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Volume 10 • Issue 24

Wednesday, January 5 2022

“Unfortunately for us, that has not been the case. We have returned to the failed policy of restriction and lockdown...

FULL STORY - PAGE 8

PAGE 2

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

NATASHA VONCASTLE The most sought out music marketers of our time!

“Some people are so scared; they don’t know that there are genuine people who actually want to see you succeed.”

She has a risk-taking mentality and a massive love for music. She is known for her excellent relationship building abilities and confidence, even when speaking to some of the largest music stars in the world. Her networking abilities have defined her success, and even when life has pushed her to her limits, she has maintained her motivation.

Music marketers are incredibly important players in the music industry, and there is no greater example of this than the Canadian music Queen, Natasha VonCastle. Even though the job of a music marketer is challenging and competitive, she has gone on to create an incredibly lucrative career.

Now working with the VP Records, the largest independent reggae label in the world, Natasha has promoted musical legends including: Beres Hammond, Alborosie, Romain Virgo, Jah Cure, Spice, Busy Signal, Jah9, Raging Fyah, Christopher Martin, and Ikaya. With her help, VP has worked with a broad array of reggae and dancehall artists releasing singles and EPs for: Kabaka Pyramid, Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, Squash, Daddy1, Intence, Jahvillani and others.

Many people enter the business without fully understanding the demands of the job, so turnover and job burnout is high, but not with this superstar. Natasha has combined her passion for music with her education to propel musicians to stardom, and I thought that it was time that we give this fabulous lady her flowers. It is my pleasure to have you join me on a journey into the life of the incredible, sensational, and dynamic Natasha VonCastle

“I love this journey that I am on, and I want more of it.”

As she sat down in front of me, I couldn’t help but observe how strong her energy was. She took me back to the very beginning of her incredible inception.

“I was born in Toronto to two beautiful parents,” Natasha shares with me. “My mom is an opera singer, and my dad is a Soca entertainer, and a retired teacher. Music was always in the family.

I was introduced to Band Class, and my teacher suggested that I try the clarinet. I went and told my dad what my teacher said and played for him. This began my journey into music.”

When Natasha entered high school, her love for music was there, but something felt different. For her, the joy came from promoting musicians, not making the music herself.

“My dad (King Cosmos) was away

performing, and the only way to channel my feelings of missing my father was promoting him. When he came back, he was surprised at how many people knew about his music. My mom filled my dad in on the promotion I did when he was on the road.

There is something about that time of my life that stuck with me,” Natasha reminisces, Now, I look for artists who need the promotion. It comes from recognizing at a young age that I really missed my dad. I wasn’t mad at him because I got it. I knew why he was doing what he did; it was for the love of the music.

I learned at a young age how to redirect energy. Things were a little tough at home, and I ended up moving out at sixteen years old. I lived in my truth, and whenever I stepped out of my truth, it brought all kinds of negative energy.

Caribbean parents have an idea in their minds about what they want their children’s future to look like, and for years I did things that did not bring me the same joy that promoting did. I noticed that whenever I came back to my centre, everything would come together. My spirit has always led me. I had to learn at a very young age to trust myself.”

“Say what you will, but there is a level of pride and respect that people feel knowing ‘you did it’ on your own. No handouts, no strings pulled, just you knocking on the door and handling business.”

In 2007, VP Records heard about the amazing talent that Natasha had become.

“I was the only woman doing email blasts to radio stations. I would take it to the next level by labelling the tracks that I sent to Dj’s and people were not doing that. I was also telling the story about the song. It was a unique style of promotion.

People started referring artists to me, and my list grew. Shane Brown, who was managing Bizzy, called me and asked me to do the same thing that I was doing for Riche Spice. I heard his voice, and I knew I had to work with him.

My list grew, and I started representing artists in Canada, Germany, France, the UK, and the United States. Bizzy started to get radio spins, and it took off from there. Money started to come in, artists started to notice the work that I was doing. Money kept coming in. I was like, God, are you serious right now.”

Natasha became the Executive Assistance to Michael Friisdahl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and held a parttime retail job. Regardless, she kept her ear to the ground, and continued her work in the music industry.

“We were going through a recession, and things were hard, but things were going well for me. I began to travel, and I learned the tour side of things like how to route a tour. You don’t want an artist to be bouncing all over the place. I learned how artists have vices; I saw what artists could get into that is harmful.

L3 Magazine was born around that time. I wanted the DJ’s to be praised, and without them, the artist’s music would not be played.”

Natasha founded L3 Magazine in 2006, which at the time was the only publication in Canada that focused on the accomplishments of DJ’s and Sound Systems. The magazine was successful and grew quickly, expanding to include some of reggaes most notable talents: Buju Banton, Shaggy, and Chuck Fender are some of the talents featured in L3. What started with a few readers in Toronto grew to become thousands of faithful monthly readers from every country around the world.

“I went from being a single mother on Morningside Avenue to living on Yonge St, and now I travel from Toronto to New York, and all over the world doing what I love.”

Wow! I am so proud of her evolution. Her hard work, dedication, and ability to take risks makes Natasha VonCastle one of the most sought-after music marketers of our time.

Photo Credit: Mr. Koa

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

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NEWS

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Places of worship in Quebec must use vaccine passports to refuse entry to unvaccinated people!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“The Bishops of Quebec were not even consulted before the publication of this announcement which seems to me to be totally unfair to a part of our faithful.”

Bishop Guy Desrochers of the Diocese of Pembroke Since the very beginning of the pandemic, our churches have followed the multiple, non-productive standards of the health authorities and have helped to prevent any spread of the virus in their congregations.

Now, it is as if the government suddenly had no confidence in the measures it has imposed on places of worship. Religious worshipers are treated more harshly than supermarkets and many other businesses, yet at one point they were recognised as “essential” to the welfare of the public, particularly to the faithful.

Our governments have completely ignored The Code of Canon Law, which states no member of the faithful should be deprived of the Sacraments. Instead, it seems like our governments are making a mockery

of the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church.

Quebec Premier François Legault has mandated that vaccine passports be used to enter any place of worship in Quebec.

He announced that all places of worship in Quebec must use vaccine passports to refuse entry to unvaccinated people!

This is a severe violation of the religious freedoms and freedom of conscience of Quebec citizens. People who hold objections to any current medical injections should be allowed to do so without being denied access to their sacraments and faith communities. To make matters worse, there is strong evidence to suggest that this policy was made without any consultation with religious leaders in Quebec!

Keep in mind; there are already restrictions on places of worship in Quebec, which force them to be below a 50% capacity, with a maximum of 250 people. The vast majority of churches understand the importance of taking measures to protect vulnerable people from COVID-19.

Starting December 31st, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., places of worship will be closed, except for the holding of funeral ceremonies.

A maximum of 25 people can attend any funeral ceremony indoors. It is not possible to organize a wedding ceremony, nor the reception or banquet that usually follows the wedding ceremony.

Outside, it is possible to organize a wedding ceremony that brings together 250 people. It is also possible to hold the reception or banquet that usually follows the

wedding ceremony, with a maximum of 50 people.

During the viewing of the body or ashes of the deceased, as well as during the expression of condolences to the next of kin, a maximum of 25 people may be inside the premises at the same time. A face covering is still required at all times, except when eating or drinking.

In places of worship, the number of people is limited to 25. However, up to 250 people may attend if the ceremony is held outdoors. A physical distance of one metre must be maintained between participants and face coverings are required at all times, except when eating or drinking. The limits on the number of participants exclude funeral home workers and volunteers inside or outside the funeral home.

Enough is enough, faithful people. government leaders must not be allowed to coerce our citizens into receiving a medical procedure by denying them their right to freely worship. Though he is undoubtedly under pressure to contain rising cases of the Omicron variant, Premier Legault must do so while respecting the fundamental freedoms of the faithful in Quebec.

We cannot allow governments to assume total control over places of worship by letting them dictate the conditions under which their province’s citizens can go to church. One’s vaccination status has no theological relevance to whether one should be permitted to receive sacraments and participate in their faith communities.

PAGE 3

Human Rights Project Peel Regional Police Release Results of 2021 Community Survey on Perception of and Experience with Peel Police Half say reform needed; most call for more accountability, transparency in police interactions.

People (1,102) who live or work in Peel Region completed a Peel Regional Police survey, which was developed with the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Peel Police Services Board as part of a broader effort to help the PRP identify and address systemic racism in its organization.

A full report on the results survey and details on PRP’s broader Human Rights Project can be found at https://www.PeelPolice.ca/HumanRightsProject.

The survey found that 48 percent of respondents who answered the question agreed with the statement “systemic racism in policing is a problem,” and just over half (55 percent) agreed with the statement that policing in Peel Region is in need of reform.

Over half (58 percent) of the question respondents also said the seven principles in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on eliminating racial profiling in law enforcement are a suitable framework to shape the changes needed to address systemic racism and improve respect for human rights in the PRP. “Systemic racism exists across all systems and continually affects service delivery to the communities we serve,” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah. “The results of this survey and other community consultation activities are helping us develop a thorough understanding of the experience Peel residents have with police, and that will help us implement the right remedies.”

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PAGE 5

Passage of Bill 75 proclaims August as Emancipation Month in Ontario PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On Thursday, December 9th,2021, Bill 75 (Emancipation Month Act) received royal assent to proclaim August as Emancipation Month. Mitzie Hunter, MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood revealed the good news in her newsletter to her constituents on Saturday, December 11th, 2021.

The passage of Bill 75 was the culmination of Mitzie’s hard work along with MPP Laura Mae Lindo of the NDP, MPP Mike Schreiner of the Green Party and MPP Andrea Khanjin of the Progressive Conservatives. Details of Bill 75 can be seen at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s website: https://www.ola.org.

It is fitting that August be recognized as Emancipation Month considering that the first Monday in August is a statutory holiday and is celebrated as the day that slaves were freed in Ontario. It is particularly more poignant given the climate in which the province finds itself with an increased awareness of the effects of systemic anti-Black racism and attempts to combat it.

The preamble to Bill 75 states, “Anti-Black racism has been prevalent in the history of Ontario. Slavery, inequities, exclusion and many other forms of discrimination have been the basis of much of Ontario’s past.” It is within this context that the passage of Bill 75 takes on added significance. The preamble notes, “By proclaiming August as Emancipation Month, Ontario is following the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the period of 2015

to 2024 being the International Decade for People of African Descent to ensure people of African descent receive the recognition, justice and access to opportunities they deserve.”

When Ontario celebrates its first Emancipation Month in 2022, it will be a time of deep reflection and celebration.

It will ensure that, “Ontario pays tribute to the important contributions and leadership that the Black communities have made and continues to make Ontario as a major part of the vibrant social, economic, political and cultural fabric of our province.”

By highlighting significant milestones in the contributions of diverse Black Ontarians’ stories, histories, experiences and success it will be an occasion to celebrate. The preamble concludes, “Emancipation Month is a time for healing, unification and restoration. It is about eliminating discrimination by continuing to educate and advance the importance of racial equity across the province. Emancipation Month will help build a more inclusive province, where everyone is treated with fairness, respect and dignity.”

In many ways the work of these members of the Provincial Parliament must be applauded and recognized for ensuring that the Emancipation Month Act received royal assent. Their hard work, perseverance, determination, and effort ensured that there was cooperation of all four parties to bring this legislation into effect after three readings over a period of a few months. Specifically, MPP Hunter has relentlessly pressed ahead, spurred by the actions of many in the Black community to ensure its successful passage.

She states in her newsletter, “Thank you Dewitt Lee, Emancipation Day Canada & Ontario Black History for your advocacy and leading us to this important step of collective growth.”

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

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

The expansion of science today is a path to the self-destruction of humanity MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Not so long ago the chipping of humans and nanotechnology were things that we all saw in the movies. Things like mind control, and robotics were all Hollywood dreams and schemes that we left in the cinema when we left the cinema, but as we speak the scary movie has become a sinister reality that’s devouring us in real-time.

The creators of this real-life horror movie live among us and are desperately pushing to turn us all into non-humans by injecting us with selfassembling nano-chips that can and will change our God-given DNA from humans to another evil species or creature.

This is where our Christian brothers come into this article. The Secretary Bishops of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate for the second time in a year have brought some concerning and devastating events to our attention, events that we feel the public must be aware of now.

Did you know that researchers at Columbia Engineering have built the world’s smallest single-chip system, consuming a total volume of less than 0.1 mm3? The system is visible only under a microscope. The team used ultrasound to both power and communicate with the device wirelessly, and that these inventors justify this injectable microchip by use in healthcare?

These are the words of the head architect of this plan “We wanted to see how far we could push the limits on how small a functioning chip we could make,” said the study’s leader Ken Shepard Lau Family professor of electrical engineering and professor of biomedical engineering. “This is a new idea of ‘chip as system’—this is a chip that alone, with nothing else, is a completely functioning electronic system. This should be revolutionary for developing wireless, miniaturized implantable medical devices that can sense different things, be used in clinical applications, and eventually approved for human use.”

The information went on to say that this team’s goal is to develop chips that can be injected into the body with a hypodermic needle and then communicate back out of the body using ultrasound, providing information about something they measure locally.

The current devices measure body temperature, but there are many more possibilities the team is working on. It is very important to note the “last sentence in this paragraph,” because as we all know things are not always used for what they were meant for.

According to The Secretary Bishops of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate “The chip is the most effective means of mentally enslaving mankind, unfortu-

nately, healthcare today is not concerned with the health of the people, as the current pseudo pandemic has shown, but rather pursues vaccine-chipping and genocide.”

The bishops went on to explain, “The whole criminal agenda must be brought to light and the abuse of microchips clearly exposed. Weapons of mass destruction are used for physical destruction, while chipping is also intended for the eternal destruction of souls.

How? The chip deprives a person of the most important thing, namely his will and freedom. It makes him a controllable bio-robot. This is a crime against humanity and a rebellion against God.”

Imagine seven of these chips were injected into rats for testing purposes, now humans? When a person ceases to have freedom of thought, emotion, movement, he or she becomes a slave. People can be chipped during any medical procedure, e.g., with an injection at the dentist, without their knowledge. This kind of technology has made medical abuse exceptionally easy.

Dr. Larry Palevsky said this about the components of this injection, “The kind of aluminium that we put into vaccines is a different kind of aluminium that we see environmentally. This is called a nanoparticle, and this binds very tightly to the bacteria antigens, the virus antigens and we know that the biochemical properties of the nanoparticles are capable of entering the brain.”

“The vaccine ingredients do enter the brain. There are scientists in Europe who have actually done studies on the aluminium nanoparticle and have shown that it can persist in the brain for years and decades,” said Palevsky.

All this from an experimental injection with unknown results, yet the government is forcing this on the children even as we speak.

“The purpose is clear, to create intentional infections, this will be enforced by laws that would make these injections mandatory and all this will make it possible to control people,” said Dr. Pierre Gilbert.

Gilbert went on to explain how detrimental the whole scheme is, “The vaccines will have liquid crystals that will become hosted in the brain cells and will become micro receivers of electromagnetic fields where waves of very low frequencies will be sent, and through these waves, people will be unable to think.

You will be turned into a zombie.”

“This ideology that is now in power aims to reduce six billion people.

The experimental vaccination is in the hands of elite satanists who do not hide their plan of mass enslavement of people in electronic camps and their subsequent annihilation.”

In conclusion, the bishops said, “This abuse must be sanctioned with the most severe punishments while there is time.”

It is up to mankind with the help of his supreme creator to “end” this Luciferian hoax being perpetrated on humanity under the disguise of our health and safety.

NEWS

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NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Doug Ford has just re-introduced “Two Weeks to Flatten the Curve” SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Cowardly leadership, disconnected public health officials, hysterical public service unions, destroyed businesses, divided citizens, debt that will never end, mental health catastrophes, drug overdoses, high rates of suicide and a perpetual cycle of lockdowns.

As the rest of the world moves on from the pandemic, and removes many of their restrictions, Premier Doug Ford has turned Ontario into one of the most repressive states on earth.

Is this the province we want?

The Ontario government announced that the province will be returning to “Step Two” of the Roadmap to Reopen, which includes several new public health restrictions.

He says the new restrictions are “time-limited” to “help blunt transmission and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed as the province continues to accelerate its booster dose rollout.

“As we continue with our provincial vaccine booster efforts, we must look at every option to slow the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant,” said the Premier. “Putting these targeted and time-limited measures in place will give us more opportunity to deliver vaccines to all Ontarians and ensure everyone has maximum protection against this virus.”

Let’s talk about the Omicron variant for a minute.

Our friends at CDC updated their website December 21st, 2021 (https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html) with the details they have on Omicron. They explicitly state that data is needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe

illness or death than infection with other variants. So, they don’t know.

Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. What existing treatments are they talking about? They claim that based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective. Oh, do you mean like vaccinations? They then go on to say that vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. You mean, new variants like Omicron? I include this information because our governments are basing all of their decisions on a virus that they know nothing about, which means that once again, it looks like we are being experimented with and on.

Ford says the province expects 1% of Omicron cases to end up in hospitals and the province is expecting as many as 100,000 new cases per day.

In response, Ontario will return to the modified version of “Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen,” effective Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 at 12:01am for at least 21 days (until January 26th, 2022), subject to trends in public health and health system indicators.

These measures include: • Reducing social gathering limits to five people indoors and ten people outdoors.

• Limiting capacity at organized public events to five people indoors.

• Requiring businesses and organizations to ensure employees work remotely unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.

• Limiting capacity at indoor weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites and ceremonies to 50% capacity of the particular room. Outdoor services are limited to the number of people that can maintain 2 metres of physical distance. Social gatherings associated with these services must adhere to the social gathering limits.

• Retail settings, including shopping malls, permitted at 50% capacity. For

•

•

• •

•

•

•

•

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•

shopping malls physical distancing will be required in line-ups, loitering will not be permitted, and food courts will be required to close.

Personal care services permitted at 50% capacity and other restrictions.

Saunas, steam rooms, and oxygen bars closed.

Closing indoor meeting and event spaces with limited exceptions but permitting outdoor spaces to remain open with restrictions.

Public libraries limited to 50% capacity.

Closing indoor dining at restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments. Outdoor dining with restrictions, takeout, drive through and delivery is permitted.

Restricting the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and the consumption of alcohol on premise in businesses or settings after 11 p.m. with delivery and takeout, grocery/convenience stores and other liquor stores exempted.

Closing indoor concert venues, theatres, cinemas, rehearsals and recorded performances permitted with restrictions.

Closing museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions, amusement parks and waterparks, tour and guide services and fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals.

Outdoor establishments permitted to open with restrictions and with spectator occupancy, where applicable, limited to 50% capacity.

Closing indoor horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues. Outdoor establishments permitted to open with restrictions and with spectator occupancy limited to 50% capacity. Boat tours permitted at 50% capacity.

Closing indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities including gyms, except for athletes training for the Olympics and Paralympics and select professional and elite amateur sport leagues. Outdoor facilities are permitted to operate but with the number of spectators not to exceed 50% occupancy and other requirements.

All publicly funded and private schools will move to remote learning

•

•

starting January 5th until at least January 17, subject to public health trends and operational considerations.

School buildings would be permitted to open for child care operations, including emergency child care, to provide in-person instruction for students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated remotely and for staff who are unable to deliver quality instruction from home.

During this period of remote learning, free emergency child care will be provided for school-aged children of health care and other eligible frontline workers.

Yes, and this worked so effectively in March 2020. These restrictions will further cripple retail businesses, gyms, restaurants and cafes, along with shutting down children’s sports and other activities.

I thought that the whole point of forcing people to get the medical injection was to allow us to go back to normal.

In September of 2021, Premier Ford assured the people of Ontario that, “These certificates, they’re the best chance we have to get through these coming months without having to move backwards, but, let me be very clear, this is a temporary and exceptional measure. We will only use these certificates for as long as they are needed and not one day longer.”

Unfortunately for us, that has not been the case. We have returned to the failed policy of restriction and lockdown.

Premier Ford has announced that whatever these lockdowns were about in the beginning, they are about something else entirely now. What is that I wonder?

Community, the only way forward is personal responsibility and leadership at all levels. We need leaders who realize that their job is to protect our freedoms, not to take them from us and then loan them out again at their pleasure.

We need to open Ontario, permanently remove all vaccine passports and mandates, provide medical treatments that our citizens have been denied, and demand the immediate resignations of all public health officials.

It is time to take a stand!

Through our home delivery service, readers can have each new edition delivered straight to their door, saving them time.

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 9

There are growing concerns about the TCDSB’s failure to tackle systemic racism PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Another year has come and gone and the hope and expectation that many Catholic stakeholders had in the largest Catholic school board in the Greater Toronto Area has dissipated. The appointment of Dr Brendan Browne as the Director of the TCDSB on September 1st, 2020 was greeted with optimism and faith that he would be a visionary educational leader that would fundamentally transform the board.

There have been several main-

stream media reports that have highlighted incidents of racism at several Catholic high schools in Toronto. CBC News interviewed three former Notre Dame CSS students in June 2020 regarding their allegations of anti-Black racism.

This subsequently led to an apology by the board and a promise to conduct an investigation.

An external firm was hired as a third-party investigator and released a report in April 2021. The TCDSB has not released details of the report to the public, which left many stakeholders wondering why the details were hidden, and if there is a cover-up.

This on-going silence does not forebode well for the board as it looks toward fulfilling its Equity Action Plan, which was part of its Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). The plan focuses on the years 2018-2021. According to the website: Equity_Action_Plan_March21_2019_ Final.

ind, it was, “A renewal of our promise to ensure equity at all levels of our system as we strive to close the achievement gap, enhance student physical, mental and spiritual well-being and ensure equity of opportunity and outcome for all.”

There was an update regarding the MYSP at its regular board meeting on November 18th, 2021. It was revealed that the board was on track to launch its new MYSP in January 2022. The update noted that because of the disruptions due to labour sanctions in the 2019-2020 school year and closure of school on March 12th, 2020 by the Province of Ontario, the “Majority of target specific data from TCDSB surveys and other sources were not available.”

For the 2020-2021 school year, staff had to modify methods in order to ensure that the board was able to make an assessment for each strategic direction. In an email communication with Kirk

Mark on December 2nd, 2021 (a former senior leader at the TCDSB) he stated the board had failed to enact the following: 1. There is a lack of implementation of Year 1 of the 5-Year Implementation Plan to address systemic anti-Black racism as sanctioned by the November 2020, nor has there been any plans to implement the tenets of Year 2, albeit that we are in the month of December 2021 2. There is a lack of implementation of the TCDSB’s Race Relations Committee that was sanctioned by the Board in August under the motion by Trustee Garry Tanum. The RCC was populated with community members, trustees and board staff in April 2021 but to date no meeting has been called, nor is there a plan of action to address systemic anti-Black racism.

Explosive Netflix Feature – “How to Become a Tyrant!”

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Death!

Control!

Surveillance!

Manipulation!

Propaganda!

Fear!

When you read these words to yourself, how do they make you feel? Now think about a life where you were experiencing this on a daily basis.

Some credible experts in our global community would report to you that these are the conditions we have been living in for the last two years, and that if we don’t take a stand, these conditions will continue.

There have been some interest-

ing lessons learned in the last two years; one being that democracy is just a convenient fiction. Governments do not differ in the way they rule their people. Situations occurring in this pandemic exemplify the fact that when one world government implements law, other governments follow suit. When they work in accordance, they determine everything about politics: what leaders can get away with, and the quality of life or misery under them.

I know, what I just described does not sound appealing, but it just might be the truth. The great thing is that it is a starting point for those who are sick of how our lives have been, and are looking for ways to improve human governance.

As I was swiping through Netflix, I came across a series that I think the community would find interesting. It is a six-part series called “How to Become a Tyrant,” which profiles historical dictators like Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein and Josef Stalin, and explores how they massacred their citizens, started wars and tried to crush anyone who got in their way.

It has been widely reported that the series is based on a book written by

Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith called “The Dictator’s Handbook,” but the production team has denied this claim.

Each episode highlights a different dictator and a unique skill they possessed.

If you want to learn how to be a tyrant, here are the scholars that are presented in the series: • • • • • •

Episode 1 “Seize Power” - Adolf Hitler Episode 2 “Crush Your Rivals” - Saddam Hussein Episode 3 “Reign Through Terror” - Idi Amin Episode 4 “Control the Truth” - Josef Stalin Episode 5 “Create a New Society” Muammar Gaddafi Episode 6 “Rule Forever” - Kim Il-sung

Apparently, there is a playbook for a rise to dictatorship, and the directors did a great job of finding scenes that presented the rules: •

The conditions have to be perfect so that people will accept your rise

• • • • •

Now that you are at the top, you have to watch you back in order to maintain your power To keep the population under control, keep them in a constant state of fear You can’t forget to gain control of the media so that you can propagate your message Now, reshape your society by limiting their rights and freedoms Make yourself seem God-like so that your citizens hold you in high regard

The series explored the topic of tyranny in a really fresh, provocative way, and you will see how each propagated dictator follows a nearly identical playbook to achieve ultimate power. They did a fantastic job of revealing those tactics in a manner that would grab viewer’s attention.

What I find interesting is that the writing is on the wall, and yet, many of us are ignoring it. There has been a disturbing rise in authoritarian rule around the globe, and it is time that we expose them one by one.

“We cannot do this alone!” MPP Mitzi Hunter pushes Bill 60 in Parliament PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The issue of gun violence has received attention from both the provincial, municipal and federal government as they initiate steps to address this problem.

December 2021, MPP Mitzi Hunter introduces Bill 60, “The Safe and Health Communities Act.” Details of Bill 60 can be seen at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s website: https://www.ola.org.

In the explanatory note it states, “The Bill amends the Health Insurance Act. Insured services shall include prescribed hospital-

based and community-based violence intervention programs. They shall also include trauma-informed counselling for survivors and others affected by gun violence.”

There are further amendments to the Health Protection and Act to ensure that, “Boards of health shall have programs and services for increasing the capacity of the community to assist survivors and others affected by gun violence.”

In her newsletter to her constituents MPP Hunter writes, “I am urging the Premier and the Minister of Health to adopt my bill into government legislation immediately so we can deliver these supports to those affected by gun violence as soon as possible. We cannot do this alone.” In order to push this legislation, she has started a petition at Change.org titled, “A Public Health Crisis-Supporting Communities to Heal from Gun Violence.”

The introduction to the petition

states, “Gun violence is a serious problem and a crisis that cannot continue to be ignored. It is both a public health and a social issue that leaves long-term impacts on our communities, and an issue that we see in more marginalized communities rooting from the underlying systemic inequities that persists here in Ontario.”

The petition outlines the longterm impact of gun violence not only on the targeted individuals but the wider community as well. It spells out that, “Exposure to gun violence has led to mental and physical health impacts that extend far beyond the victim. It results in longterm effects on communities characterized by feelings of fear, anxiety and helplessness, and are often unable to access long-term support, affecting behavioural response to trauma.” The petition states that because of a lack of hospital-based violence intervention programs, hospitals normally “treat and release” affected vic-

tims.

This returns “Violently injured patients to the same environment where they were injured, without a viable strategy for how to stay safe, manage community pressure to seek revenge, or options to positively alter their life course trajectory.”

Currently, Toronto Public Health (TPH) is pushing for the government to approve the 2019 version of the bill. The fact that the City of Toronto has unilaterally accepted the bill is all the more reason why it should be accepted. The petition concludes, “We have an opportunity here to intervene before that bullet is fired or trafficked or pointed at one of our neighbours. We can tackle the issue at its root and more importantly give communities the resources to heal.

Share using =StopGunViolence and tag@ celliotyability

PAGE 10

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Asking the hard questions, and demanding some answers; Reports of rising still births in Ontario SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On December 12th, 2021 MPP Rick Nicholls shared a personal story about his daughter being pregnant. He had told her not to get the vaccine, but she made the personal choice to do so. He expresses the joy he felt when his granddaughter Shiloh, entered the world in February of last year.

He very soon learned that the government was authorizing vaccines for pregnant women, but he questioned what concrete research had been done to ensure the safety of the mother and the baby.

“But now Minister, I shed tears of sorrow!” In the Waterloo area, 86 stillbirths have been reported from January 2021 – July 2021, normally it is one stillbirth every two months.

The mother of these stillbirth babies were fully vaccinated, yet the government has told all of us on several occasions that the vaccines are safe and effective. He asked, “What do you say to the doctors who told their pregnant patients to get

fully vaccinated, and what should they tell the mothers who had stillborn babies?”

Christine Elliot (Minister of Health) said this in response, “It is safe, it has been tested. We are recommending women who are pregnant to get the vaccine, for protection of themselves and the baby as well. It has been proven, and it has been accepted by Health Canada, by the World Health Organization, by the FDA, and this is something that we want to make sure to protect everyone. For women who are pregnant, it is entirely safe and recommended.”

So, first of all, let’s take a look at what is being said. There was a report put out from Dr. Melvin Bruchet, MD who has contacts all through Vancouver, Canada as well as working relationships with doulas who work in women and children’s hospitals. The stillbirths report was not an official report by the Canadian government, but rather from medical eyewitnesses in hospitals. The question here is, are these reports being ignored, and why have we not heard more about them?

Another Canadian doctor has chimed in on this disturbingly growing situation. Dr Daniel Nagase, MD demanded that hospitals release information on the statistics of stillbirths in the country, saying that through Freedom of Information Requests, the public will be able to see the true numbers of stillbirths that are linked to COVID vaccines. This has still not been

done.

In December 2020, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/covid19-vaccination-and-pregnancy/) released a report in which its president, Dr Edward Morris, said, “A range of vaccines are routinely and safely offered during pregnancy but as specific clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women have not yet been carried out, there isn’t sufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of COVID-19 vaccines to pregnant or breastfeeding women.”

He added, “Women planning a pregnancy within three months of receiving the first dose are also being advised not to have the vaccine, but this is precautionary advice until we have information from research studies in pregnancy.”

Hmmm! This does not sound like the experts are sure that this vaccine is safe and effective.

I was able to find another article, “Preterm birth and stillbirth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic: a populationbased cohort study,” (https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8354648/) that also shared some thoughtful statistics. In Ontario, Canada, there were no unusual changes in preterm birth or stillbirth rates, overall or by subgroups, during the first twelve months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the previous 17.5 years.

It states that preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks’ gestation) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidities in the neonatal period of childhood and adulthood. They say that the causes of both preterm birth and stillbirth are multifactorial.

Proposed reasons for increases in preterm birth rates include: • Higher stress due to worry about the pandemic • Employment or financial challenges • Home schooling and reduced maternity services • Less stringent fetal surveillance from reduced attendance at medical appointments for fear of infection • Cancellation of face-to-face appointments • Reduced staffing for maternity services What I found most interesting is that our Minister of Health deflected the questions that MPP Elliot directed at her. Instead of answering the question, she went into the current approved script that has been touted by all governmental officials around the globe.

I appreciate MPP Elliot for asking these questions, and it is my hope that all of us begin to ask the government the hard questions and demand their answers.

The prices are too high; you need to cut them; A look at rising prices across Canada STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The Pandemic has had its influences upon all aspects of the economy and so-called free market throughout the globe, and our multinational corporations have studied the situation and brought about a strategy that will in time make them lots of money.

Our markets are highly managed.

When you hear of a crisis happening, it is an element within the said market that is trying to go rogue and bring about profit for itself and not the whole controlled market. Examples would be The OPEC Embargo, Venezuelan Oil adventure under Hugo Chavez. Showing how the economic of this so-called free market can cripple and manipulate smaller economic groups or nations.

Experts predict an escalation in prices of all things needed in North America and the E.U. Food, hydro and energy used to heat homes, services, gas for our means of transportation will all increase before the year is out to levels not seen for some time. Why you might ask, are these prices increasing?

Housing Our leaders have little understanding what “low-cost affordable housing” truly is, let alone be willing to do something about it. The real estate and development lobby has these “leaders” in their pockets. Simply put, it is not in our leaders’ benefit to help their fellow citizens looking for real affordable housing. There is nothing for them but work that is deemed unneeded. Tag free market sets the standards in housing prices, right?

Supplier Chain There are claims that products cannot make it to grocery stores, or to our hardware, retail stores, therefore this scarcity brings the cost and prices upon said products higher each month. I have communi-

cated with meat suppliers, who tell me a corporate decision was made to hold off on shipping to create a false scarcity, thereby driving up prices.

Most businesses lost money due to the Pandemic, except for the essential services like grocers, hardware and supply stores, as well as all utilities. Lost profit must be found; therefore corporations, businesses, suppliers, restaurants and mom and pop outfits have driven up their prices trying to make up for losses during 2019-2020.

There is a problem with the supply chain. There are not enough ships to transport metal crates full of imported items to their markets. That is a result of regulations placed upon the transportation firms

by North American and E.U. Governments.

2019-2020 was dismal years for these firms too. Time to profit from the demands of the masses. You are paying dearly for all things whether necessary or not. A 2x4 wood plank has doubled in price. Speaking with wood suppliers, I was told these prices will not go down in the foreseeable future.

They are experiencing a self-made scarcity of product and are pricing their products accordingly.

Gas There is a glut within the oil and gas sector, yet the prices for this essential product continue to rise. In Canada it is believed that prices will hit $1.50 per litre by the end of the year. The Free Market’’ is trying to synchronize prices between North America and the U.E. Prices will continue to rise just as our governments push for electric cars to become the new product upon our roads. Surprised? You should not be.

The marketplace is going to hit our pocketbooks for every dollar it can get. Once electric cars are the preferred means of transportation, the cost of electricity and batteries along with repairs will increase, not decrease, as you’d expect.

Ultimately the consumer is an easily manipulated sucker. The corporations you trust will milk you for all the profits they can get. Truly the consumer, your fellow citizens need to stand up to these powerful corporate lobbies and place pressure upon our elected officials to do the right thing for us, not themselves. 38% of all public officials will seek employment with one of these large corporations. Lawyers will be lawyers, and bottom feeders will get the prime jobs offered to them for carrying the corporate message, “Free Markets Reign!”

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 11

“Racial Equity in the Education System Act, 2021,” the introduction of Bill 67 that are related to the education system. It would change the Education Act to the Ontario College of Teachers Act to include definitions of racism and anti-racism.

MPP Lindo states explicitly that “These definitions, as menial as they might seem, are actually major steps toward taking seriously the realities of racism within our education system.” She believes that by spelling out these definitions in the legislation it would ensure that there is a common understanding of exactly what racism is and how to combat it. She notes, “When you define it, then it is real.” Details of Bill 67 can be seen at: www.ola.org.

PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Kitchener Centre MPP Laura Mae Lindo has been at the forefront fighting for racial equity for BIPOC students since she was elected in 2018.

MPP Lindo introduced the bill to combat racism during a Zoom press conference. Bill 67 titled “Racial Equity in the Education System Act, 2021” would ensure that amendments are made to current acts

Bill 67 would: • Require school boards and post-secondary institutions to create racial equity plans and review them regularly • Require professional development in

•

•

racial equity for teachers and staff Require boards to provide programs, resources and support for students, teachers and staff that have been targeted by or witnessed acts of racism Set out penalties for those who disrupt school or class by using racist language or engaging in racist activities

MPP Lindo mentioned that there is a need for systemic changes that focus on racism and inequality given the recent racial incident at Alpine Public School in Kitchener, in which a teacher was criminally charged after allegations that she disciplined two students by using masking tape to tape them.

With respect to this incident, MPP Lindo states, “That is why we introduced mandatory anti-racism training for all education staff, introduced curriculum changes to counter discrimination and promote

inclusivity, and it is why we strengthened sanctions against staff for racist actions or behaviour.”

She notes that the occurrence of this incident is indicative of a wider systemic problem. She states, “The reality is that something like that doesn’t happen unless a number of smaller instances of racial violence and lack of care for racialized students were allowed to go either noticed and met with silence, or fully unnoticed because these things are the norm.”

She concludes, “Instead of doing that, why don’t we take a step back, put a clear vision into the universe of what racial equity in education in particular looks like, and then ensure that the language and the tools are available for everybody so that they can all be working together.”

Cleous Glowry is bent on making this world a better place for mankind

“As a writer, I became aware that we have a certain responsibility to help society. Books are the intricate social element that helps us to develop our social growth in society. This we see as we enter, for example, school and church. Whatever we are taught is structured around books. These have become the messengers of skills, knowledge and even helped to shape our social behaviour.

A writer, therefore, has the ability to influence society when it comes to growth and development.”

Since releasing his debut book, The Prophetic Artist, Cleous has mastered some nine other books. These include the Magical Rug.

“This is a story about Mr. Bernie a middle-aged man with youthful exuberance hoping to fulfill his mission in search of a mythical treasure which is a rug. After twenty years, he eventually found the rug, which could offer anything he desires.”

Another interesting book is titled, The Four Fisher-Women, which resides in four different hemispheres in the world.

However, they did the same thing, which

EUGENE PITTER eugene@carib101.com

ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

JAMAICA -- James Patterson is considered the world’s highest-paid author by a wide margin and has been the world’s best-selling author since 2001. He has sold more than 350 million books worldwide and is famous for the “Alex Cross” crime novel series.

Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835, this writer is far more recognized by his pen name of Mark Twain. His works include classics like Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Cleous Glowry Young a US-based emerging writer, who lives in Pennsylvania, is bent on making this world a better place for mankind.

is fishing and preparing the same meal for their husband.

“This book shows that despite our racial differences, language or social upbringing, as human beings we are inter-connected.”

Cleous continues to captivate readers with Do Your Best.

“For this one, it’s all about Pro and Mise, two best friends who find the best ways to advance their lives. And this involves the importance of unity which brought success in their lives.”

Among the others, books are, I Am Beginner, which is an autobiography of Cleous’s life. “This is a story about a little Black boy who can. It is an inspirational book which mirrors the life of the author who is seen as insignificant but overcomes all obstacles to becoming a shining star.”

Born in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, Jamaica, the birthplace of national hero Paul Bogle, young Cleous must have taken at least, one quality of Bogle. This he frankly admitted.

“Yes, I think it is Bogle’s determination and foresight. I had always wanted to

be a leader in whatever I pursued in life.”

However, it was while attending Morant Bay High School that he began to exercise his writing skills.

“In those days a boy who had a crush on a girl had to begin writing love letters to her. So, it was the one who could write the best love letter that got the girl. I found myself writing dozens of love letters in any one week, becoming more passionate, with each successive week.”

Cleous migrated to Pennsylvania at age fifteen, but this didn’t affect his desire to write. “I found out I was writing a lot of letters to my significant half. I wanted to impress her. When I finally got her, I did not stop writing.

One of the poems I wrote to her was called, The Prophetic Artist. A read it over and over and made it into a short story.

It was so intriguing that it ended up as a twelve-chapter book. I also wrote a poem titled, Faith. This appeared in an anthology of poems.”

York Catholic District School Board implements anti-racist practices and procedures augural board meeting. Trustee Crowe has been a trustee with the YRDSB for over twenty-six years. She completed a B.Eng with a minor in business and a M.Eng in structural engineering. She represents Aurora, King Township and Whitchurch - Stouffville.

This is the third time that Elizabeth will be chairing the YCDSB. She served as Chair from December 1988 to November 2015 and from December 2017 to November 2018. In addition, she has served as ViceChair during that time.

In her website:elizabethcrowe. ca, Trustee Crowe reveals details about her many years of service as a school board trustee. She states, “Being a trustee is my only job and therefore I am available by phone or by email to answer questions, provide advice or direction, and most importantly to advocate for those whose concerns have not been heard. I am committed to ensuring that the schools in my community are treated fairly

PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There is much hope and expectation that the election of Elizabeth Crowe as the new Chair of York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) will usher in real systemic changes to address on-going anti-Black racism and other problems.

The announcement was made on the YCDSB’s website: ycdsb.ca and at its inRY 10TH

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and that parents, and staff have a voice.”

The election of Trustee Crowe as Chair reflects the confidence that that Board of Trustees have in her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Catholic education in the York region. She is grateful of the Board of Trustees’ vote of confidence in her. She states, “I am honoured to have the support of my fellow Trustees. As we lit the first Advent candle, it reminded us that we are waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord. At the same time, at the Board level, we too are waiting with joyful hope for a full return to school without masks and social distancing.”

There will be many challenges and hurdles that the YCDSB will face in the coming year. There has been media attention over the years that highlighted on-going systemic anti-Black racism.

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walkout as a reaction to racist actions that occurred in elementary and secondary schools. The walkout drew attention to what co-founders: Abisola Asha, Esi Eshun and Malik Scott of the student-run group revealed were years of systemic racism that many Black students experienced.

Trustee Crowe is aware that it was on April 22nd, 2020 that the YCDSB was found to be in violation of an Ontario human rights tribunal order as can be seen at debbieklasman.com. Since then it formulated the Anti-Black Racism Pillar which according to its website:ycdsb.ca “Will be assisting in establishing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic, Equity Plan to address systemic inequities experienced by both students and staff.”

NEWS

PAGE 12

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

167 Empirical Research Studies show that facemasks can be actually harmful, and are largely ineffective SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As I walked through the store, I became strangely aware of how disconnected our society has come. Every person who passed by me was wearing a mask, and it was hard to make out his or her facial expressions. I smiled at a woman passing by, and to be honest, I couldn’t tell if she had smiled back or not. It has been like that lately, each brief, socially distanced encounter feeling cold, and eerie.

Not being able to see other people’s faces challenges a crucial part of how we communicate. It is rooted in the ancient practice of physiognomy, which links external facial features to internal character. For years, people have long built relationships and assessed each other based on how they look. Even though these are serious implications to our social development, there is an even more insidious aspect that has been brushed under the rug for far too long.

On their website, the CDC states that you should wear a mask, even if you do not feel sick. They say it is because several studies have found that people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms

(asymptomatic) and those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still spread the virus to other people. They present a handful of research that backs up their claim, and leave it at that.

I was recently sent a document from Dr Paul Alexander, a Canadian health researcher and former Trump administration official at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the document he states that surgical and cloth masks, used as they currently are being used (without other forms of PPE protection), have no impact on controlling the transmission of COVID-19 virus. Current evidence implies that facemasks can be actually harmful, and are largely ineffective.

Dr Alexander presented a masking ‘body of evidence’ below (n=167 studies and pieces of evidence), comprising comparative effectiveness research as well as related evidence and high-level reporting. To date, the evidence has been stable and clear that masks do not work to control the virus and they can be harmful and especially to children.

Below I have presented five of the research articles that were presented for your review. Remember, this is only five out of 167 studies, and they are quite compelling.

The available clinical evidence of facemask efficacy is of low quality and the best available clinical evidence has mostly failed to show efficacy. They failed to find statistically significant benefit in the intent-to-treat populations.

Evidence for Community Cloth Face Masking to Limit the Spread of SARSCoV-2: A Critical Review, Liu/CATO, 2021 www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/2021-11/ working-paper-64.pdf

Masking lack of evidence with politics www.cebm.net/covid-19/masking-lack-ofevidence-with-politics/

“Exercise with facemask; Are we handling a devil’s sword?” - A physiological hypothesis pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32590322/ Exercising with facemasks may reduce available oxygen and increase air trapping preventing substantial carbon dioxide exchange. The hypercapnic hypoxia may potentially increase acidic environment, cardiac overload, anaerobic metabolism and renal overload, which may substantially aggravate the underlying pathology of established chronic diseases.

Use of surgical face masks to reduce the incidence of the common cold among health care workers in Japan: a randomized controlled trial pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19216002/ “Facemask use in health care workers has not been demonstrated to provide benefit in terms of cold symptoms or getting colds.”

of pandemic preparedness, there is considerable uncertainty as to the value of wearing masks. The numerous systematic reviews that have been recently published all include the same evidence base so unsurprisingly broadly reach the same conclusions.”

Transmission of COVID-19 in 282 clusters in Catalonia, Spain: a cohort study, Marks, 2021 www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/ PIIS1473-3099(20)30985-3/fulltext “We observed no association of risk of transmission with reported mask usage by contacts, with the age or sex of the index case, or with the presence of respiratory symptoms in the index case at the initial study visit.”

For those of us who are still thinking that wearing a mask is helpful, I encourage you to visit drtrozzi.org/2021/12/21/ more-than-150-comparative-studies-andarticles-on-mask-inef fectiveness-andharms/, and take a look for yourself. This year is about making changes to keep you healthy, and setting a framework for proactive, not reactive healthcare.

Find all the reference links for this article on our website www.TOCaribNews.com

“It would appear that despite two decades

Capleton; a King recognized for having an extraordinary impact on the reggae industry and torches signifying that a pioneer is in full action. This amidst large, red, green and gold flags forming a human backdrop synchronizing every movement the Fire Man makes.

Capleton, born Clifton George Bailey 111, got his stage name from one of St. Mary’s most distinguished lawyers. This is because of his communication skills, which run through the veins of his music.

His achievements include over 25 albums, Billboard Hot 100 singles, a Grammy nomination, and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association has recognized him for having an extraordinary impact on the reggae industry.

Some of his hit songs include Everybody (1994); Tour (1995); Bad Mind (1996); Jah Jah City (2000); Consuming (2004); Tappa Tings (2006) and Rock Stone (2014).

In terms of charities, Capleton has among the highest scores in Jamaica.

He has contributed to: Baccas Wood Basic School, Port Maria Primary School, Port Maria Hospital, Annotto Bay Hospital, St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, Oberlin High School, Haile Selassie High School, St. Mary Infirmary and Mothers in Crisis.

EUGENE PITTER eugene@carib101.com

ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

JAMAICA -- In Jamaica there is just one Gordon House, which is the nation’s seat of parliament. There is also one Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen who is the Queen of England’s representative. For those who didn’t know, there is just one Capleton in the land of dancehall reggae music.

In case you have never heard that name, you must have just arrived from some other planet, because Capleton is referred to as “The Fireman,” “The Prophet,” “King Shango” and “King David.”

He is one who is not afraid to address the nation’s so-called corruption in no hushhush terms.

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Omar “Jah Thunder” Bolt, cousin of Capleton, likens his migration from Islington to Kingston as a torchbearer ready to send his message across the world.

“He was slender and had his eyes fixed on his mission. He had come first to visit my mother who was his aunt and then he settled a stone-throw away from my house, so we became bonded as family and musicians.

We used to go to the bird bush to shoot birds and this was great fun for all of us. Our bullets were marbles, or bits of steel, which we fired from a slingshot made from a y-shaped hook, attached with rubbers and a firm base to hold the bullets.

Coming in from the woods, one could hear our chants, especially when we had a bounty haul of six to seven birds.”

“Besides this past-time, Capleton wanted to find the roots of every recording studio as he was hungry to be heard,” Jah Thunder recalls.

As a schoolboy Jah Thunder would meet the Fireman at studios including Arrows Recording Studio. This was where dozens of entertainers could be found hoping to do dub-plates for sound-

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Jah Thunder explained that “Although the Fireman could deejay while he was living in St. Mary, he did not have the sound system to push his music. So, people were now able to be everywhere in the crowded city of Kingston hearing the Fireman, while in his community a dedicated group of rastafarian became his followers.”

Even though he showed signs of lyrical heat, his big break came when Stewart Brown, owner of a Toronto-based sound system called African Star, allowed him to perform alongside Ninjaman and Flourdon in Canada.

Capleton proved a staple, and on his return to Jamaica had a string of hits. In 1994 he landed hit after hit with songs declaring his newfound faith in rastafarism.

In 2010, he headlined a U.S tour, which included Romain Virgo, Munga Honourable and Kulcha Knox. With his strong conviction that Africa is the place for Rastafarians, he dropped his musical anchor in Africa with a 2010-2011 tour with stops in Gambia and Senegal, among other stops in Africa.

NEWS

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 13

“Who’s that girl?” DNA Doe Project needs help identifying Afro-Caribbean Jane Doe MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

If you are from St Vincent, St Lucia, Grenada, or any part of the Grenadines or the Caribbean for that matter, the information in this article could be of serious concern to you.

As of this moment, investigative genetic genealogists have the remains of one Jane Doe and are desperately asking for your help in reuniting her with the family and also solving the mystery of what happened to her.

According to investigators, the deceased is around 18-25 years old. Her remains were discovered in 2006 near Bowmanville, Ontario outside of Toronto, and she is likely of Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Investigators are now seeking the public’s help to generate new leads in this case.

It was in April of last year, that detectives from the Durham Regional Police approached the DNA Doe Project for help identifying Jane Doe’s remains.

Jane Doe had protruding upper front teeth with white composite fillings.

Discovered near the body was a ring with a red garnet in the middle and a diamond on either side. This ring is stamped “Burns” on the inside and is believed to have been sold through Burns Jeweller in Oshawa, Ontario.

Initially, investigators thought Jane Doe was Caucasian. “It wasn’t until we sequenced her DNA recently that we discovered that her heritage is largely African (with some South-East Asian as well),” stated C. Lauritsen of the DNA Doe Project.

“We have reason to believe she has at least extended family from or still in the Caribbean, possibly St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, although not necessarily exclusively.

We don’t yet know if she, herself, might’ve lived there before her death or not, but because of this connection, we

would love to be able to specifically reach the Caribbean-Canadian community and beyond to ask if anyone can help us identify her.”

Forensic artist Carl Koppelman produced this portrait incorporating new information about her African heritage.

The investigators are asking the public to check out this information and the new portrait to see if they recognize this Jane Doe or might have known her family in the 1990s or early 2000s. In the meantime, if anyone recognizes her you are being asked to reach out to the authorities. Another helpful way would be to share your DNA results for comparison if you have done a direct-to-consumer test.

If you recognize this woman or have any information to share, please contact Detective Hermano Dorego of the Durham Regional Police Service at +1-905579-1520 ext. 5319 or hdorego@drps.ca.

Here is a bit more on the DNA Doe Project. DNA Doe Project Inc. is an allvolunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to identify John and Jane Doe and return them to their families. The genealogy research is pro bono, but the or-

ganization relies on donations to fund lab costs when agencies cannot afford them.

To date, DDP has made over seventy identifications. Discover more at dnadoeproject. org

Commonwealth Caribbean, where nation states work together to promote their goals, what if?

STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

A Commonwealth is a nation, state and/ or other political unit, founded on law and united by compact tacit agreement by the people for the common good.

What is needed is the creation of an all-encompassing Commonwealth of Caribbean Nations based upon their regional and island culture, as a cornerstone to complete Caribbean Unity.

Assertion: So long as individual Caribbean Island Nations must compete against each other, and with much larger and more powerful international competing nations these separate nations of the Caribbean will not reach their full politicaleconomic potential. Only by uniting the Ca-

ribbean into one socio-politically economic powerhouse will this commonwealth and its member nations achieve the respect and competitive fear of their opponents within international markets.

Presently there are many Caribbean centred international organizations such as Commonwealth Caribbean where nation states work together to promote their goals individually within the organization.

A fully united Caribbean can and will fulfil the aspirations and needs of each of its member states while assuring this group has the united might in politicaleconomic leverage. A united Caribbean will be stronger in many ways.

• • • • • •

Greater purchasing power as a group, with a larger united population Political power and influence through a united front to all friends and competitors Greater influence on the international stage Unity of purpose, national outlook and aspirations United financial clout Pooling collective financial revenue

• •

to be applied to each member in the same fashion no matter the size of population or island mass.

Uniting each member’s ambassadorial, consulate and foreign affairs ministries into one unit A united commonwealth will assure the ability to quickly and profoundly respond to natural, climatic crises through the establishment of an internal emergency ministry whose job it is to save lives, repair and rebuild that which has been damaged quickly

The wealth of each member nation is considered part of the greater entity. The petroleum, mining and natural resources sector would be used to the benefit of all member states, much like a health care insurance agreement. Some islands will need more care and investment than others, but these investments can create the greater good for all. The International Bank and Foreign Banking Concern’s will prefer to do business with a United Conglomerate, a Commonwealth of Island Nations, rather than separate nations who do not have the

ability to borrow.

Imagine a group of island nations within a greater commonwealth of nations.

A Government with a President from say St. Vincent, a Deputy Prime Minister from Barbados and Ministers form islands as diverse and different as Trinidad, Martinique, St. Lucia, or Bermuda.

This Commonwealth would move towards gaining new membership from other island nations such as those controlled by former colonial powers such as America, France, Britain and E.U. Independence for all members within a greater commonwealth, so yes St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), Puerto Rico and even St. Pierre and Miquelon (beside Newfoundland).

This Commonwealth would welcome their brothers and sisters from island nations throughout the Americas.

The Caribbean must be courageously ambitious, creatively aspiring to what is truly within their grasp. Only through unity, can the Caribbean become a true source of power; otherwise it will remain, as it has been, a political and economic possession or other powers.

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NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Got drugs in my pocket and don’t know what to do with them STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

This year has been a disaster for The US Justice Department. Fentanyl has become a scourge upon the North American and global plain. Over 100,000 Americans have died, with 65,000 directly related to the use of fentanyl in its many forms. That is just the USA. Let’s look at one Canadian Province and the effect of Fentanyl.

Approximately 83% of illicit drug toxicity deaths in B.C. in 2020 had extreme fentanyl concentrations. So out of 1,600 deaths 1,288 showed fentanyl’s presence. A further forty-nine suspected illicit drug deaths connected to fentanyl between June-November 2020. Approximately 70% of those dying in 2020 were aged 30-59 years old, with 89% between the ages of 19-59. Interestingly males accounted for 82% of all deaths. We have a drug pandemic here. Young and old, rich and poor, homeless and housed, no matter the race.

COVID-19 with all its other forms has exacerbated the growth of this opioid pandemic. Our neighbours often suffering from some form of stress, mental anguish, physical injuries, financial or personal misfortunes are willing to search out medication for pain relief or simply recreational use. The problem society now has is that what used to be one particular drug of choice, often now has small but deadly infused opioids within it. Yes, your black-market ganja/mota/ stinkweed, acid hit, cocaine or heroin or even crystal meth are reshaped, with the use of this potent opioid.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, man-made in laboratories. It does not rely upon opium poppy for its production. It is produced through a number of restricted chemicals with reactions requiring specialized skilled manufacturers.

The full formula for fentanyl is N-(2-phenethyl)-4-piperidinyl-N-phenyl-propanamide. Quite the mouthful, eh? The pharmaceutical industry developed fentanyl derivatives by manipulating the basis molecule to create various potencies. That is what pharmaceutical firms did legally. Whether intentionally or not, this industry saw a huge profit margin for itself and sold opioids in mass. Over the years the establishment recognized its addictive nature and limited opioid prescriptions to a bare minimum.

The damage was done. The number of addictions to this drug increased and suddenly many patients were expected to be weaned off the drug or go cold turkey. The pharmaceutical industry and your local health administrations/governments are responsible for the creation of this massive illicit drug trade in opioids.

Cartels, organized crime, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Cambodia and Eritrea entered the vacuum and began to recruit scientists and establish illegal laboratories throughout the world, including the US and Canada.

These illegal organizations were supported by nations who gave them territory, provided illicit chemicals and turned a blind eye with a promise of protection for revenue or a piece of the action.

China is the globe’s largest producer of these restricted chemicals in the world. The illegal organizations already have transportation and distribution networks established long ago. What can the authorities do to harm and stop

these organizations you may ask? Well, very little.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the RCMP, Scotland Yard, many police forces and national military organizations act upon shipment movements and capture product, labs and personnel often, but certainly not enough times. The cocaine and heroin business have shown us that police capture only 5-11% of what enters the various global markets. Police are stretched thin while illegal organizations have an ever-increasing rolodex of recruits, friendly businesses, and partners in crime.

If you are taking or thinking of partaking in an illegally provided opioid, please consider the following and please think before you act.

•

•

The production of illegal opioids often involves toxic chemicals using binding agents that are numerous, often unknown and most deadly.

Legal fentanyl is often crushed and added to a powerful mix of uncertain medication or chemicals. A cigarette can have over 75 different things within it to bind and effect the smoker’s addiction. The stuff in opioids is more dangerous, addictive and life limiting. You don’t develop lung cancer using opioids; you just die of an overdose, go into paralysis/coma or become a braindead zombie. That is the truth.

Illicit opioids are available in many different forms such as paper dots, pills or in a mix combined with just about anything. If you want it, you can certainly find it. Illegal opioids are advertised and sold on social media Facebook and TicTok. They are sold as painkillers, stud makers, and children’s medication too.

British authorities noted that 7% of those who have died from opioids in

•

•

2020 were children under the age of 16. How did they get the stuff?

Addiction to opioids happens quickly, often within using it 2-3 times.

Like crystal meth there is a strong chemical reaction within your brain manipulating your ambitions, needs, lusts, dreams towards that next hit of drugs. A child finds a pill in parent’s medical chest, an old fella uses an unknown med he finds, an injured person just needs relief no matter the cost. The cost can be your health, your mental state, or your life.

Your addiction is a slap in the face to all who love you, you love, could love in the future. Addiction is like an unstoppable dream that happens often without an end; only it does end, usually resulting in horrible realities.

Nancy Reagan was strangely correct so long ago while on nationwide advertisements, looking you straight in the eye saying, “Just Say No”!

If you are a freedom loving person, step away from opioids since these drugs will colonize and destroy you. If you are using it, find local help immediately. There is no staining of your reputation. Seeking help is both wise and thoughtful. Who is more courageous and to be admired?

A person who willingly or unknowingly takes an opioid that could kill them, or a person who through realization seeks help for themselves or another person.

Yah!

Drugs can be an escape, a means to alter your perception of reality, relieve your pain, and seemingly alter your life’s situation. It can and does destroy many lives. The only approach to the use of opioids is through trained medical staff and does so legally. I have seen many people die, and it is the deaths through drug use that are most brutal and horrific. Experience, live, as our stay on earth is certainly limited.

New research centre dedicated to the study of health in Black communities PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The announcement of a new research centre dedicated to the study of health in Black communities by the University of Ottawa is truly timely and important.

The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) reported the news in a press release on June 24th, 2021. It can be seen at the website: socialsciences.uottawa.ca.

The creation of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH) will be, ”Canada’s first academic research centre entirely dedicated to the study of the biological, social, and cultural determinants of physical and mental health in the country’s Black communities.” The research centre will involve research teams from five faculties: Common and Civil Law, Medicine, Health Sciences and Social Sciences, as well as five-affiliated hospital re-

search institutes.

The mission of ICBH is to “Promote equity in health for Black communities through rigorous, interdisciplinary, innovative research and community and social engagement.” The priorities of ICBH are to, “Play a national leadership role in research on the physical and mental health of Black communities,”

The website: https://www.newsmedical.net indicated on October 20th, 2021 that ICBH was the brainchild of Dr Jude Mary Cenat, Associate Professor of Psychology in the FSS and founder of University of Ottawa’s Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience and Culture Research Laboratory (V-TRaC Lab). Her research “Sheds insights into the mental health state of Black communities in Canada, and expects the ICBH to take a leadership role in identifying priorities in research on the physical and mental health of Canada’s Black communities among children, adolescents, men and women.” Dr. Cenat hopes that ICBH will address urgent needs among Blacks: • •

Including issues related to health disparities Developing tools to inform healthcare training

•

Proposing evidence-based standards, strategies, and policies

Dr. Cenat states, “There are inseparable links between physical health and mental health. A person who experiences racial discrimination and develops depression is also likely to experience severe stress and may develop diabetes, high blood pressure and potentially kidney problems.”

The virtual launch of ICBH was held on Thursday, October 21st, 2021 and Ciku Gitonga reported about it in an article at the website https://thefulcrum.ca.

Dr. Cenat, one of the speakers at the launch states, “The idea for the centre is from a study I participated in on Black mental health that was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. In that project, we found that there was a very strong link between mental and physical health.

I spoke about addressing these issues in the Black community with the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Victoria Barham. Under her leadership, I started the consultation process to build a research team.” Five specific areas of research axes will be:

1. Prevention and management chronic disease 2. Infectious diseases 3. Mental health and public health 4. Population and public health 5. Child and adolescent health

of

Dr. Cenat notes that with respect to the staff composition and objectives of ICBH there will be an intersectional approach that will be utilized. He states, “The Centre also has a collegial leadership structure that allows us to ground ourselves in the community. What I mean is that at the Centre, we do not work for the Black community, we want to work with the Black community.”

One of ICBH’s first research projects will examine vaccinations in the Black community. Dr. Cenat states, “This is one of the communities with the most hesitation on vaccination. We have to know why, the risk factors, the reasons, so that we can address this. I think it is about trust.”

For him, the colour-blind attitude that many Canadians have prevents them from seeing the health effects of racism and the role of ICBH to alter this perception. He concludes, “We have to try to push and this is what the centre will do.”

NEWS

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 15

Is virtual healthcare the new normal?

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER

The current pandemic is deeply affecting many aspects of society. Accelerated usage of virtual healthcare is a good example. While frontline healthcare workers serve patients needing essential in-person care, some doctors and patients are meeting up over the phone or on video calls.

Virtual healthcare is well known to those living in remote communities.

During the pandemic, it has become an option for everyone.

A debate has ensued about whether such care is good or bad. Proponents of either side are lining up evidence to prove the case. How can you argue with the fact that curable cancers in children have been missed in the ab-

sence of face-to-face consultations? How many lives have been saved by “seeing” the doctor virtually, when the alternative is no treatment at all?

The question should be, when is it okay to utilize virtual healthcare, and when not? And how should people approach the option?

Governments and regulators have been beefing up policies and billing structures for online medical consultations and treatments. In Canada’s public system, a plethora of new billing codes have been registered since the start of COVID-19. There hasn’t been as much attention given to educating the public about virtual care.

Until recently, there wasn’t much interest among healthcare consumers either. A survey of 4,530 American adults conducted by Deloitte in 2018 showed that 77% had never tried a virtual visit.

But as the ancient proverb notes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”

As COVID limited traditional doctor visits, the benefits of virtual care became apparent. Improved access and convenience, reduced travel, eliminated park-

ing headaches. No transmission of infection.

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reported on virtual care use in the province of Ontario before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of Ontarians who had a virtual visit increased from 1.3% in 2019 to 29.2% in 2020, with older people being the highest users. Data from the Massachusetts General Hospital psychiatry department switched from under 5% virtual visits in March 2019 to over 97% in March 2020.

Technology advances are also contributing to the trend. Diseases that may have required an in-person diagnosis in the past can now be detected using digital imagery tools, mobile health applications, and wearable medical devices.

Powerful medical groups are busy determining the support of clinicians’ need for effective integration of virtual visits in the practice of medicine.

Less evident are the support programs needed by consumers. How does a person know when is the right time to pick up the phone and when to make an in-

person appointment?

In general, in-person care is always advisable for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures requiring physical contact (e.g., Pap smears and biopsies).

The same for prenatal and newborn care.

People dealing with multiple health issues or who struggle to communicate virtually should also present in person.

But virtual visits will likely be a significant part of the healthcare experience henceforth. So it is advisable to get good at making the most of them.

Just because you are not leaving home doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare.

Preparation is more important than ever.

Make sure you know how to use whatever equipment is required – from the telephone to computers, mobile apps to specialized software. Be in a quiet space, with sufficient light to read and write, and so the provider can see and hear you well. Have patience and fortitude in case technology fails and to avoid misunderstandings.

If you haven’t seen your doctor in person since the start of the pandemic, make an in-person appointment.

The political slap heard globally; Taiwan opens off in Lithuania STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

How do superpowers treat smaller nations? An example can be seen in how Communist China threatens little, yet mighty Lithuania. Lithuania has allowed Taiwan to open an office in their capital Vilnius. This gives Taiwan official status and recognition in Lithuania and The Baltic Nations too, a problem for China

indeed.

China has made it plain to the world that recognizing Taiwan is a challenge to its imperial plans, its future “Colonial” acquisition of the island of Taiwan, and its large Chinese population.

China’s threat to degrade all Chinese diplomatic channels with Lithuania will send “Lithuania to the garbage bin of history.” Economic and diplomatic pressure will assuredly be placed upon this small nation. Our world has a few superpowers all of whom will try to get their way economically and diplomatically: manipulating, bribing, and creating “partnerships” with smaller nations in order to compete.

Imagine what would happen if a small nation in the Caribbean would have

the courage to do what Lithuania has done. Every island nation in the Caribbean has the financial tentacles of China working within their borders, investing, purchasing, and managing a public and private business. Say Guyana or Barbados would simply welcome Thailand to open an economic development office and follows this up with recognizing the island state of Thailand. What would China do? Its financial power is significant in the Caribbean. What China cannot politically co-op it buys.

The politics of world domination continue. That is what is going on here, financial and ideological competition.

These past decades China has claimed Thailand, parts of the Philippines, conquered its neighbours Nepal, invaded

Vietnam and Laos while claiming small island masses off the shore of Japan and Cambodia. A communist empire expanding through military and financial means, but certainly expanding. What can smaller nations do to protect themselves from superpower encroachment?

Unite and find the strength to withstand any superpower bully. The Baltic States are much like the Caribbean Island Nations, smaller populations with growing economic influence who need to live in this crazed political ocean.

Hopefully, Lithuania’s courageous diplomatic step will bring about further international recognition for Thailand, but also the importance of smaller nations on the world scene and how they respond to tyrant’s threats.

Raptors’ Fred VanVleet launches Scholarship for Black or Indigenous University of Toronto Students PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Undoubtedly, Fred VanVleet continues to make a difference on and off the basketball court as one of the Toronto Raptors’ star players. His entrepreneurial spirit can be seen in his own clothing line and his regular podcast, which showcases his complete support for individuals who have BIPOC’s business. He has partnered with the University of Toronto’s Rotman Commerce to offer a needs-based scholarship as announced in a news release at www.utoronto.ca on Saturday, December 13th, 2021.

Rotman Commerce is one of the

leading undergraduate business programs in Canada and it offers courses with the Rotman School of Management and the Faculty of Arts & Science. It will “Give preference to students in the management specialist program, including four-years’ tuition, a yearly stipend of $1,000 for books and mentoring by VanVleet himself.”

The Raptors’ guard made the announcement in a video posted to Twitter at @FredVanVleet. He tweeted, “This scholarship is important because it’s going to shine a light on some of those who may be underserved or under-privileged in certain communities and aspects. We know there’s a selection process to a lot of different scholarships and sometimes that counts people out. We’re just trying to make a concerted effort to shine a light on those who may have not gotten a proper opportunity.”

In a released statement at www. rotman.utoronto.ca, VanVleet states, “This is to create possibility and light

for those who have faced bias, and who haven’t had the same chances as others.

It’s important to provide opportunities to those who opportunity usually ignores, or works against, or excludes. Academia hasn’t traditionally been an inclusive place for many of us, and so it’s important to make space specifically for people who want to learn, but who are facing barriers that others do not.”

Masai Ujiri, Raptors Vice-Chairman and President states, “Fred set an example on and off the court, and this scholarship is further evidence of his leadership and his vision. I believe the recipient of the Fred VanVleet Scholarship will benefit from not just the support in their education but their relationship with this incredible person.”

Alex Edwards, Associate Professor of Accounting, Director of the Rotman Commerce program is especially appreciative of this scholarship. He states, “We are so grateful for Fred VanVleet’s leadership and generous investment in future

Black and Indigenous leaders. Scholarships not only provide crucial financial support, they also inspire students to challenge themselves and pursue big dreams within the Rotman Commerce program and beyond.”

With respect to the one-on-one mentoring that comes with the scholarship, VanVleet states, “Mentoring is an important part of this, because you won’t find a lot of the answers in books, or the answers that are there are filtered through an experience and a history that is not yours or that may not even be accurate because of bias. So maybe the answers come through conversations or shared experiences. Mentorship can provide inspiration, to seeing someone who looks like you, succeeding on their own terms is huge.”

Students who are interested must apply to Rotman Commerce first, log into join.utoronto.ca and follow Awards Profile link.

NEWS

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Festival Management Committee launches The Building Black Entrepreneurs Program to Support Black Business PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On Tuesday, December 21st, 2021, news was reported by the Festival Management Committee (FMC) that it was launching “The Building Black Entrepreneur” (BBE) program. The FMC is the body that runs one of the largest cultural festivals in North America known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

The BBE program will be “A critical initiative to build the capacity and support for Black entrepreneurs within the Caribbean community and address the systemic barriers they face.” The news release from the FMC states that it “Is committed to the

developments of the Caribbean community. Every year it interacts with hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs who work with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and are eager to access networks, resources, and information to grow their businesses.”

The BBE program will focus on “Providing skills, networking and mentoring for Black entrepreneurs,” which will be facilitated by the FMC in partnership with one of Canada’s most recognized tertiary educational institutions.

ing a business plan, working with experienced instructors, and learning all the essential elements of writing an effective plan for any enterprise in the arts, culture, tourism, or festival sectors.

The following courses will be taught over a 4-week period:

4. The Art of Technology: Business Process This course will teach the most cost-effective use of technology in managing your business in the arts, culture, tourism and festival sectors.

tract mentors and supporters who can contribute to the success of your new or established business.

6. Make Your M@rk: Marketing This course will introduce participants to the basics of marketing.

3. The Law of Carnival: Legal Consideration This course will cover the various forms of business ownership including, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and the advantages and disadvantages.

1. Financial Literacy: Maintaining Proper Accounting Records This course will introduce finances for new and established Black entrepreneurs.

5. Build Your Network: Facilitation of Networking This course enables participants to learn from professionals how to “work a room”, pitch your business idea, and at-

2. Business Planning: Business Advice This course covers the process of writ-

7. Know Your Resources: Procurement This course will introduce tools to manage inventory effectively and the reorder cycle to support business profitability.

8. Hire[ing] Right: Human Resources This course will teach participants how to identify and have great talent for your business as well as plan for secession.

Registration is free at bbep.ca.

Each course is 1.5 hr. and starts on January 17th, 2022

What are the top seven ways to remain fit during challenging times?

BY RACHEL MARY RILEY FITNESS REPORTER Within these past two years, especially with COVID-19, the world and trillions of people have faced many diverse problems. Some have died prematurely, many have lost loved ones, relationships, employment, careers, companies and the list goes on.

Some have used this pandemic to push through their limitations, even with the restrictions that the government has laid on our lives. Others went into deep depression and have lost faith. Some are not awake to the reality of what’s affecting the world and what is to come.

What is important in this time that some people including myself are realizing, is that when obstacles appear, you need to fight from a place of willingness, and have the determination and mindset to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle no matter what challenges come. It requires one to believe and have faith that your health will be in order, you will become stronger,

you will become more disciplined, and that regardless of what the governments of this world are throwing at you, you are taking care of yourself. This means being mindful of what you eat, and when you are eating it. It is being aware that you need to workout even when you don’t feel like it.

What are the top ways to remain healthy during rough times?

This is something to think about, especially when those high emotions kick in and you want to eat emotionally.

•

•

Tell yourself that you’re not going to give into these emotions, yearnings or cravings, and that you will stick to your nutrition plan even if you slip and overindulge. Remember, it is not how much you give up, it is how much you get up.

Due to the intense moment of the circumstance, craving certain dishes can always creep in, especially if it is for your favourite. According to Medical News Today it was discovered that the

desire for specific foods can become uncontrollable. A person may feel as though they cannot satisfy their hunger until they get that particular food or meal. Every person experiences cravings differently, but they are typically transient and often for processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Research Trusted Source suggests that males are more likely to crave savoury foods, whereas females are more likely to crave high fat, sweet foods. Food cravings can lead a person to eat foods that have adverse health effects, and they can disrupt efforts to follow a healthful diet (2020).

•

If you are out and about keep your mug and water bottle beside you at all times that includes (green tea, earl grey tea, rosehip tea, long tea, dandelion tea, orange tea (The 6 Best Detox Teas For Weight Loss To Help You Slim Down, 2020). You can also include wa-

•

•

• •

ter with aloe, water with lime, lemon water, and water and cucumber.

Enjoy a healthy morning breakfast that includes your favourite smoothies, or detox smoothies. Always be ready to have it on the go.

Take the necessary time to prepare meals. Prepare your fish, your chicken breast, your greens, as well as your supplements and protein throughout the day, especially when you are on the go.

Snack on lots of fruits and natural nuts.

Think and stress less; everything is going to be all right!

Be aware of how and what you eat during the times when you’re facing difficulties, especially if you’re going to visit a friend, going to your family’s house, or workplace.

Ask yourself how you feel after you have given into these cravings. Do you feel satisfied, or do you crave more? Do you feel guilty? Think about how your eating habits make you feel?

Racial Justice Awards Night 2021, celebrating tireless activists and inspirational organizations!

PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

For over thirty years, the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of fighting against racism, forms of discriminations, oppression and intolerance.

On December 15th, it held its Racial Justice Awards Night 2021 to honour individuals and organizations who have contributed to fighting for racial and social justice in Ontario. The message from President Nigel Bariffe and Executive Director notes, “The annual Awards Night is a well-deserved celebration that sheds light on the amazing contributions of these individuals and orga-

nizations. We thank our award recipients for inspiring us with their journeys and achievements. We are so pleased to have you join us in celebrating these tireless activists and inspirational organizations.”

The sponsors of the event included the following; Diversity Institute, Ted Rogers School of Management, York Catholic Teachers and the Elementary Teacher Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

The evening event opened with remarks from Indigenous Elder, Michael R. Mitchell who gave the land acknowledgement. President Bariffe thanked the sponsors, volunteers, award recipients and organizations for their work to ensure that the event was a successful one. The performers for the evening included: Salma Hindy, Jayda Marley, Chantelle Soliel and Nirosha as well as spoken-word artist Ayoub Farah.

Receiving awards that night were: • Dr.Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Fam-

• •

• • • • •

ily Caring Society received the Justice Award.

Brandon Gonez, CEO/ Founder of Gonez Media Inc, online news & entertainment company received the Media Award.

Dr. Ritika Goel, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and family physician with St. Michael’s Hospital received the Health Award.

Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, advocate for the protection of Nibi and Mother Earth received the Environment Award.

Andria Babbington, President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council received the Labour Award.

Syrus Marcus, Vanier scholar, visual artist, activist, curator and educator received the Arts Award.

Anthony Morgan, educator, lawyer, racial justice analyst and strategist received the Agent of Change Award.

Trustees Nokkia Dakroub and Kathy McDonald, both of the Peel District School Board (PDSB) received the Government

•

•

Award.

Queen Victoria Black Student Success Committee (QVBS), a group of Black parents based in Parkdale received the Education Award.

Workers Action Centre (WAC), a workers-based organization, involved in improving the lives and working condition of people in low-wage and unstable employment received the Migrant Justice Award.

Overall, the awards night was a successful event as it showcased the outstanding work that so many individuals and organizations are doing to dismantle systems of oppressions and racial injustices anti-Black racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Indigneity and anti-Islamphobia. Anyone interested in UARR can check their website at: www.urbanalliance.ca for volunteer opportunities or programs they offered.

Are you considering Grade 1 French Immersion or Grade 7 Extended French for your child?

Applications are open until Jan. 28, 2022.

Learn more about the French Immersion and Extended French programs by visiting www.peelschools.org/French.

PAGE 18

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022 Photo Credit: Justin

TRINITY FLOWER CANNABIS

Powered by passion and driven by commitment to quality cannabis service!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

I could hear the music before I turned the corner. It was a 90’s R&B song that I had not heard in a long time, so I hurried my steps to get to my venue. It was a Friday night in Toronto, and I was invited to the opening of Trinity Flower Cannabis, a legal cannabis store that had most recently opened at 890 Queen West (Crawford and Queen St.) in the heart of Trinity Bellwoods.

One of the owning partners, Naveen Sian, was standing at the entrance door beside the one and only JelleeStone, one of Toronto’s famed hip-hop artists. As soon as he saw me, a smile appeared on his face, and he came over to greet me.

“Welcome to Trinity Flower Cannabis Simone. Come on in and join us.” There were about 10-15 people in the store, and they were all talking, and it looked like they were having a good time. The song had changed, and again I was brought back a little bit in time. Music is a part of our most basic human impulses. Combining it with cannabis brings music that much closer to our souls. Clearly, the owners had done their research.

As I made my way to the back, I took in the artwork, and bright colours that were splashed throughout the room.

There were plants at the front, making the store feel cosy, strangely familiar. I noticed a large table to the right with an elaborate spread that would tickle any foodie’s interest. Foodies among us know that there is nothing better than a good food and drink pairing, especially with cannabis. If your taste buds are elevated when you are in a heightened state, then you’re not alone. I quickly went over and made myself a plate.

As the night went on, I was able to speak to vendors who had come to the opening, as well as neighbours from the Trinity Bellwoods area, who were curious about the funky, new shop that had

opened up. Cannabis has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s your family, friends, or newfound acquaintances, good company is everything.

I have visited a few government sanctioned cannabis shops around the city, and this was the first time that I felt warm and welcomed. With the shop being so close to Trinity Bellwoods Park, you can tell the owners had drawn their inspiration from their environment, and all of the beautiful people that populate the park every single day. They believe that “People make a place,” so they welcome ALL PEOPLE from ALL walks of life, ALL backgrounds, ethnicity, creed, colour, gender, and orientation.

Not only do they believe that, you could see it when you looked around the room that night.

I finally had a chance to sit down with Naveen Sian, one of the owning partners, and whom you would call the face of the company. In usual fashion, Naveen’s greeting was filled with energy. He openly shared their experience, which opened my eyes to a few things.

“I was born and raised in Rexdale,” Naveen begins. “I think that is why I have always been able to pivot quickly.

I am great at networking, so I have always been able to run a successful business. What I have learned is that it is about the people around you, the willingness to grow, and knowing the macro path that you are on. I have a super strong team working every day, day in and day out.

My friend brought this idea to me about licensing to sell cannabis products. I saw the opportunity and sent him the information we needed in two to three days.

I never thought I would be doing this, but it made sense. I love networking and I love business. Why have one business, when I could have multiple.”

Here began the process for Naveen and his partners. They first had to get a retail store manager licence, and then they had to get the CannSell Standard Certification. It is the only training program approved for legally authorized cannabis retailers in Ontario. Ontario law requires that all employees of cannabis retail stores, store managers, and cannabis retail licence holders complete the CannSell Certifica-

tion before their first day of work. It was developed in partnership with MADD Canada.

“You have to show that you have money in the bank, and a business plan,” Naveen tells me. “I did the business plan in a day. Someone from the OPP called us and did a background on all of us. It was a little evasive to be honest, but we had nothing to hide, so we shared the information.

When we got the licences, I was sceptical about getting involved in the industry. There were a lot of questions that I had, and we had to study a manual, which we did for a few months. I wanted to put the dispensary in Rexdale, but my partners suggested we try something different.

The store is actually a retail store, and I couldn’t visualize how we were going to display cannabis products. After seeing it, we fell in love with it. We signed a lease a couple days later, and even getting that location meant we had to jump through some hoops. There are only 12, 13 stores, so everyone knows everyone in this neighbourhood. It is a very family-oriented area.”

The team had to satisfy the landlord’s requirements and they did. One great thing is that there are no other cannabis shops in that area.

“We were very lucky to get this spot. It works. We don’t have to be in direct competition with any other stores. The market is completely oversaturated. It is ridiculous. The AGCO is negligent in spacing these out properly. The Ontario Cannabis Store is competing with other retailers. It is a very grimy industry. There are suits, and the actual cannabis culture. People don’t understand the culture.

This is our first retail store, so we came in new figuring it out. We discussed it and went for a park vibe theme, non-intimidating, we wanted it to be a vibe.”

As a team, they recognized the need for a convenient, and inclusive space on the location that friends in the park and folks from the surrounding area alike could visit for fast friendly service. They are open for walk-in, curbside pickup and free delivery across the Greater Toronto Area.

Looking for a heightened experience, visit the team at Trinity Flowers Cannabis.

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PAGE 20

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Photo Credit: Lindsey Macdonald

KEVIN BYRD The passionate prostate cancer advocate

“Every 19 seconds, a man dies from prostate cancer.” The thought of this shook me to the core, especially because my father is in remission from his bout with prostate cancer over ten years ago. What brings light to this sombre statistic is the fact that there is someone who has used his platform to educate, empower and encourage men who have had to go through that journey.

I will say this now; there was so much to say about our first Classic Man of the year, that I had difficulty squeezing all of it into one feature. What I will suggest is that you look up Kevin Byrd after reading this and find a way to support this modern-day superhero. To start, his hometown Utica, New York designated a Kevin Byrd’s Day that is honoured every year on October 1st. The Utica City Common Council Legislation passed a Law/ Resolution and designated a street to him called the BROWN BYRD LANE on Tuesday June 5th, 2012.

His story, and his transformational community work has been circulated to thousands of people worldwide in popular media sources across the world: Epoch International Times, USA Today Network, Newsday, Amsterdam Newspaper, Vibe Magazine, Essence, New York Beacon, Caribbean Life, World Journal Chinese Newspaper, Hempstead Times and Blackstar News.

Kevin Byrd has been honoured by over 100 International Mayors, government officials across the world including: Nancy Pelosi, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the former United States President Barack Obama and even Queen Elizabeth of Buckingham Palace. He has earned more than 160 proclamation awards, the city state highest awards.

He is the former Health and Wellness Chairman of the 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc. and is currently the Health and Wellness Chairman of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (New York State’s larg-

est African American Chamber). The work that Kevin is most passionate about is the work that he does with The BrownByrd Foundation. He is the youngest male prostate cancer health advocate in the United States, and his inspiration came at the age of twenty-three when his grandfather, C. J Thomas, died of prostate cancer.

The BrownByrd Foundation (www.brownbyrdfoundation.org/) was founded to increase awareness and prevention of prostate cancer through early detection and screening. Kevin and his co-founder Blossom Brown both lost their grandfathers to prostate cancer, and they were motivated by the desire to keep their grandfathers’ legacy alive.

They BrownByrd Foundation was honoured with the Long Island Health Care Heroes Award, and in 2013, the House of Representative Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke entered their work into the Congressional Record Library of Congress. To cap their powerful partnership, they produced and wrote a short film titled “The Last Dayz” a story that illustrates the life of a young man who is diagnosed with prostate cancer, and eventually learns how to cope with knowing that he has to cope with the disease. The film is now used as a tool to bring awareness to men about the importance of being tested for prostate cancer regularly, and also the importance of women encouraging men in their lives to be tested.

When I had a chance to speak with Kevin, he surprised me. I had not expected his beginning.

“I had inspiration to be an entertainer,” Kevin begins. “I saw myself performing on stage. I have had that dream since first grade. My dad took me by the hand and led me to my first audition (Rhythm Lights), and this was the beginning of my journey. I was nine years old at the time. I toured with the Rhythm Lights until I was around fourteen or fifteen years old.

After rhythm lights, I became an

aspiring actor. Donna Colayo discovered me. She told me that I had a lot of talent.

I did very well in school, and I was on the honour roll, so I ended up graduating in grade 11. After that I decided I wanted to go to the Big Apple. I was confident in myself because everyone told me I was going to make it.”

Kevin went to L.A for the summer, and did some talent shows while he was there. He got offered a couple deals, but he turned them down because he was enrolled into college. He shares with me that no part of his journey was easy; he had some setbacks.

“I came to New York with no money in my pocket and I didn’t know anybody. I continued to put myself out there, but it was hard. I got a chance to go to college and did exceptionally well, but I was very focused on being an entertainer.

I was at a barber show singing because the owner knew I could sing. I caught the attention of a young man who wanted to start a singing group. It all seemed to fall together, and this is how the group “Impact,” was born. We won at the amateur night at the Apollo, and this led us to opening for different groups. We even had the opportunity to work alongside Whitney Houston’s record label at the time.

We broke up after winning the Apollo twice, and I was by myself again. I thought to myself, what am I going to do?

I was twenty years old, in my junior year in college, and it felt like life was falling apart. A transition occurred when I began studying music in college. There was a position open in the acting department, so I did a monologue, and the rest is history. I left the singing alone, and dove into acting. I got an agent and a manager, but it was a hard road. I went on hoping and dreaming, armed with a headshot, and a resume.”

Kevin’s life changed when he got the role of Lieutenant John R Fox, in “Honour the Third,” alongside Samuel Jackson,

and Bernie Mac, directed by Al Roker.

“It was my biggest break. There were about 600 people auditioning and I got the role. My acting coach trained me, we diagnosed the character, and when I got on set, I nailed it. After two takes, I was done. It was amazing. That ride was for two or three years, which meant a lot.

I moved on to writing and starring in my own one-man show called “Release,” The show depicts the six stages of development of men from the ages of 18 to 65 years old. I also co-authored an Amazon bestselling book called “Black Men Speak their Truth”. It was released on February 17th, 2020.”

Kevin has evolved into his role as a community leader, and this was recognized on April 24th, 2021, Kevin Byrd was inducted into the Oneida County History Centre Museum in Utica, NY. “Black History Makers of Utica” is a special exhibit showcasing the Brown Byrd Foundation’s work.

There is so much to say about our Classic Man, but I want to end with something that will allow us to honour him in a personal way. On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022, at 10:00 pm, Niagara Falls will be illuminated with a blue light for the 14th International Annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day. Light a blue candle, wear a blue ribbon, and pause for 19 seconds of silence in remembrance of those who we have lost to prostate cancer.

Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

What you should know about renewing your marriage vows Renewing your wedding vows might be the perfect way reaffirm your love and commitment to your partner. Here’s what you should know about vow renewal cere­ monies.

Why do it There are several reasons you might want to renew your marriage vows. For some couples, this type of ceremony is put to­ gether to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary. For others, the chance to host the perfect wedding reception, especially if the first one didn’t go according to plan, is the prime incentive.

When to do it You can renew your marriage vows whene­ ver you want. However, many couples se­ lect a milestone anniversary, especially the 20th, 30th or 40th. However, there are no rules or deadlines, so feel free to choose any day that feels right.

cide whether you want to host a formal or informal reception, a small gathering or large event, or an exotic getaway or back­ yard bash.

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1. Arrange accommodations If your reception is taking place in the countryside or you have guests attending from out of town, consider making arran­ gements with nearby hotels. This way you can ensure people attending your wedding will have somewhere to stay.

2. Be prepared for any weather It’s important to be prepared for any weather on your wedding day, especially if your ceremony or reception will take place outdoors. You should think about what to do if it rains, how to keep your guests warm in the evening and if there’s a need to ward off bugs.

3. Set and keep a budget Wedding costs can escalate quickly, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your budget.

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PAGE 25

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 27

Ring in the New Year with your inner mountaineer choly in their eyes.

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

It’s not what we were hoping for at this time of year. The doom and gloom of Omicron has many people feeling down. But casting your gaze upwards might be just the right move. For a New Year’s resolution, this might be a good time to channel your inner mountaineer.

Christmas and New Years should be the season for celebration, not hibernation. Families should be together, not torn apart by differing views on vaccination. Charitable giving should be the theme, not clamouring for rapid test kits. Yet so it goes. Even among those getting out for a wouldbe joyous wintertime walk, you can see, in the narrow space between their toques and their masks, the melan-

So, what’s the relevance of mountaineering in these circumstances?

The attributes shared by people who climb high mountains are just what’s needed to fight back against the oppressive weight of pandemic fatigue.

Chase Tucker, founder of Base Camp Training, describes the mountaineering mindset as, “Unwavering self belief, an ability to visualize success in detail, an ability to accept and deal with fear, and an ability to manage doubt. Bulletproof positivity.” He acknowledges risk management skills, but this comes at the end of his list.

There are, undoubtedly, health benefits of climbing uphill. The most obvious are improvements to physical fitness, especially cardiovascular health. The aerobic exercise of climbing reduces body fat, lowering the risk of heart disease. Since climbing, especially with a backpack, is a weight-bearing exercise, it helps maintain bone density. Climbers have strong muscles in the hips and legs, resulting in better balance.

Most exercises done for twenty minutes or longer can help lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and even some types of cancer. Think of exercises that make you feel like you are climbing mountains as a natural antidote to chronic stress too.

There is a full-body exercise called mountain climbers. To do it, from a plank position on the floor supporting your body with your feet and hands, you perform it by taking alternate steps forward to the chest, each time returning to the plank position. It’s a killer, speeding up the heart rate and working all the muscles of the body. If you have ever tried it, you’ll know why climbers are in such tremendous physical shape.

You might want to skip directly to a more manageable, mostly mental, exercise.

But are there health benefits to merely thinking about mountains, and not actually climbing them?

The surprising answer is, yes.

Mountaineering involves concentration. The climber’s steel resolve is a mental exercise, not a physical one.

Focus on clearing the mind of festering worries has been shown to build confidence and self-esteem. Adherence to a regular routine of concentration exercises can alleviate the symptoms of some mental health problems.

Chase Tucker describes a technique to train your brain for the attribute of positivity using a bracelet. “When you catch yourself thinking negatively, stop take a breath, tell yourself that you can solve the situation with a positive approach and it will all work out fine. Then, swap the bracelet to the other wrist.”

He suggests recording how many times per day you swap wrists. The conscious effort required to stop, reflect, move the bracelet, and try to focus again only on positive thinking involves building commitment to the objective.

Who knows what it will take to break out of the entrenched pandemic mindset while the virus runs its course. But positive mental resolve is a good start for 2022.

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

COMMUNITY

PAGE 29

A special Christmas for children in Rexdale, Ontario DAVID ANDERSON d_anderson@carib101.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This holiday season I was privileged enough to participate and watch as a community came together for a Christmas toy drive. This toy drive was like no other. DACC Consultants who partnered with musicians, a community organization and supporters in the community hosted it. With less than six days to prepare, the race was on.

This event started off with toy donations from Moula 1st who is a Rexdale musician. We were able to fill twenty bags of boys and girls presents. As I started to share what I was doing on social media, there was a large amount of support shown. Letting

my social media audience in on this generous act allowed them to interact and engage with the process. Not many people or businesses care about the community, families, let alone give back to the community. It takes a different type of person to give others presents during the holiday time. My goal was to give others the opportunity to give back and support our communities.

The Butterfly Effect Once I started posting the promotional material and shopping for gifts, people reached out to me. I have been Director of Community Engagement for Rexdale Youth Mentorship. They said that they had three boxes of toys because they held their toy drive but had no one to give it to. They went on to say that they wanted to donate it to me if I knew families that could benefit from this. A staff member followed me on social media and decided to email me. This is the butterfly effect, where a small idea or change can create a ripple effect resulting in a bigger impact.

One person really can make a change. Mar-

tin Luther King, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, these are all individuals who were able to fight for issues that impact the world. All of these men were able to see beyond their eyesight because they had vision.

Due to my experience working within communities and hosting events, we were able to have a successful event. Many think posting business contention on your personal page is dangerous or bad to do. If I were to listen to those voices, I would not be where I am. After posting that an organization had donated to DACC Consultants, someone else messaged me. This is a close friend who donated to our youth program two years ago. Tyra reached out asking if she can donate $200 to the Christmas Toy Drive.

Of course, I said, “Yes you can!” This was perfect because we ended up getting gifts for older youth aged nine to sixteen years old.

We were able to buy tennis equipment, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, air hockey tables, dolls, books, scooters and more. We were able to support thirty families this Christmas with our surprise toy drive.

Not Done Yet Just when you thought we were finished, I got a surprise text at 3:32am from Richard of Keep 6 Organization. I have been working with them for a year now providing groceries and even turkeys to the Rexdale community. He noticed what I was doing and said he had twenty grocery bags for me to support families this holiday season. I replied within two minutes, “That’s amazing, we will talk in the morning.”

Sometimes as an entrepreneur you have to jump on opportunities that present themselves. This builds trust within you, partners, sponsors, donors and the community. If I did not reply back right away, I would have forgotten, or I could have missed the opportunity. The next day, hours later there I was loading my car with groceries.

I would like to thank Swaleh Bashamakh, Tyra, Keep 6 organization, The Career Foundation and Moula 1st. It is because of you that we were able to make Christmas special for children in Rexdale.

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Developing the art and skills for problem-solving DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

It’s a new year, and the journey has just begun. You’ve probably set new year resolutions, goals and targets for the year, I assume. I hope and wish that 2022 delivers to you everything and more you’ve set as goals.

One of the guaranteed experiences of life is that there will always be problems, and everybody at some point will have their fair share. At a global level, COVID-19 is not going away any time soon.

Racial injustices and discrimination are still a major issue around the world. Hunger, unemployment, global warming, terrorism, human trafficking, to name a few, are still issues we need to deal with.

Organizations and governmental

bodies exist because there are problems to be solved. You are employed because you are solving a problem. The social ill or the civil unrest in our world today are indicative of an existing problem(s). In reality our life individually is largely defined by the problems we are able to solve. Most monuments are raised as a symbol of remembrance for the solutions those individuals contributed to society.

Success at solving problems is crucially dependent on psychological factors, attributes like confidence, concentration, and courage. The non-psychological aspects of problem-solving are a mix of strategic principles, more focused tactical approaches, and narrowly defined technical tools.

Psychologically, mental toughness is a crucial element of problem-solving. It is hard to work on a problem if you don’t believe that you can solve it, and it is impossible to keep working past your “frustration threshold.” However, sometimes you just cannot solve a problem. You will have to give up, at least temporarily. All good problem solvers occasionally admit defeat. An important part of the problem solver’s art

is knowing when to give up.

Also, a good problem solver is highly open and receptive to ideas that are floating around in plain view yet invisible to most people. This elusive receptiveness to new ideas is what we call creativity. One way to heighten your receptiveness to new ideas is to stay “loose,” to cultivate a sort of mental peripheral vision.

One of the technical approaches to problem-solving is using the Five Whys principle. This principle helps you to get clarity about the nature of the problem you want to solve and offer an efficient solution. Making an informed decision is based on an insightful understanding of the problem and careful exploration of the root cause. This problem-solving technique may not be applicable to all problems.

However, the Five Whys technique is one of the most effective tools for root cause analysis in lean management.

Think of unconventional ways of solving problems. Remember the example of connecting a nine dotted point with an unbroken path of four different lines. The solution is impossible unless you liberate yourself from the artificial boundary of the

nine points. You need to draw out of the dots to connect them. A problem solver needs to be flexible to unconventional models of problem-solving. He must be open to options and willing to apply the best approach given the circumstances.

When solving a problem, don’t work in isolation. Depending on the nature of the problem you want to solve, sometimes engaging a team or a group will save you time in personal brainstorming. Look at the previous works that have been done regarding the problem, build on it and come up with something new. As previously mentioned, good problem solvers are open to options and external views. To be intellectually arrogant by dismissing input from others is counter-intuitive to any problem-solving technique.

In conclusion, document your process and the winning strategy. When you finally have a solution that works, write down the process and approach that leads to it. Be systemic. This exercise will help others in the future to know what has been done before when they encounter similar problems. It will cut off the redundancy of starting all over again.

LIFE

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

“Please, that hurts too much.”

Moving past the pain SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

I was escorted off the plane and placed in a room as they sorted through my immigration papers. I clearly remember my thoughts at the time; I was just happy to be back in North America. As I listened to the bustle of passengers picking up their luggage, greeting their loved ones, I was relieved that for the first time in a month, I was hearing English being used regularly.

It is interesting what brings you joy during times of chaos.

I must have been really lost in my thoughts, because when I looked up, the two Marshalls were standing in front of me.

“Time to go,” the female officer said to me.

You are going to be staying in county jail for the night.”

They brought me into another room for processing, and there was a man and woman waiting for me. “Please undress,” the unknown woman said to me.

I had become used to de-robing on com-

mand, so I did it without questioning. They weighed me, took my height, and fingerprinted me for what I think was the 100th time. The man then said to me, “We are going to have to remove your piercings.”

If anyone has seen me, I have piercings in some odd places. Many of the piercings can only be surgically removed, so I informed the gentleman of that. “Well, you can’t keep them in,” he said. “Let’s see which ones we can take out.” I looked at him trying to figure out if he had heard what I said. He turned away from me, and when he turned back around, he had a pair of pliers in his hand. He began to slowly remove my piercings and avoided the ones that he realized that he could not take off. When he got to my ears, I pulled back a little.

“What is the problem,” he asked.

“Please be careful with those,” I told him.

“Those are only about six weeks old, and they are still healing.” The piercings on my ears had taken longer to heal because of the location of them. Plus, one of them was infected and I had not been able to take care of it when I was in Panama. He looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language and proceeded to begin yanking at the same earrings I had just warned him about.

“Owwww!” I finally yelled with tears in my eyes. “Please, that hurts too much.”

He finally stopped, and the woman said to him, “No worries. Just leave those. She won’t be in county for long.”

I sat there with tears running down my face. In my head I thanked the woman and did my best not to glare at the man who was still standing there with the pliers in his hands. The woman handed me gauze with alcohol. “Here. Put this on your ear. It will sting, but at least it will be clean.”

“Thank you,” I said. She handed me a tissue, and they both walked out the room. I took the time to put on my clothes and sat back on the bench. My mind was racing as I thought of how close I was to being home. I paused. A smile slowly began to creep across my face. In that moment, because I had shifted my negative thoughts to happier thoughts, the pain of the situation did not feel as bad.

The door opened, so I hurried to get dressed. It was the Marshalls, and after my experience with the man who tried to pull my ear off, I was relieved to see them.

“We are bringing you to county, but we have to finish some of your transfer forms. We will need your signature and then we are good to go.”

I sighed and walked towards them. “It is almost done Simone,” I said to myself. That phrase had become part of my life.

Synthetic Cannabinoids; It would be a good idea to stay away from them STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

INSIGHT TO SOCIETY

There is a rising wave of popular demand for the legalization of various drugs. The reason these drugs are to be decriminalized and legalized is centred upon the undue and unpopular prosecution and imprisonment of those citizens that possess and trade in these narcotics. There is the question of who uses these narcotics for personal use, and who is a drug dealer/ criminal. These are legal issues that the courts need to throw directly at the parliaments of each province within our nation.

I’d like to write about one such drug that has gone under the microscope of most citizens, Synthetic Delta-9 THC (Cannabis). It is a Psycho Active Substance

(NPS) Known as Synthetic Marijuana, Voodoo Spice, Ninja, Skunk or K, these drugs are made up of various man-made chemicals that some people use as an alternative to Marijuana.

Appearing often in unassuming packages like bags of fake weed, these drugs can cause serious side effects and health issues such as rapid heart rates, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and possible seizures. Like many synthetic drugs, the item’s properties are toxic and can kill someone who is either healthy or has illnesses weakening their immune systems.

Using these substances can cause severe unexplained bleeding or bruising throughout the person’s body. Using synthetic anything, consuming it or breathing it into your body is opening your body to a world of pain and an assault upon your nervous system.

These synthetic chemicals are sprinkled upon plant material like natural marijuana making that substance appear both natural and addictive. In 2015 there were fifteen different varieties of synthetic

marijuana categorized along with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine and crack.

If you try to purchase these items on the internet they may be presented as natural drugs under names such as: • • • • • •

Indian Lotus Lions tail Honey Weed Dwarfs SkullCap Blue Egyptian Indian Warrior and Beach Bean.

Natural herbal ingredients are added and labelled with the Delta-9 THC added. The internet offers drug dealers and their customers a wide marketplace of illicit drugs and paraphernalia.

You want to stay healthy, wealthy and wise? Don’t consume synthetic items.

Natural is healthier and better for you. Remember that anything like normal sugar is considered a drug, something you can become addicted too, something that can harm and kill you should you misuse it.

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Chaos, disruptions, and adjustments in Ontario Public Education in 2021 will bring major challenges, changes and confusion in 2022 PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

YOUTH EDUCATION

In many ways the COVID-19 pandemic defined the state of education in Ontario in 2021. There has been a lot written about the real effects on students’ mental and emotional health, and the learning gaps that have occurred from students being forced into remote learning.

For thousands of students, hybrid learning, or simultaneous learning was their major learning platform. Many teachers faced unique challenges in having to teach an in-person class and online class at the same time. This will continue in 2022 in the fifth wave of the pandemic as the appearance of the Omicron variant of concern has raised fears and doubts about the likelihood of students returning to normal schooling

However, there were significant changes that transpired in public education in Ontario that will impact funding, programs, policies, and procedures in 2021 and beyond. At the start of 2021, schools were allowed to offer in-person learning as well as remote learning for

many students. Many boards chose hybrid learning, which was widely criticized by education stakeholders, as there are documented negative effects.

Aside from not bridging the digital divide with many homes lacking adequate internet and computer access, hybrid learning failed to deal with real inequities that BIPOC students faced daily.

The Ontario Ministry of Education announced its guidance to school boards and schools in May 2021 indicating that there would be $1.7 billion of COVID-19 related funding and specifically with remote learning, co-horting/timetabling, learning recovery and renewal with an emphasis on health and safety of students.

On July 9th, 2021, it released its, “COVID-19: health and safety measures,” which provided ventilation, vaccination, mental and health supports for students.

The five teachers’ unions expressed displeasure, as they wanted the government to invest about $3.0 billion to ensure that schools reopened safely after the summer break. There were even more upsets when the fall economic statement indicated that there would be a $500 million cut from the education budget.

One of the positive developments was the allocation of $6 million for the launch of the Black Advocacy in School Program by the Ministry of Education on March 1st, 2021. This funding provided desperately needed financial support specifically in the following ar-

eas in Ontario: Ottawa, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area.

Many Black-led organizations received funding through the Ministry’s Safe Return to School Grant for shortterm funding delivered between May 2021 and August 21st, 2021. One of the beneficiaries was the advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PoBC). Since their inception, they have facilitated several initiatives, workshops, presentations and deputations. Organizations such as: Ontario Association of Black Educators (ONABSE), Peel Association of African Canadian Educators (PAACE) and Urban Alliance of Race Relations (UAAR) continued their advocacy work through the Education Equity Project.

Several boards witnessed the appointment of racialized Directors of Education.

Curtis Ennis in the Halton District School Board, Jeewan Xhanicka at the Waterloo Region District School Board, Rashmi Swarup in the Peel District School Board and Colleen Russell-Rawlins in the Toronto District School Board.

Director Russels was part of the leadership team, which was responsible for the Centre of Excellence for Black Achievement launched in October 2021. At the TDSB, reports by its human rights office that there was “A serious racism problem” within the board, cases of anti-Black racism at Queen Victoria Park Public School and the teacher wearing Blackface were troubling occurrences.

There were several positive announcements that the Ontario Ministry of Education made in 2021. On June 7th, 2020, it indicated that there would be an end to the racist practice of streaming of students in Grade 9 math, an end to discretionary suspensions of students from K-grade 3 and amendments to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Act to include racism and discrimination as grounds for professional misconduct.

In addition, in December 2021, the OCT released a Professional Advisory on antiBlack racism to help teachers address anti-Black racism in learning environments.

It can be seen at oct-oeeo.ca/advisories.

As we look forward to the school year in 2022, the issue of hybrid learning will continue to impact student’s learning. Given the uncertainties that remain with respect to the reopening of schools, many school boards are in a limbo. The reduction in funding by the Ministry of Education will impact adequate programming for students with the consequent increase in class sizes and restrictions of course offerings at the high school level.

The de-streaming of grade 9 classes in September 2022 means small class sizes; equitable funding of resources, supports, workshops and training of teachers are needed for it to be effective.

Teachers’ unions will continue to call on the government to ensure that there is proper ventilation, vaccination, testing and PPE provided to education workers.

LIFE

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

The future of cannabis is bright with trailblazing pioneers like The Heightened Chef lighting the way!

SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com

THE HEIGHTENED CHEF The Heightened Chef consists of friends from high school who came back together through a passion for food and for cannabis in 2017. Sensing the prospects in the emerging cannabis market and the need for a unique dining experience, they set out to create something brand new. The outcome is now the standard by which all others should be measured and has inspired many to begin their own journey within the cannabis industry.

With over fifty combined years of experience in both cannabis and cuisine, Chef Alfred, Chef Marc, and host Sean continue to amaze their guests month after month with stunning menus, exclusive venues, and unforgettable memories. Serving hundreds of guests over the last three years has allowed them to fine-tune and perfect the formula for an evening of fine

dining, music, education, laughter, and cannabis consumption. Always pushing cannabis culture forward, The Heightened Chef team ensures the platform they’ve created is being used to showcase the very best cannabis companies in the community. The future of cannabis is bright with trailblazing pioneers like The Heightened Chef lighting the way!

The Heightened Chef platform stands on four pillars of philosophy: Safety, Education, Enlightenment, and Inclusion.

With these, they are sculpting a culturally rich society that thoughtfully reflects everyone involved.

First and foremost, Safe and Responsible use of cannabis are paramount. It is the lynchpin to de-stigmatizing decades of misinformation and is the prime directive to every detail at every event.

Education about cannabis definitely aids that goal but also opens the door to a great many wonders about this plant and the community that utilizes it. The Heightened Chef always seeks to leave you with more than when you came. With a vast array of guest speakers and artists to draw from, the very least of which will ALWAYS be knowledge.

Enlightenment comes from how we choose to use this knowledge and

The ‘helper’s high’: why volunteering makes you happy Common wisdom tells us that by giving, or giving our time, we receive something in return — tangible or otherwise. True to this principle, very often volunteers affirm that volunteering makes them feel happy. This positive effect of volunteering has been called the “helper’s high.”

But what causes this feeling? The field of positive psychology provides a compelling explanation with their research on happiness.

Martin Seligman, the field’s leading figure and past president of the American Psychological Association, maintains that there are three types of happiness, or rather three kinds of happy lives: • Pleasant life or life of enjoyment • Good life or life of engagement • Meaningful life or life of affiliation Seligman outlines these modes of happy living in his books Authentic Happiness (2002) and Flourish (2011). The first mode of living in-

volves the pursuit of pleasure and affords us only transient happiness. The second involves engagement in tasks in which we feel adept and is a source of durable happiness. The last involves participation in something larger or more permanent than ourselves and is also a source of durable happiness.

It’s the third type of happiness in Seligman’s model, that which derives from a “meaningful” mode of living, that is relevant to volunteering. For Seligman, this happiness stems from a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose. According to both a large body of research and volunteers themselves, volunteering frequently generates these very effects.

Volunteers obtain a sense of belonging from engaging with their community and expanding their social network, and a sense of meaning and purpose from their perception that they’re making a positive difference. Hence the sense of happiness, or this “helper’s high,” that so many volunteers report feeling.

whom we choose to share it. In a community that supports it, positive energy can be generated whether it is used inward to reflect, repair, and evolve or outwards to create, connect, and inspire. Ideally, a better world with a better you is the goal.

Inclusion is the moral and ethical compass that guides them to that Pro-

mised Land. Diversity is in the DNA of The Heightened Chef and it permeates through every pore. It adds to the collective experience like flavours add richness to a gourmet meal. The Heightened Chef is a mosaic of many pieces, but only a masterpiece because everyone is included.

Five benefits of employee volunteering programs What if planting trees, running a 5K or preparing a meal for a homeless shelter was all part of a day’s work? Employee volunteering programs give staff the chance to escape the office for a day and help out in the community. Such programs benefit employees, employers and the community.

Here are five key advantages they offer.

1. Boosting morale. Employee volunteering programs provide employees with rewarding experiences, allowing them to simultaneously feel proud of themselves and their company. Teams that partake in such initiatives together become stronger and more cohesive.

2. Developing skills. Volunteering is an effective way of building leadership, teamwork, collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills.

3. Enhancing company image. Customers and clients appreciate companies that

make a positive difference. Increased visibility in the community is an excellent way to encourage new business.

4. Attracting the best talent. Companies that volunteer in their community become more attractive to potential employees. This is especially true of the younger generation, who highly value volunteerism.

5. Making the community better. Whether the initiative is cleaning up litter, improving the lives of those less fortunate or making an elderly person’s day, employee volunteer programs make communities better.

When companies adopt employee volunteer programs, they reap major rewards for themselves and their employees. Making a positive impact on the community at large is just one of the many advantages of these programs.

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LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Your love life is important, even when you’re a parent

Make family exercise sessions your priority It’s not always easy to find the time and motivation to keep fit between work, homework, shopping, meals and housework. The solution? Make exercise a health priority for the whole family.

What’s important is to stay active.

Get all the members of your family moving by choosing activities that are simple and easy to integrate into the daily routine.

Start slowly; a short family walk after supper is a great way to form new habits. Break the monotony by changing your route on a re­gular basis. Finish your outing with a few fun challenges, such as walking backwards or hopping.

Everyone is sure to enjoy an improvised dance session in the living room.

Swaying and jumping to your children’s favourite music is the kind of cardiovascular

exercise that burns calories. Get yourself an exercise ball or some elastic exercise bands; they’re inexpensive and can be used even when watching TV. Every week, ask family members to organize a session of their favourite physical activity. There’s just one rule: every­one has to participate. You can go cycling, do yoga, go swimming, play beach volleyball, take a walk in the woods or jump rope — anything is possible.

Set yourself realistic family goals.

An hour of exercise a day may be too demanding, while 20 or 30 minutes could be enough to stimulate enthusiasm. You don’t want to discourage the troops. After all, family exercise is healthy, but it has to be fun as well.

Do you feel that your only role in life is to be a parent? What about all those romantic moments you used to enjoy together before you started a family? Do you feel guilty when you make time for your relationship?

Experts say it’s important to remember that nurturing your relationship with one another is crucial, especially when you’re parents.

When a baby is born it’s normal to devote all your energy to this new member of the family. Between nursing, diapers, parenting joys and worries, time flies by so fast that you end up without any time for yourself. Parents bond deeply with their children and this relationship takes up more and more room in their lives. Mom is tired, Dad feels neglected and the marriage takes a beating. This is when you have to take immediate action. Of course you are parents, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your love life. Nurturing your relationship

must re­main on your list of priorities.

How can you take better care of your relationship? Take advantage of every opportunity to be alone together. Is the baby sleeping? Turn off the TV and have a romantic tête-à-tête. Don’t talk about the kids; they’ll be fine! Cozy up with each other, whisper sweet nothings and don’t look at the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A long kiss, a hug and a bath together don’t cost anything, and often that’s all it takes to prevent coolness and indifference from creeping into your relationship.

When possible, ask someone to come and look after the kids so you can treat yourselves to an evening at the movies, go for a walk or go out for a cup of coffee together. Get out, break the routine and have fun. If you feel guilty, remember this: taking care of your marriage is part of your responsibilities as a parent.

Coaching and mentorship can accelerate your development NELISA DLAMINI

nelisa@carib101.com

PIONEERING WOMEN In the fast-paced world of business that we live in, it is imperative to be more intentional about personal and professional development as a woman. Personal and professional development is a continuous lifelong process of nurturing, shaping, and improving skills and knowledge to ensure maximum effectiveness and ongoing employability. Not only does it increase your employability, but it also enhances your business acumen and ultimately can improve your approach to entrepreneurship.

Development is an essential part of our journey as it sets us up for success, expands our knowledge base and skill sets, amplifies our personal strengths, helps improve our confidence, expands our professional sphere of influence, helps us set SMART (Specific, Motivating, Achievable, Relevant, Trackable) goals and it can help us become

experts in our field or area of interest.

What is the difference between personal and professional development? In essence, professional development focuses on the workplace or specific business. It is the development of skills in relation to your job or enterprise, to assist in ensuring you become more effective in the workplace.

Personal development, however, is more focused on leadership qualities, peer relationships, communication, time management, and more.

The success of development, whether professional or personal is highly dependent on the presence or absence of coaching and mentoring. In fact, in the 1980s, the 70-20-10 model was born. This learning and development formula was developed by Morgan McCall and the Centre for Creative Leadership.

The 70-20-10 model is based on McCall’s research which found three types of learning. He hypothesizes that 70% of learning comes from on-the-job experience and 20% from developmental relationships. Together, these two methods are often known as informal learning, since they do not follow a specified pattern and happen on their own. Only 10% of our learning is down to formal training. Twenty percent of our learning comes from deve-

lopmental relationships and that is why it is imperative to take coaching and mentoring seriously if you truly desire to develop professionally and personally.

Coaches are mainly responsible for professional development and are more performance-driven, focusing on improving your on-the-job performance. Mentors on the other hand, are experienced and trusted advisors that focus on your personal development. Because mentors are development driven, they look beyond your current functional role and take a more holistic approach to career development. Having these two, work together can accelerate your development as it is a more holistic approach. Your functional competency increases as well as your personal and leadership skills, differentiating you in your field.

Coaching typically, is a short-term approach, can be up to a year, however, there are some exceptions where coaching can last longer, depending on the goals that need to be achieved. Mentoring on the other hand, tends to be more long term as it focuses more on personal development, despite the job or enterprise function.

In coaching, the coach will typically ask thought-provoking questions as a

Should we have another child?

Is it true that having a third child will raise our cost of living that much more? Certain factors have to be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to have another child. For example, the arrival of a third child may require you to buy a bigger car or move to a bigger house. It will definitely mean extra costs for most outings, as family packages are generally designed for two adults and two children. On the other hand, you already have everything you need: bed, stroller, clothes, toys, etc. And best of all, you possess all the necessary parenting skills.

Parents of a third child aren’t scared of little things like a few teething problems.

Organized and resourceful, these parents thoroughly enjoy their youngest offspring and feel much more relaxed about the whole idea of parenting. While the oldest two are having fun together, Mom and Dad

can take the time to look after the baby without feeling guilty.

And what about the pride the older kids feel when they help their parents by bringing a toy or picking up the pacifier that’s fallen on the floor? Families with three children learn to share and communicate with each other; they learn to split everything in three rather than down the middle.

According to many experts, children from large families often grow up to be more generous and responsible as adults.

Still wondering whether or not you should have another child? Start by asking yourself about your habits and your lifestyle.

Do you mind if your routine gets turned upside down again? Do you have enough time and energy to devote to a larger family? Can you afford a third child? If you answered yes to the above, then there’s no need to ask yourself any more questions.

tool in order to assist you in decision-making, recognizing behavioural changes and ultimately taking action. In contrast, during mentoring sessions, you as the mentee, are more likely to ask more questions as a tool to tap into and leverage the mentor’s expertise.

Where do you start if you want coaching and mentoring? First, you need to outline your desired outcomes of both the coaching and mentoring sessions. With coaching, which functional areas in your profession do you want to develop? With mentoring, which personal traits would you like to work on or improve? Once this is established, you can choose your coach and mentor dependent on their industry expertise, position expertise or their skillset. Some workplaces can assist with selecting mentors and coaches and if this is not something readily available to you, you can ask peers in your industry who to approach.

Coaching and mentoring can accelerate both professional advancement in your organisation and improve your leadership skills. Being intentional about this will differentiate you and take you to new professional heights.

Family is a factor in academic success Did you know that your home and family environment can affect your children’s academic performance in a major way? Studies demonstrate that encouraging exchanges and discussions du­ring the family’s eve­­ning meal is one of the most effective ways to maximize the chances of academic success.

Children develop self-esteem when they grow up in a family where others take the time to listen and be interested in what they do. At school, this feeling is re­ flected in an in­creased confidence in their abi­lity to succeed. Not only does this confidence allow them to obtain bet­ter re­sults, but it sti­mu­lates them to give the effort re­ qui­red to succeed, even when they’re having problems. As a parent, your role in this is crucial.

•

Opt for a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, exercise and 8 to 12 hours of sleep

• • • •

every day can increase a child’s concentration and reduce stress.

Encourage your children. Praise effort as well as success.

Help your children become more inde­ pen­ dent. Supervise ho­ mework but don’t do it for them.

Have fun as a family. Playing is a great way to combine fun and lear­ning.

Work with your child’s teacher. Go to mee­tings and don’t hesitate to contact the school if you have concerns.

Be there for your children and never give up on them. Teach them to have a positive attitude about their education, and, most importantly, commit to giving them support throughout their schooling.

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

REAL ESTATE

PAGE 35

The real estate pandemic JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

During the coldest month, home prices tend to surge. We noticed the same trend with the pandemic. The wintery weather creates scarcity, and many sellers prefer to wait until spring, when the weather breaks, before putting their home up for sale. The pandemic has created a similar response.

Many sellers abstain from exposing their homes to the market and exposing themselves to COVID-19. This also creates scarcity and as a result, home prices make an Olympian high jump in a relatively brief time.

Let’s step into 2022. Could this trend continue? Experts are predicting that home prices will continue to grow. A typical GTA home that was selling for around $600,000 in 2019 is selling for around $900,000 today. In 2022, we can see another 10% increase in price. The rich are becoming ultra-rich and at the other end, the poor, ultra-poor while the middle-class is thinning.

Real estate is one of the biggest sources of revenue for the government. A second time buyer who purchases a home for about $1,000,000 in Etobicoke, for example, must pay $32,950.00 in land transfer tax. If it is an investment property for the seller, assuming the profit is $600,000, capital gains tax on the same property can be around $150,000. In addition, there is HST on the commission paid and on the lawyer

fees and other services such as inspection, appraisal, CMHC and title insurance. With current value assessment, property tax increases as well.

The Omicron variant is ever evolving, becoming more contagious. We can enter another series of lockdowns and layoffs. The government would have no alternative than to assist those affected with bailouts. The only problem is that we need more tax dollars in the bucket. If the government allows the real estate market to tumble, then their tax stream would run dry, and the government will crumble like a baked cookie. The only way out then, is to borrow more money. When a government borrows more money, technically they become poorer, and the dollar becomes weaker. With a weaker dollar, it would be more expensive for us to buy products such as building materials. House prices will continue to spiral.

To keep the country humming, we need more fuel for the tank. Canada desperately needs new immigrants to pick up the touches and bring home the bacon.

With more and more immigrants arriving, the need for housing is becoming greater and prices are continuing to climb. Our government is walking on a tight rope. On one hand, they need the revenue but on the other hand, if left unwatched, it can be cancerous.

In 2022, we are expecting to see a slight increase in interest rates. A slight increase is like gradually pumping the brakes on a blustering winter day, testing the drive. If more brake power is needed, then the interest rate would go up gradually until the economy levels off.

Along with a slight increase in interest rates, other measures such as heavy

taxation on speculators could be implemented. Speculators in the GTA are like piranhas, depleting the housing stock. With less speculation, more homes would be readily available for the average buyers. Investing for the long term provides housing accommodations and would be encouraging.

With the GTA price escalation, overseas buyers are cashing in. There are many overseas businesses that are buying up properties and leave them empty. It’s a way to park their money. Vacant home taxation is another way to discourage this practice. While this is great for the tax man, those who can afford to buy homes and leave them empty, can certainly afford to pay an extra 10% increase in property tax.

For now, the pandemic effect will continue to create scarcity. The supply

chains are disrupted and there is shortage of skilled workers. Seniors are choosing to stay in their homes instead of moving to the more confined space in retirement homes. With this trend, without government intervention, prices would continue to grow.

This year we may see a slight increase in interest rates along with heavy taxation on speculators and vacant homes.

The government’s intent is to cool the market slightly and maintain an upward trajectory equivalent to the rate of inflation.

For those sitting on the fence, hoping for a crash in the real estate market, buy something. Buy anything. Homes that appear to be expensive today will look like a bargain in ten years. Get on the train. Any carriage will do.

We’ve got your

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PAGE 36

HOME

4 affordable alternatives to hardwood floors If you want the high-end look of hardwood floors without the hefty price tag, there are more affordable options. Here’s an overview.

1. Vinyl This type of flooring can be designed to look like wood but has all the benefits of vinyl. It’s scuff, dent and scratch resistant and will stand up to everyday wear and tear. Furthermore, certain types of vinyl planks feature click-lock technology, which makes them easy to install.

2. Cork Cork is sustainably harvested and environmentally friendly. This renewable re­source is resistant to insects, mould and mildew and naturally anti-microbial. In ad­dition, cork flooring provides a comfortable cushion underfoot, making it ideal for people with back and joint issues.

3. Laminate Durable and available in a wide variety of styles and colours, laminate flooring is stain and moisture resistant. This type of flooring offers a shine that lasts year after year and is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Engineered bamboo Made by bonding a thin layer of bamboo onto a plywood or fibreboard core, this type of flooring has a plasticated top for added protection. It’s stylish, robust and easy to maintain, and since bamboo is a wholly renewable resource, this product is an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers.

For the best possible results, make sure your new floo­ring is professionally installed.

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

How to choose the right type of wood stain for your project A fresh coat of stain can breathe new life into wood furniture and flooring. Here’s an overview of the three most common types of stains.

The biggest downside is that they don’t penetrate wood as deeply as oil-based stains, which results in less saturated colours.

• Oil-based stains are inexpensive, readily available and easy to use. They’re ideal for large projects because they dry slowly and create a uniform appearance. Oilbased stains penetrate deeply, which provides rich colour and a durable finish that often doesn’t require multiple coats.

• Gel-based stains are often described as a cross between stain and paint. They require less preparation than other products as you don’t need to completely sand the wood’s surface to get a good result. In addition, since gel-based stains coat the surface of the wood instead of penetrating it, they’re especially suitable for woods like birch, cherry, maple and pine.

• Water-based stains are mould and mildew resistant, making them suitable for moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. They dry very quickly, which makes them best suited for small projects.

If you need help choosing the right stain for your project, speak to the sales staff at your local hardware store.

FUN

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 37

WEEK OF JANUARY 2 TO JANUARY 8, 2022

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: ARIES, TAURUS AND GEMINI

You’re craving a fresh start and are determined to rebuild your life.

You also feel the need to escape and get away from it all.

TAURUS

You’ll make travel plans with your friends. Don’t delay! Free up your schedule and get your passport and other necessary documents toge­ ther. Your smile will be contagious.

PUZZLE NO. 752 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 752

GEMINI

HOW TO PLAY :

Proper planning will ensure you get everything done on time. You’ll fi­nally get around to organizing your life and will finish everything you’ve been putting off.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

CANCER

This is an excellent time to follow through on your new year’s reso­lutions. You’ll learn new skills by participating in on­the­job training. You’ll also be interested in trying new things.

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.

LEO

Be careful about what you say. At work, don’t overlook any details, es­p ecially if big changes are on the ho­rizon. In your love life, a major project will strengthen your relationship.

VIRGO

PUZZLE NO. 42 42. Beast’s neck gear 43. Ran 48. Journey 49. 1981 Warren Beatty film 50. Fierce anger 51. Female chickens 52. BLT spread 53. Fresh DOWN

ACROSS

1. Type of bran 4. Tent site 8. Chops 12. Beer’s cousin 13. Impostor 14. Egg shape 15. Long-legged bird 17. Italian money

unit, once 18. Unwanted picnic guest 19. Hollow between hills 21. Resound 24. Silent actor 25. Fully developed 26. Scenic view

30. Unity 31. Movie 32. Island necklace 33. Urge 35. Thing 36. Says yes to 37. Honks 38. Me 41. Scalding

1. Clumsy person 2. Each and every 3. Iced brew 4. Hold fast 5. “____ Misbehavin’ “ 6. Periodical, for short 7. Nova Scotia, e.g.

8. Shout 9. Rotten 10. Silver or glass follower 11. Do in, as a dragon 16. Horse’s neck hair 20. Berserk 21. Farmer’s

produce 22. Fishing cord 23. Copier 24. Young ladies 26. Dais 27. Voice range 28. Run into 29. Goals 31. Coal or gas 34. Snoozes 35. Small amount 37. Trunk

38. Fable 39. Olden times 40. Covering 41. Actress Lamarr 44. Pod inhabitant 45. Metal container 46. Before, in a poem 47. Moisture

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 42

At work, you’ll need to be patient and prepare for a negotiation.

You’re also entitled to ask for a raise. Things are going well in your love life.

LIBRA

At work or elsewhere, you’ll receive well deserved compliments. Your si­ gnificant other will pay attention to the small things. There may be an office romance on the horizon.

SCORPIO

You’ll spend a few days at home recharging your batteries or getting over a cold. This is a great time for you. You’ll easily find inspiration and be extremely creative.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll spend a lot of time on the road, on the phone, on social media or at work. When needed, you’ll find kind people who lend a hand.

CAPRICORN

You’ll find a solution to your finan­cial problems. You have impecca­ble style and will look fashionable in almost any situation..

AQUARIUS

Your spontaneous act of generosity will boost your self­esteem. Be care­ful with your money, or at least set a budget if you’re on vaca­ tion.

PISCES

Big things are happening. How ever, stress may drain your energy and leave you bedridden for a few days. You’re the kind of person who wants to help everyone, but to avoid burn­out, you should focus your energy on helping those who deserve it.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

the free

Classifieds Your destination to buy, sell and post!

LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FOR FREE! CALL 647-722-6298 *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

KITCHEN ITMES: 1 muffin maker and an apple peeler for $20 dollars each. call 647-404-8462

GENERAL HELPER: Looking for a helper to do general labour, garden cleaning, landscaping, and winter snow removal. Cash paid weekly. Located at Morningside & Lawrence in Scarborough. Please call: (416)269-5174.

LAND IN BARBADOS: Sale 15922 SF of land in Drax Hall Hope in St George Barbados. Quit area, Private. Call 246-249-7774 LAND FOR SALE: 1/2 acre in Jamaica. Swabys Hope District adjoining Spur Tree Manchester, 30 mins to Mandeville. Call Maureen 905-676-9451 What App 416-4710461 FOR SALE IN BARBADOS: Barbados building land for sale 43000 sq ft near ocean, industrial hall, St. Philip. Roger Morris 905-270-8793

HIRING FOR CLEANING: Looking for experience people for general cleaning evenings and night.

Must speak English and can drive to areas in the GTA. Call or Text 647-239-4808. Seriou calls only

HELP WANTED PART TIME DELIVERY DRIVERS: Approximately 4-6 hours commitment every second Wednesday.

Drivers needed for: • Scarborough/Pickering/ Ajax • North York/Rexdale/ Malton • Brampton/Mississauga Driver must have SUV or Van. Call 647-722-6298 to apply.

FOR RENT FOR RENT: Furnished Room For Rent! Sharing Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Kennedy Station & Eglinton. $850.00/month including utilities. Please call (416)4596155.

FOR RENT: Furnished 1 Bedroom Basement Apartment For Rent!

Has a Separate Entrance, Private Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Morningside Avenue & Kingston Road. $1,500.00/month including utilities. Please call (416)459-6155.

SALES REPS WANTED

FOR SALE WORSHIP 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 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

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

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!

TEL: 705-291-1100

PAGE 40

FINANCE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Don’t take a DIY approach to life insurance, three life insurance tips and tricks CLEVE DeSOUZA cleve@carib101.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Unlike many other types of insurance, people don’t usually “shop around” on a regular basis for life insurance. In a lot of cases, life insurance policies are chosen only once or twice in a lifetime. However, this doesn’t mean that if you are in the market to purchase a life insurance policy that you should just select the first thing that comes along. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Because you will likely maintain your life insurance policy for many, many years, it is vital to get the coverage you need at the best price possible. Here are some tips that will help!

Tip #1 - Work with a professional Many people believe that taking a DIY approach to securing life insurance for themselves will save them tons of money. While this may sometimes be the case, it isn’t necessarily the rule. If you are very young, have no real health concerns, and work in a field that is considered low risk, then life insurance carriers will likely be very interested in earning your business. This means that shopping for a policy on your own is doable.

However, many people who are looking to buy life insurance have some

factors that make them higher risk. Things like pre-existing health conditions, family medical history, older age, foreign travel frequency, or a high risk occupation can all cause life insurance companies to charge higher premiums or pass on offering you a policy altogether. This is where working with a professional becomes beneficial. Independent agents know the industry, and many have spent years learning how certain companies look at risk and where to take a policy application for the best rates and approvals. Their expertise can save a lot of time and money when buying life insurance.

Tip #2 - Price several policy amounts There is a common misconception that policies that offer significantly more coverage will be significantly more expensive.

Because of this, many people try to get by with only the bare minimum that they think is needed, to save money on the premiums. While it is mostly true that more coverage usually means a higher premium cost, sometimes there are certain policy amounts that offer discounts or that are value priced.

While each company is different, many tend to use pricing bands. This means that there are pre-determined price breaks that could offer lower or very similar pricing for higher coverage limits. Additionally, people who compare prices for multiple policy amounts are often surprised to find out that they can get significantly more coverage for only a little more premium.

Tip #3 - Don’t assume your employer policy is best Many people that have life insurance just

landed with a policy because it was what their employer offered in the benefit package. They didn’t shop around or even really check to see if the premium was reasonable for the coverage benefit, they receive.

They just made an assumption that since it was secured through the employer, it must be a decent deal. After all, employers have more bargaining power and know the ins and outs of negotiating things like this, right?

The truth is that not all employer policies are going to provide the best deal for you. Obviously, if your employer is offering you life insurance that doesn’t cost you anything out of pocket or is heavily subsidized, take it, but, if you are the one paying the full premium each month, take some time to compare what is being offered with what you can secure independently. Many companies negotiate rates based on an entire employee base, and this may mean that policy premiums take into account employees who are much older than you or have major health issues that don’t apply to you. It doesn’t take much to shop around, and it could yield tremendous savings in the long run.

Final thoughts Shopping for life insurance can often take some time and effort, especially if you want to get the best deal possible. Even after a policy is selected, there is usually a waiting period before coverage goes into effect, due to things like medical examinations, underwriting, and medical record requests.

Because of this, it is important to start the process as soon as possible.

How to ask a family member for a loan Do you need to borrow money? Do you want to ask a family member for help but don’t know how to go about it? If so, here are some tips on how to ask.

Go to someone you trust Before asking a distant cousin for a loan, try asking a family member who’s close to you like a parent or sibling. Someone who knows you well will likely be more inclined to help.

Arrange an in-person meeting It’s best to ask for a loan in person. This way you can discuss the amount you need and why you need it. Remember to be specific and, if possible, bring documentation to show how the money will be used.

Put together a proposal Be prepared to let your family member know how you plan to pay them back and when. You may also want to talk about why loaning you the money is a safe investment. For example, you could highlight: • Your reliability • The profitability of your endeavour • The profitability of your past endeavours • Your experience • The interest you’ll pay In addition, share your plan for what you’ll do if you have trouble paying back the loan. By doing so, you’ll reassure your loved one that their money is safe and you’ve considered their interests.

To make the transaction official, it’s a good idea to sign an amicable or notarized agreement. A lawyer or notary can help you create this type of document.

PAGE 42

AUTOMOTIVE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

3 tips for maintaining your car’s weatherstrip If the rubber weatherstrip around your car’s windows and doors becomes damaged, it’ll no longer provide a tight seal. This can lead to water entering your vehicle and consequently causing mould growth and corrosion. Here are three ways to prevent this from happening.

1. KEEP IT CLEAN You should regularly wipe down your vehicle’s weatherstrip with soap and warm water. It’s a good idea to do this whenever you wash the outside of your car.

2. REPAIR IT AS NEEDED It’s important to periodically inspect your vehicle’s weatherstrip to ensure it’s in good condition. If it’s starting to lift in certain areas, reattach it with weatherstrip adhesive. If it’s frayed or torn in several spots, replace it.

3. APPLY A PROTECTANT It’s a good idea to apply a specialized protectant to your vehicle’s weatherstrip every few months to keep it pliable and protect it from the elements.

You can also ask your mechanic to inspect your weatherstrip when you bring your car in for your next maintenance appointment.

How to use a spare tire A spare tire typically weighs between 10 and 20 kilograms and should only be used temporarily in an emergency.

When driving with one, it’s important to take precautions.

Before hitting the road, make sure you check your owner’s manual to find out how far and fast you can drive with your spare tire. Driving for too long with a spare can potentially cause damage to other parts of your vehicle.

Furthermore, if you want your spare tire to do its job and get you out

of trouble when the time comes, it’s a good idea to inspect it regularly. You can do this by examining your spare when having your other tires rotated and before going on long road trips.

DID YOU KNOW? Some automakers have removed the spare tire from their vehicles entirely in favour of a tire repair kit to reduce the weight of the vehicle and free up more storage space.