over-year in 2022.

Another issue that has been raised is something that I wrote about a few editions ago; the world needs 3.4 million cybersecurity experts to support today’s global economy, but industries are struggling to fill that gap. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023 report shows that 59% of business leaders and 64% of cyber leaders ranked talent recruitment and retention as a key challenge for managing cyber resilience.

The industries that reported a lack of skills were mainly in critical infrastructure industries like energy utilities.

It is a cornucopia of these technological instabilities and uncertainties that brought together over 150 of the world’s foremost cybersecurity leaders from: business, government, international organizations, civil society and academia to foster collaboration on making cyberspace safer and more resilient.

It appears that business leaders are far more aware of the cyber threat than the year prior. In fact, 91% of respondents said they believe a far-reaching and catastrophic cyber event is at least somewhat likely in the next two years. However, the report concludes that organizations continue to face significant challenges when it comes to effectively addressing cyber concerns.

“Vulnerabilities within the critical manufacturing sector haven’t gone unnoticed by cybercriminals either,” said Aleksandr Yampolskiy, SecurityScorecard’s CEO. The Forum’s report notes that the potential targets for cyber-attacks are increasing. Today, targets include not only government agencies and major corporations, but largely any organization that handles consumer data—no matter how small.

Consumers, community, you too need to increase your cybersecurity awareness in 2023, experts say. The need is especially crucial given that more and more everyday products—ranging from a car to a coffee maker—are connected to the internet.

In 2023 we dealt with a few technological interruptions and many of us nearly lost our minds; we know that the storm is coming and what we experienced is not even the tip of the iceberg. Take heed community, watch Leave the World Behind, and prepare yourself for what is to come.

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 9

Predictive Programming, how it affects our mind, and how it has been used to manipulate the masses SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

From the time we enter this world, we learn by observing others. First, our parents have an impact on our: thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Then comes the peer pressure and the influence of a programming community (friends, social groups, media) that shapes our attitudes and choices.

It is because of this that people tend to rely on readily available information rather than seeking out all possible options. This also influences decisions and problem-solving because we only rely on familiar, or easily accessible solutions.

This year, many of my articles are going to be focused on the psychology of the Western World, and how it has crippled those who do not take the time to understand how their mind works. As a paper, we are going to continue to connect the dots for those who just do not have the time to do so. This week, our cover story mentioned the theory of predictive programming, and in this exposition, I am going to delve into: predictive programming, how it affects our mind, and how it has been used to manipulate the masses.

The Predictive Programming theory finds that particularly in popular culture, television shows and movies are used to introduce specific: ideas, themes,

and symbols to the public with the intention of preparing them for future events.

Proponents of this theory suggest that through: movies, television shows, books, and other forms of entertainment, certain concepts and scenarios are subtly implanted into the collective consciousness. When similar events, or situations occur in real life, people may be more accepting and less surprised, because they have been exposed to these ideas beforehand.

Unfortunately, this concept is often associated with conspiracy theories and is considered speculative and lacking empirical evidence by select scholars and critics. Critics argue that the connections made between fictional content and real-world events are often coincidental, or the result of creative minds drawing inspiration from historical events or common themes.

Hmmmm! Oh really. What it sounds like to me is a dismissal of a theory that has clearly been studied and documented.

It sounds like a trigger for cognitive dissonance if you ask me. Let’s take a look at some examples of shows and movies that have done a great job of programming our minds, without us even knowing it.

The Simpsons Over the years, some fans have pointed out instances where the show seemed to predict real-world events.

These supposed predictions have gained attention and sparked discussions about the show’s ability to foresee the future.

Critics and skeptics of course note that these instances are often coincidences or exaggerations, regardless the idea of “The Simpsons” predicting events has become a cultural phenom-

enon. The series has been accused of predicting various events, including: the Trump presidency, the Ebola outbreak, and the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe.

Contagion (2011) “Contagion” is a 2011 thriller film directed by Steven Soderbergh that explores the rapid spread of a deadly virus and the societal and individual responses to a global pandemic. The movie gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its eerie parallels to real-world events.

The film consulted with scientists, public health officials, and medical professionals to ensure accuracy in its depiction of the spread of a virus, the efforts to contain it, and the development of a vaccine. The film doesn’t just focus on the scientific and medical aspects but also delves into the personal and human side of a pandemic. It portrays the impact on individuals and families, addressing themes of loss, grief, and the sacrifices made by healthcare professionals. All of this, eight years before the offset of the real “Contagion.”

The Lone Gunmen - Pilot Episode (2001) This short-lived TV series created by Chris Carter, the creator of “The X-Files,” featured an episode in which a plane is hijacked and aimed at the World Trade Center. This episode aired months before the 9/11 attacks.

1984 (based on the George Orwell novel) “1984” is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell, published in 1949. It

presents a nightmarish vision of a totalitarian future where a powerful and oppressive government, led by the Party and its leader Big Brother, controls every aspect of citizens’ lives.

The novel explores themes of totalitarianism, censorship, mass surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. The government in “1984” uses advanced technology to monitor and control citizens, illustrating Orwell’s concerns about the abuse of power by authoritarian regimes, a concern that disastrously became a reality.

The concept of “Newspeak” and “Thoughtcrime” highlights the government’s efforts to control not only actions, but also thoughts. The manipulation of language serves as a tool for controlling and limiting the range of thought.

Orwell’s novel serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked state power and the erosion of individual freedoms. It continues to resonate with readers as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of authoritarian rule.

We have been living through psychological programming and have no idea that it is happening to us. Predictive Programming is a type of mind control and psychological manipulation, involving influencing someone’s: thoughts, beliefs, emotions, or behavior through various techniques. Understanding the psychology of the mind is essential for: personal development, effective communication, mental health, success in various fields, and contributions to positive social change. It offers a lens through which we can better comprehend ourselves and the world around us.

Ontario Human Rights office slams Toronto Police’s Anti-Black Racism in final report PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It has been six years now since the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched its inquiry into the disproportionately impact of violence from the Toronto Police Service (TPS) against Black communities.

Since then, the OHRC released two preliminary reports in 2018 and 2020. On Thursday, December 14th, 2023, it released its final report titled, “From Impact to Action,” which would have been released two years earlier as it was interrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry was initiated by former Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane in 2017 after many: activists, community members and concerned individuals expressed concerns about the negative impact of

disproportionate violence on members of Toronto’s Black communities.

There are over 100 recommendations to the TPS and the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB) in the final report.

The report results from the examination of data from over two million street checks by the TPS as well as TPSB’s: policies, procedures, training and accountability measures. In addition, data was collected from TPS’s: Stop, Question and Search Practices from 2008 to 2013.

Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the OHRC states, “There is no stick. At the heart of this inquiry, is the confidence that to achieve positive change, the Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Police Service Board should commit to implementing these recommendations through systemic and concrete action that are monitored independently and legally binding. TPS have not officially conducted street checks since 2013, but it still happens according to data that the OHRC reviewed.”

Commissioner DeGuire acknowledges that many reports and inquiries have occurred in the past. She notes, “A written statement alone is not enough. The decades of reports and

calls for action from Black communities show that if the Toronto Police and the board are committed to change, they must legally bind themselves to that change.”

Sam Tecle, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University, and community advocate with the Jane Finch Action Against Poverty looks forward to a legally binding arrangement. “Anything that takes the onus of reform, or radically changing Toronto police, outside of the hands of police and its board.” He elaborates that this report is reflective of the concerns that have been raised by many in the Black communities, and it will bring a focus on racism within policing by the TPS. The TPS and the TPSB released a joint statement on December 18th, 2023, in which it indicated that it would examine the recommendations in collaboration with the OHRC as well as with its anti-racism advisory panel and stakeholders.

The joint statement acknowledges that both the TPS and TPSB have undertaken actions such as: creation of an equity strategy, collection of race-

based data, and extensive reporting of policing-civilian interactions. Myron Demikow, Chief of the TPS states, “Change is required at all levels, and in all parts of our police service (and must be): co-developed, co-designed, codelivered, and evaluated in meaningful and continued partnership with the members of Toronto’s Black communities.”

John Sewell, Toronto Police Accountability Commission, believes that the onus is on the TPS. He states, “Challenge will be to get police to adopt serious policies with teeth.”

Jon Reid, President of the Police Association released a statement on December 18th, 2023, indicating that he is pleased with the fact that the TPS will be in consultation with the OHRC. He states, “Specifically, we have said that our members are often blamed for the failures of others, and it is refreshing to see the OHRC focus on shortcomings of the organizations required to provide them with the: governance, training, and support needed to keep our city safe.”

PAGE 10

NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Telosa Dream Living, or 15-Minute City Trap?

Maybe the tin-foil hat people were eight all along!

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

I do not know about you, but when a guy whose net worth is five billion dollars suddenly has dreams of building a so-called heaven-on-earth city where there is: equity, financial success, and sustainable living for all, my BS detector goes off immediately.

Marc Lore is the man in question here and I want to outline his: sales pitch, promises, and talking points, especially his talking points which sound very familiar, that’s if you have been listening to anyone affiliated with the WEF (aka World Economic Forum).

Phase one of Telosa’s development is projected to cost $25 billion and will be funded primarily by investors and philanthropists. The total cost of building Telosa is estimated to surpass $400 billion, and Lore plans to pay for some of the costs out of his pocket by using returns on his startup investments.

From its inception, there have

been serious living problems, like water for a start, because some of the greatest expenses in Telosa will be related to the city’s environmental challenges. Building on cheap land in the desert comes with disadvantages, most notably a lack of water.

Telosa’s website boasts the city’s environmental plans, which include a sophisticated system that can: store, clean, and reuse fresh water on-site, as well as an energy system powered by renewables. This has the sound of water rationing written all over it. I wonder if the developers and shareholders will be living there as well.

Your form of transportation will be walking and biking. There are plans for autonomous vehicles in the form of shuttles, and other forms of mass transit. I did not see any mention of private car ownership in this pitch.

Let us examine who will dwell in this proposed city. Lore has suggested that the first 50,000 residents be selected using an application process that will be focused on diversity and inclusion. Mr. Lore has pledged that the future city will be governed by transparent participatory democracy.

All this is possible if you have no objections to living in the middle of the desert.

Lore has emphasized how building Telosa from a blank slate will enable the creation of superior transportation designed around: walking, biking, and transit. Lessons learned during the Covid pandemic show that with bold policy changes and investments, cities can reconfigure their existing transportation systems to prioritize people instead of vehicles.

Readers, I hope you are recognizing the talking points I spoke of earlier. Even though this model is proposed to Americans, it is also being showcased as a model for future cities worldwide.

“We have a chance to prove a new model for society that offers people a higher quality of life and greater opportunity,” Lore said in a statement.

“When I look out 30 years from now, I imagine Equitism serving as a blueprint for other cities — and even the world — and Telosa being a place of pride for all who live there.”

“This pandemic has created a unique opportunity for a Great Reset.”

Is anything sounding familiar as yet?

The fifteen-minute cities are being pitched to us as beautiful places, but let’s be real here. If I wanted to imprison unsuspecting people, would I tell them the truth? Think about it. While you are thinking, read this as well and

read good.

The official website for Telosa cites that one billion people will be affected by climate change in 2050. That figure falls in line with a United Nations climate change report in August dubbed a “code red for humanity,” noting that Earth could reach 1.5°C by 2040.

By now you must be asking who in hell is Marc Lore? He is the architect of Walmart Inc.’s digital ascent, former president and CEO of Walmart U.S. e-commerce.

He worked with Jeff Bezos earlier in his career, and now with his five billion he has big plans for the ordinary man, that is if you believe that.

We must not be distracted by fancy wordplay and farfetched promises. This is a time to take a second look at everything and everyone, including Marc Lore and his potential 15-minute city plans.

If all goes according to plan, the first 50,000 people will be moving in by the end of 2030. Have you seen the agenda yet?

Remember where not questioning the two weeks to flatten the curve got us?

Conscious Me Hosts Mimosa, Manicures and Wealth Retreat in Celebration of Women’s Wellness and Empowerment PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On Saturday, November 11th, 2023, women met for an empowering event at Elm Wood Spa. The day was organized by Conscious Me, a leader in promoting women’s well-being and empowerment. It was promoted as “Mimosa, Manicures and Wealth Retreats in Celebration of Women’s Wellness and Empowerment.” The day brought together a diverse group of individuals for a day of self-discovery, relaxation and empowerment.

Conscious Me was founded by Chesand “Chessi” Gregory who serves as its Chief Executive Officer. She is a multi-talented, gifted educator and Amazon best-selling author who started this platform for conscious and sustainable living. As an innovative and creative organization, it is engaged in promoting holistic education to empower women to live balanced and healthy lives by integrating mind, body, spirit and soul.

The press release notes that Conscious Me is an educational initia-

tive that places great importance on the core values that guide its actions and decision-making processes. In addition, it is empowering conscious and ambitious women. It describes its overall goals as a commitment to empower women and youths with holistic health and wellness by providing resources for achieving balance and harmony and making a difference for future generations with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

On Sunday, June 25th, 2023, Conscious Me hosted a Live Better Event at the Angus Glen Golf Club. It focused on addressing the obstacles that prevent individuals from attaining holistic wellness and personal growth.

Some of the areas of focus included: • • • • •

Stress and burnout in fast-paced lives Insufficient self-care practices Prevalence of unhealthy habits Disconnection from self and others Limited personal development resources

The event at the prestigious Elm Wood Spa on November 11th, 2023, featured a wide spectrum of activities that nourished body and mind.

Guests were treated to exclusive: spas, gourmet three-course lunch as well as

workshops on wealth-building strategies. There was an emphasis on the following: • • • • •

Heath: Essential for fulfillment Family: Community effort for health Education: Inspires growth and change Sustainability: Reducing environmental impact Connections: Fostering communities and growth

Three highlighted areas of focus: Holistic Wellness Attendees immersed themselves in a day of pampering, enjoying a mindful activity by Bonnie Wellan Spa Treatments, and connecting with like-minded women in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Wealth-Building Insights There were presentations by renowned speakers, including representatives from Jamaica National Bank who shared valuable insights on financial management and strategies for: building wealth, empowering attendees to take control of their financial future.

Community Connections It was led by Chesand Gregory who

conducted an engaging communitybuilding retreat, fostering connections among participants in the Greater Toronto Area to create a supportive network for women.

Founder Chesand states, “Through the Mimosa, Manicures and Wealth Retreat, we aimed to create a space where women could prioritize self-care, gain financial insights, and build meaningful connections. The overwhelming response and positive feedback affirm the need for such empowering events, and we are thrilled to continue our mission of fostering well-being and community among women while leaving an impactful legacy of service for the greater good.”

Paulette J. Sterling, JN Bank Chief Representative Officer states, “The exclusive Women’s Wellness Events,’ Mimosa, Manicures and Wealth’ was everything and more l needed at this time. The event personally afforded me the opportunity to: meet, share and gain some valuable insights to further achieve self-care and personal growth. The women I met, I am sure, will become my friends for years to come. The creative and wonderfully crafted blend of: discussions, empowerment, wealth and wellness in one event is genius and had a very positive and lasting impact on me.”

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 11

UNESCO claims to want to prevent misinformation from spreading, it has hardly been neutral, or objective SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO sounded an alarm in November 2023 about the intensification of disinformation and hate speech online, which constitutes in her words “Is a major threat to stability and social cohesion.” To put an end to this scourge she unveiled UNESCO’s action plan, the result of extensive worldwide consultations that was backed by a global opinion survey underlining the urgent need for action.

UNESCO is the acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Their website shares that they contribute to peace and security by promoting international: cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.

UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives.

UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

Recently, UNESCO released their action plan to regulate social media platforms. The guideline is a 59 page document outlining a series of goals and

steps that should be taken by Member States.

The publication of UNESCO’s action plan was accompanied by an opinion poll conducted by IPSOS for UNESCO, with over 8,000 respondents across 16 countries where elections will be held in 2024. It shows that 85% of citizens are worried about the impact of online disinformation, at a time when social media platforms have become the primary source of information for a large majority of them.

The same survey indicated that 87% of citizens believe that this misinformation has already had a major impact on their country’s political life and fear that it will influence the results of their country’s elections in the next year. As a result, 88% are calling on governments and regulators to resolve this problem quickly by regulating social media.

On the surface, the paper seems harmless enough, but as with most things, the devil is in the details.

Going through this, the thoughts that come to mind are the CRTC, and Bills C-11 and C-18. There’s a strong reluctance to accept any sort of Government interference with media access.

The paper talks about the importance of having an independent media, with a diversity of perspectives.

Nothing wrong with that. However, there are a few places where the idea is raised of subsidizing “independent” media, presumably with Government funds. While a viable media is important, this creates an obvious conflict of interest.

There are also several mentions of online media being used in ways to

help advance the U.N. Sustainable Development Agenda, a.k.a. Agenda 2030.

It’s unclear what would happen if online platforms were used in ways to undermine its implementation.

There are repeated calls to use digital platforms to respect and protect human rights. This is fine in principle, but it’s undefined, and presumably arbitrary, what those rights are.

Paragraph 38 talks about the need for there to be an ongoing relationship with digital platforms and “credible” news sources. Of course, the term credible is left undefined. It’s also unclear what, if any, voices that media who aren’t considered credible would have.

Paragraph 45 gets into the topic of “compliance mechanisms.” It’s rather chilling, as it mentions the possibility of regulators making final decisions with respect to the rules on platforms.

Paragraph 49 addresses the idea of having checks and balances. This sounds fine, until one asks what structures would have to be put in place to begin with.

Paragraph 52 covers “investing” in so-called independent media, in order to make it more sustainable. If the only way that independents can survive is by getting bailout money, then that would convert them into Government employees. No need to ban critics when they can simply be bought off.

Paragraph 54 talks about having: (a) national; (b) regional; and (c) global governance systems put in place, to safeguard freedom of expression, access to information, and other human rights. There’s also a brief mention about limiting expression to protect hu-

man rights.

Perhaps the most interesting sections are paragraphs 68-73, which outline how an “independent regulator” would work. Of course, how independent can it be when it reports to the very people it’s supposed to keep an eye on.

In fairness, there are portions that are noble, such as 72(e) and (f) which aim to limit conflicts of interest in the forms of gifts or lobbying. Yes, there are parts of this paper that I did give the side-eye too, but there are portions of the paper that are quite good.

Paragraph 115, and its many subparagraphs, detail how due process information and human rights data should be integrated at all stages of moderation. On the surface, there’s nothing wrong with this, but who will be setting the standards?

Paragraphs 116 to 118 offer suggestions for collecting user demographic data for research purposes. While it’s supposed to be anonymized, there’s not enough specifics included as to its use.

Paragraph 143 gives brief guidelines about how platforms should conduct themselves during emergencies and armed conflicts. It suggests developing cooperation with trusted partners, independent media organizations, and other reliable flaggers.

Again, as I noted earlier, this UNESCO paper seems so harmless on the surface, but it’s really vague at times when clarity is needed. While UNESCO claims to want to prevent misinformation from spreading, it has hardly been neutral, or objective. Only recently, it was telling people to only trust official sources for information on the “pandemic”.

There is a lot of debate when it comes to the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square as Sankofa Square PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The vote on Thursday, December 15th, 2023, to rename Yonge-Dundas Square as Sankofa Square has sparked widespread reaction.

It was in 2021 that Toronto City Council started the process to investigate the renaming of Dundas Street as well as other city properties that are associated with the Dundas name. The article revealed that the renaming of the almost 23 kilometers of Dundas Street will not take place because it has been forecasted that it would take between $11.3 million and $12.7 million for the project to be completed. The motion that Councilor Chris Moise presented passed 19-2. The Toronto City Council will examine further the possibility of renaming Dundas West Station with

the involvement of the Toronto Metropolitan University, and the library board will consider the renaming of Jane/Dundas Library.

There was a petition mentioned on the Ezra Levant Show. Ezra Levant interviewed Jennifer Dundas who is a retired Crown prosecutor, former CBC journalist and descendant of Henry Dundas. She mentioned that two of the most famous abolitionists in Britain were supportive of Henry’s position regarding a gradual end to the slave trade instead of an immediate one. She told Levant, “Both William Wilberforce and the patron of the abolition movement, the Duke of Gloucester, started saying publicly that they regretted having rejected Henry Dundas plan and now we have Toronto saying no, William Wilberforce was right in 1792 when he denounced Henry Dundas for wanting to move gradually instead of all at once and only on the abolition of the slave trade.”

Ezra has launched a petition, “Don’t Let Olivia Chow Replace Toronto’s history with lies.” Details of the petition can be seen on the

website:SaveDundas.com and the interview with Jennifer at the website: https:// www.rebelnews.com/henry dundas. The petition states, “If you agree that we shouldn’t cancel and condemn the memory of historical leaders who are momentarily unfashionable. If you appreciate the role that Henry Dundas played in our history; if you value the role that the British Empire played in achieving the end of slavery-please sign our petition here to save Dundas.”

Historian Melanie Newton posted an article titled, “Henry Dundas, Empire and Genocide.” She writes, “Suggesting that ‘the uncrowned King of Scotland’ worked to end slaver, rather to entrench it, is irresponsible revisionism and bad history.” She provided important historical information regarding Henry Dundas and his role in the anti-slavery movement that is interesting.

Josh Matlow, Toronto City Councilor for Ward 12 located in the Toronto-St. Paul, wrote about the renaming in his email to residents on Thursday, December 21st, 2023. He

is supportive of the decision to deny name change. He writes, “With the city facing unprecedented financial challenges, I am convinced that spending tens of millions of dollars to rename streets is not a priority while: transit, affordable housing, and many services Torontonians rely on every day are desperately in need of significant investment.”

He believes that the compromise solution is the best option although the cost of $300,000 is paid for primarily by the developers through section 37 funds. He is particularly concerned that the Yonge-Dundas Square Board of Management was not rightly consulted by the local councilor and City Council.

For Councilor Matlow, the naming of Dundas Square to Sankofa Square reflects an inclusive process.

He mentioned that “It was chosen at the conclusion of a two-year process by the city’s selected advisory committee, made up of leaders from Toronto’s Black and Indigenous communities as well as the local business community.”

PAGE 12

NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

11 countries have now opted out of the WHO’s Treaty, and many more will if good sense prevails MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

How did the world arrive here? How did the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and a bunch of unelected scam artists become the barometer with which human safety and health are measured? Let’s follow the money.

According to the WHO’s website, while most donors are from countries, or their established agencies, the second largest contributor to the WHO finances (2020/21) was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which contributed $751,000,000.

Some reports put the sponsorship of the WHO by pharmaceutical companies at 70%, based on the fact that, within the countries listed as donors to the WHO, much of the donations are made by interested bodies (pharma) rather than governments themselves.

How can an organization that receives most of its funding from known eugenics “case in point” Bill Gates, who wants to be in charge of human lives? Isn’t eugenics and depopulation the same program?

When nearly 70% of your sponsorship comes from pharmaceutical giants, the same people who made the so-called COVID vaccines, where does your loyalty lie?

These are some of the questions that countries are asked to sign into this so-called plandemic treaty have to ask the UN and the WHO. The UN proposed to change their health regulations that guide member states in the event of a disease outbreak, from guiding member states to being mandatory.

This would represent a complete wipeout of the sovereignty of any nation that signs on to this power scam. Last December, Australia’s government voted in favour of these changes, even though many sensible countries rejected it causing the proposal to be lost.

The relentless hoaxers at the UN tried again this year, however, the International Regulations Review Committee rejected the UN’s proposal and therefore demoted them back to being an advisory body.

In layman’s terms, these crooks want to control several things that will allow them to enslave humanity. Here are a few of the enslavement tools they are asking for:

• • • • • •

Proof of vaccination status Quarantine procedures Citizen travel and mobility Forced vaccinations Lockouts and lockdowns Mandatory detention and the list of crimes against humanity goes on…

These shysters at the UN had the nerve to propose the complete removal of human rights from their pandemic program. Good on Australian citizens for rejecting those evil plans signed on to by their so-called government.

As world citizens, we have to remain vigilant. The UN has very cleverly revamped all the above proposals into what they now call the Pandemic Treaty just waiting there for one of their so-called leaders from the Young Global Leaders clan to sign, if and when they put one into the leadership position of any country.

Here is a list of some of the leaders and countries that have rejected this slave proposal disguised as a pandemic treaty: Mexico, Australia, and now Slovakia stand in defiance.

Here is a quote from Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico who calls the WHO Pandemic Treaty “Nonsense invented by greedy pharma companies.”

EU Parliament MEP Christine Anderson warns of the dangerous WHO Pandemic

Treaty. If this gets through, The WHO has the power to override and control ALL participating countries’ pandemic measures. Anderson’s words were, “Then nothing short of an uprising can save us.”

Just for the record, so far 11 countries have now opted out of the WHO’s treaty, and many more will if good sense prevails. The deadline for this so-called Pandemic Treaty to become effective is May 2024.

When a man with a past as colorful as Tedros can say that “The next pandemic is not a question of if, but of when.” This excuse of a man had the nerve to mention how much the pandemic has damaged people’s businesses, and finances, the toll it took on people’s lives and he even tried to look very sympathetic when describing that it was the poor who suffered most.

When he began saying “We can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes of the past,” I wondered if he meant trusting him and his DE-populationist friends a second time. I had to stop the video. This insult to my intelligence could not continue.

Did I hear someone ask, “Where does Canada stand in all this?” Did Canada’s government sign on to this treaty? Remember Uncle Justin and Aunty Freeland from The House called Canada? You just might want to ask them both and hold them accountable, while there is still time.

The Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Martin Luther King Celebration will be an unforgettable evening!

PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The annual Martin Luther King Awards is a signature event that many look forward to as it celebrates the life and legacy of the founder of the civil rights movement. It is a welcome start to the New Year in January each year. The 2024 celebration will be held on Saturday, January 13th, at the Canada Event Centre located at Canada Christian College in Whitby, Ontario.

The theme for the event is, “Breaking Barriers Continuing the Journey.” This theme is a fitting one as it highlights the significance of this iconic civil rights AfricanAmerican leader.

Pauline Christian, President of the

Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada (EFCCC) has served as the Executive Producer of the MLK Celebration since its inception. She posted a message on Friday, December 8th, in preparation for the 25th MLK celebration. “Over the last quarter of a century, this event has played a pivotal role in bringing communities together and creating a platform to engage the powers that be to move the dial forward on the BIPOC agenda.

We must not ease off the gas pedal on the equality issue until the arc bends toward justice. According to Dr. King, ‘The arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

I interviewed Pauline on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023, regarding the upcoming MLK Celebration. She is excited to be part of the team of committed volunteers who are responsible for organizing and planning this annual event. Many of the committee members are part of EFCCC along with other individuals from the Black community. Pauline shared with me the early beginning of the MLK Celebration when she served as the President of the Metro Toronto East Youth Federation. The recently launched website: mlkconnexus.com described her as

being, “Fueled by a fervent desire to instigate positive change in the community, especially among youth,” which resulted in her “Embarking on a journey to create a platform that would transcend boundaries and inspire activism.”

Pauline was inspired to celebrate the selfless contributions of Dr. King after hearing an announcement on the radio about his upcoming birthday in December 1998. After reaching out to her Youth Director regarding hosting a celebratory event to honour Dr. King, she was met with skepticism about the possibility of the event occurring in January given the limited time. Her persistence paid off and the first MLK Celebration took place at Toronto East Church on Pape Avenue with over 1,000 individuals in attendance in January of 1999.

Pauline is happy to have the wider support of the: Black, African, and Caribbean as well as the multicultural communities of Canada. She affirms that Dr. King’s work focuses on the common humanity of all people, transcending: racial, cultural, religious and national boundaries. She is excited by the support that she has received over the years

from the Toronto Dominion Bank, which is the longest contributing Title sponsor as well as other foundational supporters.

Dr. Abraham Jules (President of the Northeastern Conference of the SDA) is the keynote speaker. The headliner will be the Voices of Triumph (VOT) hailing from Oakwood University in the USA. There will be performances by the Tyndale Community Choir, CAA Band and Choir, Kingsway College Orchestra, the MLK Anniversary Litaneers, Children Youth Dance Theatre, Crawford Academy Steel Pan, Nadine Williams and MUZIKLIKE. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $20, for adults and $10 for children over eight, while those under eight years old are free.

Anyone interested in learning about the Martin Luther King Awards can check: www.https://MLKCONNEXUS.com or www.EFCCC.CA Youtube: MLKCONNEXUS Facebook: #MLKConnexUS Instagram: mlkconnexus

NEWS & VIEWS

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Let them lose hope, because they won’t be able to silence us; 2023 was Lit! SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

You have not been feeling well, and you have genuine physical symptoms: pain, fatigue, and even gastrointestinal issues. You become preoccupied with these symptoms and worry about their cause and implications. You feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and a range of other emotions, which contribute and have exacerbated your physical symptoms.

You have been dealing with this unexplained, or chronic physical symptoms and it has been frustrating and confusing.

You have gone to doctors, received second opinions, and you find it challenging to understand why you are experiencing these symptoms, especially when medical tests do not reveal a clear physical cause. Now, you feel the need to prove the legitimacy of your symptoms and struggle with the perception that their condition is not “real.”

What you are experiencing is a psychosomatic episode. It is an experience where you have physical symptoms that are influenced, or caused by psychological factors, such as: stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. It’s important to note that psychosomatic symptoms are real and can have a significant impact on your well-being. I

also want to note here that the thoughts of a psychosomatic individual can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances.

Medicine has a long and ignominious history with conditions for which they cannot find a physical cause, often dismissing them with sexist terms such as “hysteria.” It is this dismissal that has fostered a fundamental misunderstanding of how these very real illnesses manifest.

Since psychosomatic symptoms mimic physical illnesses, individuals may fear that there is an underlying serious medical condition. This fear can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress, creating a cycle where emotional distress exacerbates physical symptoms.

While many people with these conditions are told “It’s all in your head,” or dismissed as hypochondriacs, Suzanne O’Sullivan (a consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery), and the author of “The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness” (Pantheon, 2021), is doing the research to let people know that it is not all in your head.

As part of her work, O’Sullivan aims to reduce the stigma and clear up misunderstandings about psychosomatic illness.

“A lot of doctors still have lingering doubts that if you’ve got a pain due to a disease and a pain due to psychosomatic problems, the doctors still have a bit of a problem understanding that both these pains can be equally painful.

So, I think it’s not an awareness problem; it’s a problem with a lot of old-

fashioned hang-ups. They think it’s not as severe as [other] diseases, they don’t take it as seriously as [other] diseases. I think that’s more of a problem rather than a lack of awareness. So, they alienate patients by backing away from the diagnosis.”

She goes on to explain the importance of her research, and the ability it will have when working with individuals who suffer with psychosomatic episodes.

“I think that’s an enormously useful bit of research because of the difficulty with patients — you can imagine if you were paralyzed and someone says, ‘This is psychosomatic.’ The thing that will most help you move forward is if the doctor can say to you, ‘These are the brain mechanisms that are causing your paralysis.’ A real stumbling block for people is like, ‘How could stress possibly cause this?’

So, a big focus for research now is mechanisms to help people understand what’s happening to their bodies. I would say that where we are really still making almost no progress is actually on treatment.

We’re still kind of using short courses of talking therapies and things that aren’t terribly successful for these things.”

It’s important for individuals experiencing psychosomatic symptoms to seek professional help and discuss with a trusted physician a comprehensive approach that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of your condition. Psychotherapy, stress management techniques, and sometimes medication can be part of an effective treatment plan for psychosomatic disorders.

Plandemic spending: The US was much more transparent when it came to taxpayers’ money MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

How does a government spend over $40,000,000 an hour from March to December of 2020 and counting, yet refuse to be transparent when asked on whom and how much money was spent?

Justin Trudeau once assured Canadians that if he got into office, he would be honest and transparent. Has his regime lived up to that promise? Let us find out.

Around $240 billion was handed out during the first eight months of the plandemic, and even though the government has revealed estimates of the net fiscal impact, for the more than 100 programs it has launched since the plandemic began, it has not been forthcoming when it comes to Individuals, companies nor groups that have received this money.

Back in 2020, before Trudeau’s famous speech on how he paid mainstream media to give him a pass, CBC had this to say about the lack of transparency in his government, “Some departments have fought CBC’s attempts to get that information tooth and nail — even though some publicly traded companies have voluntarily disclosed the same information through

their TSX filings.”

It is important to note here that this quote was in connection to the government denying them (CBC) ‘ the financial data on how this Pandemic money was spent.

Again, back then the House of Commons committees that normally would probe government spending were distracted twice: first by a move to prorogue Parliament in August of that year, and then by Liberal filibusters.

When Chrystia Freeland was questioned by the opposition concerning the Plandemic spending spree, here is what she said. “Now is the time for us to focus on what we can do going forward to save Canadian lives and to preserve the Canadian economy. There will be a time for post-mortems, but while the plane is flying, one does not try to change the engine.”

It has been over three years since, and Canadians are still wondering if this plane Freeland talked about is still flying, because that engine desperately needs changing ASAP. The last time Canadians tried changing that malfunctioning engine they were lied to by mainstream media, beaten up by special police, their bank accounts were frozen, and both pilot and co-pilot Justin and Freeland called a case of national emergency. Canadians are now asking, when is it a good time to change this broken, expired, and overpriced engine, Captain Freeland?

Export Development Canada

refused to hand over the information through the Access to Information Act, holding on to a clause in the Export Development Act, which says that “All information obtained by the Corporation in relation to its customers is privileged.”

The hypocrisy of this government in the face of Canadians is like bad breath.

They invoke clauses to protect so-called companies that they gave the taxpayer’s money to, yet they find ways around banking privacy laws to seize and freeze citizens’ bank accounts here in Canada. Canadians, is this democratic, or totalitarian?

This same type of information is posted on the US government website for all and any US citizens to see, you can pick any state in the US, and see how much money was granted and to whom.

The big question here is, could the Liberal government be hiding something?

Former Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page was asked why the secrecy, and he answered, “There is no reason why we should not see that level of transparency. I think there should be pressure on the government. The US was much more transparent when it came to taxpayers’ money. We can do better. I think it’s important that we highlight that type of information.”

According to the federal government, Canadians are looking at a trilliondollar debt, yet this government which participated in getting Canadians there, is blatantly concealing the facts from its citizens about on whom their hard-earned money was spent, and how much. Canadians deserve a lot better.

PAGE 13

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 14

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

One bad health problem inevitably leads to another and another, causing people to die early W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH COLUMNIST

What’s the most depressing part of a newspaper? It’s the obituary section where you see many people dying too early in life. What causes these untimely deaths? A Gifford-Jones Law states that one bad health problem inevitably leads to another and another, causing people to die early. One of the cardinal sins is not having a healthy and sensible breakfast.

Where to lay blame? It’s the neglectful practices of food companies, governments, schools, and parents, all of whom are commonly ignoring the hazard.

The breakfast sin is found everywhere. Nearly every restaurant serving breakfast is guilty of pushing the wrong foods. We recently found sinful breakfasts in a high-end retirement residence in Toronto. Even upon request for a high fibre cereal, the response was that none was available unless we supplied it ourselves. Yet high amounts of fibre, as found in Cinderella’s typical meal of beans and lentils in the gruel, are essential to good health. The Cinderella diet at breakfast is, at a minimum, some whole grain toast, or high fibre cereal.

High fibre cereal is not what most are eating – children and their

parents alike. Most cereal boxes contain more sugar than fibre. The blunt fact is that sugar tastes better. The best way to make high fibre cereals more palatable is to add a banana or another fruit. It can still be a hard sell, so maybe pictures of diseased inner organs on cereal boxes are needed, like cancerous lungs on cigarette packaging.

Young children won’t care about historical studies, but maybe a few additional illustrations of the medical facts would help. Everyone wants to avoid constipation. It’s uncomfortable, causes hemorrhoids, and is generally unhealthy.

Sailors on British ships suffered so badly from this problem they couldn’t do their work. Luckily, a wise ship’s doctor insisted on increased fiber in their diet, and they were all cured.

European explorers in Africa found another historical discovery. African societies didn’t suffer from constipation the same way Europeans did at the time. Why? African diets included more fiber.

What’s the magic of fibre? It holds on to water making bowel movements as soft as toothpaste. Fibre also has a filling effect, decreasing the amount of food consumed. If people ate more fiber, it would help fight the uncontrolled pandemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Few people realize how obesity, type 2 diabetes and their complications are causing: heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation of legs due to gangrene. This results in a huge medical cost to society and pain and suffering that can last for years.

Remember, the recent viral infection lasted just three years. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are increasing year after year with disastrous consequences.

The time is ripe for food producers and governments to get with it, but we know from experience that regulation alone isn’t going to solve the problem. People need to change what they buy and what they settle for from places serving food.

In the Bible it says, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the

whole world, and lose his own soul?”

The Gifford-Jones version is, “What if hard work produces great wealth, but ill health steals it back early in life?”

The fact is high fiber products aren’t making the right pitch. Regulatory rules rightfully limit what claims can be made, but a healthy fiber cereal should trumpet the benefits of: reduced risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes and a host of degenerative diseases having terrible medical complications.

Intervention is necessary to develop the educational attainment of Black-Caribbean UK students

BY SELINA ROSELYN TC REPORTER The educational attainment of British Caribbean youths has been a subject of discussion for many decades. In 1997, David Gilborn (University of London) examined the academic performance of Britain’s minority populations, which simultaneously demonstrated the differences in educational outcomes, while exploring the social factors that influence academic performance.

Gilborn’s article illustrated research, which suggested a correlation between socio-economic status and achievement, while indicating that Black students of Caribbean heritage achieved exam scores that were below the level attained by other groups. Nonetheless, the findings also encouraged a discussion of how teacher expectations and poor perceptions play a major role in academic performance.

Consequently, the question that often arises in such discussions is whether children of Caribbean heritage would be more likely to succeed in a social context that could evade some of the negative stereotypes that arise in relation to the Black-Caribbean community in the UK. Therefore, the debate does not impose concerns regarding cognitive ability, but is seemingly more concerned with the cultural and environmental factors

that allow young people to flourish.

In October 2023, The House of Commons published an article looking at the GCSE and higher education outcomes for Black students in England, and this noted that Black African students generally have better GCSE outcomes than Black students of Caribbean descent. This therefore provokes the exploration of how cultural factors appear to have a more substantial impact than racial distinctions.

In spite of the long-standing concerns regarding educational attainment among Caribbean youths, it is evident that some progress has been identified in GCSE results. For example, the University of Oxford noted that in 2004, only 24% of Black-Caribbean students achieved five, or more GCSE A*-C grades, which was nearly half the rate for white British students. In 2013, the difference between this level of attainment significantly reduced from 17.6 percentage points, to just 7.2 percentage points, proving that Caribbean students had made progress.

It was clear that educational disparities were narrowing.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted educational outcomes, causing academic challenges for children from various ethnic groups.

In the 2021 to 2022 academic school year, the data from Key Stage 4 performance illustrated that White British

students scored an average of 47.7 out of 90, and Black students of Caribbean heritage scored an average of 41.7. Moreover, there is clearly still a distinction between these scores, but when considering the impact of COVID-19 among other factors, the attainment gap between Black-Caribbean and White-British is arguably not so substantial.

Moreover, a greater distinction can be seen between the scores of Chinese students who achieved the highest among all groups, with an average score of 66.1. Students from Indian backgrounds scored an average of 61.3 and students from African backgrounds achieved an average of 50.9.

Furthermore, the educational achievements of Chinese students in England, reflects an attainment level which is comparable to the Chinese students in the United States, and therefore reinforces the question of how culture and socio-economic status impact academic success.

Although the data surrounding Black-Caribbean students in the UK continues to show a disparity in educational outcomes, the question is how are these disparities being addressed? In the 1970s, Pan-African Saturday schools emerged in support of Black students. Parents and community leaders from Caribbean and African backgrounds often volunteered their time to provide supplementary ed-

ucation, as a means of counteracting the barriers in mainstream schools.

Rapper, author and activist Akala attended a Pan-African Saturday school and has often stated that he benefited tremendously from the community-lead tradition. Unfortunately, in recent years, the accessibility of supplementary education has declined.

Perhaps the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 would have been the perfect opportunity to re-establish and reinforce supplementary education in the UK, and with the availability of online teaching and video platforms, there is ample opportunity to create new avenues for learning and development.

While many Caribbean students still excel in education, the data suggests that intervention is necessary to develop the attainment of the collective. Therefore, returning to supplementary education is a measure that may significantly improve the academic outcomes of British-Caribbean youths.

Furthermore, by utilizing the online resources that are now available, this may help to produce desirable outcomes for young people both in and outside of the UK, while specifically creating opportunities to candidly address the challenges and barriers in education for Caribbean youths across the diaspora.

NEWS & VIEWS

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 15

The Festive Five: Can’t-miss Caribbean Cocktails for this past holiday season SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

For some of you, it has been a holiday season filled with great food, family, and of course the Christmas cocktails. Cocktails are often associated with celebrations and toasting.

Whether it’s a special occasion, or just a casual get-together, raising a glass with a wellcrafted cocktail adds a celebratory element to the gathering.

Cocktails often allow for creativity and experimentation with different flavors and ingredients. Cocktails are not only about taste, but also about the overall sensory experience. The colors, aromas, and textures of well-crafted cocktails engage multiple senses, creating a more enjoyable and memorable experience. The presence of well-made cocktails can elevate the overall atmosphere of an event, and it adds an element of sophistication.

A unique or beautifully presented cocktail can serve as a conversation starter, and just the right signature cocktail can have your guests inquiring about the ingredients, the inspiration behind the drink, or even the technique used to create it.

Cocktails are a form of artistic expression for mixologists. The craft and skill involved in creating a beautiful and delicious cocktail can be appreciated as a form of art,

adding an extra layer of depth to the social experience. Even though our holiday season is done, this article is going to prepare you for any upcoming celebrations you might have in 2024.

We are going to celebrate in Caribbean style with some cocktails straight from the islands. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with the classics, but we’re challenging you to spice up your cocktails. We’re here to help, of course: we’ve taken a roundtrip around the Caribbean, scouring every beach and checking under every swaying palm, to bring you tropical cocktails that don’t skimp on refreshing, fruity flavours.

There’s a delicious drink for almost every palate below: our gift to you. Cheers to the many amazing mixologists of the Caribbean!

Anguilla: The Festive Sunset Cocktail Our first drink comes from renowned mixologist Reynaldo Hodge, of the Bar Soleil at the glamorous Malliouhana Resort in secluded Anguilla.

Recipe • 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream • 1/2 oz Chambord • 1 oz Havana Club Rum • A dash of Licor 43 (a Spanish Liqueur) • Add whipped cream on top eggnog and mulled wine?

Antigua and Barbuda: Christmas in Wadadli Cocktail The dual-island destination of Antigua and Barbuda may be commonly known for its fascinating history and untouched nature, but its mixologists are quickly making quite the name for themselves! Courtesy Daniel “Tim-

my” Thomas of Timmy Time Cocktails in Antigua, this Christmas in Wadadli cocktail makes the most of the island’s natural. bounty.

Recipe • 2 oz Antigua English Harbour 5-year-old Rum • 3 Sorrell tea bags • 3 oz passionfruit, turmeric, ginger, lemongrass infusion (sweetened) • 1/4 oz sour orange juice (with lemon & lime juice) • 3 dashes of angostura bitters • 3 drops of pear essence • Put tea bags in rum and let sit Meanwhile mix passion fruit, sour orange juice, angostura bitters and pear essence with ice in a shaker, add in the rum, and shake.

Pour over fresh ice. Garnish with orange.

The Bahamas: Sky Juice This dynamic destination of 700 islands has a varied cocktail culture, to match! Niko Imbert, Director of Hospitality at Bon Vivants (a dedicated, artisan cocktail bar) in Nassau shared his delicious take on The Bahamian classic called “Sky Juice,” also known as ‘Gully Wash’.

Recipe • 1.5 oz Citadelle Gin • 75 oz condensed sweetened cream • 2 oz fresh coconut water • Method: shaken • Garnish: grounded nutmeg & cinnamon stick • (Optional: rosemary and cranberries for holiday cheer) Martinique: Planteur Cocktail This French Caribbean hideaway known as

the “Isle of Flowers” for its abundant nature is equally abundant with its rum distilleries.

Planteur is a signature drink on the island, a fruity cocktail made with Rhum Agricole, which is distilled from sugarcane juice. While almost every distillery and bar offers its take on “Planter’s Punch”, we feature Chef Guy Ferdinand’s recipe below, as featured at Le Petibonum Restaurant.

Recipe • 1 part rum, orange juice, guava juice and pineapple juice in equal quantity • ½ part sugar cane syrup • Cinnamon • Mix the fruit juice, rum, and syrup • Add a pinch of cinnamon • Serve cold on ice St. Martin: Naughty String Cocktail Capping off this list in the French Caribbean, we turn to the French side of St. Martin for the Naughty String, the iconic cocktail served on the beachside terrace of Le String restaurant.

While there is no shortage of reasons to visit stunning Orient Bay, this cocktail headlines the list…and deserves to be tasted at home.

Recipe • 3 oz vodka on ice • Fill with champagne • 1 oz of Falernum (a sweet syrup liqueur from The Caribbean, ginger, lime, almond, cloves & allspice.) ...and you can buy or make your own • Top with a fresh strawberry or raspberry Exceptional cocktails can leave a lasting impression on guests. People tend to remember unique and well-presented drinks, which will make your next event one to remember.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board removes principal after a disturbing anti-Black racism event PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It was an evening filled with disturbing revelations, discouraging news and disempowering stories at the Dufferin-Peel Youth Town Hall held on Thursday, December 7th, 2023.

It was organized by three advocacy groups: Parents of Black Children (PoBC), Peel Black Collective, and Policing-Free Schools to have students share their experiences and tell their side of the story regarding what occurred on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, at a Catholic High School in Brampton. There were panelists of former and current students who recounted in harrowing detail their personal experiences of racial incidents, racial trauma and indifference from administrators. Some students witnessed the incidents in question and recorded it on their cell phones. They answered a list of questions that were sent to them.

A media advisory issued by PoBC on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, revealed the town hall was called in response to the distressing and deeply troubling incidents that transpired on November 9th,2023, at Cardinal Leger Secondary School. Three Black students found themselves subjected to an assault by a plain-clothed Peel Police officer who failed to properly identify herself. The three Black students were arrested by a tactical unit of approximately 30 officers while being pinned down by police reminiscent of the

George Floyd murder.

The press release revealed missing information from the Peel Regional Police report. Specifically, there was no mention that one of the girls was first assaulted by a plainclothed officer and that a tactical unit response was involved in detaining and arresting minors. The press release notes further that the entire incident was witnessed by a mother who saw her daughter being taken down in front of her eyes. It adds further, “This incident goes beyond a mere breach of safety, within an educational institution; it serves as a stark reminder of an environment marred by fear, violence and systemic oppression.”

PoBC lists six demands in the press release: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Immediate supervision of the DPCDSB due to repeated and unabated circumstances of explicit racism.

A comprehensive, transparent, and public investigation of the recent events, inclusive of an examination of camera footage and witness accounts.

The implementation of mandatory antiBlack racism training for all staff, underpinned by measurable metrics and KPIs. The complete removal of police presence from Ontario schools, ensuring accountability for any field of physical aggression.

The creation of a community oversight committee with the mandate to address and rectify systemic issues with the board.

An open forum for students and parents with the DPCDSB to address their experiences and assist in formulating a specific action plan to combat anti-Black racism.

During the town hall, current and former Black students shared their: experiences, feelings and thoughts about the racism they experienced at Cardinal Leger S.S. In addition, students who witnessed the event on November 9th, 2023, shared what they saw and how the traumatic events affected them.

The students penned a list of other demands that were read by Charline Grant. They include the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Removal of the Principal at Cardinal Leger S.S. That the charges against the three students arrested at Cardinal Leger be dropped.

Remove the suspension letters from the students charged and efforts to expel them.

Ministry of Education to issue Directives to the DPCDSB to address anti-Black racism, systemic and otherwise within this board.

Preservation of any video recordings, including those recorded by the principal and staff involved in the incident.

Evidence from the DPCDSB that all processes and procedures were followed.

Full accountability for any misconduct revealed by the investigation whether

by Peel Regional Police, or Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Removal of the responsibility from the principal to determine the threshold level for a police response in schools; this has already been done at other boards including the Peel District School.

The following questions were posed to the panelists, which they answered: 1.

What did the Black Student Alliance at Cardinal Leger Secondary share about

2.

3.

4.

the experience in the school at their BSA on November 12th, 2023?

Are all of these examples and experiences from students shared freely, or were any of the students coaxed, or manipulated into what was just shared?

As a member of your school’s BSA, what are some of your concerns about being a Black student at your school in the DPCDSB as a whole?

How has everything impacted you, and what do you need as a Black Student in DPCDSB to move forward?

The following questions were directed to the adults on the panel: 1.

2.

3.

As our: mentors, parents and elders, when you were made aware of these events how did it make you feel?

Do you feel safe sending your children to school after learning about the situation, or any other situation of Anti-Black Racism?

As our: parents, mentors and elders, what do you want from DPCDSB to change?

On Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, Peel Black Collective shared feedback from the Town Hall in an email. It revealed that at the November 27th, 2023, Board of Trustees meeting of the DPCDDB, parents and students spoke up, the police were called, and the subsequent meeting was moved online.

As well, the DPCDSB told PoBC that it will only communicate with advocates supporting families in writing.

It was announced on December 13th, 2023, that the Principal, Frances Campese will be leaving the school as of January 2024.

PAGE 16

NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

“I have the human right to be housed.”

What does that mean? Now what?

STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC COLUMNIST

The price of housing in Canada continue to rise, no matter what the Canadian Central Bank intends. Supply has taken over the public’s imperative to buy, sell and become rich, or indebted for years to come.

That is not to say that housing starts have not increased, as they have, but their prices remain high, and certainly not what you’d call affordable housing. We should have enough housing to fill the needs of new and residential Canadians in say 10-15 years if that. Pricing will remain close to

present day prices, as profiteering is the main reason developers develop and real estate agents and sellers sell.

As new migrants, refugees and economic migration continues to increase, so does the demand for housing. Every type of housing starts is necessary to maintain the public’s acceptance of our elected officialdom. If the public is weary of present-day politicians’ efforts to satisfy them, elections will become quite exciting indeed. If politicians come through with their promises like: Premier Ford, Justin Trudeau and others a political legacy may develop.

The working class is eager to see if housing starts actually include apartments, condos, townhomes that are affordably priced. Will they have to hold their breath a long time? The housing we are seeing are priced to match the capabilities of middle class, or upper class borrowing, not that of the working stiff. Governmental partnerships often do not include ownership in these developments, so who is to say what

the prices will be, for how long, and when will prices escalate?

A housing revolution was declared, but that so-called revolution includes the pricing of said homes. No developer will build something unless they can make double or triple the cost of the house. Neither will real estate agents tell their customers to put a hold on their desired higher prices and think of the less fortunate who need housing! This so-called housing revolution is nothing more than a promotional program that satisfies the: well off, cash rich, and elite with their bubble wrapped kids at hand. The politician makes off like a bandit as well, looking just fine in front of their followers, achieving what is needed, but for whom?

Canada is a wonderful place so long as you have: a permanent well-paying job, health insurance and cash in the bank.

If your disposable income dwindles by the end of the month, you’re a worker often without any funds, let alone save many

thousands of dollars for the needed 20% down payment for a house. Has the banking system changed anything to make home ownership easier? Is home ownership a right, or as those who already have homes say, a privilege? Are you willing to become enslaved to your home? Slavery by any financial matter can oppress anyone who determines that they are willing to play the housing market casino, 3-5 years mortgages with no idea what the interest rates, or inflation rates will become when the time comes to renew.

The National Housing Strategy Act recognizes housing as a human right.

Now what? Does the banking system care?

Seems like a collective of politicians can declare housing as a human right, and then not enshrine it in our constitution, or act upon its powerful meaning.

“I have the human right to be housed.” What does that mean? Now what?

We need national regulations that protect people, so they can afford a roof over their heads PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

In 2024, newly elected MPP Andrea Hazell of Scarborough-Guildwood plans to introduce a motion in the Ontario Legislature to bring back rent control.

During question period on Monday, November 2nd, 2023, she posed a question to Ontario Premier Ford, “I asked the Minister of Housing if he plans to backtrack again on universal rent control that his government promised in 2018.” Premier Ford did not respond directly to her question.

In a tweet at @AndreaHazell she writes, “The deflection is unreal! Zero accountability and no respect for the people of Ontario! I will keep the pressure on! Under the Conservatives, rent in Ontario has never been higher. They got rid of rent control; it is time they bring it back.”

A petition was launched by Yumma and Khadjea Farooq on September 6th, 2023, after their landlord asked for a rent increase of $7,000 per month on their building. The petition states the positive benefits of rent control, “Rent Control is a crucial policy that ensures fairness and stability in the rent market, protecting tenants from exorbitant rent increases and providing them with a sense of security in their homes.

However, the current system falls short of meeting these needs, leaving tenants vulnerable to exploitation by landlords.”

The petition calls upon the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to ensure that the following measures are enacted at once: Rent Control for all Buildings Update Ontario rent regulations to enact rent control (is outlined) below for all buildings, not just those built before November 2018.

Same Rent for New Tenants Introduce legislation that mandates new tenants to pay the same rent as former tenants within a building. This will prevent arbitrary increases and ensure affordability for all.

Allowable Annual Rental Increases Calculate annual rental increases based on inflation rates determined by the Government of Canada. By tying rental hikes to economic indicators such as inflation, we can strike a balance between protecting tenant rights and allowing landlords reasonable adjustment.

Public Rent Registry Establish a publicly accessible rental registry where tenants can find out what previous occupants paid in rent for specific units, or buildings. Transparency is key to preventing unfair practices and empowering renters with information they need during negotiations.

Accessible Legal Aid Provide access to legal aid services specifically tailored for tenants who wish to contest illegal rent hikes or address other housing related issues through proper legal channels. This support will level the playing field between landlords with resources at their disposal and vulnerable renters seeking justice.

Stronger Enforcement & Tougher Penalties Strengthen enforcement mechanisms

against landlords who neglect their maintenance responsibilities or fail to comply with established regulations regarding fair rents and habitable living conditions within their properties.

Another petition by Amanda Hoefman titled, “Protect Renters in Canada from Unlivable Costs,” calls for protection from exploitative landlords who are driven by profit motives amidst the failures of the Ontario provincial government to act. The petition quotes statistics from Rentas.ca which show that renters have seen an average of $224 per month increase in rent from the January 2023 Rent Report, which is a 12% increase from a year ago.

The question was posed “What will we do if this continues?” It notes further that with a mean income of $40,000 per year for the average Canadian, and a landlord requesting prospective tenants to make $100,000 a year to obtain a one-bedroom apartment.

The petition states explicitly, “The Government of Canada has a duty to find and implement solutions to the unaffordable housing crisis we are seeing in cities across the country. We need national regulations that protect people so they can afford a roof over their heads.”

HELP, WHERE YOU NEED IT ANIMAL COMMUNICATION LEVEL 1 Online video course NOW AVAILABLE Learn how to speak with the animals.

For more information - visit: UltimateHealingConcepts.com/Online-Courses DISTANCE ENERGY CLEARING NOW AVAILABLE - INCLUDES REMOVAL OF: Stagnant Energy Blocks Stored Emotional Trauma Unwanted Energy Cords Revitalization of your energy Distance Pet Readings also available

CALL OR TEXT

TEL: 705-291-1100

www.UltimateHealingConcepts.com

PAGE 18

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Photo Credit: Jeff Lockhart

Photo Credit: Jeff Lockhart

PVRX

Marking his place as a Hip Hop Legacy “I’m from a place, Where they kick it in the summer, summer, summertime.”

An intelligent Hip-Hop lyricist, our Classic Man possesses a unique blend of linguistic prowess, cultural insight, and an innate understanding of rhythm and flow.

This wordsmith not only weaves intricate rhyme schemes, but also employs a keen intellect to craft thought-provoking and socially relevant lyrics.

He navigates the intricate landscape of language with finesse, effortlessly playing with words that convey complex ideas. Metaphors, similes, and wordplay are not just tools, but artistic expressions, seamlessly integrated to create a tapestry of meaning. Each line is a carefully constructed puzzle piece, fitting together to form a larger picture of life in Toronto that resonates with depth and substance.

Beyond mere linguistic skill, he possesses a sharp awareness of societal issues, cultural nuances, and the human experience. His words serve as a commentary on the world around them, offering astute observations and challenging perspectives. Social consciousness is interwoven with the beats, making the music not just a form of entertainment, but a platform for reflection and dialogue.

He is a master of rhythm, understanding the cadence of his words and how they sync with the music. Flow is not just about rhyming, but about riding the beat with precision, enhancing the auditory experience. His delivery is a dynamic dance, shifting effortlessly between tempos and tones to create a captivating and engaging performance.

“When people around me call me Daniel Dove, it is a little weird. I only hear it in the corporate space…

Twenty-nine-year-old rapper, and creative genius PVRX (pronounced “Pyrex”) has been cementing his place in the Toronto Hip-Hop scene for a while now, and for good reason. Having signed on to the iconic Hip-Hop label Def Jam (courted by label president Paul Rosenberg himself), the Rexdale native is helping keep the Toronto Hip-Hop scene on the map, and he is poised to be one of the country’s biggest breakout acts. Even with international fame nipping at his heels PVRX remains admirably calm and collected.

“Evolution is key because I don’t want to do the same tricks,” he had explained in one of his older interviews. “My old stuff is all rap, but it’s a more easygoing melodic style... It’s just a different chapter. I like to explore new terrain, so I’m constantly leaving myself open.”

Undeniably, this evolution has taken his career to heights he never imagined, following the success of singles like

“’94,” “Make It” and, most recently, his lead single “Hillside.”

After making his major label debut on Undisputed (alongside YK Osiris, Nimic Revenue, YFL Kelvin, and Striiipes amongst others), PVRX released the singles “Mixed” by record producer 40, and “Know Me” in August 2018. He released his debut “Extended Play” album “3.14” on July 26th, 2019. The album was permeated with melodies that complemented his storytelling lyrics. It contained guest appearances from Dave East and Yung Pinch. The album was supported by the two singles “Make It,” and “Is U Down,” which amassed over one million views in one month of release. It featured production from: FrancisGotHeat, Moula 1st, and Nineteen85 amongst others. Right before the 2020 lockdown, he was featured on 6ixBuzz’s compilation album NortherSound released on December 13th, 2019.

Having taken about a year to complete, he describes the creative process as dynamic: “Things change when you’re creating ... I like to be in love with a project.”

He is the youngest child of three siblings and was raised in a Jamaican household. Naturally his music is influenced by Caribbean culture, along with influences from the likes of “The Lox,” Jay-Z,” “Eminem,” and “50-Cent.” In many ways, he can relate to these artists as the stories told are reminiscent of what he experienced growing up in a place we all know as Rexdale. I finally tracked down this young man on New Year’s Eve, and he graciously took some time to share some of his story with me.

“I had a fun childhood, going outside, playing, you know life before social media,” PVRX begins. “Obviously, things were what they were, but I didn’t know much. I had my family and that was all that mattered.

I didn’t really have my dad in my life until recently; it was hard because in many ways I had to raise myself. Sometimes a mom can only raise a man child for so long. I was so used to not having him around; I didn’t know the significance of having a father. I still don’t know what that is like; thankfully, there were some older men around that helped me navigate my world.”

It was in elementary school that PVRX’s genius began to shine through.

“I started to notice that I could put words together; at that time, I don’t think anyone took it seriously, but it was in me to be musically inclined. It became more than just having a hobby. As I got older, it became something that I began to take seriously.

It was my brother who first brought me to a studio; I think I was in

grade four. The song was actually sick. It was called Sesame Street, I think.” PVRX chuckled a little to himself and began to hum a little of the song to me. “After that, it was normal for me. I wasn’t sure how to control my power, which at the time were my words. It is similar to Gohan, Goku’s son in DragonBall Z.” For those who are unfamiliar with DragonBall Z, Gohan is the first-born son of Goku and Chi-Chi, and he possesses a unique blend of Saiyan and Earthling characteristics. Throughout the series, Gohan’s character undergoes significant development, showcasing both his gentleness and immense strength. Gohan plays a significant role in the series, particularly during the Cell Saga, where he achieves remarkable power levels and becomes a key character in the battle against the powerful enemy, Cell. In many ways, it is an analogy that serves PVRX well, as throughout the years, his lyrical sinew has progressively grown, to a point that is cannot be denied.

It was in middle school that people could actually see his lyrical ingenuity.

“People weren’t really surprised, because some of them had already peeped my talent. I didn’t even see how far it could go, but they did.”

At the age of 15, PVRX entered a very dangerous stage in his life; life on the streets of Rexdale, a life that consequently got him arrested and placed in a juvenile detention center. As with any experience, there was a silver lining; he started making music as a tool for therapy, a tool of healing.

PVRX’s probation officer recommended he enroll in The Remix Project, a program created to assist disadvantaged youths excel creatively.

“They asked me what I wanted to do, I told them I wanted to do something that I loved. I wanted to make music, so they introduced me to The Remix Project. I was skeptical at first, but I knew someone who had gone, so I went to check it out, and I was like alright, there was some culture over here. I realized that it wasn’t so bad.”

After hearing his work, Producer Hagler and DJ Agile accepted him into the program. Gavin Sheppard, the founder of the program, played his songs to DJ Joe Kay who connected PVRX’s manager to HBO music supervisor Scott Vener. Scott Vener recommended PVRX to Paul Rosenber, CEO of Def Jam Recordings, who met with PVRX in Toronto, which resulted in PVRX becoming Rosenberg’s first signing in November 2017.

“This kid is not playing; he is serious.” Things happened for him after The Remix Project; he now knows that it was the catalyst of what was to come.

“When I put out the A2H Cipher (2011), we went to the block, and the cameras were up, and we were freestyling.

My turn came and I just ate it. All the high schools were watching it on Facebook. It was one of the new school viral moments.

At that time, there was no competition; if you were not on my team, you were food to me.”

A song that I would recommend Toronto’s Hip Hop heads to check out is PVRX’s song Cool! Upon hearing it, it became one of my favourites on my Spotify, and YouTube playlists. The images in the video are graphic, and I was curious about how much of that story was true, so of course I asked.

“This is the shit that has really happened; it’s sad. My fans need to understand how deep shit can get. As a man, I respect the people who did influence me in the right direction. I was blessed to be around great men. Whatever mistakes they made; they influenced me not to make the same ones.”

The pandemic was a pivotal moment for PVRX, and he tells me how he leveraged the lockdown to his benefit. “Everything was on lock, and this was good because many of my fans were inside. Social media really blew up during that time (Tik Tok, Instagram, YouTube); I discovered you didn’t really need a label. When I released Gang Code, things really took off. I did my online show in 2021, and that was another pivotal moment.”

His latest catchy, and fun song “Hillside” has been doing well, and it is still growing, and he promises his fans that 2024 is going to be a year to remember.

“We have some music, some visuals, some shows, new merchandise, just the continuation of a legacy.”

In essence, PVRX is a literary architect, constructing verses that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Through his words, he has elevated the genre, transforming it into a powerful medium for storytelling, selfexpression, and societal critique. His work is a beautifully melodic open book that has served as a well-rounded introduction to a Credit: P Photography careerPhoto that has now Sanj marked his place as a Hip Hop legacy.

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

T:10.375"

T:6.375"

Meadowvale

Live well. Leave a lasting memory.

Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centres

NEW MANAGEMENT!

NEW MANAGEMENT! CamScanner

www.danforthfoodmarket.com We’re simply the best West Indian store in town.

Grace Soup Mix 250 ml

2

20 3/

Sherbon Juice Drink

2

Grace Jerk Seasoning

3

each 240 ml

99

Assorted 2 L

each 1 L

2

99 2/

Choice Chunk Light Tuna In Water 170 g

Palmolive Ultra Dish Liquid Soap Assorted 591 ml

1

Heinz Tomato Ketchup

99 each

2

$

3/

3

$

Lucozade Energy Glucose Drink

each Orange ONLY 380 ml

49

Hot 280 g

Serge Peanut Punch

2/

3

99

Grace Sardines in Tomato Sauce With Chili 155 g

2

3/

Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil 50 Sq Ft

1

Boom Energy Drink

1

Demerara Gold Cane Sugar

4

Cream of Wheat 3 Minute

3

355 ml

each 3 lbs

$

29

2

20 2/

Grace Condensed Sweetened Whitener 297 ml

800 g

Strongmor Garbage Bags

each 40’s

29

National Popcorn

Spurtree Hot Pepper Sauce

each 3 oz

99 each

5

$

Grace Instant Oats 1 kg

TMPR Alcohol Solution 473 ml

7

99 3/

each Assorted 25-40 g

49

2/

Marshall Alaskan Salted Pollock Fillet 300 g

1

$

2/

99

¢

each

5

$

2/

1

99 each

7

Free Range Goat Meat

3

Salted Jamaica’s Choice Beef Short Ribs Double Smoked Ham

Picnic

1

5

2

99 $ 99 99 $ $ 99 $ lb lb lb lb

9 $ 99 lb

Frozen or Previously Frozen

Frozen

Salted Large Cod Fish

Frozen Large Size 26-30 Cooked 500 g Cocktail Shrimps

Fresh Turkey Wings

Frozen Chicken Drumsticks

7

12

1

19 10

99 $ 1 lb $

99 99 $ each lb

Frozen Chicken Legs Quarter

99

99

20 lbs box

5 kg box

Fresh Seafood Catches

Fresh Lane or Yellow Tail Snappers 1/2-1 lb size

6

Fresh Doctor Fish

Fresh Parrot Fish

Fresh Baby King Fish

Fresh Atlantic Whole Salmon

6

5

7

5

99 99 99 $ $ 99 $ 99 $ $ lb as is lb as is lb as is lb as is lb as is Fresh Jamaican Sugar Cane

Fresh Cho Cho (Chayote)

Fresh Organic Ginger

1 1 1 Five Locations To Serve You Better 99

99

lb

lb

Fresh Jamaican Yellow Yams

4

99

29

lb

lb

Specials in Effect Thu. Jan. 4th until Wed. Jan. 10th, 2024.

Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm

Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 8 pm

Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm

Dundas St. E.

Store Hours

Mond-Thurs 9:30 am to 9 pm Fri.-Sat. 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 6 pm

Rutherford Rd. South .

Lawrence Ave. E .

Kennedy Rd. Soith

Finch Ave. W .

Dixie Rd.

d

Danforth Food Market 1225 Dundas St. Dixie & Dundas Missisauga 905-949-9990

Cawtra Rd.

Roa

D r.

ion

Danforth Food Market 651 Markam Rd. 416-439-6397

Markam Rd.

Sheppard Ave. W .

Danforth Food Market 301 Silverstone Dr. A l b 416-740-9870

Si lv er st on e

Danforth Food Market 3701 Keele St. 416-398-8123

Martin Grove Rd.

Although we strive for accuracy in both copy & illustration, unintentional error may occur, we reserve the right to correct any error. Specials Available While Quantities Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

Stafford Dr. Sheppard Ave. E .

Finch Ave. W. Bloor St. E. Steeles Ave. W.

Keele St.

5

Fresh Beef Liver

Grown From Australia

Frozen Easy Cooked Trimmed Oxtail

Danforth Food Market 144 Kennedy Road South 289-298-0399

Glidden Rd.

Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm

WE ARE

HIRING! Want to be a changemaker in Black, African and Caribbean communities?

Join our Roots Community Services team as we deliver culturally affirming services and programs that offer individuals and families pathways to wellness.

Visit rootscs.org/join-us for more information

Praise and Traditions Gardens Now Open Honour your faith, traditions and family in our new Praise and Traditions Gardens.

Memorialize a cherished life in this exclusive and tranquil setting.

Book an appointment today.

905-936-9119

Glenview Memorial Gardens

by Arbor Memorial 7541 Hwy #50, Woodbridge, ON glenviewmemorial.ca

Arbor Memorial Inc.

CLIENT:

Arbor Memorial

BLEED:

None

DOCKET:

D024389

TYPE SAFETY:

0.3125” all around

New to Canada?

There are services to support you.

Canada.ca/newcomer-services

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

HEALTH

PAGE 27

This week’s column is full of cautionary notes; talking about sex, love, and safety W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

Marilyn Monroe, the American actress and sex symbol of the 1950s, said, “Sex is a part of nature. I go along with nature.” It was scandalous then, and speaking about sex is still difficult terrain for many people.

A reader recently asked for our thoughts on how to advise young people about sex. The New Year is as good a time as any other to talk about sex – how it relates to life, love, luck, and liberty, and to pain, panic, power, and other potential problems.

For those hoping we’ll disclose

the information and tools you need to talk about sex with your loved ones, it’s necessary to splash a little cold water. This week’s column is full of cautionary notes, and here’s the first one. It’s impossible to treat any topic well in the 600 words allocated each week.

If we have any sage advice, it’s that readers do their homework. To get a decent understanding of any topic, especially complex health ones, you need to read a lot, consult widely, and think about how the issues relate to your family history and context. We hope our brief commentaries spark such efforts and thinking.

Regarding the challenge of talking with youth about sex, we’d offer three starting points. One, it’s a good idea to acknowledge that, for all its: joys, sex have risks, complications, and consequences.

So, if you are not ready to discuss diseases, relationships, and financials, you are probably not ready to talk about sex! Go back to start.

Two, face-to-face discussions can

be a turn-off to youth, as can traditional mores. “Mother knows best,” could be adjusted to “More experienced people who know you well might be worth listening to.”

Even that done, kids will always reject authority; so, pointing them to good resources they can access on their own might be a good option. Maybe waiting for a ring is outdated, but there is something to be said for a little forethought and deliberation.

Three, safety is paramount. It might be boring, but like a good insurance policy, analysis of risks and paying a premium to prepare for the worst-case scenario is a worthwhile investment. It’s an awful fact that it’s not uncommon for young people to experience sexual assault either personally, or in their friend group. Make sure they know where to turn for help.

Birth control needs to be explained and easily accessible. Safe sex includes using condoms to protect from sexually transmitted diseases.

Talking about sex is part art, part connect the dots. Either way, for many peo-

ple, it is hard to open a discussion.

The downside of not discussing sex with the young people you love is relinquishing the territory to less honourable sources. The images and messages they will encounter online are probably not your idea of healthy sex education.

Take heart, there are other topics that, apparently, are harder to discuss.

Studies have found that parents of teens find it more difficult to talk about weight with their child than talking about sex.

That’s something to think about!

Keep these things in mind; one, there are resources to help. Two, everyone likely has a few questions they’d like to surface. Three, everyone has biases too, and if they can be acknowledged, the discussions might be easier.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer always gave her advice straight and to the point. “When it comes to sex, the most important six inches are the ones between the ears.” Tell that to the kids. The joke is easy to remember and there’s truth in the humour.

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

HEALTH

PAGE 29

Many of us have not given our hearts the attention it deserves TRISHA SMITH

trishas@carib101.com

SAKRED SYNERGI

The heart is at the center of our livelihood, and our bodies. With its life-giving rhythm that regulates the flow of life force through our bodies, the heart is an integral part of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Being about the size of an adult human fist, the heart beats about 115,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood every day. It’s a two-way pump, responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body while carrying metabolic waste like carbon dioxide to the lungs for expulsion. I think it’s fair to

say that the heart gets no days off and so we must do our due diligence in maintaining its integrity. Hearth health is maintained through conscious eating, supplements, an active lifestyle and on a mental level, a healthy love for oneself.

When we have: a poor diet, do not exercise, experience chronic stress, are not getting sufficient amounts of heart rich nutrients, we leave ourselves at risk for problems.

High blood pressure, also known as the silent killer, is a result of stress and a high fat/salt intake. High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which can then lead to heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in North America.

Needless to say, that many of us have not given our hearts the attention it deserves. Below are a few things we can begin to incorporate into our lives

What you should know about hot flashes Menopause can produce a wide range of symptoms, but the most well-known is hot flashes. Here’s a close look.

Causes Hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes that occur during menopause.

Estrogen, for example, a hormone that helps regulate body temperature, decrea¬ses during this phase of life.

Conse¬quently, nearly three-quarters of people undergoing menopause experience hot flashes.

Description Hot flashes can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and often occur without warning. They’re mainly felt in the chest, neck and face.

However, hot flashes can also be accompanied by flushing, sweating, chills and heart palpitations.

Solutions Hot flashes can disrupt daily activities and impact a person’s quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to adopt healthy habits to minimize their effects.

For example, you should: • Avoid foods and beverages that trigger hot flashes • Wear light, breathable, loose-fitting clothes • Stay cool using ice packs, fans and other solutions • Engage in activities that relieve stress • Quit smoking If you’re finding it difficult to manage your menopause symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a health care professional. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments that can help ease your symptoms.

Mental health 4 tips for embracing winter Do you hate winter or loathe the cold?

If so, here are a few tips for making the most of what the season has to offer.

1. Bring the light indoors The short days and long, dark nights of winter can take a toll. This is especially true for people who work indoors with few windows. To help brighten up your space, hang festive lights and garlands and consider investing in a light therapy lamp.

2. Get outside To keep your spirits up in winter, it’s important to spend time outdoors. Invest in warm, comfortable clothing, including boots, mittens, a coat, a hat and a scarf, and be sure to bundle up so you can get plenty of sunshine and fresh air.

3. Dive into your hobbies Whether you enjoy reading, painting, knitting, playing board games, baking or decorating, winter is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the indoor hobbies you love.

4. Focus on the opportunities Winter has its charms, and it’s hard to deny that snow-covered landscapes can be beautiful. In addition, winter activities like skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are sure to keep you busy. Plus, seasonal festivals, shows and special events can be fun to attend.

If you’ve tried everything but can’t seem to get out of your winter funk, you may be suffering from seasonal depression. In this case, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

to help maintain proper cardiovascular function.

Studies have shown that Omega 3 can be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. It does this by lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels while lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Studies have also shown that Omega 3 can also decrease platelet aggregation, which keeps the passage of the coronary arteries open, preventing stroke.

Inflammation in the body can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease and stroke. Omega 3 contains active anti-inflammatory properties which help to combat inflammation and protect the blood vessels. Omega 3 in the form of: Cod Liver Oil, Flaxseed oil and Algae oil, are a clean and rich source of this polyunsaturated fat. If you want to go beyond heart health, it regulates bowel function, hydrates the skin and improves the health of our hair and nails!

Common food sources containing Omega 3 fatty acids include: oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. You can also find it in avocados, nuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds.

Hawthorne berries are also known to help increase the flow of blood to the heart and strengthen contractions. They have a positive ef-

fect on lowering blood pressure, which in turn reduces stress on the heart to pump harder. Its rich antioxidant properties help to counteract oxidative stress which is key for preventing heart disease. Hawthorne berries even help to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood, thus preventing heart attack and stroke.

The dried form of these berries are so tangy and good! I like to add a few to my thermos in the morning and let it steep in hot water as I sip it throughout the day and eat the berries when the tea is done. A great replacement for your morning tea ritual. If tea is not your thing, you can purchase capsules, liquid extract, or powder form and add it to your water.

If we want to get serious about keeping our hearts in check, reducing salt and fatty food intake is a positive step in the right direction. Replace it with healthier food choices like oily fish and high fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains. Going for a daily walk, meditating, and giving up smoking can also prevent heart-related problems.

Did you know that laughter is good for the heart? Laugh and love yourself more, say 10 affirmations a day that makes you feel good about yourself, create boundaries in your life, and treat your heart with the respect it deserves.

PAGE 30

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Kwanzaa: A celebration of culture, community, and cuisine MEGAN ROBERTS megan@carib101.com

DELICIOUS CONVERSATIONS

Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st each year, holds a special place in the hearts of African-Americans and Pan-African communities worldwide. Rooted in African traditions and infused with the spirit of unity and heritage, Kwanzaa is a seven-day festival that commemorates the values and principles that are essential to the African diaspora. In this article, we will explore the history and foods associated with Kwanzaa, a celebration that emphasizes family, community, and the richness of African culture.

The History of Kwanzaa Kwanzaa was created in the United States in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African Studies, as a way to celebrate and reconnect African-Americans with their African roots. The name «Kwanzaa» is derived from the Swahili phrase «matunda ya kwanza,» which translates to «first fruits.» This reflects the central theme of the holiday, which is to honor the harvest and the values of African culture.

Kwanzaa is observed for seven days, with each day dedicated to one of the seven principles known as Nguzo Saba. These principles are:

seven principles. Each day, a new candle is lit, starting with the black center candle, which represents Umoja (Unity), and then proceeding alternately from left to right.

Other important symbols include: the Mkeka (mat), which represents the foundation upon which everything is built; the Mazao (crops), which represents the harvest and the rewards of collective labor; the Vibunzi (ear of corn), which represents each child in the family; the Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup), used for the pouring of libations to honor ancestors; and Zawadi (gifts), which are typically given to children to encourage growth and self-improvement.

Kwanzaa Foods: A Celebration of Flavors Food is a central element of Kwanzaa, reflecting the idea of: unity, abundance, and shared heritage. Traditional dishes are prepared and shared among family and friends during Kwanzaa celebrations.

Some of the key foods associated with the holiday include: Collard Greens: Collard greens are often served to represent the color green, symbolizing the land and the future.

Black-Eyed Peas: These legumes are a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

Cornbread: Cornbread represents the ancestors and the sustenance they provided to their descendants.

Yams: Yams are a symbol of the ancestors’ ability to endure hardship and still flourish.

1. Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the: family, community, and nation.

Okra: Okra, often used in stews, represents the collective work and responsibility of the community.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.

Plantains: Plantains are a symbol of creativity, as they can be prepared in various ways.

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together, make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together.

Fruit: Fruits like oranges and apples are used to decorate the Kwanzaa table, representing the African harvest.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses, and to profit from them together.

5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community, and to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

6. Kuumba (Creativity): To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, and to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

7. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in: our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa Traditions and Symbols During Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to celebrate these principles through a series of rituals and symbols. The central symbol is the Kinara, a seven-candle holder that represents the

Kwanzaa Cake: A special cake, often adorned with the colors of the holiday (red, black, and green), may be prepared as a dessert.

The preparation and sharing of these foods hold deep cultural significance during Kwanzaa, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and the celebration of African heritage.

Kwanzaa is a time for African-Americans and Pan-African communities to come together and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Rooted in the principles of Nguzo Saba, this holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on the values that have sustained the African diaspora throughout history.

Through the rituals, symbols, and flavors of Kwanzaa, individuals and families honor their ancestors, embrace unity, and look forward to a future filled with hope, purpose, and community. As we celebrate Kwanzaa each year, we strengthen our bonds and reaffirm our commitment to the principles that guide us on our collective journey.

LIFE

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 31

2023: The year of learning SYDNEE WALCOTT sydnee@carib101.com

VARIETY CORNER

Learning in life never stops, no matter how old one gets. However, 2023 was the year where a lot of learning took place.

Since November, I have come across several tweets where people have shared how they have learned a lot of

crucial lessons this year regarding their: love life, friendships, family, the importance of self-love, and overall growth.

Seeing these tweets made me agree that 2023 was the year of learning for myself and the people around me.

Personally, for me, there were quite a few lessons I had to learn.

The first lesson that I had to learn was that when one door closes, another one opens. I had a story pitch on Shanquella Robinson’s murder that another publication rejected. Having the idea get rejected was something I was not happy about. Following the story has helped many, myself included, understand why many keep their friend circle small, or

stay to themselves. So, I wanted to write an article on what one can learn from the situation. Through this publication, I was able to make that a reality. Not only did I receive appreciation for taking on the topic, but the article also became the number one trending article at one point.

2023 also taught me the importance of how family is forever and made me think about the consequences of what would happen if I were to jeopardize my relationship with my loved ones.

Empathy was another big lesson for me. Throughout this year, I found myself in some serious situations where I have had to put myself in other people’s

shoes and imagine how I would feel if I were to endure the same hurt another person was subjecting them to.

Honouring other people’s time was a big lesson I had to learn in 2023.

Disrespecting someone’s time can come at the cost of a friendship, or a relationship - something I’ve seen play out in 2023.

There were plenty of other leading lessons I’ve learned in 2023. However, these four were the biggest of them all.

As we say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024, all of us should apply this new learning to 2024 and hope to achieve positive outcomes from what we’ve learned.

This is one of the most talented cities in the world, and we have the depth and history to prove it

BY ADRIAN REECE Every year adds to our memories as time passes, and art becomes permanently etched in history whether you had a chance to experience it. 2023 added many creative projects to the art archives.

However, we should be looking forward to 2024; many of us already know how incredibly talented the citizens of Toronto are, and how many people possess unique and exciting skills and abilities.

Armed with the knowledge that there is so much to see everywhere we turn, we should be excited for what will come in 2024.

There are many artists with projects scheduled to be released for the year, and the fanbase is eager to absorb their words, thoughts and artistry. From: filmmakers to musicians, painters and poets, it will be a year that excites the masses; as long as you pay attention,

there will always be something to occupy your weekends. People don’t need to spend all their time chasing club scenes and the same lounges that are usually frequented; it is time to diversify our interests and give different venues and entertainment a chance.

Today, when you think of music in Toronto, the first name that comes to mind is Drake. It is well deserved, however, when you consider artists that are growing and building their fanbases, Jadahope, known on social media by her handle @iamjadahope, is an R&B artist with a beautiful voice and an onstage flair that captures the audience’s attention whenever she performs. There is also a rising hip hop star named Ammaar Dawson, going by the handle of the @.ammaar.show, where he displays his talent with wordplay and metaphors to capture and intrigue his listeners.

Some poets to look out for come

straight from the 6ix Poet Society, an organization that hosts events in Toronto from the East to the West. Judith Shaw is a spectacular performer who brings energy and culture to the stage. Ramon Carty does open mics online twice weekly while helping organize live events that welcome new and seasoned artists to the stage and audience. A man known by his stage name, the Pretty Provocative Poet, graces his fan’s senses with wordplay that can do anything from excite you to leave you with a sense of awe and simply wanting more after he leaves the stage.

Of course, even clothing and jewelry are an art form, and we in Toronto are not shy of growing geniuses who create beautiful clothing and accessories.

Watson & Co is a jewelry company slowly expanding, fulfilling women’s needs for elegant accessories; Lovefayshon is a talented fashion brand ahead of the game in clothing and style. You will also find

Malcolm Exclusive to be the right choice when you need a suit and tie.

Of course, the Cinerama Film Festival will be back in 2024 with new notable films for their fans to partake in, and their events need to be highlighted to benefit the city’s growing culture.

All of these artists and creatives make this city so unique and special; these are just samples of the number of creators that exist here. With so many growing artists putting out their best work in the coming year, it is fascinating to consider that these people are professionals who rival any artist, or brand; the only thing they need is your attention and support.

Here we are in 2024; it is time to start paying attention, looking at local talent, and lifting them. This is one of the most talented cities in the world, and we have the depth and history to prove it.

Friend, or foe?

That is the challenge each of us must live with; a look at the rise in crime STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

INSIGHT TO SOCIETY

Violent crime is on the upswing these days. The price of just about anything is rising, inflation or not, as businesses and governments compete for our excess dollars, but do we have that extra dollar to spend? Our financial difficulty is related to the crime uptick throughout the world, let alone in Canada. It is very difficult for some to make ends meet.

Chilliwack, BC has a 16% increase in violent crime, a 10% increase in priority calls such as a risk of violence to a person.

While property crimes are slightly down, our neighbors are taking their frustration out on others, their family members, neighbors, or total strangers. To add coal onto this fire, is an increase in hate crimes, threats and acts of vandalism.

RCMP detachments have recorded a considerable increase in drug cen-

tered crimes, serious assaults, robberies and burglary events. Much of this is centered upon money, or the lack of money.

Governments have stopped their COVID payouts, direct assistance to individuals and businesses, and getting onto a government social program is more difficult than ever before.

Gang membership is on the rise, as youths search for ways to make the funds they and their families require. The turnstile justice presented to Canadians presents a process of arrest followed by near immediate release of offenders.

Stores are experiencing gang assaults, raids where a group of people enter a store and then ransack it. The crime of theft. once a severely punishable crime, has developed into a cottage industry particularly within the urban centers of Canada.

Have you witnessed individuals going through your backyard, looking around, acting as Hydro or Gas agents when in fact they are scouting out your home for probable burglary. Fraud challenges out elderly on a daily basis, where criminals victimize seniors in person, or on the internet. Fraud towards the elderly in Canada has risen some 168%, and our police departments are outnumbered,

and often out hacked by the criminal element.

Automobiles being stolen day, or night, and shipped to far off lands for big bucks. Sometimes the police can arrest the criminals, and retrieve the stolen vehicles, but often once stolen, bye bye. Insurance rates are rising because this continual theft of vehicles, damage to private property is forever growing seemingly in an unstoppable fashion. We need our vehicles in Canada, no matter what the environmentalists tell us to do, like use public transit etc. We invest in a home, a vehicle and our lives too, yet we are challenged by criminality at every turn.

People who have the privilege of owning a cottage, or vacation spot may have experienced criminal activities such as: theft, break and enter, people moving into unoccupied cottages and vandalism. Respect for the possessions of others seems to have gone the way of the dodo bird. Rage and violence are witnessed in grocery stores, retail outlets and in public places with more frequency, and police calls have escalated since the pandemic.

Less serious crimes are often reported and not acted upon by the police who are outnumbered, overworked and stressed themselves. I know of an incident in Brad-

ford a while back where the Simcoe Police released a fugitive wanted in another region, and that person stole a car at a gas station while being videotaped. More concerned about the ramifications of the wrongful release than helping the victim of the crime, the police have a lot to answer for, but no one is championing the victim, as usual.

We are victims, walking around with targets on our foreheads. There is no way we can tell who is a criminal, or friend. Friend, or foe, that is the challenge each of us must live with. We continue to pay our taxes without question like the Canadian sheep that we are. Americans at least complain, but Canadians, not so much. Does victimhood feel good? Have we come accustomed to crime and victimhood?

Gloria Stein once said that “Feminism is not women as victims, but women refusing to be victimized.” Let’s apply that to victimization by criminals. Stand your ground and fight the good fight. Shawn Davis once said that “Injustice, like pain, is a birthright we all receive once we become members of society.” The challenge we face is how we accept the challenge, what will we do to lessen our pain, our struggles, our thirst for peace and safety.

PAGE 32

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Ready to face this year, with a new energy, new focus, and new vision!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

“What are you doing this year for New Year’s Simone?”

“The same thing that I do every year; I plan to take over the world.”

Last weekend, plans were being made all over the world to celebrate New Year's Eve. Some people spend it in the comfort of their homes. Other people go to parties, which are a popular choice for New Year's Eve celebrations. Some individuals take advantage of the holiday to travel to new destinations, or they might go on a vacation to celebrate the New Year in a different city, or even a different country.

Families often have their own unique traditions for New Year's Eve: playing games, watching a specific movie, or engaging in activities that hold sentimental value. Some people use New Year's Eve as a time for reflection; I happen to be one of those people. This New Year's Eve, I spent the evening with my best friend and her family, and we reflected on the past year's experiences, and creatively set goals for the upcoming year.

There are many of us who are familiar with the law of attraction theory, which suggests that positive, or negative thoughts bring positive, or negative experiences into a person's life. The idea is that by focusing on positive goals and images, you attract positive outcomes. While this concept is not universally accepted, the act of setting positive intentions can contribute to a more optimistic mindset. One way that I personally do this is with my

yearly vision boards.

Vision boards provide me with a visual representation of my goals and aspirations. By seeing images and words that represent my desires, I stay focused and motivated throughout the year. Visualization is a popular technique used by athletes, performers, and successful individuals in various fields to enhance performance and achieve goals.

My vision boards serve as a tangible reminder of my goals. When I complete my board, I put it up in my bedroom, and it serves as a daily reminder of what I am working towards.

The visual reinforcement helps keep me motivated and on track. As I selected images and phrases that resonated with me, I was forced to think about what truly mattered to me. This process helped me gain a clearer understanding of my aspirations and priorities.

One piece of advice that I

would like to share with everyone is to be mindful who you share your vision with. Sharing your vision with everyone exposes you to different opinions, and not all of them may be supportive.

Some people may be negative, or critical, which can be discouraging. Protecting your vision from unnecessary negativity will help you stay focused.

Not everyone will understand or align with your vision. Sharing it with everyone may lead to unsolicited advice, or opinions that could divert your attention and energy away from your goals.

A vision often involves personal growth and development. Sharing it with a select few who can provide constructive feedback and support is more beneficial than sharing it with everyone.

I am ready to face this year, with a new energy, new focus, and new vision! Happy New Year everyone!

Resistance in Africa to trans-Atlantic human trafficking; Part I DESMOND BOLLERS desmond@carib101.com

CARIBBEAN HISTORY

Apologists for slavery in the Americas like to point gleefully to the fact that the majority of Africans who were trafficked to the Americas were sold by their ‘fellow Africans.’ This is undoubtedly true. However, we must remember that although Europeans and Arabs saw all the inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa as Africans, the concept of 'Africaness' did not emerge among Africans until the twentieth century.

For the Africans who participated in the trade therefore they were not selling their ‘fellow Africans’ they were selling their captured enemies, or persons who were their debtors, or were otherwise ‘different.’ It is probably safe to assume that African traders of enslaved people did not know how bad European plantation enslavement was and they

obviously would not have known about the horrors of the Middle Passage since no one came back to inform them. They would probably not even have cared since the people they were selling were not their own ‘kith and kin’.

We should note that there is nothing particularly ‘African’ about this behavior. We all know the story in the Bible of how Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery indicating that this may not have been an unusual practice among Jews of that period. Ancient Greeks and Romans enslaved their fellow Europeans, and in fact medieval Europeans continued to own enslaved persons, trade in enslaved persons, and enslave each other into the 14th and 15th centuries.

Alan W. Fisher (Professor of history and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University) and other historians estimate that during the three centuries of Tartar raiding from the 13th century to the15th century about three million Slavic peasants from Russia, Poland and the Ukraine were captured and sold to the Ottomans.

So prevalent and persistent was the practice of Europeans trafficking other Europeans to Moslem states, that successive Popes found it necessary

from the 14th to the early 15th Century to issue repeated admonitions against Christians selling other Christians to Moslem Egypt. In 1476, over forty years after the Papal Bulls "Creator omnium" and "Sicut "Dudum," Pope Sixtus IV was forced to repeat the prohibition in his papal bull Regimini gregis, which threatened the excommunication of all captains, or pirates who enslaved Canary Islanders who had converted to Christianity.

In medieval Japan, Japanese people were enslaved for a variety of reasons, as were captives from Korea and China. Japanese merchants conducted a brisk trade selling captives from Korea and China. In fact, the Japanese sold their fellow Japanese into slavery just as enthusiastically to the Portuguese during the period of the ‘Nanban’ trade. The concept of ‘Asianess’ simply did not exist.

In North America and South America, Native Americans sold their enemies to the Europeans to be enslaved. A form of social relationship that could be characterized as slavery existed among some Native American tribes in North America prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

However, the nature of this slavery changed with European colonization.

Some Native Americans kidnapped and trafficked their traditional enemies into slavery to Europeans, while others were kidnapped and trafficked directly by Europeans.

European contact greatly influenced slavery as it existed among precontact Native Americans, particularly in scale as they raided other tribes to kidnap and traffic captives for sale to Europeans as had been the case in Africa. Remember that the concept of being Native American did not exist at this time. The Native Americans of the Northern Coast of South America provided the plantations in the Dutch settlements with Native Americans who were enslaved and forced to carry out fieldwork and domestic labour by raiding other nations.

Even in the twentieth century we witnessed Arabs in Syria selling their fellow Arabs into slavery. Professor Robert C. Davis (Professor Emeritus of Italian Renaissance and pre-modern Mediterranean History at Ohio State University) states that "People from almost every race, religion, culture or civilization have been made slaves by their own people and similarly enslaved by other people too."

LIFE

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

The Heightened Chef Awards recognizing cannabis excellence; Part I SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com

THE HEIGHTENED CHEF The Heightened Chef’s odyssey has taken our team across the culinary world and into the DNA of the cannabis industry. In creating this platform, we’ve met some truly stellar people who are beacons for: food, art and cannabis. For the fourth year, we make time to shine our spotlights on them, the best and brightest humans we know.

No obvious theatrics, or spectacle, just pure love for recognized excellence.

The following are brief descriptions of each award and about each recipient.

Rookie of the Year ~ Awarded to the person or entity with the most impressive debut at The Heightened Chef this season.

Rich London is a: father, a husband and entrepreneur in that order. He has a firm place in the origins of Toronto’s Hip Hop scene. He took his art that helped build the city’s music legacy and used it to elevate him beyond. Now a successful business owner, he uses his street smarts to skillfully navigate the highly competitive world of commerce. While it was his debut to our passengers, he is no rookie to the game!

The EatFamous Photo of the Year ~ Awarded to a guest with the best The Heightened Chef food pic this season, in honour of our resident food influencer guru and regular co-host; Ryan Hinkson (@ eatfamous).

Food, by its nature, is only temporary, but pictures are immortal. This year’s EatFamous award winner; Brook Snow, was able to capture the essence of deliciousness with her stunning food photos. While not being a professional photographer, the artistry and quality of her food pictures make anyone viewing them salivate. Most stunning were her pictures from this season’s “FriendsGiving Fall Fashion Gala.” The dishes from that night were quickly de-

voured, but her pictures will last forever.

The Golden Ticket ~ Awarding a season’s pass for next season to a frequent guest who does the most to be an ambassador of The Heightened Chef.

As one of our most coveted awards, it is often hard to select one person from this small pool of nominees. By design, The Heightened Chef membership is full of amazingly supportive people who make up a family that the rest of the Cannabis community enviously desires. This year’s Golden Ticket winner: Kelly Cesar has been a stalwart for our cause dating back many seasons. Along with husband Ryan, their love and support has undoubtedly helped fuel our success to the heights we have yet to match. Relative to her support as guest and ambassador, a VIP pass to all events in 2024 is but a small token of our appreciation.

Chadwick Boseman Champion of Champions ~ Best dish of the season. Decided by voters and guests.

Since the near inception of our events, a tradition has arisen of guests

choosing the best dish of the evening at every single episode gaining it the moniker of Champion of the Night. This title was lovingly updated to become the Kobe Bryant Champion of the Night after his passing and in memory of his relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Chadwick Boseman Champion of Champions award takes all previous champions from a given season into consideration in order to decide the pinnacle of our culinary achievement. This year’s recipient is from our “FriendsGiving Fall Fashion Gala,” and was the Dr. Pepper Chicken Lollipops, which were smoked chicken legs with infused Dr. Pepper BBQ sweet sauce, along with Granny’s potato salad stands tall as a monarch. The infused Dr. Pepper sauce will go down in history as one our greatest creations.

Thank you and congratulations to the above recipients. Please make sure to return to the next issue as we declare the winners of our final four Heightened Chef awards: Cannabis Vanguard, Creative Visionary, Trailblazing Innovator and Olympian of the Year!

PAGE 34

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Virtual staging vs. real staging

What to consider when purchasing an investment property Although investing in real estate can be lucrative, understanding the poten­ tial risks and rewards is crucial to earning a return on your investment. If you’re considering purchasing an investment property, your financial success or failure can hinge on a handful of factors. Here are four key considerations.

1. Location. Be sure to choose a home in a neighbourhood that will attract high-quality tenants. For instance, look for homes in desirable areas near schools, hospitals, public transportation and retail stores.

2. Condition. While a fixer-upper can be appealing, be realistic about future costs. Renovating a completely run-down property can run into significant expense, cutting into your potential profits. Look for a home with “good bones” that will allow you to recoup your renovation costs.

3. Follow the one per cent rule. Many investors use the one per cent rule to gauge whether a property will be a good investment. For example, a home with a purchase price of $100,000 should bring in $1,000 per month to be worth your while.

When it comes to selling your home, a good first impression is crucial to a suc­ cessful outcome. Staging your property is a great way to present it in the best possible light. Traditionally, real staging has been the go-to method for creating an inviting and appealing atmosphere.

However, virtual staging has become a popular alternative thanks to technologi­ cal advancements.

Real staging Real staging involves physically furnishing and decorating your home. Professional stagers carefully select pieces to accen­ tuate the property’s best features, giving potential buyers a tangible and immersive experience. However, real staging can be expensive and time-consuming.

Virtual staging Virtual staging leverages compu­ ter-generated imagery (CGI) to digitally

furnish and decorate empty spaces. Pro­ fessional designers use specialized sof­ tware to create hyper-realistic represen­ tations of rooms, which can be easily altered to match various styles and tastes.

4. Property taxes. Always factor in property taxes when purchasing an invest­ ment property. High taxes can significantly reduce your profits, whereas low taxes will allow you to keep more of your monthly rental income.

Consider consulting a local real estate expert to help guide you in making the best decision for your investment goals. They’ll be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on market conditions and trends to ensure you make a smart decision.

Virtual staging is generally more afford­ able than real staging, making it a suit­ able option for sellers on a budget. You can also easily make changes and experi­ ment with various furniture styles and layouts. However, buyers can only expe­ rience the property through photographs, which might not fully convey the actual feel of the space.

Speak with a local real estate agent to determine which staging approach best suits your target market.

How is property value determined?

Are you curious about how much your home is worth? A home’s value is deter­ mined by various factors. Here are a few.

1. Location. The location of the property is one of the most significant factors in determining its value. For instance, pro­ perties in desirable neighbourhoods with low crime rates tend to have higher values.

2. Property size and features. The size of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and special features, like a swimming pool, all contribute to its value. Larger properties with desir­ able features usually command higher prices.

3. Condition and age. The condition of the property and its age can impact its value. Well-maintained properties gen­ erally have higher values than those in

disrepair. Renovations and upgrades can also add value.

4. Real estate market. The overall state of the real estate market plays a crucial role in determining property value. In a seller’s market (high demand, low inven­ tory), prices tend to rise. By contrast, prices in a buyer’s market (low demand, high inventory) may stagnate or decline.

5. Infrastructure and development.

Homes in areas with new developments, such as roads, schools, parks and retail stores are appealing to buyers and of­ ten sell for more.

Keep in mind that property valuation isn’t an exact science, and different professio­ nals may have varying opinions on a property’s worth. Speak with a local real estate agent for the most pre­ cise information.

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

REAL ESTATE

PAGE 35

Lien abuse surges in Ontario JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

Think of a lien like a sticky note on your stuff, saying, “I lent money, and this is the collateral.” It’s like pawning your favourite guitar for some quick cash. If you don’t pay back the money with a little extra interest on time, the lender can sell your guitar to get their money back. Mortgages are like the official version—your house is the collateral for the home loan. And in Ontario, if you provide a service or materials for a project, you can slap a lien on the property, kind of like a “you owe me” note that is called a Notice Of Security Interest (NOSI).

Lien abuse is a severe issue in Ontario—last year the province saw a whopping 38,000 of liens filed! Many of these liens come from companies handling home-related services like furnaces and AC units. The catch is that homeowners often discover these liens only when they’re ready to refinance or sell their place. It becomes a nail-biting race because they must clear the lien ASAP before sealing the deal, and the disputed amount can be ridiculously high! Homeowners usually pay the ransom to sell or refinance their homes.

These companies target seniors, new

immigrants, families on a tight budget, and those who aren’t fluent in English.

Imagine this: Laurie thought she bought a furnace and AC for $7,335 with a sweet 0% interest deal.

Plot twist— it a rental agreement, and what was the actual cost? A whopping $20,000 over the equipment’s life!

But Laurie fought back in small claims court, scoring $10,000 in punitive damages. Talk about a victory! Laurie’s story isn’t a lone ranger. Thousands are in the same boat, but most homeowners don’t dive into legal battles.

In March 2018, Ontario banned door-to-door HVAC system sales and recently made moves by tweaking the Consumer Protection Act. It’s high time all similar contracts get the green light from homeowners’ solicitors before anything gets installed. Let’s bring clarity to the contracts and protect homeowners!

Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery, dropped some truth about NOSIs. According to him, these things don’t serve any legitimate commercial interest—they’re just dead weight now. His bold idea? Instead of making it easier for folks to kick these liens off their title, let’s make sure they can’t be slapped on there in the first place. Genius, right?

Here’s the lowdown on keeping your home and wallet safe: Find a reliable contractor recommended by your inner circle to keep your current gear in top-notch shape. Are you changing things up? Get three written

quotes and weigh all your options before diving in.

Buying beats renting when it comes to equipment. However, if you’re keen on renting, be smart about it—have someone in the know check out those contracts. And if selling is on your horizon, snag that equipment instead of renting. Buyers love a home with an owned HVAC system; it might just sweeten the deal. Safety and savings, all in one!

If you’re dishing out rent for your HVAC system, dive into that contract ASAP. Call a real estate lawyer to scope out your property title—look out for sneaky NOSIs. And if one pops

up, don’t wait—deal with it pronto.

These rental companies love keeping you in the dark, so it’s time to flip the switch and take control of your home game!

Welcome to the era of aartificial intelligence taking the spotlight in our lives. But hold on tight—scam artists are gearing up with high-tech tricks to drain your wallet. The trick? Resist temptation, and here’s the golden rule: never sign a contract you don’t fully get. Bring in the professionals to decode the fine print before you dive in.

It’s the savvy move to keep your financial blood where it belongs—safe and sound.

PAGE 36

HOME

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Biophilic design: connecting your living space with nature Biophilic design incorporates elements of the natural world into homes and businesses to foster a sense of tranquility and vitality. Urbanization is causing people to spend more time indoors, leading to disconnection from the natural world. Biophilic design aims to bridge this gap by bringing nature indoors.

Here are some examples of biophilic design elements: •

3 eco-friendly types of insulation

Visual details. Elements could include views of nature through large windows, indoor plants or artwork depicting nature.

•

Non-visual elements. Auditory cues, such as birds chirping or a waterfall, or natural materials like wood or stone can bring nature to all the senses.

Insulation is an important part of any home. It helps reduce your energy costs by keeping your space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

However, traditional fibreglass insulation contains hazardous fibres, and its manufacturing process is highly energy-intensive. Here are three green insulation options to consider.

•

Dynamic and diffuse light. Consider allowing natural light in whenever possible or using artificial lighting to create a similar effect.

•

Connection with natural systems. Incorporating living plants into a space or using sustainably harvested materials evoke that sense of connection.

1. Sheep’s wool. When sheep’s wool fibres are compressed, they form millions of tiny air pockets.

These pockets trap air to keep your home at the perfect temperature all year round. Moreover, wool is breathable, so the material’s inner layer can absorb moisture without feeling damp or affecting its ability to retain heat.

•

2. Cellulose. Cellulose insulation is made of recycled newsprint and other types of paper. It’s a dense product that provides high heat resistance. Plus, it’s treated with boric acid, making it fire-resistant.

3. Cork. Cork insulation is made from the outer bark of oak trees and is natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Once produced, the finished product has a negative carbon footprint.

Cork is also hypoallergic and has sound-deadening qualities.

Visit your local hardware store to explore insulation options for your home.

Replicate natural shapes. This could include using na-

tural patterns and shapes, such as curved lines or organic forms.

Studies have shown that biophilic design has several benefits for human health and well-being, including: • • • • •

Reduced stress and anxiety Improved mood and cognitive function Increased creativity and productivity Boosted immune system Reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs

Visit your local stores to find everything you need to create a living space that promotes well-being, reduces stress and reconnects you with the beauty and serenity of the natural world.

Popular natural materials for your home renovation Natural materials are increasingly favoured in home construction for their esthetic appeal, sustainability and durability. Here are five preferred natural materials.

1. Wood. A timeless choice due to its warm, inviting look and versatility, wood can be used for framing, flooring, cabinetry and more. It provides a rustic charm and contributes to a comfortable, cozy ambiance.

interest provided by its unique veining.

4. Bamboo. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource known for its strength and versatility. It can be utilized for flooring, structural elements, and as a replacement for traditional timber. Bamboo cultivation typically requires minimal water, pesticides, and fertilizers.

2. Quartz. Durable and elegant, quartz is often used for countertops and backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms.

It’s prized for its resistance to stains and scratches, making it beautiful and practical in high-traffic areas.

5. Hemp. With robust fibres, hemp is an ideal choice for insulation, wall panels, and even building blocks. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and has excellent insulation properties.

Hemp production also generates less pollution and waste compared to traditional materials.

3. Stone. Natural stone, such as granite, marble and slate, adds a touch of luxury and durability to countertops, flooring and fireplace surrounds. Stone is prized for the visual

Visit your local home improvement stores to find these beautiful natural products.

FUN

Thursday, January 4, 2024 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

YOUR HOROSCOPE

for the week of December 31 2023 to January 6, 2024

CROSSWORDS

PUZZLE NO. 95

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS AND CAPRICORN ARIES: Diplomacy is crucial for maintaining harmony. If you’re returning to work and facing major changes, don’t overlook the details. Major projects could strengthen your romantic relationship.

TAURUS: New Year’s Day festivities could give you a touch of nostalgia.

You could be called into work even though you were scheduled to be off this week. A trip could rekindle the passion in your relationship.

GEMINI: You’ll receive well-deserved compliments. Small gestures of affection towards your partner will be greatly appreciated. You could attract some flirtation in a particular setting.

CANCER: Spend a few days at home to regain your strength or get over a cold. This will allow you to let your imagination run wild and come up with new ideas. It will be a wonderful and inspiring time.

LEO: You’ll go on a road trip, chat on the phone or connect on social media with friends. If you need help with housework, kind people will offer to help.

VIRGO: You’ll go on a road trip, chat on the phone or connect on social media with friends. If you need help with housework, kind people will offer to help.

LIBRA: You’ll be spontaneously heroic, which will help boost your selfconfidence. If you’re going on holiday, it’s important to plan your finances and manage your budget.

SCORPIO: If you tend to do too much, make sure you don’t go overboard.

Take time to rest and save your energy for those who really need it. Otherwise, you could feel depleted.

SAGITTARIUS: You’ll feel the urge to start fresh in the New Year and will be determined to make it happen. You could also be looking for a change of scenery or a trip to get away from it all.

CAPRICORN: You’ll plan a trip with friends. Make sure you have your passport and other necessary documents and complete your tasks on time. You radiate joy, and your positive outlook is contagious.

AQUARIUS: With the right planning, you’ll complete all the unfinished tasks you put off, especially personal ones. You’ll manage to get organized and achieve all the goals you set for yourself.

PISCES: This is an excellent time to set new goals. You could also start the New Year with a training program.

You’ll show interest in a wide range of subjects.

PUZZLE NO. 805

HOW TO PLAY : Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

measures, ACROSS for short 1. Antlered deer 44. Fair: hyph.

5. Fearful 45. Golfer’s target wonder 46. That dude 8. Load 47. Tosses 12. Brave person 51. Bloodhound’s clue 13. Trim, as a lawn 52. Prior to, in poetry 14. Sheltered nook 15. Thanksgiving dish 53. Nobleman 54. Evergreen shrubs 16. Mine shipment 55. Married 17. Back end 56. Waiter’s aid 18. Desert floor 20. Land DOWN surrounded by water 1. Reserved 21. Exhausting 2. Iced ____ 24. Soda ____ 3. Branch 26. Change to fit 4. Busybody 27. Gamblers 5. Between 31. Floral wreath 6. Part of a sentence 32. Appear as a ghost 7. Female sheep 34. Contest 8. Handwriting 35. Most peaceful 9. On one’s ____ 37. Occurrence (alert) 39. Unruly kid 10. Egg-shaped 40. Sips 11. “Wish You ____ Here” 41. Current

PAGE 37

19. Song of praise 21. Fine powder 22. Hunch 23. Fence 24. Corral 25. Aquatic mammals 27. Except 28. Kitchen hot box 29. Skating arena 30. Tennis-game units 33. Certain snake 36. Stingy people 38. Purple flower 40. Having an arched ceiling 41. Sailor’s call 42. A la ____ 43. Farm implement 44. Regal form of address 46. Chop down 48. Rowing device 49. Bikini top 50. Tricky

the free

Classifieds

LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FOR FREE! CALL 647-722-6298

Your destination to buy, sell and post!

*Some Restrictions May Apply - Subject To Space Availability

HELP WANTED • ITEMS FOR SALE • PERSONALS • ANNOUNCEMENTS • AND MUCH MORE! FOR SALE FOR SALE

FORWANTED SALE HELP

FOR SALE: Hutch and buffet for sale $200. Call 647-200-2116

WANTED COOK: Someone to cook once a week at their home large order of Roti, curry chicken and curry potatoes. Cost to be discussed. Email postiexyz@yahoo.ca

FOR SALE: Snow tire on rims for small SUV in Good Condition P205-75-15 905-454-3085.

FOR SALE: Single medical electric bed control by converter 2 sided bars for sale. Please call Lyn at 416-662-3366 FOR SALE: Pool table for sale 8FT BY 92 - Good for garage entertainment. (1 yr) Green velvet. 800.00 Please call Lyn at 416-662-3366

FORWANTED SALE HELP WANTED COOK: Looking to hire cook for a cottage resort in Northern Ontario. Potential applicants can call 705-744-5020. Referrences a must. Serious inquiries only.

LIVE OUT HOUSEKEEPER: Live out house keeper no Caregiving needed for family at Bathurst and Wilson.

No Cash Anna 416-729-4772

LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FREE! 647-722-6298

Some restrictions may apply. We reserve the right of refusal.

HELP WANTED

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE Laparkan is looking for a Warehouse Associate in Shipping and Receiving.

No experience necessary.

Will train on the Job. Send Resume to hrca@laparkan.com or call 416-292-4370

FOR RENT

FOR SALE WORSHIP

ROOM FOR RENT: Black Creek and Weston rd.

Shared Accommodations. 416604-4806

SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211

FOR RENT: Furnished 1 Bedroom Basement with a Separate Washroom & Sharing Kitchen with a couple. Close to the Bus Stop and Kennedy Subway Station.

Located in Scarborough, South of Kennedy and Eglinton. $1550.00/ month including utilities. Available December 1, 2023. please call (416)459-6155.

MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137

SALES REPS WANTED

We are in the process of expansion and constantly looking for the best of the best! Dedicated salespeople; people interested in opportunities to help others while also being able to help themselves. For more information, please contact Trish 647-722-6298 or trish@carib101.com

Give Your Children an Edge!

Specialized services are affordable; sessions are tailor made to suit your budget great or small.

+ A

We offer One-on-One packages as well as Group Rates!

Whether you want to stay on track or soar ahead, let us create your success story!

Contact us at 416-551-2469 or find us online at hear-2-help.com

Community Development Services Proven Results • Qualified Tutors • Flexible Rates

business

Classifieds Help support local business!

GET 3 MONTHS (6 EDITIONS) FOR $300! CALL 647-722-6298 *Subject To Ad Space Availability

SALONS • RESTAURANTS • REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • LEGAL • SHIPPING • AND MANY OTHER SERVICES!

Kbspiritual.com | (416) 710-2920

TEL: 705-291-1100

PAGE 40

BUSINESS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

Seven ways Canadians can save money If, like many other Canadians, you’ve resolved to make 2024 the year you meet your financial goals, then you’ll need a game plan. Whether your target is to get out of debt or raise funds for a specific project, saving strategies should be part of your overall approach.

Use energy efficient bulbs and remember to turn off lights when they’re not in use. Use thermostat timers to avoid needlessly heating or cooling your home.

Run one big load of laundry rather than several mini-loads. Let dishes air dry instead of drying them in the dishwasher.

plans to save on service costs.

1. Eat at home and brown-bag your lunches. Cooking your own meals can save you hundreds of dollars each month.

Make large batches and freeze leftovers for later meals. Also, brew your own coffee instead of making daily trips to the closest coffee house.

3. Buy new clothes only when you truly need them and they’re on sale (prices on end of season items are generally the most reduced). Stop trying to keep up with the latest trends and choose classic, high-quality items that will stand the test of time.

6. Choose a no-fee bank account and a cash-back credit card.

2. Monitor your energy usage at home.

4. Bundle your cable, internet and phone

5. Take advantage of your local library for free (or very low-cost) entertainment.

Books, music, movies and more are all available to borrow and won’t cost you a dime.

7. Drive less or give up your car entirely.

Walk, bike or use public transportation instead. If you must drive, choose a vehicle that offers good fuel economy and perform regular maintenance to avoid hefty repair bills later on.

Four tips for building an emergency fund Emergency funds provide a measure of security in today’s turbulent economic climate, offering a buffer against job loss and other nasty contingencies. And yet, many North Americans have no such repository. While it’s true that saving money for an emergency fund can be a challenge, the alternatives are far more problematic. Here are some tips for putting an emergency fund in place.

1. Six months salary is the target. Many financial experts deem this amount sufficient to cover expenses in an instance of unexpected job loss or other major disruption to your income.

2. Think both big and small. Emergency

funds should cover unexpected surprises of all sizes. Some people prefer to have two emergency funds: one for things like auto repairs and the other for longer-term scenarios.

3. Keep the fund liquid. It’s important to be able to access your assets when they’re needed and not have them tied up in mutual funds or other such investments. Savings accounts are the most liquid option, but their interest rates don’t cover inflation, never mind allow your wealth to grow. The solution often rests in having only a portion of the emergency fund in a savings account and keeping the rest in higher interest liquid investments, like cashable guaranteed

investment certificates (GICs) or term deposits.

4. Only use the fund for emergencies. Repairs for automobiles, appliances and your home all constitute emergency expenses, as do dental work, medical devices and medication. Replacing a bigscreen TV or purchasing plane tickets to your next vacation destination does not fit the bill.

Emergency funds can take time to establish, but are well worth the effort. The security and peace of mind they bring make them an invaluable resource for you and your family.

Five facts about RESPs The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is one of the best tools available for parents wishing to alleviate—or eliminate—the financial burden of their children’s future educational endeavours.

Here are key things to know about these tax-sheltered accounts.

1. RESP contributions cannot be deducted from income tax, but earnings accrued via interest will not be taxed until the funds are withdrawn.

2. There is no annual cap on contributions to RESPs. However, there is a lifetime limit per child of $50,000.

3. Under the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), any RESP beneficiary stands to gain up to $7,200 in grant money from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). ESDC pays 20 per cent— up to $500 per year—of annual contributions to an RESP, regardless of family income. Families with an annual income below $89,401 receive an extra 10 per cent on the first $500; those earning $44,701 or less qualify for an additional 20 per cent.

4. In addition to the CESG, ESDC issues the Canada Learning Bond to modest income families, depositing up to $2,000 into each child’s RESP. Families that qua-

lify for the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS)—now packaged within the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)—are eligible.

The ESDC grants an initial $500 to open the RESP and $100 for each subsequent year (up to 15 years).

5. If the beneficiary doesn’t pursue post-secondary education, his or her RESP can be transferred to a sibling. Alternatively, you can move your investment and the accrued interest into an RRSP or cash it out. In both of these cases, government contributions (and any interest they’ve generated) must be returned to the government.

TFSA vs. RRSP: three things to consider TFSA or RRSP? While both options shelter investments from taxation and can hold an array of different assets—GICs, mutual funds, bonds, stocks, etc.—they differ greatly on certain points. The best place to invest your retirement savings depends on your financial goals and priorities.

Taxation TFSA investments hold after-tax income, and contributions cannot be deducted from your annual income tax. The opposite is true for an RRSP: yearly contributions can be deducted from your tax return but you’ll be required to pay taxes when you eventually withdraw the funds.

If you expect to earn less income in your retirement years than you did on the job market, RRSPs are a good choice that involves paying less tax in the future.

Maximum contribution Both TFSAs and RRSPs have yearly caps on the amount you can contribute. The limit for TFSAs in 2016 was $5,500 per year. However, for those who opened a TFSA for the first time, the maximum contribution was $46,500 for the first year (the regular limit is implemented in subsequent years). The cap on RRSP contributions in 2016 was the lower of either $25,370 or 18 per cent of the previous year’s income. Any unused contri-

butions can be carried forward to future years.

Withdrawal TFSAs and RRSPs both provide the most benefit when used to invest in long-term equities. However, TFSAs can be withdrawn at any time without restrictions or penalties. (Some investments within the TFSA are characterized by specific constraints, however.) RRSPs on the other hand cannot be withdrawn prior to retirement without substantial penalty, except under two circumstances: the Home Buyers’ Plan (up to $25,000) and the Lifelong Learning Plan (up to $20,000 total and $10,000 per year).

PAGE 42

AUTO

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Thursday, January 4, 2024

4 things you need to know about a car’s transmission How to choose the right tires for your electric vehicle Are you looking for tires for your electric vehicle (EV)? To make the right choice, consider the following features: •

•

Tires with a sturdy structure and good load capacity. EVs are typically heavier than gas-powered cars, so robust tires provide better grip and handling capabilities.

Tires that are as quiet as possible to ensure a comfortable ride. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric cars don’t make engine sounds to mask the noise made by the tires. Since quiet driving is one of the many advantages of driving an EV, tire manufacturers are constantly working to produce quieter tires.

•

•

High-performance tires. EVs can accelerate more quickly than gas-powered cars. This extra power can put a lot of torsion on the tires. If the tires aren’t powerful enough, this can gradually knock the wheels out of alignment.

Tires that generate low frictional resistance. If there’s too much friction between the tires and the road, your EV’s battery life could suffer.

If you want to avoid making a mistake while shopping for new tires, seek advice from experts at your local retailers. They’ll help you find the right products for your EV.

Are you interested in learning more about your car and how it works? Here are some interesting facts about your vehicle’s transmission to help you better understand your mechanic’s suggestions.

1. Role of the transmission The transmission is made up of various parts, including the driveshaft, gearbox and torque converter. The transmission works by transmitting the rotational force from the engine to the drive wheels. In other words, it enables your vehicle to move.

2. Gearbox The gearbox is responsible for changing the engine speed by engaging different gears to maintain the best ratio of revolutions per minute (RPM) for your driving style.

Gas-powered vehicles typically come with either a manual or automatic gearbox. With a manual transmission, you change gears using the clutch pedal and gear lever. With an automatic transmission, gear changes are made automatical-

ly according to your acceleration.

Electric vehicles, on the other hand, don’t generally have a gearbox.

The motor can reach maximum torque on start-up. Additionally, since the motor can operate at tens of thousands of RPMs with ease, only one gear is necessary.

3. Transmission fluid The fluids that keep your vehicle running smoothly have distinct colours to ensure they’re easily identifiable. Transmission fluid is red. If you notice any leaks, make sure they’re immediately addressed by your mechanic.

4. Signs of failure It’s also important to be aware of the signs of a failing transmission, such as slow gear changes, loss of power, transmission fluid leaks and abnormal sounds when changing gears. Don’t ignore these warning signs.

If you notice something wrong with your vehicle, take it to a local repair shop for servicing as soon as possible.

RISING VIBES CURATED BY TCSPADES

JANUARY 27, 2024 / 8:00PM

PIMENTO

FEATURING KING COSMOS

CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF HARRY BELAFONTE FEBRUARY 2, 2024 / 8:00PM

STAND-UP STITCHES CURATED BY KEESHA BROWNIE

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 / 7:30PM & 10:00PM