Something Is Wrong!

If you were to ask a performance psychologist about the average person, they would tell you that most people aim for and train for mediocrity. People never really get to put their true potential into play. They follow the rules.

That definitely does not describe our Woman Empowered; this young lady realized at a young age achieving great success means that you need to be intentional; it is not just going to happen. She learned that the key to building or becoming a better version of her rests in making small, continuous improvements every single day, instead of incorporating drastic changes in a short amount of time.

As I listened to our Woman Empowered share her story with me, I took in the fact that every day, she uses her psychological strength in order to succeed at whatever she does. This includes being tenacious, having a clear vision, identifying a niche and going all-in on an opportunity. She has a knack for creating a warm atmosphere around her, she works constantly on eliminating negative self-talk, and she is always seeking that next challenge.

More than anything else, what I admire about this incredible woman is her ability to share her weaknesses; she gets excited about learning so she can turn weaknesses into strengths. I am pleased to share with you the story of the marvellously motivated Maryan Mohiadin.

“I was born in Rexdale, Toronto, and lived there until I was in grade five,” Maryan began. “I was a very smart student, way ahead of my class, but when living in Rexdale, and going through the school system, you know that there is not much offered to children living in that area. Teachers told my parents that we were doing too much. Can you believe that? My parents were not about that, so off we went to live in Kenya.”

Maryan was fortunate enough to be raised by parents who made sure she understood that she was capable and intelligent enough to do anything she wanted. All she had to do was put her mind to it. Maryan kept this in mind whenever she was faced with an educational, or professional obstacle.

My brother and I had to take a placement exam in order to get the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, and we barely made it to our grade level. We had to study really hard. Marks were public information so everyone was competing; that made my brother and I push ourselves even more.

“They had the biggest winner, and biggest loser. You got placed into classrooms because of your grades. When we first started, we were in the lowest, so we had to play catch up. We had to learn Swahili, for the test. It was very challenging, be -

cause we had to start all over in Kenya; our family didn’t know anyone there. Despite the challenges, my brother and I did well, and it was fun. By the end of the year, my marks were so good that I ended up first in class.”

In grade 7, her teachers learned that if Maryan were bored (because she was so far ahead), she would distract people. So this wise teacher gave her more homework to deal with that. She did so well with the extra work that the discussion of skipping her up a few grades came up. They ended up skipping her straight to grade nine.

“I had to focus in class again, and it was a really good life lesson. Thankfully my study habits didn’t drop. One of my issues in Canada was that there was not a push for excellence to do more, but in Kenya that was not the case.”

Not only did she skip a grade, she also switched school systems, which posed its own challenges.

“I was lucky because my brother was going through it at the same time. I did one year of high school and then I graduated. I was proud of myself because I got the highest math and science marks, and I was only 15 years old. The only problem with being so advanced and being so young is that I wanted to go into medicine, and they wouldn’t allow it. I had the grades for it, but I was too young; it was a whole debate.

They proposed another education system for me. I changed to the Oxford system. It was a two-year program, and I finished it in a year, so that I could go to University. I started studying at the University of Nairobi at 17 years old. I was doing a major at the Faculty of Medicine, and my minor in Microbiology. The University of Nairobi is a research-intensive university with a reputation for excellence and a strong and vibrant research culture. Their research work is recognised for its impact and relevance to the region.

My parents were concerned because of the unrest at the time, so they told me that they wanted me to come home. We were going to make another move again, back to Canada.”

Maryan and her family moved back to Canada when she was 18 years old. She applied to college and they told her that she had to go back to High School.

“Hearing this was difficult for me. In Kenya, if you were smart enough to do it, you could do it. To think about going back to high school; no, I was not about that.

I struck a deal with U of T and York; I asked them to give me any exam they had.

If I passed, I could come in as a second year student. York gave you a better deal, so I went to York and started University right away.

There was a lot of pushback from the professors; I had one of my professors

tell me to speak like a chemist; I was not saying the words right. My hijab became a barrier; they said it was a safety hazard; it is a man-dominated industry, so they didn’t even want women in the lab. There was actually a hashtag going around #toosexyforthelab.”

While Maryan was in full-time school, she was working two volunteer positions, and she always had at least one job.

“I was doing all of this to get into medical school. A change of events happened when I decided to enter into a thesis competition; and parallel to that, there was a business competition happening. There was a student that kept taunting me, telling me that winning the business competition was much harder than the thesis competition, so I decided that I was going to join both competitions.

I didn’t win the thesis competition, but I won the business competition. I got a job offer from Deloitte. I also got accepted to my Master’s Program. I decided to defer my acceptance letters for a year; this would give me time to figure out my finances.”

While she was working at Deloitte, she met a doctor, and she sat down and spoke with him. What he shared with her changed her life forever.

“After I spoke with the doctor, I made the decision to become a consultant. It didn’t make sense financially to go to medical school. There are very few scholarships in Canada, so I had to really think to myself; do I want to put myself in debt for a year for this? The answer was no.

I did two Global first Projects with Deloitte; there was a lot of travel, and a lot of politics. Every time I applied for a promotion, they had a million reasons why I didn’t get it. I had to step back and assess what was happening. I decided to move to Kainos, it was a better fit for me. I could renegotiate the amount of time I travelled, and thankfully I get to do manager training. Overall this has been a better choice for me, and I am proud of what I have accom

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

We are living in a time where critical thinking is no longer encouraged. It is not about searching for the truth or asking questions; instead, information is placed in front of us, and we are forced to accept what we are told without thought.

While censors of media may have good intentions, they often fail to recognize that censorship itself can be a dangerous practice. Alternative media sites provide the opportunity for critical thinking skills that are needed to flourish as mindful citizens. Without being exposed to opposing information representing a range of beliefs and ideas, media consumers lose out on the opportunity to judge ideas that may oppose what they believe or have been taught to believe. These kinds of evaluative skills are useful in a democratic society where we have to deal with controversial ideas in the media, at work, in the government and internationally.

What we are trying to avoid is life, as it is known in places like North Korea and other heavily censored countries. Citizens have no access to information from outside their country and are forbidden to criticize the government. Many people in these

censored countries live isolated, sheltered lives, ignorant of alternative ways of life and thinking.

What is scary is this societal makeup is slowly making its way into North America, a continent that is supposed to be known for its democratic governmental system. There are developing interventions that are going to slowly bring us to a place where we are shut out from the rest of the world and forced to ingest what is given to us.

There is a new info intervention initiative led by one of Google’s subsidiaries, a company called Jigsaw. It is under the complete management of Google and its mission is to apply technological solutions, from fighting extremism, online censorship and cyber-attacks to protecting access to information.

Their official website touts this new initiative as a set of approaches, informed by behavioural science research and validated by digital experiments, to build resilience to harm online. This new initiative allows Google to use essentially the same methodology on the user that Pavlov used on dogs in his experiments. Instead of trying to make dogs salivate, Google is trying to get their users to question anything that goes against what their fact-checkers deem to be disinformation.

According to their website Jigsaw. com, as the tactics of disinformation campaigns become more sophisticated, they are building new technology to strengthen their collective defences. Their research included:

Project Assembler

Assembler was an experiment conducted by Jigsaw and Google Research, which aimed to advance how new detection technology could help fact-checkers and journalists identify manipulated media. This experiment is now closed.

Contributing Data to Deepfake Detection

Research

So-called “deepfakes”—produced by deep generative models that can manipulate video and audio clips—are one of these. Since their first appearance in late 2017, many open-source deepfake generation methods have emerged, leading to a growing number of synthesized media clips. While many are likely intended to be humorous, others could be harmful to individuals and society.

Interactive Visualizer

Coordinated disinformation campaigns are more likely to thrive when they go unnoticed and unchecked. This interactive visualizer breaks down the methods, targets, and origins of select coordinated disinformation campaigns throughout the world.

Jigsaw has four methods that are supposed to manage the misinformation on the internet. The four methods are: accuracy prompts, redirect method, authorship feedback, pre-bunking. We are going to look at each of these in turn:

Accuracy Prompts

Previous research had shown that most social media users are often fairly adept at spotting falsehoods when asked to judge

accuracy. This didn’t always stop them from spreading misinformation because they would simply forget to think about accuracy when deciding what to share. So now there are prompts that could slow the spread of false news by helping people stop and reflect on the accuracy of what they were seeing before they click ‘share.’”

Redirect Method

Redirect Method identifies keywords and patterns of online activity that reveal that a person may be on a path towards extremism.

Authorship Feedback

The idea is simple: they use perspective’s machine learning models to spot potentially toxic contributions and the platform provides a signal to the author right as they’re writing the comment. By suggesting to the user that their comment might violate community guidelines, they have an extra few seconds to consider adjusting their language.

Pre-bunking

This involves debunking a line of disinformation by publishing an account of that disinformation along with a simultaneous refutation before the disinformation itself is actually disseminated by its author. Prebunking is an anticipatory form of rumour control.

Let’s keep it real, it’s about controlling what you can say and see online. Things are changing, and it doesn’t look like it will get better.

Toronto remembers the spiritual legacy, impact, and influence of Dr Ira Moulton Taylor

The death of centenarian Dr Ira Moulton Taylor on Thursday, December 29th, 2022, was deeply felt by many Torontonians far and wide. He served as pastor of the 81year Oakwood Wesleyan Church from the late 1960s to the late 1980s and was wellknown.

His passing two days before his 101st birthday will undoubtedly leave a void and emptiness to many who revered him with a deep respect for his leadership and pastoring. His moral example, ethical guidance, and spiritual influence were significant.

Dr Taylor was born in Charlestown, on the West Indies Island of Saint Kitts and Nevis on December 31st, 1921, to parents Alfred and Irene Taylor. He completed his elementary education at the Boy’s Government School, and his secondary education at the Excelsior High School. He pursued theological education in Bible Exposition and Theology at Pilgrim Bible and Theology at the Pilgrim Holiness Seminary in Jamaica. He met his future wife Eileen there and they got married on April 3rd, 1948. As a result of this union, five children resulted: Hudson, Paul, Althea, Donna, and Dean. Sadly, Eileen passed away in 2013.

Dr Taylor devoted his entire life to pastoral work having preached his first message at seventeen years old. He commenced his preaching with the Pilgrim Holiness Church. This religious organization came into existence as a result of the widespread revival that came over America in the later part of the nineteenth century. Eventually, the denomination was renamed Wesleyan Methodist Church and by 1987, the International Holiness Union and Prayer League were formed. It was in the 1900s that the denomination expanded to countries such as: Africa, In-

dia, Japan, West Indies, South America, Dr Taylor started his professional preaching career in Antigua, and then proceeded to Trinidad and subsequently to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. He moved to Toronto in the late 1960s, where he eventually settled down. The liberalization of the immigrant laws by the Trudeau government in the late 1960s led to a wave of West Indian immigrants particularly from Jamaica who came to Canada to find a better life. Under his powerful and uplifting preaching, the congregation at Oakwood Wesleyan outgrew its previous building and eventually settled at 33 Brandon Avenue located near the Dufferin Street and Davenport Road intersection.

From his roots in Toronto, Dr Taylor ministered across the West Indies along with his younger brother Dr Wingrove Taylor. He also travelled across Canada, the United States as well as Australia, and New Zealand. Dr Taylor preached at Oakwood for over 20 years and after his resignation continued at the Oakwood Wesleyan Church in Maryland, District of Columbia. Dr Taylor eventually retired to pursue other passions.

He devoted the rest of his life to spending time with his grandchildren, gardening and landscape painting. He continued his ministerial pursuit by producing devotional messages that were posted daily on his Facebook account. Many individuals were blessed to read his inspirational and uplifting posts and biblical commentaries.

Visitation was held on Friday, January 13th, at Kane Jerrett Funeral Homes located at 6191 Yonge Street in Toronto, and the funeral was held on Saturday, January 14th, at Bayview Glen Alliance Church located at 300 Steeles Avenue Est in Thornhill. The committee service was held at Glendale Memorial Gardens located at 1810 Albion Road in Etobicoke on Saturday, January 14th, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Anyone who wishes to write fond memories and expressions of sympathy can do so at the website: www. kanejerrettnorthyork,ca for the Taylor family.

There’s nothing

leaning on another brother; Blue Mountain Resort welcomes

January edition of the Mental Health Hour

men to feel whole: welcomed, accepted, fully: where they don’t have to hide their true selves.

TC REPORTER

Men!

Complicated and complex, Not only to us women, but to themselves.

Under the smiles and the “I have it all together,” attitude there’s a lot of anxiety and stress building up, especially in the African – Caribbean community where men may not know how to cope with their feelings. Thankfully, there is an organization that realizes it’s time to remove this reality from being the norm. It’s time to create more safe spaces for men.

Men often feel cut off emotionally, and unlike women, they don’t have ‘safe’ spaces to express themselves, outside maybe the barbershop. Men have shared with me that they are expected to take on the role of, “The strong one,” or “The breadwinner,” and too often they are told to not complain and “Man-up!”

It is time for a change. It is time to create a safe space for our

On Saturday, January 14th, 2023: Brothers Who Care (BwC), 100 Strong & Sexy, Jully Black, Blue Mountain Resort, LifeWorks and Xtreme Hip Hop came together to curate “A Winter Mental Health & Wellbeing Experience,” a weekend set aside for self love, empowerment, and healing. The weekend included: the January edition of the Mental Health Hour, hosted by Founder of Brothers Who Care David Griffiths; fun on the slopes; a sensational and provocative concert starring the one and only Jully Black, and a day of fitness to end the weekend on a high note.

I was able to make it up to Blue Mountain Resort for the Saturday Mental Health Hour, a series focused on working as a community to dismantle mental health stigmas, and addressing the rising mental health issues within the AfricanCaribbean community.

David did an excellent job of picking men to speak on his panel, men who could brilliantly address: mental health stigma, the power of self-care, the importance of seeking professional help if possible, and opening avenues of communication with each other.

First, there is writer, poet, host, mental health and love advocate Nigel Birch, whose primary focus is to share

love through creative expression. In the world of art and entertainment, everything is subjective. He opened the event with poetry, which for him is an accessible form of self-expression and it’s highly therapeutic. His art breaks the rules of conventional wisdom, and it is why many are drawn in by the words of Nigel D. Birch.

The second panellist, Kwame Osei is a former pro-athlete (CFL), current high school teacher, Coach (Queen’s University Football Team), TV personality (Amazing Race Canada Finalist), Author (Inspirational Kids Books), CEO of athletic apparel company (Triumph Elite), CoFounder of a non-profit mentorship organization (Northern Elite Football), host and keynote speaker. He has an uncanny ability to engage an audience and did so with the first ever paper, rock, scissors competition.

Last but not least is Tychon Carter-Newman, whose debut as a public figure stemmed from being crowned as the winner of Big Brother Canada Season 9. As the first black winner of the series, he has used his platform to amply topics surrounding mental health, authentically and with full transparency. He strongly believes that he can help be part of the change he would like to see in today’s world.

Then there is host, the man of the hour (literally), David Griffiths. Every-

Photo Credit: Najjah Calibur - Facebook

one has ideas, but Ideas are cheap, and talking is even cheaper. People listen to what David has to say, because his ideas have been successfully validated. David has taken the time to think about what the future will look like. He takes the time to ask, “How can I improve things,” and “What would I like to change in the current situation?“

The Mental Health Hour provided that safe space where the panellists were allowed to be themselves without fear of rejection or ridicule. On Saturday, the men shared their thoughts, ideas and feelings in an open way that led to further insights and growth. The room became a place of encouragement where instead of shutting down, the men were supported, welcomed to let out what they had locked inside. By doing this, they learned that they were not alone, and that there’s nothing wrong with leaning on another brother. That room became a place that allowed them to explore who they truly were without any pushback.

By creating more space for men to learn about themselves and detach from the chains of negative masculinity we can create a meaningful change that can impact the men involved as well as the people in their life and society.

Thank you Brothers Who Care, Jully Black, and 100 Strong & Sexy: what a great way to start 2023!

wrong with

the

Catastrophic contagion event: the pandemic planners are at it again

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

According to Dr. Francis Boyle, author of the U.S. Biological Weapons Act, the Deep State is planning to unleash a new bioweapon as part of the Great Reset globalist agenda.

In this exceptionally crucial conversation with Alex Jones of Infowars, Dr. Boyle reveals the next pandemic will come out of biological warfare labs, and that the globalists are preparing for the release of “the big one” a move if successful that will keep us all under control and the domination of the: WHO, Bill Gates, Big Pharma, the biowarfare industry, and the CCP.

Boyle was one of the first people to warn that COVID-19 came from the Wuhan lab and that the experimental vaccines would be dangerous and deadly. “The

most important point now, from my perspective, are these proposed regulations by the World Health Authority, and also the proposed pandemic treaty by the World Health Organization that is now in consideration in Geneva,” Boyle said.

This doctor continued to warn of deadly consequences to come, “They will establish a scientific and medical police state that will cover the entire world and will usurp and negate the sovereignty of The United States of America as well as the sovereignty of the states of the union under the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution,” he revealed.

Boyle urged Americans to wake up and stop the WHO in their tracks with this pandemic treaty scheme, warning that if this is not done Americans would receive a “One-way pass to the cemetery!”

This doctor pulled no punches in his address to his listeners calling the socalled vaccine a “deadly concoction.”

While on this subject, it is important to note that the Supreme Court has green-lighted criminal investigations in the state of Florida, upon the request of Governor Ron Desantis, of the participants involved in this mass murder of humanity.

Boyle said, “After hearing the

terms of reference from the Supreme Court, I have concluded that they are broad enough to include indictments against everyone involved here for murder and conspiracy to murder in accordance with Florida law.”

Later, Dr. Boyle explained, “The most insidious part of the WHO treaty, is the fact that it would go into effect immediately upon being signed by Biden’s delegate, which is a blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution.”

He urged American citizens to stop the WHO treaty, “If we want to live in freedom.”

This is the globalist; medical and technological dictatorship Alex Jones has been warning of for decades.

The story just keeps getting better “Prophet Bill Gates” and the WHO have just announced the time and place for the next pandemic.

SEERS aka Severe Epidemic Enterovirus Respiratory Syndrome 2025, is the name of his next “bio-mission.”

This eloquently packaged video warned of impending infections and tells the public that only nations that did a good job previously will be able to withstand this one, it will originate in Brazil. Players from

many different countries participated in this simulation complete with an experienced news anchor.

All of this took place in Belgium and was orchestrated by none other than Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, John Hopkins Center for Health Security, and the World Health Organization.

In this piece, they are also heavily emphasizing the word “trust.” They need the public and the world governments to trust them fully this time, because according to these planners the last time some countries broke that trust.

The simulation was called the “Catastrophic Contagion” event.

I could not stop laughing as I went through this video, and I know the readers would certainly want to know why; after all this is supposed to be a serious issue, but when the WHO starts calling itself a voice for the voiceless, in ways they are correct. Dead men do not speak.

Again, these are the same fraudsters who had a similar simulation in 2019 just a few months before the plandemic was unleashed on humanity. It is time for the masses to wake up and consider the saying, “Once bitten, twice shy.”

Caribbean commonwealth countries urged to speak out on British press attack on the Duchess of Sussex

bean community in Britain are by recent vile remarks made by members of the British press.

SYDNEE WALCOTT

Since her relationship with Prince Harry was made public, Meghan Markle has been subjected to many racist attacks by the press. With the most recent attacks on the Duchess of Sussex, many say it is important more than ever now to take a stand.

Dr. Velma McClymont, a well-respected British-Jamaican writer and poet, has called on members of the Commonwealth Caribbean to take a stand against

McClymont noted this is not an issue the community can tackle by themselves. So she is urging their Caribbean counterparts to help take a stand against the British media’s harsh mistreatment towards Markle.

The most recent attack happened last month in a column published in the tabloid newspaper “The Sun.”

In an article written by British Broadcaster and Journalist Jeremy Clarkson, the writer describes how he hates Meghan Markle “on a cellular level” and said he dreams of the day Markle is made to parade the streets of Britain naked while crowds throw excrements at her as they chant the word, ‘Shame.’ This is a scene featured on the show, Game of Thrones, with Queen Cersei.

The article has since been removed from The Sun’s website, and the newspaper also issued an apology for publishing the piece.

Clarkson also took to Twitter to apologize in the following tweet: “Oh dear. I’ve rather put my foot in it. In a column I wrote about Meghan, I made a clumsy reference to a scene in Game of Thrones and this has gone down badly with a great many people. I’m horrified to have caused so much hurt and I shall be more careful in the future.”

Systemic racism has been an ongoing issue that continues to impact the Caribbean community in Britain. These issues are often found in inner-city areas, and are a challenge to tackle due to the lack of economic power and influence.

McClymont stresses that Caribbean leaders can no longer remain silent, and should use their voice to help fight this issue. She suggests Commonwealth Caribbean write a letter to the King about the mistreatment of his son’s wife.

“If the region does not denounce Clarkson’s racist attack (a hate crime) on the King’s own daughter-in-law, what is the point of the Commonwealth?” she queried.

McClymont also expressed disap -

pointment on how the royal family has been handling the issue, as they have remained silent.

She also noted how quick the royal family and the police are to condemn perpetrators for attacks on people within the Jewish or Asian community, but fail to do the same for someone within their own family.

In an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby, Prince Harry came to his wife’s defence in the following comment:

“When we’re talking about accountability… the Jeremy Clarkson article, so not only did what he said was horrific and is hurtful and cruel towards my wife, but it also encouraged other people around the UK and around the world, men particularly, to go and think that it’s acceptable to treat women that way.”

This news comes as Prince Harry recently released his autobiography, Spare, which became the fastest selling non-fiction book in the United Kingdom. Spare will be one of Prince Harry’s final projects based on his story.

boosting your immune system to become your natural health protector.

Fighting fatigue: Your body needs a certain level of iron to build healthy red blood cells that get oxygen to your body’s tissues. A healthy regiment of consuming lean meat, beans and fortified cereals, along with a supplement of vitamin B12 will help maintain a healthy energy balance.

Headaches: Perhaps your body is lacking the needed magnesium found in: beans, nuts and green leafy veggies. Magnesium helps your nerves work, as they should, and helps keep your blood sugars in check.

Dry itchy skin and eyes: Vitamin B helps your cells grow and work, as they should. Should your eyes be itchy, you may not get enough omega-3 fatty acids, sound in: fish

oil, salmon and other fish. Vitamin B can be found in eggs and many green veggies like asparagus and broccoli.

Bleeding gums: Often the cause may be gum disease, but an alternative can be a lack of vitamin C. Illnesses such as scurvy can inflict a body lacking the necessary vitamin C level.

Muscle weakness: A lack of B1 (thiamin) can lead to muscular problems. Thiamin is found in: whole grains, pork, fish, some nuts and beans. Potassium (found in bananas) is very important in the maintenance of healthy muscle development.

Weak bones: Calcium is the building block of bones, and vitamin D helps the body absorb it. If you do not get enough of these two vitamins, you can face illnesses such

as osteoporosis, an illness that makes your bones weak and brittle.

Hearing loss: Vitamin B-12’s main job is to help your nervous system to work as it should. If you do not have enough of this vitamin your brain and ears can be affected.

Some vitamins are essential to certain races and societies. A lack of any such vitamin within the population of a region can affect entire populations and ethnic groups. Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that people from the African diaspora absolutely need.

Our bodies are reliant upon what we consume over time. A well thought out planned diet, with possible uses of particular vitamin and mineral supplements, and directed through the medical advice of a dietitian or doctor will ensure a healthy energetic future.

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

• Lisa Marie Presley, dies at 54 – Cardiac Arrest.

• Comedian Raju Srivastava, 58, passed away 41 days after suffering a heart attack while exercising at a gym in Delhi.

• CJ Harris, a former “American Idol” semi-finalist who appeared on Season 13, died suddenly at 31. The pop star had reportedly had a heart attack in his hometown of Jasper, Alabama.

• Coolio’s manager announced that the rapper had suddenly died on September 28th, 2022.

• Tampa Bay Rays bullpen catcher Ramirez died unexpectedly on January 10th, 2022, at the age of 28. The team did not announce Ramirez’s cause of death.

• Former University of Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Sam Bruce died after suffering a myocardial infarction in April 2022.

• Kevin Samuels, the controversial YouTuber known for his polarizing takes on relationships, died on May 5th, 2022. He was 56. Emergency services were called to Samuels’ home, where he complained of chest pain before he collapsed.

• Mikaben (real name Michael Benjamin) collapsed while performing in October 2022. He was 41. He was performing when the music suddenly stopped and he turned to walk off stage. He suddenly collapsed and never recovered. According to the Los Angeles Times the cause of death was cardiac arrest.

I write today with a heavy heart because the deaths listed above are only a fraction of deaths being reported across the globe. It seems like every other day, I am hearing about people around me dying suddenly from either heart attacks, or unexplained. The term “died suddenly,” has become pervasive, so much that if you Google the statement, what comes up will shock you.

What I did note with these reports is that they didn’t mention a person’s vaccination status. There is a good reason for that. People all of a sudden do not want to reveal this information. With the athletes, none of their sponsors want to reveal it. The players have been told not to

reveal it. Most of their relatives will not mention it. Nobody in the media is asking this question.

I find this interesting, because last year, the media made it cool for people to get their vaccination, even though alarm bells of the dangers of this experimental drug had been rung. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was, and remains a media source that has asked the community to question this inoculation due to the fact that there was so much about it that we did not know.

Now we are seeing that many nations that have been using the mRNA vaccines have experienced an increase in excess mortality – more people dying than should be expected from past years. This sudden increase in mortality correlates with the initial vaccine rollout and then with the subsequent booster campaign. Nations with higher mRNA vaccine uptake have correlations with higher rates of excess mortality, and this is not a conspiracy, this is a fact.

While the cause of this excess mortality cannot be determined, researchers analyzing data were unable to identify any other reasonable cause for the excess death other than the vaccines. Later in the article, we are going to speak on what CDC was aware of, and why I can state this with confidence.

There is a non-exhaustive and continuously growing list of mainly young athletes who had major medical issues in 2021/2022 after receiving one or more COVID vaccines.

Sports news cannot ignore the fact that soccer players and other stars have been collapsing in the middle of a game due to a sudden cardiac arrest, and many of these athletes have died (69.4% as of December 31st, 2022).

This information calls into question; are the vaccines’ benefits outweighing the harm?

A Louisiana-based ER physician is urging a suspension of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines after recent studies and autopsies have shown the experimental vaccines are causing serious adverse events and inducing sudden cardiac deaths. Discussing his team’s study Fraiman noted, “We found the vaccine increases serious adverse events at a rate of 1 in 800. In addition, now we have multiple autopsy studies that find essentially conclusive evidence that the vaccines are inducing sudden cardiac deaths, yet the rate of these vaccine-induced deaths remains unknown.”

Now, let’s get to what is actually known, information that has been qualified as FACT!

The CDC has admitted to only having started its safety signal analysis on March 25th, 2022 (coincidentally 3 days after a lawyer at Children’s Health

Defence wrote to them reminding them about our FOIA request for it).

The analysis is called Proportional Reporting Ratios (PRRs). This is a type of disproportionality analysis commonly used in pharmacovigilance (meaning the monitoring of adverse events after drugs/ vaccines go to market).

The basic idea of disproportionality analysis is to take a new drug and compare it to one or more existing drugs generally considered safe. Researchers look for disproportionality in the number of adverse events (AEs) reported for a specific AE out of the total number of AEs reported (since we generally don’t know how many people take a given drug). They compare the results to existing drugs considered safe to see if there is a higher proportion of particular adverse events reported for the new drug compared to existing ones.

CDC’s VAERS safety signal analysis based on reports from December 14th, 2020 – July 29th, 2022, for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines shows clear safety signals for death and a range of highly concerning: thrombo-embolic, cardiac, neurological, hemorrhagic, hematological, immune-system and menstrual adverse events (AEs) among U.S. adults. Some other interesting numbers came up:

• There were 770 different types of adverse events that showed safety signals in ages 18+, of which over 500 (or 2/3) had a larger safety signal than myocarditis/pericarditis.

• The CDC analysis shows that the number of serious adverse events reported in less than two years for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is 5.5 times larger than all serious reports for vaccines given to adults in the US since 2009 (~73,000 vs. ~13,000).

• Twice as many mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reports were classified as serious compared to all other vaccines given to adults (11% vs. 5.5%). This meets the CDC definition of a safety signal.

• There are 96 safety signals for 12-17 year-olds, which include: myocarditis, pericarditis, Bell’s Palsy, genital ulcerations, high blood pressure and heart rate, menstrual irregularities, cardiac valve incompetencies, pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrhythmias, thromboses, pericardial and pleural effusion, appendicitis and perforated appendix, immune thrombocytopenia, chest pain, increased troponin levels, being in intensive care, and having anticoagulant therapy.

• There are 66 safety signals for 5-11 year-olds, which include: myocarditis, pericarditis, ventricular dysfunction and cardiac valve incompetencies, pericardial and pleural effusion, chest pain, appendicitis and appen -

dectomies, Kawasaki’s disease, menstrual irregularities, vitiligo, and vaccine breakthrough infection.

Why did the CDC wait over 15 months before doing its first safety signal analysis of VAERS, despite having said in a document posted to its website that it would begin in early 2021?

“We believe the vax is related to immune abnormalities” ~ Prof. Masanaka Nagao from Hiroshima University School of Medicine

Concerns around the safety of this vaccine continue to pop up around the world.

Japanese researchers have been instructed to investigate the mechanisms by which experimental mRNA jabs could be causing deaths and severe adverse reactions.

Hiroshima University School of Medicine Prof. Masataka Nagao highlighted how the bodies of vaccinated persons he performed autopsies on were abnormally warm, with upwards of 100 degree F body temperatures.

Graphing the data, Nagao’s research team found there were significant changes to the genetic makeup of vaccinated autopsied patients’ immune systems. This led Nagao to conclude that the vaccine causes immune system abnormalities that prompt inflammation throughout the body, which is likely the cause of the high body temperatures at the time of autopsy.

“Based on the data and the circumstances alone, it is not possible to conclude that the vaccine was the cause of the deaths,” Prof. Nagao said, adding, “However, it is impossible to say that the vaccine was not the cause. We can only say that it is doubtful, but we believe that vaccination was sufficiently related to the immune abnormalities.”

Let’s head over to the U.K…

In an article titled, “An epidemic of Cardiac Arrests,” researchers reported a significant rise in arrest calls since spring 2021. They also noted a significant rise in the number of expected arrest calls in the baseline figure. The only other baseline that has shifted significantly is that for chest pain which has risen from a steady 1,600 per day to 2,000. The reason for the rise in baseline remains unexplained.

During my post-graduates studies at the University of Windsor, one thing stuck out to me when conducting scientific research; you cannot ignore correlations. Actually, when you notice a correlation, you look into it more.

What cannot be denied, is that there is something terrible happening right now, and it is going to affect all of us.

This information calls into question; are the vaccines’ benefits outweighing the harm?

SIMONE SMITH

TC REPORTER

A great metaphor for understanding how the brain works is to look at it like a computer that is continually updating programs in the background. It can be very difficult to type in a word document while it’s churning in the background, making the words appear slowly on the screen. In many ways the brain is similarly distracted when we are trying to do simple tasks in life, and certainly when we are trying to do complicated ones. It becomes a little more challenging when we are dealing with difficult emotions. Once such emotion is grief.

I became interested in this topic because I have noticed in the last year; there has been an overwhelming amount of reports surrounding sudden deaths. The

total number of excess deaths in 2022 was among the highest recorded since the aftermath of the Second World War, according to figures from the Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI). With so much death around us, I was curious as to how it is affecting the community.

Grief is a complex response to loss. It includes: emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physiological changes, and this means that many parts of the brain are involved in generating the grief response. Research into the neuroscience of grief is still in its early stages, and the question is, when someone is experiencing grief, what exactly is happening to their brain?

According to Dr Lisa M. Shulman, a neurologist at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine, our brains perceive traumatic loss as a threat to our survival.

“From an evolutionary perspective, our brains developed to preserve our survival, so anything perceived as a threat to [this] triggers a massive response from the brain that has repercussions for many regions of the body. We’re accustomed to thinking of physical trauma as a threat, but serious emotional trauma has similar ef-

fects.”

The amygdala (the brain’s centre for emotions) is always on the lookout for threats. When it is triggered, it sets off a cascade of events that put the entire body on high alert, something we like to call fight or flight: the heart speeds up, breathing rate increases and blood circulation is increased to the muscles to prepare to fight or flee. If this continues for: days, weeks and months it can result in the amygdala becoming increasingly sensitized and hyper-vigilant.

Our brain works overtime to respond to the threat of emotional trauma, summoning psychological defence mechanisms like denial and dissociation. This is why when you first hear that someone has died; there is that sense of disbelief that sets in. Then follows The Five Stages of Grief.

The Five Stages of Grief is a theory developed by psychiatrist Elisabeth KüblerRoss. It suggests that we go through five distinct stages after the loss of a loved one. These stages are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance.

The emotional trauma of grief results in profound changes to brain function

due to the repetitive stress of the fight or flight response and neuroplasticity, which is the re-modelling of the brain in response to experience and changes in our environment. Over time, these mechanisms result in a strengthening of the primitive fear centre of the brain and a weakening of the advanced brain, what we know as the cerebral cortex.

These changes are long lasting, but can be reversed by therapy and posttraumatic growth. Post-traumatic growth is a technique that enables individuals to find a way to take new meaning from their experiences in order to live their lives differently than before the trauma.

Post-traumatic growth often happens naturally, without psychotherapy or other formal intervention, and it can be facilitated in five ways: through education, emotional regulation, disclosure, narrative development, and service.

Research now shows that negative experiences can spur positive change, including recognition of personal strength, the exploration of new possibilities, improved relationships, a greater appreciation for life, and spiritual growth.

PAUL JUNOR

It was in March 2022 that Ontario announced that it had signed the national Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with the federal government. The Government of Canada’s plan intends to ensure that 250,000 new childcare spaces will be available throughout Canada with 40,000 spaces being available before 2020 through the 2017-2018 and 20192020 agreements. Ontario is expected to receive $10.2 billion in federal funding through 2026-2027, which is part of the $9.2 billion federal commitment from Budget 2021.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the press release, “With the signing of the agreement, we’re making $10-a-

day childcare a reality for families across the country. Today’s announcement will save Ontario families thousands of dollars each year - while creating jobs, growing the middle class, and giving our kids the best start in life.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated in the press release, “I’m so proud of the work we’ve done with our federal partners to land an agreement that will lower costs for families across the province. Given how complex Ontario’s childcare system is, we wanted to get this right. We’re delivering a deal that will keep money in the pockets of hard-working parents.”

Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance noted, “A year ago, our government made a commitment to Canadians: to deliver affordable high-quality early learning and childcare for young families across the country. Now that agreements have been reached with all provinces and territories, a cause championed by generations of forwardthinking Canadians is about to become a reality.”

In March 2022, the Ontario government extended the deadline for child-

care providers to apply for Ontario’s $10/ day program until November 1st, 2022. There are concerns regarding why daycares are not opting in and what this extension could potentially mean for parents in a cosmopolitan city such as Toronto. The Ontario Financial Accountability Officer (FAO) made several observations after reviewing the Ontario government. It noted that there will be a significant increase in the number of families expecting affordable options due to a decrease in daycare costs, and that there are far more than 375,111 spaces that Ontario is projected to need which would mean that many families will not benefit from this agreement.

Ontario has signed on to use federal funding to decrease parent’s fees for full-time Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) spaces for children below the age of six, which translates to around $10 per day by the end of the fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Since the signing of the deal in March 2022, it has not been smooth sailing between childcare operators who have run-for-profit facilities, and Ontario

government officials.

CTV News reported on October 29th, 2022, that as of Friday, October 28th, 86% of childcare centres in Ontario have opted to participate with the government extending the deadline to November 1st. There is still so much for childcare operators to figure out as they navigate municipal rules. There is a need for additional funding to offset inflation so that these operators are able to make enough money to cover their rent, salaries, and food costs. Under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, there has been a reduction of 37% of daycare fees for parents as on December 31st, 2022. Also, there will be a further 25% fee reduction which is retroactive to April 1st, 2023. The cumulative reductions will lower fees to 50% of 2020 levels.

Child-care operators are apprehensive about what will happen after next year, and they wished that there was a five-year model in place to smoothen the transition.

Suppressing or denying grief prolongs the process; a look at what is happening to our brains when we are grieving

Is $10-a-day childcare becoming a reality for families across Canada?

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Canadians, let’s face it; we have been dealing with a lot over the last few years: the country’s GDP is shrinking, and it has now become a fact that we are now in a recession. Housing is becoming more and more unaffordable. Rents are burning a hole in the pockets of Canadians, and how has our Prime Minister catered to that crisis? Well, he is doing what seems to be a hospitable gesture; welcoming a hundred thousand immigrants to the country.

Canadian consumers are pulling back on their spending as inflation is eroding their purchasing power. It really sucks, because many of us are struggling to make ends meet. The situation has become so grave that an ordinary Canadian can’t buy a house or pay rent; their kitchens are grappling with hefty grocery bills, and our Prime Minister chooses this time to open our doors, and invite citizens from all over the globe to become part of the chaos.

Last year, Canada welcomed more than 405,000 newcomers; the largest singleyear increase in its history, and our government has set an ambitious plan to bring in more than 1.3 million newcomers over the next three years to support its post-pandemic growth.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government aims to add more than: 431,000 permanent residents this year, 447,000 in 2023 and 451,000 in 2024, according to the 202224 Immigration Levels Plan released last year. Figures for 2022 and 2023 have been revised higher from earlier targets of 411,000 and 421,000, respectively.

Under the plan, overall admissions will amount to 1.14% of the Canadian population by 2024, and nearly 60% of newcomers will qualify as economic immigrants, selected on the basis of their skills and work experience.

According to Statistics Canada, as of 2019, a vast majority of new immigrants to Canada came from Asia, with India leading the way. After India, China and the Philippines followed. Over 85,000 individuals emigrated from India, along with about 30,00 individuals from China and 28,000 the Philippines.

Entry to Canada also came from: Nigeria, the United States, Pakistan, Syria, Eritrea, Korea, and Iran. Canada has immigrants from 175 countries. Most of Canada’s immigrants enter the country in one of three ways:

an economic program, reuniting with family, or asylum-seeking.

In 2016, Africa replaced Europe as the second continent with the greatest recent Canadian immigration. Over 13% of immigrants came from Africa, with the most popular countries being: Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Cameroon. Immigration from Europe is estimated to decrease over the next decade while Africa remains in second place.

Population predictions indicate that Canada’s immigrant population may make up 24.5% to 30% of Canada’s total population by 2036. Almost 60% of Canada’s immigrant population is expected to come from Asia. Canada’s European immigration percentage is expected to decrease, almost by half, with an expected range of 15.4% to 17.8% by 2036, compared to 31.6% in 2011.

In terms of geographic residency, the primary areas of immigrant settlement in Canada are: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. However, other provinces are expected to see increases in their immigrant population as well.

Some concerns that are being voiced by Canadians are that Canada’s mass immigration policies are erasing Canada’s history and culture. There are also concerns about national security. A Blacklock reporter revealed that Canadians were particularly concerned about espionage against Canadian companies. A clear majority, 58%, see

China as the biggest threat to Canada (report titled Attitudes To CSIS). Other countries that Canadians are concerned about are: Russia (18%), North Korea (10%) and Syria (4%).

Canada’s culture has already changed dramatically, especially in British Columbia. Certain parts of Canada, particularly in the lower mainland of BC, have literally become Chinese colonies. Some Chinese people there do not attempt to hide the fact that they are there as representatives of China, and they have no issue undermining Canada’s interests versus China’s interests.

Most Canadians are unaware of what’s happening, and yes, the media is responsible for the lack of awareness. For example, they report on unaffordable housing, but they do not connect the issue of the increasing unaffordability to Canada’s policy of mass immigration.

The CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) receives about $1.3 billion annually in government funding, and we have to consider this thought; is a media organization receiving large quantities of money from the government going to make negative reports about something as important to the government as immigration?

Public hostility toward immigrants could rise and xenophobes could blame immigrants for worsening a bad economic situation. I wonder if Prime Minister Trudeau pencilled this into his immigration plan.

STEVEN KASZAB

steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

while encouraging him to become a: selfmade man, a capitalist and successful. Hunter has been none of these, journeying into sectors of international business that allied him with Chinese and Russian business interests at best, called corrupt and a threat to America’s security.

Hunter, an addict and abuser of alcohol, was as addicted to celebrity, as he was to monetary power. Hunter has been under investigation since 2018, but the American Federal Government’s probe into his financial and tax affairs continue. The New York Times reported that suspicions of money laundering had fuelled this probe, but no proof of wrongdoing has risen so far. Former President Trump’s insistence that Hunter be investigated initiated the probe’s continuation. Through a partisan lens, Hunter is as good a target as the President is, and Republican forces will continue to push the investigation.

The Republicans have some ammunition indeed. Hunter had given a laptop to a Delaware repair shop, only to not pick it up. The owner of this shop made copies of the hard drive, passing it onto Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giulian. Republican and federal agents have viewed many hundreds of personal emails.

Hunter’s personal privacy had been violated, but national security always trumps those rights. Further peril exists due to Hunter’s business practices. Hunter was a paid board member of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy firm owned by an oligarch who was seen as corrupt, and an ally of Moscow. Advising wealthy Romanian and Moldovan executives facing corruption and criminal charges, along with investing in private equity funds attached to the Chinese Government have placed both Hunter in a very bad place.

President Biden is facing challenging questions too. Was the president involved

in any of these suspicious deals? If so, was the president using his position to misdirect federal investigations and protect his son?

Recent charges from the January 6th Committee regarding the assault on the Capital, have placed former President Trump in hot water to say the least. Trump forces may steer President Biden in a crisis of his own, regarding possible illegal practices by his son, and try to attach the father to his son’s practices.

The Democrats fear that the investigation will deride both Hunter and Joe Biden, accusing them of the very same thing Democrats have accused former President Trump’s family of. International finance, business and political practices have rules that legitimate people must abide by. Does political and monetary power change these rules, manipulate and derail the transparency the public seeks and demands?

Pentagon scientists working in secret created a microchip to be inserted under the skin

Jim Holt reported information from an interview that Bill Whitaker of 60 Minutes did with Matt Hepburn, an army infectious disease physician who worked with the secretive defence advanced research projects agency or DARPA with the intended goal of ensuring that the COVID-19 pandemic was the last one.

planted in their hands so that they do not need to have personal items on them such as cash, ID, etc. Many Swedish residents have had their Covid vaccine passports inserted in their hands or another part of their skin.

There have been concerns about the role of the U.S. military, and its involvement with multinational companies. On April 2nd, 2022, in an article by Jim Holt for The Gateway Pundit titled, “Creepy Bill Gates Threw Millions at New Technology of Under-Skin Nanoparticle QR Code, to be Scanned by Smartphones,” it was revealed that the Pentagon was been working secretly to create a microchip that can be inserted under the skin with the capability of identifying COVID-19 before the manifestations of symptoms.

Dr. Hepburn who has since retired informed Bill of several projects that the Pentagon is presently involved in, which seem to come from “Star Trek.” He states, “Consider a ship like the US Theodore Roosevelt hobbled last year when 1,271 crew members tested positive for the coronavirus. What if everyone on board had their health monitored with this subdermal implant, now in late-stage testing. It’s not some dreaded government microchip to track your every move, but a tissue-like gel engineered to continuously test your blood.” He states further that the microchip could function like a “Check engine light.”

The 60 Minutes report highlights the fact that in Sweden there have been workers who volunteered to have microchips im -

Jim Holt reported further that billionaire Bill Gates, once he became aware of this innovative technology, decided to invest millions of dollars in it. The article quotes Joe Allen (who reported at joebot.xyz), “We’re living out a sci-thriller where unaccountable corporations openly force advanced tech into our bodies. Capitalizing on the current germaphobic frenzy, Moderna’s co-founder, Dr.Robert Langer, saw his experimental mRNA vaccines pushed on the American public. Riding that dark wave of corporate and government mandates, Langer became an instant billionaire, but this isn’t the only fanged rabbit in his magic top habit.”

The article by Jim references research being conducted by MIT in 2018 on quantum dot tattoo. Details about this technology were reported on December 18th, 2019, in the prestigious journal Science. This

technology involves, “Dissolvable microneedles that deliver patterns of near-in-infrared light-emitting microparticles into the skin. Particle patterns are invisible to the eye but can be imaged using modified smartphones. By co-delivering a vaccine, the pattern of particles in the skin could serve as an on-person vaccination record.”

Jim notes in the article that the purpose of this under-skin nanoparticle QR code, which can be scanned by smartphones, was to “Track the vaccinated masses and ensure compliance.” Bill Gates has been passionate about vaxx and track technology and has spent millions of dollars to further his personal agenda. As early as 2016, the Gates Foundation gave $20 million to Moderna to develop an innovative vaccine involving mRNA technology.

This report by Jim shows undoubtedly and incontrovertibly that reports by the media of Bill Gates’s personal agenda and interest in digital certificates cannot be dismissed as mere conspiracy. Further investigations are warranted.

Inflation on the rise, unaffordable housing has become a crisis; is this the best time to be inviting newcomers to the country?

Does having political and monetary power change these rules, manipulate and derail the transparency the public seeks and demands?

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“We are facing an unprecedented global food crisis and all signs suggest we have not yet seen the worst. For the last three years hunger numbers have repeatedly hit new peaks. Let me be clear: things can and will get worse unless there is a large scale and coordinated effort to address the root causes of this crisis. We cannot have another year of record hunger.” ~ U.N. World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley

When the pandemic was in its infancy, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper began to share information about what was to come. One of the major challenges that we knew was coming was the issue surrounding the global food crisis, which has intensified, and things are going to get really bad in 2023.

Two-thirds of European fertilizer production has already been shut down, currency problems are causing massive headaches for poor nations that need to import food, global weather patterns continue to be completely crazy, and the bird flu is killing millions upon millions of chickens and turkeys all over the planet. It has caused another shortage that you may, or may not have heard about; now there is a global shortage of eggs, a breakfast staple for many here in Canada. Let’s find out exactly what is happening with this story.

France started to experience an egg shortage in October 2022. The 1,500 billion eggs seen in production in 2021 declined in 2022. Egg production is reported to decline: 8% in France, 3% in the EU overall, and 4.6% in the United States.

Prices have been rising for eggs globally as supply has been dropping due to a series of factors; the factor most reported on the news is the outbreak of the bird flu, which is killing off egg-laying chickens. This means that you are paying much more for eggs at the grocery store right now. In the U.S., egg prices rose 49% in 2022, much higher than the 12% rise in overall food prices. Egg prices have risen in at least 47 states, with some states seeing egg prices tripling over the past year.

The U.S. has experienced one of the worst breakouts of avian flu that has impacted 50.3 million birds since early February 2022. According to CNBC, 37 million egg-laying hens died in 2022, and egg production has declined by about 10%.

There are reports coming out of Europe that some farmers have also accused retailers of not paying a fair price for eggs as production costs skyrocket. These farmers are revealing that the shortage isn’t just down to bird flu.

Apparently supermarkets aren’t paying British farmers a fair price, and are instead choosing to import their eggs from countries like Italy. It comes at a time when farmers are facing soaring production costs due rising energy bills and soaring prices of essentials, such as fertilizer and animal feed.

“All the supermarket has to do is pay a fair price to British farmers and the British farmers will produce British eggs,” one of the farmers stated clearly.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) explained that there were a number of factors behind the current shortages, “We understand the difficulties raised by the rising cost of feed and energy over the last year linked to the outbreak bird flu are causing problems for farmers and we are working with industry

to monitor the egg market.”

Other media sources have also brought up the fact that the war in Ukraine is playing a role in chicken and egg shortages, as both Russia and Ukraine are major producers of wheat – a key ingredient in chicken feed.

Sylvain Charlebois, Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University doesn’t think that Canadians need to be too concerned about the egg shortages that are happening around the world. He does note that the big variable is the avian flu. “We don’t know exactly how the flu will impact barns across the country.”

What can be done? Well it doesn’t seem like we can do much. Our malfunctioning food supply system is due to failed government policy that has prioritized mega-corp market-share and profit over resilience.

It is for this same reason that farmers can’t just open up commercial egg farms; they need government-mediated access to production and markets through the marketing boards, which protects existing producers from competition.

We are facing a “perfect storm”, and that “perfect storm” is only going to get worse in the months ahead.

Vaccine experts question whether people need the new COVID-19 booster shots

PAUL JUNOR

TC REPORTER

There has been a push by international governments to encourage their citizens to get the COVID-19 booster shots. The US government to administer the new booster to 48.2 million Americans spent approximately $5 billion.

In fact, it was revealed that several vaccine advisors to the federal government were “disappointed,” and “ angry” with Moderna, one of the major producers of the COVID-19 vaccine. “It didn’t present a set of infection data on the company’s new COVID-19 booster during meetings last year when the advisers discussed whether the

sory Committee), who is one of a group of outside advisers that is responsible for helping the FDA came to conclusive decisions, is not pleased about the lack of transparency. He States, “Decisions that are made for the public have to be based on all available information - not just some information, but all information.”

It was in June and September 2022 that there was a meeting of this FDA advisory group in which panellists were present to release information to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A review of videos and transcripts of those meetings made by Moderna, CDC, and FDA officials indicates that they were in favour of the new vaccine compared to the older ones that were in circulation.

Immunogenicity data relies on blood work from participants to find out how well the vaccine produces antibodies are crucial to the decision-making process. COVID-19. Data with respect to the immunogenicity data of who caught COVID-19 and who did not, were not disclosed to the experts. The data revealed that only 1.9% of the participants who were injected with the original booster became infected while 3.2% of those who received the updated bivalent vaccine became infected This seems

to indicate the shots were safe.

On the other hand, the infection data is not representative because of the number of study subjects and the small proportion that became infected. The researchers knew who was receiving the original booster and who was receiving the new one. Despite these limitations, the data was shown in a preprint study and posted online in June and September in an FDA document, and subsequently in a leading medical journal. This did not please advisors to the FDA and CDC who should have access to this information.

Dr. Eric Rubin states, “It’s not a group of children. We understand how to interpret these results.” The six FDA and CDC advisers stated that they would still vote the same way, but wished that they were aware of the imperfections of the data.

Dr. Arnold Monto states, “There should always be full transparency. This data should not be dismissed. They are early, but they indicate that we need to look at them and see what their value is.”

Dr. Pabol Sanchez notes further that, “If the data was looked at as part of the study, it should have been presented to the advisers prior to their decision.”

The advisors mentioned three rea-

sons why they should have had the infection data. Firstly, the potential implication of their decision. Secondly, regulatory agencies worldwide depend on the information from the meeting to recommend vaccines to their citizens. Thirdly, transparency is paramount at all times.

On Wednesday, January 11th, 2023, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert, believes that there needs to be evaluation of booster recommendations. Data was revealed showing that the newest booster, which targets the Omnicron B. A 4/5 strain and original virus variants in a bivalent formulation, is not any better that the original vaccine when used as a booster.

Dr.Offit states, “The experience of the past year has taught us that chasing the Omnicron with a bivalent vaccine is a losing game.” He references data from two expert virologists- Dr.David Ho and Dr.Dan Barouch who revealed that the antibodies produced from the new booster and older ones were almost the same. “There were no significant differences,” Dr.Offit states. “The bivalent booster was sold as better, and better at preventing mild disease and transmission when there was no evidence for that.”

choosing to use vape pens is increasing.

The study was carried out from April to June 2022 and offers insights into Canadians: knowledge, attitudes and behaviours on cannabis use.

Over the previous 12 months, cannabis use among youth 16-19 returned to pre-legalization levels in 2021-2022, after increasing 2018-2020.

The proportions of those who use cannabis daily have been stable since 2018, including among youth 16-19.

Smoking cannabis has continually declined, while vaporizing cannabis using a pen has increased since 2021. Smoking remains the favoured choice, followed by consuming edibles.

More respondents reported us-

ing legal sources compared to 2021. 61% of those using cannabis over the past 12 months reported using legal store fronts, up from 52% in 2021. The portion of the population using illegal sources has declined between 2018-2021, remaining the same in 2022.

More than a quarter of those that use cannabis use it for medical purposes, with a medical document from their healthcare professional.

A futuristic problem has risen with regards to the use of vape pens, and vaping cannabis. Vaping associated lung diseases have become issues for the healthcare sector. E cigarettes and vaping of sourced materials is a constant problem for both healthcare and policing authorities.

Fentanyl laced products has shown its ugly face throughout Canada and the USA. While very small portions of cannabis users have become addicted, the level of addiction is increasing each year. The very process of vaping can create conditions that erode a user’s lung tissue, manipulating the user’s heartbeat and blood pressure. The legalization of cannabis has not been a bed of roses, but a serious challenge to many population sectors, both urban and rural alike.

The demand for more addiction services continues to increase. A drug is a drug they say, and the pusher man has continued to evolve into a public seller, manager and promoter of this cannabis material, protected by a public authority.

There is a global egg shortage occurring; do Canadians need to be concerned about this?

Cannabis survey carried out by Health Canada shows that smoking is the most favourable form of consumption

The Caribbean is made up of over 700 islands and 30 territories that are situated within or near the Caribbean Sea. The islands are so alluring to tourists because of the scenery, which looks as though the world’s greatest artists curated it, taking time to harmoniously balance colours, and composition.

One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including: the signature Piton Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a tropical rainforest, the highly-Instagrammed mud baths at Sulphur Springs Park, and the world’s only drive-in volcano.

Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint coastline fishing villages, and internationally inspired-cuisine. Saint Lucia’s wide range of accommodations

includes five-star hotels, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns, and value-oriented properties. The destination also offers world-class cruise and yachting facilities.

January 2023 was an exciting time on the island as Saint Lucia launched its Nobel Laureate Festival, commemorating the island’s two Nobel Laureates for winning the world’s most prestigious award for literature and economics. Visitors can still enjoy over 30 public events on the island, or online throughout January, including: guest lectures, performances by students, and poetry.

The Nobel Laureate Festival celebrates the achievements and successes of Sir William Arthur Lewis, who won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 1979, and Sir Derek Walcott, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992.

William Arthur Lewis was a public intellectual in the field of development economics. In 1971, he became the first African American to receive a Nobel Prize in a category other than peace: he was honoured for his work in economics. William was the author of 12 books and more than 80 technical works in developmental economics

At Manchester University in 1954, he wrote the work, entitled “Economic Development with Unlimited Supplies of Labour,” for which he received the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1979 alongside Chi-

cago, Illinois economics professor Theodore Schultz. He followed the article with a well-received overview of development economics called “The Theory of Economic Growth.” In both articles, Lewis attached enormous importance to education and social development as agents of change. He argued that governments all over the world would benefit from providing guidelines for promoting economic growth.

A professor, poet, and playwright of: English, Dutch, and African descent, Derek Walcott was a 1981 MacArthur Foundation “Genius” grant recipient who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992.

Heavily influenced by the modernist poets T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, Walcott became internationally prominent with the collection, “In a Green Night: Poems 1948-1960 (1962).” It was his epic poem Omeros (1990), re-imagining the Trojan War as a Caribbean fishermen’s fight, which cemented him in the literary firmament.

Three Caribbean nationals have received the title of Nobel Prize Winner, earning Saint Lucia the number one spot on the list of independent nations with the highest number of Nobel Prize winners per capita.

The Nobel Laureate Festival is a great opportunity to experience Saint

Lucia, and to experience the: sights and sounds that make this beautiful island a cultural oasis.

“A visit to Saint Lucia means meeting our people and immersing ourselves in our culture,” remarked Lorine CharlesSt. Jules, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.

“There are so many ways to do this, and we would love to see more visitors experience the Nobel Laureate Festival each year. It’s an opportunity to see more of the island, get out into the communities and revel in our heritage. It could be art, poetry, history tours, or even rum. There’s so much to enjoy. Our prestigious Nobel Laureates have contributed to Saint Lucian history and culture for generations, and we are proud to continue celebrating their global recognition with our visitors and residents.”

Is it time to get away from the cold, and into the sun; you have a chance to experience the island’s diverse culture, as the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has launched a special giveaway for one lucky winner to win a five-night stay for two at Stonefield Villa Resort, including flights to Saint Lucia.

To enter and for more information on the Nobel Laureate Festival, visit www.stlucia.org/nlf

Book launch of “FIRSTBORN: The Life of Luis: Fred Kennedy 1908- 1982” highlights the success of Grace Kennedy

Post Graduate Diploma in Education at the University of West Indies. He then completed his Master of Education in 1982 and his Doctorate of Education in 1995 at the Ontario Institute of Education at U of T.

time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this international company.

It was a cold and dreary day on Sunday, January 8th, 2023, when the biography of Fred Kennedy was launched at the Jamaican Centre Association (JCA) in Toronto. The book Fred Kennedy wrote FIRSTBORN; he also happens to be the son of Luis Kennedy. It highlights the life of his father, the founder of Grace Kennedy & Co Ltd and it chronicles the: mission, passions, and contributions of this innovative and creative entrepreneur to the national development of Jamaica.

Fred Kennedy was born in Jamaica and attended St George’s College, a Jesuit High School located in Kingston, Jamaica. He subsequently completed a

Fred pursued a teaching career with the Toronto District School Board. His 27-year teaching stint culminated with him being appointed vice-principals at Midland Avenue C.I., and A.Y. Jackson High School. He subsequently returned to his Alma mater where he served as a principal from 2004 to 2006. In addition, he served as manager for St George’s College Old Boys from 20122014.

Fred has written two previous books. The first book was of Jamaican history fiction, DADDY SHARPE (2008), a story of the national hero, Samuel Sharpe. The second book was HUAREO (2015), translated into Spanish (2016). It tells the story of Taino Cacique. It was launched at the National Gallery of Jamaica on March 13th, 2016. Fred spent several years working on the biography of his father; it was completed just in

At the book launch, Monica the MC introduced the guest speakers. David Belly (President of JCA) who spoke about the importance of Grace Kennedy to Jamaica’s economy, and the fact that it celebrated its 100th year anniversary in 2022. He mentioned that he had a personal connection to the company as his father worked in the shipping department from 1988 to 2017, and he was a scholarship recipient. He described Luis Kennedy’s work as being significant to the national development of Jamaica.

Dr Mary Anne Chambers (Chair, Grace Foods Canada Inc) mentioned that she read the manuscripts of the book and spoke about the book being a, “Masterly piece” and, “A scholarly piece of work.” Mary Lou Soular-Hynes, author and educator, also spoke about the book’s worth.

Fred Kennedy describes the family background, traced to the hills of Trelawny, where his great grandfather married a Cuban woman and lived on an estate. Fred shared many of the

challenges that his dad faced as he took over the management of Grace Kennedy at age 22 after the death of his father. There were many ups and downs as the company navigated changes during the 1970s in Jamaica.

Fred recounts the growth of Grace Kennedy from a small wholesale business in Kingston to a global conglomerate whose brand has worldwide recognition. His dad was a visionary in many ways by implementing pension plans and medical schemes for workers long before it became common in the private sector in Jamaica. It was largely due to Luis’s: astute business skills, philanthropic initiatives, and Catholic social teachings that made him one of the most highly regarded and respected Jamaicans.

Proceeds from the book launch went towards the establishment of a student scholarship in the name of Luis Fred Kennedy at Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica.

Saint Lucia celebrates the Nobel Laureate Festival and launches a special giveaway to win a five-night stay

Is $10-a-day childcare becoming a reality for families across Canada?

PAUL JUNOR

TC REPORTER

It was in March 2022 that Ontario announced that it had signed the national Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with the federal government. The Government of Canada’s plan intends to ensure that 250,000 new childcare spaces will be available throughout Canada with 40,000 spaces being available before 2020 through the 2017-2018 and 20192020 agreements. Ontario is expected to receive $10.2 billion in federal funding through 2026-2027, which is part of the $9.2 billion federal commitment from Budget 2021.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the press release, “With the sign -

ing of the agreement, we’re making $10-aday childcare a reality for families across the country. Today’s announcement will save Ontario families thousands of dollars each yearwhile creating jobs, growing the middle class, and giving our kids the best start in life.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated in the press release, “I’m so proud of the work we’ve done with our federal partners to land an agreement that will lower costs for families across the province. Given how complex Ontario’s childcare system is, we wanted to get this right. We’re delivering a deal that will keep money in the pockets of hard-working parents.”

Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance noted, “A year ago, our government made a commitment to Canadians: to deliver affordable high-quality early learning and childcare for young families across the country. Now that agreements have been reached with all provinces and territories, a cause championed by generations of forward-thinking Canadians is about to become a reality.”

In March 2022, the Ontario govern-

action

Last Tuesday, a first-of-its-kind antitrust action was filed against the: British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), The Washington Post, Reuters and Associated Press. Robert Kennedy Jr. joins medical professionals, independent journalists and media outlets to address collusion among behemoth media conglomerates. They are seeking damages totalling millions of dollars based on the collusive censorship of online health and political news publishers who dared to question the narrative relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine mandates.

This of course is an extremely important topic for the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, as the organization had to deal with censorship on an aggressive nature: our systems were disrupted, journalists, social media platforms were silenced, or hacked, and during many of our live broadcasts, our viewers were unable to see our content due to network disruptions.

The lawsuit reveals that in March 2020, a partnership was created called the

Trusted News Initiative (TNI) between Big Tech and Legacy Media. It excluded rival publishers from the dominant Internet platforms. On December 10th, 2020, TNI agreed that they would focus on combating what they viewed as the spread of harmful vaccine disinformation. This coordinated effort is, by definition, a classic unlawful “group boycott” to damage the ability of smaller publishers to compete or even survive.

Who are the core members of the TNI? Well as noted above they include Legacy Media outlets: BBC, The Washington Post, Reuters and Associated Press, along with social media and tech giants—Twitter, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Microsoft/LinkedIn and Google/YouTube. The TNI members collectively hold: 90% of the overall social media market, an 85% market share of the online social media news market, a 90% share of the social networking market, 75% of the video hosting market, and over 90% of the searchengine market. Yep, they have a huge influence on the content that is being viewed by people all around the world.

By their own admission, members of the ‘Trusted News Initiative’ (‘TNI’) agreed to work together and have successfully excluded from the world’s dominant internet platforms rival news publishers who challenge TNI members’ reporting on certain issues relating to COVID-19 and world politics.

What did the TNI members deem as misinformation? That is a great question. Let’s take a look at a few of the topics:

ment extended the deadline for childcare providers to apply for Ontario’s $10/day program until November 1st, 2022. There are concerns regarding why daycares are not opting in and what this extension could potentially mean for parents in a cosmopolitan city such as Toronto.

The Ontario Financial Accountability Officer (FAO) made several observations after reviewing the Ontario government. It noted that there will be a significant increase in the number of families expecting affordable options due to a decrease in daycare costs, and that there are far more than 375,111 spaces that Ontario is projected to need which would mean that many families will not benefit from this agreement.

Ontario has signed on to use federal funding to decrease parent’s fees for full-time Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) spaces for children below the age of six, which translates to around $10 per day by the end of the fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Since the signing of the deal in March 2022, it has not been smooth sailing between childcare operators who have run-

for-profit facilities, and Ontario government officials.

CTV News reported on October 29th, 2022, that as of Friday, October 28th, 86% of childcare centres in Ontario have opted to participate with the government extending the deadline to November 1st.

There is still so much for childcare operators to figure out as they navigate municipal rules. There is a need for additional funding to offset inflation so that these operators are able to make enough money to cover their rent, salaries, and food costs. Under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, there has been a reduction of 37% of daycare fees for parents as on December 31st, 2022. Also, there will be a further 25% fee reduction which is retroactive to April 1st, 2023. The cumulative reductions will lower fees to 50% of 2020 levels.

Child-care operators are apprehensive about what will happen after next year, and they wished that there was a five-year model in place to smoothen the transition.

• Claims that COVID originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China

• Claims that the COVID vaccines do not prevent infection

• Claims that vaccinated persons can transmit COVID to others

• Claims that compromising emails and videos were found on a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden

The TNI did not only prevent Internet users from making these claims; what they did was shut down online news publishers who simply reported that such claims were being made by potentially credible sources, such as scientists and physicians.

Important legal precedent is clear on the issues addressed in the antitrust lawsuit. As the Supreme Court stated in Associated Press v. United States, 326 U.S. 1, 20 (1945), “Freedom to publish means freedom for all and not for some. Freedom to publish is guaranteed by the Constitution, but freedom to combine to keep others from publishing is not. Freedom of the press from governmental interference under the First Amendment does not sanction repression of that freedom by private interests.”

Plaintiffs: Dr. Ben Tapper, Dr. Joseph Mercola, independent news publisher and founder of The Gateway Pundit Jim Hoft, independent journalists Ben Swann and Erin Elizabeth Finn, independent news outlets TrialSite News and Creative Destruction Media and health-freedom activists Ty and Charlene Bollinger join Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Chil-

dren’s Health Defense (CHD).

“My uncle, President Kennedy, and my father, the Attorney General, sought to prosecute antitrust laws that are still on the nation’s books with vigour,” said Kennedy. “As private enforcers of those laws, we are confident that the Federal Court in Texas will vindicate our bedrock freedom to compete with legacy media in the marketplace of ideas.”

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Children’s Health Defense have long questioned the safety and efficacy of vaccines, more recently fighting: COVID-19 vaccinations, U.S. government mandates and other pandemic response actions.

“These are the twin evils of our day,” added Dr. Joseph Mercola, a plaintiff in the case. “Platforms partner with the alphabet soup of federal agencies to censor speech. Those same platforms and legacy media outlets conspire to boycott stories that don’t fit an official narrative about COVID and many other topics. Our nation’s founding fathers would be appalled and resolute in defence of maintaining an informed citizenry.”

What do you think community? Is it fair that only certain media companies should have the right to report on important global topics? If so, how do we hold these organizations accountable when they are funded by other organizations that have an agenda? Please leave your comments, and let’s find ways to discuss this topic critically.

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Legal

has been taken against Big Tech and Legacy Media for excluded rival publishers from dominant internet platforms

paul@carib101.com

“Laws against paedophilia violate human rights!” What is going on here?

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

Some years ago, a crime reporter named JoJo Chintoh said, “There is no right way to do a wrong thing.” Klaus Schwab and his WEF World Economic Forum crew need to hear this.

It takes a special kind of sick organization, or government to argue that the world should consider decriminalizing sex with children, arguing that laws against “age gap love,” more commonly known as paedophilia, “violate human rights.”

The WEF is one such disorganization that thinks that this is cool and should be tolerated by the rest of humanity. Schwab even goes as far as saying that the rise in pedo-crimes is “nature’s gift” to humanity.

According to a research paper presented at the WEF in Davos, the paedophile phenomenon represents nature’s attempt to cleanse the earth and “save humanity” from itself. The paper attempts to make light of a deadly crime against children by calling Pedos “Minor Attracted People.”

The script went on to normalize and glorify this act by revealing their socalled findings which said, “Paedophilias are far less likely to produce large numbers of offspring,” according to academic data, and the so-called “underage people” they have so-called “relationships” with are statistically less likely to go on and become heads of large families themselves.

It is becoming painfully obvious now that the agents behind this agenda have no use for and no interest in the normal human family whatsoever.

I am not exactly surprised; after all, when you can be sent to prison for opening your church, but be encouraged to lessen the penalty for someone who has sex with underage children, there is definitely something that is off.

Imagine, the WEF would like to have families believe that protecting the

rights of paedophilias should take precedence over everything else, because if paedophilias don’t feel safe, they cannot reveal their illness, nor seek treatment.

Here is a small piece from a famous American news station, “Paedophiles are not ‘monsters,’ or “social deviants living in the shadows.” According to the network, it’s high time for society to update its image of paedophiles.

It seems like the goal here is to get the children thinking that this is normal; after all not so long ago, Klaus Schwab was caught bragging about how the World Economic Forum had completely infiltrated education systems in many countries, and according to him, if children are exposed to the WEF ideology at a young enough age, they can be easily controlled.

The same news network went on to say, rather than considering child molesters the lowest of the low, folks should reach out to them and seek to understand them, because “One cannot choose not to be a paedophile.”

That said, and with mainstream media on the bandwagon to endorse and accelerate the globalist agenda, folks can

expect to be faced with more and more of this evil unless the masses unite and reject it. Here are some of the cunning languages that we need to be on the lookout for.

• “Age gap love,” -- translation of grown adults who have sex with children

• “Nature’s gift” -- trying to imply it is ordained by God

• “Underage people” -- children

These are just a few of the words globalists used to polish up their dirty acts. The depopulation agenda is no longer a conspiracy theorist thing anymore, it is out in the open. A few months ago, a so-called judge in New Zealand declared that 12-year-old children can consent to sex with adults.

According to another research paper presented at the WEF in Davos, the paedophile phenomenon represents nature’s attempt to cleanse the earth and “save humanity” from itself.

Deception is the order of the day in the globalist society, so to survive, one must do the opposite of whatever the agenda is.

Do we really want to do this? Millennials opting out of having children

reasons people opt out of parenthood. As Napoleon Bonaparte concluded while in exile on the island of St. Helena, “Children are always ungrateful.”

A Moroccan proverb claims, “If a man leaves little children behind him, it is as if he did not die.” A Sanskrit saying translates as, “A house without children is only a cemetery.” Having children may be central to sustained human life, but over the past several years, there has been a crescendo of voices arguing for restraint. Women concerned express the most fervent views about climate change.

We know some couples decide on a childless marriage in exchange for personal freedom. Others worry about the risk of a difficult child or the effect of a child on an unhappy marriage, and there are other

The BirthStrike Movement is an activist group choosing to forgo having children to protect them from worsening: social, economic, and environmental conditions. They may be right that deciding not to have children is possibly one of the most effective ways individuals can cut their own carbon emissions. According to analysts at Morgan Stanley, “Having a child is 7-times worse for the climate in CO2 emissions annually than the next 10 most discussed mitigants that individuals can do.”

There does seem to be a trend among millennials about not having children, but aside from the activists, do young people have a generalized concern about the consequences of climate change, enough to change the urge for children? Or has something else happened?

It is undoubtedly a great injustice to subject innocent children to the hazards

of a polluted, poisonous planet. Can you blame would-be parents for opting out when scientists raise alarms that their children will encounter more: floods, droughts, fires, tornadoes, and famine, fight wars over water, land and other resources, and that economic crises will lead to social chaos?

There are other considerations that affect fertility rates. For instance, having a child can send a woman’s career into the abyss. A study from the University of Massachusetts examining data from 1979 to 2006 found that, on average, men earn 6% more when they had children (and lived with them), while women earn 4% less for every child. More recent studies show the same. In 2019, a study using data from the US census found mothers earned 71 cents for every dollar earned by fathers. Women have a justified right to complain.

Friendships can also take a hit. A survey of 1000 parents revealed almost half of moms and dads had fewer friends after children were born. In addition, there was less marital satisfaction.

CivicScience, a polling platform, adds another depressing note. They analysed one million responses and concluded that non-parents: lead healthier lifestyles, sleep longer, exercise more, drink less coffee, smoke less, avoid fast food restaurants, and were less overweight.

What about the health benefits of parenthood? There is good news for women, including decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding lowers the chance of type 2 diabetes. A University of California study reports that for children born to mothers over age 25, there’s an 11% greater chance of living to 90.

Finally, does having children mean parents are happier and less lonely later in life? Researchers in Germany found that parents tend to be happier than non-parents in old age, but this only holds if their kids have moved out! Older people without children get similar rewards to those having children; it seems, by maintaining any close social connections that share their issues and concerns.

National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana rebuts makes the request for a Hindi Opening Prayer

of Guyana and is the head of state, head of government of Guyana as well as the commander-in-chief. Mark Anthony Phillip, the Prime Minister was elected on August 2nd, 2020. The president along with the 65 elected members makes up the Parliament of Guyana, which came into being in 1966 and is part of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

this norm.” It continues, “We have a universal prayer that is read in the Parliament at every sitting, and this way has been the norm for decades.” At present, this prayer is read by Sherlock Isaacs who serves as clerk of the National Assembly.

as those of Indigenous, folk spirituality, and those who have no religious affiliations,

Guyana is known as the only Caribbean country that is not an island in the West Indies. The UN estimates that it has a current population of about 811,119 as of July 1st, 2023.It is projected to increase to 813,834. About 44% of the population is Indo-Guyanese or East-Indians, 30% Afro-Guyanese, and 9% is of mixed heritage.

Guyana is currently governed by The National Assembly, which is based on a system of proportional representation and has about 65 members elected to it. Mohammed Irfan Ali serves as the president

As a multicultural and multiracial country, there has been a high degree of: tolerance, inclusion, balance, and representation since the establishment of Parliament. There have also been concerns regarding the recent action by the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana, which turned down a request that a Hindi opening prayer be included in an opening session.

Hindi statesman Rajan Zed who asked that he be scheduled to read the opening prayer made the request. He received a response from Delsym West, Assembly Assistant in an email that stated, “We have a religion-neutral policy, and the Speaker is not in favour of departing from

In a letter by Rajan Zed (President of the Universal Society of Hinduism to Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the Assembly) he stated that he feels that it is a case of: unfairness, discrimination, favouritism and does not speak well of a democratic society.

Zed believes in the enforcement of the” universal prayer.” promotes the appearance that it is biased toward one religion and does not contain the elements of all religions observed in Guyana. Zed notes that it is an opportune time for the Guyana National Assembly to adopt multi-faith opening prayers. This would ensure that Guyanese of all religious, denominational, and faith traditions are recognized. This recognition could involve a rotation of prayers that respects all faith and religious communities, especially for those from major religions as well

The contributions of followers of the major religions, including the minority ones and non-believers to Guyana’s development, are widely acknowledged. It is important that they are able to get representation in the Assembly prayer. It is important that no one religious group be given preferential treatment or perceived to be exercising undue influence.

As a practicing Hindu, Zed has had opportunities to open for the United States Senate and the US House of Representatives with Hindu prayers. For Zed, the fact that Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, and one of the oldest with approximately 1.2 billion followers contributes to its worldwide significance.

Zed is firm that the Guyana National Assembly should provide opportunities for Hindu prayers to be read. This would show that there is: inclusion, diversity and equity.

W. GIFFORDJONES MD

TC

Mayor Tory’s Police budget increase wrong approach to preventing crime Evidence shows investing in proactive community supports improves safety

vance a pro-gun agenda rather than invest in proven solutions like community violence intervention and victim support.

When I received this press release, I knew that I had to speak with Councillor Matlow, and he enlightened me with some information that I have to share with you, the readers.

Experts cite inequality, poverty, systemic racism, and a lack of opportunity as primary factors influencing whether a teen picks up a gun or chooses a better path in life. Study after study shows that investments in community supports are the most effective way to address violent crime:

communities reduces crime and improves resiliency,” Councillor Matlow began, “There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that the number of officers, or the amount we invest into police has any effect on crime.

Between 2001 and 2012 the number of Toronto police officers per capita declined 5%, while crime in the city dropped 41%. Yet, Mayor Tory’s approach is to continue increasing the police budget, which at $1.1 Billion is already the city’s top line item.”

“What made you want to tackle this topic specifically Councillor Matlow,” I queried.

ated to use every dollar allocated to these programs in a more efficient, deliberate and focused way to get the best result for at-risk youth.

“It’s not just about youth at risk. It is deeper than that. There are so many different reasons why we are having the issues that we are having today. Adding more police doesn’t prevent crime, it actually exacerbates the problem. There are more effective ways to do things. Having police show up to some scenes actually makes the situation worse,” Councillor Matlow explained.

Mayor John Tory’s $48.3 million (4.3%) police budget increase was announced on January 3rd, 2023, to purportedly address public safety. According to Councillor Josh Matlow, it is not supported by evidence from jurisdictions across North America, nor past experience in Toronto where the Mayor has unsuccessfully tried this tactic before in the face of headlinegrabbing crime.

“Mayor Tory’s decision to increase the $1.1 billion police budget is neither factbased nor the most effective approach to preventing crime. Making our neighbourhoods truly safe will involve investing in addressing poverty, racialization, mental health, homelessness, and addiction by providing proven programs such as: spaces for at-risk youth, job training, trauma counselling, and eviction prevention.”

I recently wrote an article titled, “Toronto’s Gun Pandemic; Quality of Life now Depends on the Colour of your Skin and your Postal Code,” where I speak to disproportionate rates of gun violence, which have been exploited by gun lobbyist who have pushed dangerous myths to spread fear and to ad -

• The Province of Ontario’s Roots of Youth Violence Report by Dr. Alvin Curling and Justice Roy McMurtry and the City of Toronto’s Youth Equity Strategy showed that programs that offer skills training, trauma counselling, recreation activities, and mentoring can reduce crime over the long-term, and also offer vulnerable young people opportunities to succeed.

• New York implemented a communitybased public health approach to safety termed “Cure Violence” in 2015. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice found that gun injuries were down 36% in the South Bronx and 50% in Brooklyn as compared to control areas with similar demographics during the same period.

• Research from NYU shows that, in a hypothetical city of 100,000 people, “each new non-profit community organization created directly leads to a 1.2% drop in the homicide rate, a 1% reduction in the violent crime rate, and a 0.7% reduction in the property crime rate.”

“While the evidence is clear that investing in

“Years ago, I don’t know how to describe it, but it seemed obvious to me that when a child died, politicians would make these issues and statements, it became about politics. I thought to myself, how about more effectively finding ways to get the guns out of children’s hands and stop them from getting shot.

Even when there was something real done, very few of the deeply substantive recommendations were placed into action. I thought to myself, ‘How can I make a difference outside of a sound bite? How do we make the communities safer?’”

In February 2014, Councillor Matlow’s colleagues at Council supported the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy unanimously. The comprehensive report contained 110 recommended actions to support our most vulnerable youth.

Councillor Matlow wanted to see the thoughtful and proactive measures to deal with youth violence implemented in community centres, libraries and TCHC facilities across Toronto. The staff-recommended initiatives to assist our city’s most vulnerable youth included: mental support, employment training and crime diversion programs in targeted areas. This strategy also was cre -

“Let’s use some of the budget to roll out youth spaces around the city, have a safe space for our young people to hang out. Knowing that you have someone there is very important to children. It is complex, and it is difficult, but you are helping these youths find their passions, and love for life. This will send them down paths that are better for their lives. This is what I am advocating for. There needs to be programs throughout the city that supports the community needs (housing, mental health, trauma support).

When John Tory and other political leaders speak about keeping people safe, whom is he talking about? I think we have to focus and expand on this. We are experiencing today the consequences for not addressing systemic racism. We do not fix it by throwing more money into the police budget.

Why don’t we challenge the police board and the Chief; ask them how they are using the budget today? How about we pay for some youth spaces instead of horses. They are pretty and everything, but how does this help us?”

I have to admit: Councillor Matlow is asking all the right questions. Does Mayor Tory have the answers?

I interviewed Kieran Khan for the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper back in 2020 when he was recently hired as Cardi B’s tour videographer. Since then, he’s travelled to over a dozen countries, worked with multi-awardwinning artists and directed several music videos. Now, he is ready to take all that he’s learned over the years and bring it to other creatives in the city and beyond.

“2021 started off good despite COVID and so forth. During the pandemic, there was massive hesitation on if clients wanted to spend money on content. But they realized that’s all that they can probably do to stay relevant or in tune with their target audience,” said Khan. So, it became very hectic for content creators. It gave us a boost, and it kind of pushed a lot ahead. Even for myself, a lot of the projects that I wanted to work on are the types of projects I wanted to do. I shot a lot of music videos, I did about three or four music documentaries, and I started doing a lot of pilot projects to digital platforms to get sold.”

They idea sparked for Khan to film his own masterclass when he realized he often gets asked the same questions from other emerging directors and videographers.

“Many times, individuals kind of

asked me how to get involved with tour life, directing, and music videos, and it’s usually the same questions. It just came about where I wanted to film masterclasses. I think a lot of creatives who want to be tour videographers have the wrong idea of what tour life is about, and what they really want out of it. I think the majority of what videographers want out of it is recognition, but also working with a good organizational client to showcase the work that they’re doing, because they’re not getting it from maybe the clients, they’re doing it now.” said Khan.

There are more people of color entering the media industry now, but still navigating through barriers they can often meet like not being booked for higher paying gigs. Khan hopes his masterclasses will teach young creatives how to overcome those challenges.

“I wanted to focus the curriculum especially on the BIPOC community as we don’t always have proper direction or information as to where to go to network, get information on grants, the business side, or the knowledge to get into certain rooms. So that’s what also triggered it initially. I want to also place these individuals with clients that I may not be able to film with and give them that opportunity. But this way I can also manage expectations when they do get there. I can see a lot of times that it’s just lack of direction young creatives have.” said Khan.

The tour videographer says it’s not all fun, no work when you’re on tour with the artists. Khan continuously makes sure he is doing his best to also grow the relationships he has.

“I think a lot of people have this false expectation of the glamour behind it when

they forget the work ethic that goes behind it. It doesn’t get easier as directors get older or more seasoned as they say in the business. Because there’s so much young talent coming up, and they might have the time and energy behind them to sit down behind a computer 24/7 learning new work, comparison to us, we’re always on the go. So, we don’t get time to figure out these new technologies or brands or edit types and so forth. And you’d have to nurture these relationships in these businesses that you have to make sure that you constantly get them, and you can keep building your portfolio. And I’ve had nothing but great outcomes in my relationships with people in the industry just based off of organic chemistry.” said Khan.

Khan wants everyone of any age to be able to take away from the masterclasses.

“I never really thought about the age brackets behind it. I just I knew for sure that I want to focus on my community, because I can see how hungry they are for it, their work ethic is insane.” said Khan. “There’s no limitations on the age as far as I can see, or the male or female demographic. I think it’s more about who really is in it for the right reasons or is it that they’ve been doing it as a hobby, and they want to see if this is something that they can really get into. There’s enough work out here for all of us. And I think that’s the hardest thing I’ve run into, not finding amazing content or devoted content creators, where we can, have them on set because there’s enough work for it.” said Khan.

Khan is working on the themes of each masterclass with his team as he makes progress on putting the videos together.

“I’m actually working on it now. So, I want to put together about six videos that

would speak about different sectors of the business. And then each video is going to be about 7 to 10 minutes,” said Khan. “And then outside of those videos, I want to give the option where the viewer and I can have a oneon-one conversation for one hour. I can offer my time for a couple of times a week, and then we can go through that process.”

One of the most important topics that Khan is going to focus on is the business side of the job, like contracts and fees.

“That’s actually one of the most important things I’m going to be focusing on when it comes to getting your business up before you start getting the work in. Because a lot of people don’t understand basic things like fees, general rights, they don’t have travel arrangements, per diem, because they just don’t know what they’re obligated or what they’re not.” said Khan.

People who watch the videos will feel inspired and motivated to turn their dreams of being a freelance creative into a reality.

“I really want to accomplish having some of the best content creators and film what is coming out of the masterclasses. I think if I can really just touch a person that really understands that this lifestyle is realistic.” said Khan. “We need more storytellers from our community that understand our culture. We can get further ahead than anyone else coming in trying to tell our story for us. So that’s really what I would love to get out of the masterclasses that I’m doing now.”

For more information on Khan and to be notified when Khan’s masterclasses are available, follow him on Instagram at @kierankhanproductions or check out his website kierankhan.com

“How can I make a difference outside of a sound bite? How do we make the communities safer?” ~ City Councillor Josh Matlow (Toronto –St. Paul’s, Ward 12)

IVAN DAWNS

Celebrated Community Activist

Ivan Dawns is the first Black Business Representative in Canada for the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT) and holds the position of Political Director.

In 2021 he was presented with the Dr Anderson Abbot Award from the Ontario Black History Society.

Later that year, he received the Dudley Laws Award from the Black Action Defence Committee. In 2020 he was presented the Toronto and York Labour Council Bromley Armstrong Award and was also recognized by TCBN as one of Toronto’s Black Construction Union Leaders. In 2019 he received the Jamaican Canadian Association Community Service Award. He is a recipient of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Jack White Community Service Award, the IUPAT CORE Committee Award and was a presenter of the 2014 Role Model Award at the Black Excellence Conference.

Ivan is passionate about working with youths, particularly those who are at risk due to social and economic impediments. He not only believes that being a skilled trade unionist is a pathway to a good job and economic prosperity; he has lived it. After migrating to Canada from his birth country Jamaica; Ivan was introduced to the Drywall Finishing Trade (Taper/Plasterer}. He enrolled and successfully completed the apprenticeship program.

Ivan now mentors youths as part of the Toronto Community Benefits Network’s (TCBN) NextGen Program and is also a board member at TCBN. He is a member of the Local’s Apprentice Committee at the Interior Finishing Systems Training Centre. A member of the Central Ontario Building Trade Central Committee and is Co-chair for the Black Community Organizing for Real Economics Committee (Black CORE), tasked with finding how the union can better serve its Black members.

Ivan also believes in giving back to the community. In 2019 for Black History Month, he got 20 members of his organization to paint 1,100 square feet of the iconic Jamaican Canadian Centre. In 2018 he was told of the need for a school in rural Jamaica. He got his organization to donate to the cause, and he went to Jamaica to help build the school. He also got IUPAT to sponsor a float in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

Ivan hosts an annual turkey dinner for between 250 to 300 less fortunate people on Christmas day at the Back Door Mission homeless shelter in Oshawa, and also sponsored two youths at 360 Kids. He gave them gift cards worth $250 each. In summer of 2022, He organized to paint the planters in Little Jamaica on Eglinton Ave for the beatification of Little Jamaica.

I interviewed Anthony Henry, First Vice-President of The Walnut Foundation, and he shared information regarding the selection process. Anthony told me that as part of his outreach work, he wanted to reach as many families as possible at: churches, community centres, social settings and other places. He believes that if you want to spread the message of education and information you have to go where men are.

Anthony told me that being an honorary chair is not just a ceremonial title, but it is reflective of someone who has contributed significantly to the health and well-being of the Black community. Dawn is a selfless trade unionist and celebrated community advocate. For his 50th birthday, Ivan organized a BBQ and food drive where guests were asked to bring non-perishable food items. He collected close to 800 pounds of food items and $4,000. Donations collected were donated to 360 Kids, a York Region homeless shelter for youths, and Back Door Mission, a Durham Region all age homeless shelter and food bank He also sponsors a scholarship at the Jamaican Canadian Association for youths pursuing a career in the trades.

Like others in the construction industry IUPAT DC46 was not immune to incidents in 2020 where nooses were found hanging in construction sites. Committed to eliminating racism; Ivan worked with his union to implement policies aimed at deterring acts of racism and discrimination; calling for offenders to face disciplinary actions.

He co-wrote a resolution for the recruitment and retention of Black people and women in the trades that would also see those already in the trades attain leadership positions in Canada and the USA. He championed IUPAT DC46’s endorsement of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council’s Charter of Inclusive Workplaces and Community.

This work has resulted in DC46 receiving the 2019 IUPAT General President’s Political Award, the Jamaican Canadian Community Award, and Reno for Hero’s (renovating homes for veterans) Award. Ivan’s hard work has translated into more youth becoming members of IUPAT DC46, resulting in the local becoming more diverse with an increasing number of women looking at employment opportunities in the trade.

Dawns recounts, “I started as an apprentice and worked my way to journeyman status. My boss saw something in me, so I became the crew leader. I would always go to union meetings and speak my mind,” He notes further, “I was active in the union. You can’t just sit down, pay dues and not take part.”

Dawn’s drive brought him many promotions. He recalls, “When

I just came off the tools I wasn’t sure if it was for me; then I went to battle for one of our members and I loved it. I knew I was in the right spot.”

Dawns shares the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic created for the workers in the construction industry, especially with respect to their health and safety, and the steps he and other union representatives had to take to fight for the workers. He recalls, “In the beginning, one of our biggest concerns was the washroom situation, we went to all the job sites to make sure our members had the proper PPE and made sure the washrooms were clean and being sensitized frequently. We had to take precautions for the members to be able to work six feet apart.”

Dawn has seen an increase in the number of racial complaints since the summer of COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd. He states, “People are definitely feeling more comfortable to voice their concerns about racism here. Racism isn’t new in construction at all; I remember I would experience things, but I wouldn’t say anything. I’m not going to complain to them about them, and I wanted to keep my job. Now that people like me are in this position, people feel more comfortable telling me what’s going on.”

Dawns knows that the construction sector is known for being a violent work environment for the BIPOC community. He encourages his members to speak up early the first time they are aware of any problems. He states, “Sometimes people wait until they’ve been fired, or things have gotten too out of control to tell me what happened. By then it’s too late, I can’t do anything. You have to speak up as soon as things happen, then I can step in.”

Dawn encourages youth to pursue careers in the trades. He mentions, “We always need workers. I still have contractors calling for work: things are steady.” He would like to emphasize that being a tradesperson is more than a fixed role. He stresses, “It’s not just a job, there are career paths within the trades. Not everyone is going to go to college or university. There are honest and fair options for you. If you’re looking for a career, we give opportunities to make a good living to take care of your family and have a comfortable pension. We can guarantee that.”

Photo Credit: Jeff Lockhart

Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

Written by Paul Junor Toronto Caribbean News

“The community is the union and the union is the community.”

FREEDOM CABARET

Join Performing Arts Brampton for Freedom Cabaret - The Spirit and Legacy of Black Music. From the moment Black people landed on North American soil, their music took root and became the basis of much of the popular music we hear today. There is an endless list of exceptional Black musicians who have been lost to history while their white counterparts gained fame. From church hymnals to the blues, from jazz to rock ’n’ roll, R&B and rap, we owe much of our musical history to Black culture, and it’s time to give credit where it is due.

Changing the mind-set around money in a fun, and practical way The Builder’s Blueprint

them along their journey and made their vision a reality.”

While the pandemic was a rough time for a lot of people, this time was a blessing for some, especially those who used this time to work on themselves, work on their businesses, and for one particular family, they spent this time teaching their children about something that is not taught in school. During this time, this family came together with a bunch of ideas and formulated a plan to create their very own board game to help expose their children to topics surrounding financial literacy.

Liza and her husband realized that the current “system” was not teaching their children the real-life skills they needed to survive in the real world.

“We are taught to go to school, get an education, get a job, grow someone else’s business and basically live paycheque to paycheque until we depart from the earth,” Liza shares with me. “We are not taught how to build credit so that we can access funds and how to multiply those funds. We are not taught proper “money management” and how to make our money work for us. We are not taught the real truth about assets vs. liabilities. The sad truth is, that most people will live like this and trade time for money. This is not the kind of life we want to live nor the kind of life we want for our children.”

Liza, the mother of three young black entrepreneurs have created and developed their very own board game.

“I am proud to say that my children are THE FIRST BLACK KIDS TO CREATE AND OWN A REAL ESTATE BOARD GAME! Two years ago, what started as an idea has now finally manifested into a physical product! The initial idea came from my kids in a conversation we were having about: owning assets, property and building generational wealth. We nurtured this idea and helped them to understand the process from ground zero. We helped

The board game is called “The Builders Blueprint.” It is exactly as the name suggests. It’s what builders use to build homes for a fraction of the current market value, which in turn gives them “instant equity” in that property. The game in essence teaches the real-life process of building a house. The game also introduces children to topics such as: establishing credit in order to get a mortgage or construction loan, buying land, the five phases of building a home and most importantly, equity transfer. Using the process of equity transfer will allow you to actually own and enjoy a debt free asset.

“This game,” Liza continues, “will give our future generations a different perspective of building wealth and ultimately how to be able to attain financial freedom. Let’s teach them to “unlearn” and “relearn”, change their mindset and open their minds to endless possibilities!

With different cultures, they pass this information down, but no one teaches us about money. My husband and I teach our children as much about financial literacy as possible. If you give children money, they think about what they want to spend it on. In that mind-set, you are putting money in other people’s pockets. So many people die and leave mortgages for their loved ones to take care of. We as parents wanted to give our children the tools that they needed.

In America, they stick together; in Canada everyone is fighting against each other. We are so redeye. As a family, we decided we should build together. We teach them let’s work together, let’s put our money together.

When I look at this generation; these girls will be on welfare, and wearing Louis Vuitton, Gucci, but have no pot to piss in. The only thing that is promised to us in death; we won’t be able to do 20 years from now what we are doing today. We need to think about the future, and not be living hand to mouth. We have to show our children that there is an easier path.”

“What was one of the first financial lessons you taught your children Liza,” I inquired?

“Pay yourself first,” Liza shared enthusiastically. “Whatever money you make, take a percentage of that and pay yourself first. We gave our 18-year-old 1,000 dollars and had her open a compound interest account. She has been putting $100.00 from whatever she makes each month into that account. Our younger daughter turned 18, and we did the same thing with her. We are going to start doing this with our 14 years old. The banks make so much money off us, and many of us have no idea. It is amazing how much is out there that we don’t know.”

As I spoke with Liza, I could hear how excited she was about the experience and so open to sharing this knowledge with like-minded people.

“I am open to sharing this information with people who want to have a positive impact on the minds and lives of the future generations. It is for those of us that want to provide real knowledge (knowledge of self, culture and history) to these youths so they can understand their true abilities, capabilities, gifts and purpose in life. If one of our game owners can learn five lessons from playing this game, we’ve accomplished our goal!”

Liza wrapped up our talk by sharing some exhilarating news with me

“We would love it if you purchased a copy to support this forward movement and encourage the younger generations to strive and accomplish more in life! This is part of our family legacy that will long outlive us, and that we will leave behind with pride of ownership.

Anyone who purchases a game is automatically entered into a draw, and whoever wins, will own a piece of land in Ghana, that we have already purchased. We plan on taking a trip and doing a video of the actual phases being built out. The games are $60.00. We got amazing support from Americans and this is on pre-order sales. Our thing now is getting it out to communities in Canada. This has truly been a humbling experience for our family!”

Yep, I plan on getting my game, and you can too by visiting: Thebuildersblueprint.com

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Possibly the most successful modern dance company on the planet.”

The New York Times

Jacquelin Harris. Photo credit: Dario Calmese

Has the COVID pandemic ignited new thinking among children about helping their aging parents stay at home?

W. GIFFORDJONES MD

DIANA GIFFORD-JONES

SENSE HEALTH

It’s been said that parents should be nice to their children. “After all, they are going to choose your nursing home.” So, is it punishment or reward when children choose to help their parents stay living in their own homes?

Some lifestyle choices are clear as night and day. Don’t smoke. Do exercise. Don’t lose sleep. Do eat a nutritious diet. But there is no clear answer to the question of where it is best to live out the senior years of life, with significant consequences for everyone in the family.

Factors affecting the decision are plentiful: healthcare needs and cost of

care, housing suitability and safety considerations, family location and friend groups, and availability of transportation and other services. There is no mistaking that as one gets older, these factors change in unpredictable ways.

As important as these issues are, another factor might be even more crucial. Attitude plays a vital role in happiness, good health and longevity. A positive attitude has been linked in many studies with improved measures of well-being.

A fascinating study conducted 20 years ago by Yale University researchers found that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions.

Findings like this offer a strong rationale for a positive mindset, but happy thoughts only go so far when a decision to age at home bumps up against the common, everyday challenges of a world designed for younger people.

In the home, being able to open a tin can or a bottle of wine makes the dif-

ference between having a good meal and enduring a frustrating barrier to it. Taking out the trash, doing the laundry, or keeping up with home maintenance are significant challenges for people with precarious mobility.

Technology’s innovations and solutions have worked wonders for society, but not always for seniors seeking to maintain their independence. The failures of technology to serve the interests of seniors are observable, for example, outside urban concert venues that attract young and old alike. When the event is over and crowds emerge onto the streets, the young jump into waiting Ubers while seniors search for rare taxis or struggle in the dark and cold to put on their glasses so that they can puzzle with their phones to arrange a ride. It’s a rare young person who stops to help, let alone notices the problem.

How will today’s society be judged in the future? On the surface, it appears that our eldest citizens are not always the recipients of the care and respect we claim they deserve.

The influential baby boomer generation has an opportunity to change things for the elderly. The oldest boomers are now pushing into the second half of their 70’s. They are goal-oriented and accustomed to getting things their way. It’s reasonable to anticipate that they will demand enhancements in lifestyle options for their senior years, whether at home or in assisted group residences, which no doubt they will rebrand.

But until they do, the realities of senior living are still big challenges for most. For those seeking to stay at home, there are more services today than in the past, from food delivery to in-home healthcare and personal support. The question remains debated whether institutional settings have learned how to protect health while also promoting it.

Has the COVID pandemic ignited new thinking among children about helping their aging parents stay at home? So, it seems. Occupancy rates in assisted living facilities are down and “aging in place” is a top trend in senior housing.

COMMON

Peel Regional Police News

Best vegan restaurants to try in Toronto for spring and summer 2023

fert & Kim, n.d.).

Fresh & Whole

Fresh produce arrives every morning in its whole form and is prepped in each of our locations. We make almost everything inhouse from scratch, including our sauces, pickles, curries and patties. Any item not made in-house comes from suppliers we have thoroughly vetted and trust (Kupfert & Kim, n.d.).

berries and soy products. We use the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list as our guide for organics (Kupfert & Kim, n.d.).

Planta

Some of us know that life is short. But what is life without time-to-time enjoyment. Before you know we arrive at spring and summer. You shouldn’t even wait until spring and summer to grab a special meal as a treat, especially if you are on the way to losing weight and maintaining a healthier

There are a few major restaurants that have caught my interest during the years of my fitness journey. Which I know

Kupert and Kim is a is a plant-based, quickservice restaurant. They make delicious, minimally processed food that is awesome for humans, animals and our planet (Kup-

Health & Organic

We care tremendously about the food we serve and that enters our bodies.

Eating plenty of whole plantbased food contributes to good health. All our meals are designed to provide a balance of protein, carbs and fat, and a full array of vitamins and minerals. The proteins are complete, the carbs are complex, and the fats are “good” because they come from plants! And since fiber is only found in plant-based food, we can assure you that you are getting a proper dose of that too.

We aim to select organic for produce that is otherwise known to have a significant negative environmental impact or lots of pesticide residue, such as greens,

At PLANTA, we see plants differently. Led by Founder and CEO Steven Salm and Cofounder and Executive Chef David Lee, PLANTA was born in 2016 to expand the accessibility and acceptability of plantbased dining; dining as it should be — an unguilty pleasure. Creating a premier hospitality collective of 100% plant-based restaurants, PLANTA reimagines, reinvents, and revitalizes, providing flavorful proof that the power of plants can change the world (Planta, n.d.).

Veggie D’Light

Veggie D’Light is a Vegan Caribbean takeout & catering in the heart of Kensington Market, Toronto. Veggie D’Light was founded with a vision of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle for the masses. Caribbean flavor and nourishment for the body… just the right balance catering to a healthier you. (Veggie D’Light, 2021).

Our Mission

A healthy, sustainable lifestyle for the masses. Chef Peter’s vegan menu embraces authentic Caribbean flavor and nutritional fortification for the body… keeping each dish fun, exciting and delicious for all palettes (Veggie D’Light, 2021).

Our Story: Chef Peter

Ten years ago, I noticed there was a void in the flavor market of the vegan lifestyle. Inspiration led me to start creating plantbased recipes with authentic Caribbean flavor.

With my children as my first critics, I realized I had something going on because anything that kids like…. adults will follow.

I first began my culinary journey studying at a vegetarian college in Mandeville, Jamaica. There I observed an abundance of vegetarian dishes that did not include the full spectrum of nutrition, especially for someone plant-based like myself (Veggie D’Light, 2021).

Overall, these vegan restaurants are the top best within Toronto especially if you are trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

RACHEL MARY RILEY

Air travel tips: flu season

Are you planning to fly during flu season?

Here are some helpful tips to avoid contracting or spreading the virus when you take to the skies.

• Maintain impeccable hand hygiene. This applies both on and off the plane. Sinks aren’t always accessible. Therefore, keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your carry-on luggage or purse is a good idea.

• Avoid borrowing potentially contaminated items. Avoid asking for a pillow or blanket on the plane. Other people with the flu may have used these items. Instead, bring your own pillow, blanket or travel kit.

• Stay hydrated. You’re more vulnerable to infection if your nose and throat are dry. Drink water or fruit juice fortified with vitamin C, or chew sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist.

• Be respectful of others. If you’re sick and cannot postpone your trip, take steps to protect other passengers. For example, disinfect your hands often, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (or, better yet, wear a surgical mask) and touch as few surfaces as possible.

Depending on where you’re going, you may need to visit a travel health clinic a few weeks before you leave to get the appropriate vaccinations and purchase health insurance. Enjoy your trip!

What you need to know about anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are medications used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism and other conditions. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been prescribed a blood thinner.

• Take blood thinners as instructed. Blood thinners are usually prescribed for at least three to six months. It’s important to follow your treatment plan to ensure its effectiveness. If in doubt, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Follow all recommendations. This includes how often you take your blood thinners and visit your doctor for follow-ups. Failing to follow the guidance of your health care providers can affect your treatment’s effectiveness.

• Beware of bleeding. Anticoagulants thin the blood, increasing the severity of bleeding, especially if you’re injured. Familiarize yourself with the signs of internal bleeding and inform your health care providers of your treatment plan. If you have any issues, call 911 right away.

• Watch what substances you consume. Many over-the-counter medications, na tural health products and foods can counteract the effects of your treatment. Ask your pharmacist for advice before buying a new drug, and keep a list of foods and beverages to avoid.

If you have questions about taking blood thinners, contact a health care professional in your area.

Life at the speed of thought and innovation

DANIEL COLE daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Have you ever wondered why the Dark Ages was called Dark? It’s because there wasn’t much scientific, cultural or human development or advancement during that era if there were any at all; man’s state of existence was primitive. In the 1500s, people ascribed all events they didn’t understand to God. Why did the crops fail? God did it. Why did we have an earthquake? God did it. What holds the planets in place? God. But as man became more enlightened, we began the search for a more scientific understanding - physics, chemistry, biology, and so

Mankind. Socrates, Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato, Thales, and so many great Philosophers whose works and intellectual produce are still considered relevant today, existed before Christ was born, which underpins the limit of ‘religion and spirituality’ in man’s ability to critically think, and proffer practical solutions to his daily life problems. I have always believed that spirituality is not against reasoning. Our world has advanced not only because of financial resources but also because of an intellectual resource.

One of the most relevant skills in our world today is problem-solving, which I fondly refer to as “Thinking Skill.”

The ability to critically think through a problem and proffer practical, workable solutions. The next new frontiers of our world will not be people who blindly accept popular views or generally accepted ideas, but rather, those who are not intellectually lazy to put in the time and effort to find relevant facts, collect data and through that extrapolates to a logical and rational conclusion.

People who are not afraid to question the ‘Truth’, not for the sake of

proofing their ingenuity, but rather because they refuse to be held back by the result of somebody else’s thinking. And this is true of Albert Einstein; the world has believed the Isaac Newton law of gravitational pull for hundreds of years before Einstein proofs him wrong. Jim Collins wrote, “The best students are those who never believe their professors.”

In fact, for almost three decades, I have always believed Charles Darwin postulated the evolution theory, well, I was wrong, Darwin popularized the theory of evolution by natural selection, but the roots of the theory came from Greek philosophy. The idea dates back to centuries before Darwin. Three natural philosophers of the ancient world worked on the idea; they are Anaximander (c. 610 BC – c. 546 BC), Empedocles (495 BC – 435 BC) and Lucretius (99 BC – 55 BC). Bruce Calvert was right, “Believing is easier than thinking. Hence so many more believers than thinkers.”

Today, with enough data to proof and scientific evidence available, we now believe the earth to be spherical. How-

ever, in the nineteenth century, during the Middle Ages, certain scholars have always believed that the earth was flat. The world is moving at the speed of thought and innovation. What informs your view about life? In a time where Google seems to have an answer to every question, we should ask ourselves, are we still thinking or we are unconsciously outsourcing it?

Take a thoughtful consideration of the things you’ve believed. Have you been indoctrinated to living life the way you’re living it? I am not suggesting taking a Nihilistic view of life, but stay curious, and stay informed. In the words of John Maxwell, “As you begin changing your thinking, start immediately to change your behaviour. Begin to act the part of the person you would like to become. Take action on your behaviour. Too many people want to feel, then take action. This never works.”

Thinking is a skill. We all need to be intentional about engaging in it. Remember, “The true value of a human being can be found in the degree to which he has attained liberation from the self.” Albert Einstein

of humanity. His very nature and philoso phy were maternal in nature, basing the true and greatest of laws upon love for one another in respect and charity.

This bold pronouncement flowed to the church in Europe with explosive results. Men and women religious groups grew in numbers and influence throughout Euro-Asia and the

continents. The very survival of European Public Authority and their puppet the “church” was challenged by a faith that encompassed: all humans, all genders, races and seers alike.

Kings, nobles, generals, popes and their cardinals were in fear of the great masses of believers waiting for their “saviour” to appear and save them all in time. The wealth of those who ruled, and the very nations mentioned were at risk of being depleted. What would the “church” do to placate the powerful and also the socially and economically lowly too?

The message of the early church was reimagined. Salvation was taken from the members of the church, and placed into the hands of the clergy, cardinals and Pope, who ruled their church at the bequest of the Emperor and his clan. Personal salvation was institutionalized, and the power and influence of the feminine brutally managed. At this time, men ruled. That would not change.

Women of natural education, fallen away from the “church” were called harlots, devil worshippers and witches. They were over three hundred years: tortured, murdered and vilified by the public authorities and the church.

The mass of religious monks, friars and teachers, along with the many

unemployed were directed towards a common enemy, first nations that were not allied to the empire, and then against a religion competing for followers in Europe, and Islam. So, the many crusades were gifted to European history.

Like in a communist state, if you were a member of the church in good standing, you could acquire housing, employment and social advancement. If you displeased the clergy, public authorities, you suffered their punishments. So, the church gifted European history with “the great inquisition,” Like the purges of Stalin, the church looked for anyone that was different in appearance, thought and prayer, only to punish them, while taking away their personal property too.

Satan gained a great deal of authority from these proceedings. Once a trickster on your shoulder, or within a dream, it was now placed as an equal to God “Himself.” There was now a supreme good vs. a supreme evil. The lowly angel that challenged his father was now a monster with evil intent spawn upon the world, with only the church as its opponent.

Now a person of faith could only go to “heaven” through the church. The only protector of a faithful person challenged by evil was the church. A church ruled in proxy to the empire’s authority.

All was well for mankind.

The church grew in power and influence, with the feminine touch felt too. Women of wealth built churches for their husband’s soul’s safety to be ensured. Many religious groups were formed, to teach, serve the clergy and church wherever needed.

Multiple female martyrs passed through history as well, some sainted for their allegiance to the institution they served. The deaths of hundreds of thousands of women tortured and murdered through the centuries became nothing more than footnotes studied by school children. The church’s history is filled with horrors that challenge a hard-minded person indeed. Never was the church called on to account for its transgressions or be transparent in the least of ways. Aboriginal peoples throughout the world know this well. It’s always easier to do wrong and say sorry later.

Before “you” passes away from this life Lady Fair, challenge those who: abuse, thieve and manipulate your sisters each day. Call for, demand transparency, accountability and blood (figuratively) from those who oppress, transgress and halt your socially equal progress.

Who is Lady Fair? It’s a mother, sister, aunt; it’s the female “God” within each and every one of you.

The Catholic Church’s history is filled with horrors that challenge a hard-minded person indeed

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

So where was I. Yes, that court shit was crazy; all that build up, anxiety, overthinking for 30 minutes.

I have to admit; I was glad that it was over. Mark walked out with some of the other lawyers. I saw them laughing, chatting it up, and I thought to myself at the time, everything was so light. Defence lawyer and prosecutor laughing with each other. Meanwhile, here I was trying to hold my sanity together. Something disturbed me about that scene.

How

Mark finished his discussion and walked over to me. “So, what did you think Simone?”

I was thrown off by the question; what did I think? “I think that it was very quick. I was expecting more.”

“Well,” Mark replied, “This is how it works. As you noticed, there were other defendants in there who are involved in this case. There are a few young women who were also caught up with this situation. It actually works out well in your case, but their stories all seem to be the same. The judge now will have to consider the conspiracy aspect of the case. It’s a good start.”

For some reason, that did not comfort me. Good start! I smiled, and nodded, because I thought that was the only thing left to do.

“Well, you are good to go for now. You should be good getting back into Canada. Our office will call you with next steps, but for now, work on getting some letters

that speak to your character. Character witnesses are crucial in a fraud and laundering case. Really think about who you are going to have to write letters for you. Judges read through bullshit, so we don’t want fluffy, we want facts about Simone’s character. Got it!”

“Yeah! That makes sense,” I replied. “All right; thanks Mark!”

“Your welcome Simone. Don’t worry; keep doing what you are doing!” He shook my hand, pivoted on his heel, and began to walk towards the elevator. I saw him take his phone out and type in a number. “Have you sent me the paperwork for…”

His voice tuned out as he stepped into the elevator. I looked around for a bathroom; there it was. Walking towards it, I had a sudden flashback; I remember crying in my mother’s arms, so ashamed, so embarrassed. That feeling was still there; it is exactly why I was triggered.

I quickly did what I had to do, and left that memory behind, for the moment.

I walked to my car, happy to be

ing my peace. What I really wanted to do at that point was go to the gas station, and grocery store to buy some treats: let me explain.

AMERICA HAS THE BEST TREATS! It is one of the reasons that obesity is such an issue over there. They have everything that tastes so good but is not good for you. I swear it is addictive. I had not been to the States for a minute, so I had to get all the junk food that I missed.

The drive to Krogers was a happy one. I parked and grabbed myself a cart. Walking into the store was literally like putting a kid in a candy store. I went straight to the junk food aisle and bought one of everything: chips that you can only get over there, powdered donuts, Tahiti Treat Pop, oh my gosh! I swear my bill was $120.00, straight on my credit card.

I walked out with the biggest grin on my face. It might seem like a very trivial thing, but I was grateful that I was able to do that. Buy myself something; be nice to myself for a minute. I had become used to beating myself up. I wonder how many people reading this can relate to that?

searching out this information on my own. Over time I learned the names and stories of these heroic persons who refused to be cowed into submission.

Allow me to tell you something about who I am, and the source of my passion for Caribbean history.

My name is Desmond Bollers. My primary focus is on how the peoples of the Caribbean resisted oppression during the period from the arrival of the Europeans in 1492 to when the last of the freedom wars by enslaved Africans ended in Cuba in 1878.

From a young age I always had a keen interest in history, and so for my first degree (at the University of Guyana), I studied history including: West Indian History, the History of Slavery and Latin American History. I also studied Spanish and French.

After earning a Post-Graduate Diploma and a Master’s degree both in International Relations from the Institute of International Relations of the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, I worked in the Guyana diplomatic service and at the Caribbean Community Secretariat, which afforded me the opportunity to travel widely in: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. In the Caribbean in addition to Guyana and Trinidad, I have lived in: Barbados, Montserrat and St. Lucia and I have also visited the: Bahamas, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Mexico, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and Venezuela.

What occurred to me subsequently was that the educational system had failed my fellow students and me because the courses we were taught at university barely made any mention of the way in which our enslaved African ancestors fought back. While there were a few individuals whose names were listed, by and large they were not given any recognition. Even the Haitian Revolution and the valiant struggles of the maroons usually received just a brief mention. So, I decided to correct this situation by

It further occurred to me that the Native Americans of the Caribbean had been dealt with in a similarly dismissive manner. We all know the stories of how the 'Indians' of North America resisted European aggression and I always wondered did the Native Americans of the Caribbean fight back and if so, how? While the history books make occasional passing references to their resistance, their stories are not given the coverage they deserve. Their names were usually not mentioned in books about West Indian history and their stories are generally unknown. Here again, I decided to correct this situation by searching out this information on my own. Over time I learned the names and stories of these heroic persons who refused to be dispossessed of their lands and enslaved without a fight.

Considering my interest in Latin American history and the fact that I was literate in both Spanish and French, I broadened my horizon beyond the traditional ‘West Indian History’ to immerse myself in the history of the entire Caribbean – the islands and the territories that border the Caribbean Sea as well as those territories that are not geographically part of the Caribbean, but were integrated into the plantation/slavery economy. The combination of my foreign language skills, my interest in Latin America, my background in international relations and my travels within the region has allowed me to approach the study of our history from a panCaribbean perspective.

Over the course of three decades, I amassed a great deal of information about how the peoples of the Caribbean – first the Native Americans then the Africans - resisted dispossession, domination and oppression. This is information that can’t be found in any single textbook or series of textbooks. Not wanting to keep this information to myself, I cast about for a way to share the knowledge I had compiled with everyone else that has an interest in this aspect of Caribbean history. In the coming months, I will be sharing my thoughts with you in a series of articles that I will be writing in an effort to do this.

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“So, what did you think Simone?”

I was thrown off by the question; what did I think?

Misled by media: Cannabis awareness or cannabis hysteria?

SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com THE HEIGHTENED CHEF

multimedia chooses to use and portray this topic. To our benefit, it can be done to raise awareness and combat decades of misinformation about how cannabis can help us along with the MINIMAL potential risks we must be conscious of. To our detriment, mass media seems to only be using cannabis to forward its own financial and political goals.

tion. Media engines have used it to fuel fear and conformity in order to drive their own profit margins and popularity in the name of safety.

While previously claiming moral high ground against cannabis, its legalization has dramatically changed the topography regarding society’s view about it. This in turn has forced how

First and foremost, we must all recognize that most media including: films, television, print, online and even music is a FOR PROFIT industry. Aside from the purchase of the actual media itself, most income is formed through advertising. Armed with that information, we must all view media through a much more stringent lens. Not to be excluded from this are news publications and broadcasts, which often tout themselves as unbiased to these monetary influences. While they project a façade of altruism in simply reporting information, absolutely nothing makes it currently onto their broadcasts without financial gain either directly or indirectly.

With just above a century of experience, marketers have learned to use mass media in the most insidious ways. They can form or reform opinions about products, services and even lifestyles

through: images, text and sounds without being obvious. Cannabis was long on the downside of this practice until it was determined that it could be legally profitable. Now, we are slowly beginning to see cannabis emerge from being completely taboo, to being lightly accepted; however, media gatekeepers are still attempting to maintain their hold on what is accepted and how.

Perhaps news outlets make the largest and most egregious indiscretions, because it is widely assumed that everything they report on is true and unbiased. While some are far more trustworthy than others, none are above suspicion. Through the guise of safety, every major news outlet in Canada uses cannabis to evoke fear or influence retail.

Think to yourself; have you ever seen anything about cannabis in the news since legalization that didn’t have to do with the SALE of “legal” cannabis, and those who financially benefit (corporations)? How about the danger of “illicit” cannabis and those who financially benefit from its elimination (police associations and politicians)?

We have already seen first-hand how both these groups work in concert

to ensure their perpetual income. In the early days of legalization, we witnessed news media gladly showcase police raids on unlicensed dispensaries during their “Project Claudia” campaign. This spectacle was used to emphasize the unnecessary need for increased police budgets, and to ensure an inviting environment for incoming corporate market entrants.

We as consumers must be able to differentiate whether the information we are given is helpful or is being used to manipulate us. We must be conscious of what we see about cannabis in movies and television. We must be aware of what music involving cannabis gets promoted. We must question why some vices like sugar or alcohol can be widely advertised but cannabis cannot. We must further investigate what news outlets report on regarding cannabis and why they do so.

Cannabis awareness is critical to destroying negative and corruptive stigma. Canada is primed to be a positive beacon for how cannabis benefits and risks are perceived, but we must collectively decide how we accept this communicated information.

7 tips to make spring cleaning more eco-friendly

Are you ready to freshen up your home after a long winter cooped up inside?

Here are seven ways to give your house the deep clean it needs while also helping to protect the environment.

1. Air-dry your laundry

Since dryers use a massive amount of energy, take advantage of nice weather by hanging your clothes and linens outside or use a drying rack.

2. Opt for natural cleaners

Choose biodegradable products rather

than harsh chemicals that harm the environment. You can also use white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice to get the job done.

3. Use water sparingly Fill a bucket rather than repeatedly opening the tap to rinse your cloth. When possible, use a broom instead of a mop.

4. Switch to reusable rags

Give up paper towels for good. Buy washable cloths, or better yet, use cut-

up towels and old T-shirts that would otherwise be thrown out.

5. Donate unwanted clothes

If they’re in good condition, you can give old clothes to a local charity. Items that can’t be worn anymore should be recycled. Look for a garment collection program in your area.

6. Reduce paper waste If an accumulation of bank statements and other mail is creating clutter in your home, switch over to receiving

notifications by email instead.

7. Choose a natural scent

Rather than rely on aerosol air fresheners, fill your home with the natural fragrances of cut flowers, essential oils, reed diffusers or stovetop potpourri.

Lastly, make sure to schedule maintenance calls for all your appliances. This will ensure they con¬tinue to run optimally and are as energy efficient as possible.

4 ways to make your lighting more energy efficient

Do you want to lower your electricity bill while also doing your part to protect the planet? If so, here are four bright ideas to help make lighting your home more energy efficient.

1.

Buy the right bulbs

It’s best to favour LED bulbs, which use 70 to 90 per cent less energy than incandescent ones. Also, consider the brightness of your lighting. To avoid wasting electricity,

opt for bulbs with a lu¬men (LM) rating that suits your needs. For exam¬ple, watching TV doesn’t require as bright a light as completing a puzzle.

2. Avoid using lights unnecessarily Turn off lights when you leave a room and put your outdoor lights on a timer so they shut off when you go to bed. You should also take steps to maximize the natural light in your home. Additionally, avoid

connecting multiple fixtures to the same switch so you can control how many you turn on at once.

3. Dust your lights regularly

Bulbs and lampshades emit considerably more light if they aren’t coated in a layer of dust. Make cleaning them part of your household chores so you don’t have to turn on extra lights.

4. Be smart about placement

As much as possible, position lamps in the corners of rooms. This will allow their light to bounce off two walls rather than just one, thereby increasing how much each lamp brightens the space.

Visit the stores in your region to find the right bulbs, lamps and light fixtures for your home.

A road map to eco-driving

Eco-driving reduces your vehicle’s fuel consumption, thereby lessening its impact on the environment. If you want to save money on gas and help protect the planet, here are some practices you should adopt.

Respect speed limits

Driving fast causes a spike in fuel consumption. In fact, your car uses about 20 per cent more gas at 110 kilometres per hour than it does at 90 km/h. Plus, the increase in speed

will only shorten your travel time by a few minutes at most.

Maintain a steady speed

When driving, fluctuations in speed can eat up more gas than you might think. In fact, variations in speed within a range of just 10 km/h can have an impact. Choose a speed that suits the traffic and weather conditions, and maintain it as much as possible.

Use hills to your advantage

When you reach an incline, ease off the gas and allow your car to take the ascent at a slower pace. In addition to reducing your fuel consumption, this will allow you to brake later on the way down since your speed is already reduced.

Anticipate stops

If you wait until the last second to apply your brakes, you’ll use a lot more fuel than

if you take your foot off the gas pedal and coast to a stop. Similarly, there’s no need to accelerate to the full speed limit between two stops. Doing so could result in rapid acceleration and hard braking, both of which are bad for fuel consumption.

By following these and other eco-driving practices, you’ll be able to reduce your car’s fuel consumption without drastically affecting your travel time.

Saltwater tank maintenance: 15 essential tasks

Saltwater tank maintenance has a reputation for being complicated. However, as long as you follow a regular schedule, it’s not that hard. In fact, there are only 15 tasks that need to be performed either daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly.

On a daily basis:

Feed your fish twice a day

Saltwater tank maintenance is entirely manageable. However, if you’re worried about missing a step, you can schedule reminders on your smartphone to notify you when it’s time to take care of the tank. This will ensure your fish just keep swimming.

Is your dog depressed?

Did you know that dogs can be afflicted by bouts of depression? Indeed, many animals can suffer from mental health disorders similar to the ones humans experience. If you’re worried about your pooch, here’s what you should know about canine depression.

Symptoms

Canine depression isn’t always easy to recognize, and in many instances, a medical condition can explain a dog’s behavioural changes. However, the signs typically associated with canine depression include:

• Loss of interest in normal activities

• Sleeping more

• Loss of appetite

• Excessive paw licking

• Hiding

Causes

There are a variety of things that can lead to depression in dogs, including:

• An upheaval. A schedule change, move or the arrival of a new family member can affect your dog more than you might expect.

• Bereavement. Dogs can feel the loss of a loved one — human or canine — as much as we do. If a close member of your family has just moved away or died, your pooch may be grieving.

• Illness. In some cases, the symptoms of a medical condition will either mimic or cause canine depression. A veterinary exam can determine whether this is a factor in your dog’s behaviour.

If you think your dog is suffering from depression, the best thing you can do is maintain a regular schedule. Be consistent with feeding times and go for lots of long walks to ensure your pup gets sufficient exercise. Most importantly, praise your dog when he or she seems to be happy, amused or playful.

If symptoms don’t go away within a few months, talk to your veterinarian. They may prescribe an antidepressant or suggest another treatment that can help.

What you can do if you’re allergic to your pet

Are you allergic to your pet? If so, you’re not alone. Studies indicate that 10 to 20 per cent of the world’s population is allergic to cats and dogs. Of these people, up to one third live with a pet anyway. If you want to do the same, here’s how you can minimize allergy symptoms.

• Establish a humans-only zone. Designate one room in your home, preferably the bedroom, as an area that’s kept free of allergens. Keep the door closed and never let pets go inside.

• Set up an air purifier. A model with a HEPA filter will help keep allergens out of the air and make it easier to breathe.

• Clean thoroughly and often. To remove allergens from your home, make sure to clean it at least once a week. This includes dusting, vacuuming and mopping the floor.

• Wash your pet once a week. Regularly bathing pets can help remove loose fur and dander. Consider bringing them to a groomer if they don’t take well to being washed at home.

If none of these things work, make an appointment with your doctor or allergist. They can prescribe medications and treatments that may help reduce symptoms.

‘Cat whisperers’ can read feline faces

Have you ever looked at your cat and wondered what they’re thinking? Unlike dogs, cats can be hard to read. Some pet owners may wonder if their feline friends even have facial expressions. However, a recent study conducted at a Canadian university found that cats do indeed have facial expressions, but only about 13 per cent of people can consistently read them.

Watching cat videos for science

To conduct the study, researchers collected 40 short cat videos from the internet. Twenty showed cats that were content and 20 featured cats that were distressed. The researchers used the context of the video and any included commentary to discern the feline’s mood.

With these videos, the researchers created an internet poll. More than 6,000 people from 85 countries responded to it, watching between two and 20 videos each. Viewers were asked whether they thought the cat on the screen was content or distres­

sed. On average, the respondents were correct 11.85 times out of 20, a result that’s only slightly higher than chance.

However, there were outliers. Thirteen per cent of people were particularly good at reading cat expressions, getting at least 15 out of 20 correct. Dubbed “cat whisperers” by the researchers, these people tended to be young, female veterinary professionals.

So what does this mean for cat owners? Researchers hope to figure out what makes cat whisperers good at reading feline facial cues. From there, they hope to teach others how to decode feline faces.

Toronto homeowner discovers that their home was sold fraudulently

mation. Many snow birds leave their home unattended during their absence. If you are going away, have a close friend, family member or a house sitter to keep watch. A reputable security alarm company is worth the money.

in a safe place.

Imagine going away on a trip and when you return, you discover that an imposter sold your home and the new buyers have already taken possession. You’ve lost your home and all your personal belongings. This happened to a homeowner in Etobicoke.

In January 2022, two individuals, acted as the homeowners and hired a realtor to sell the property. Months later, the real owner returned. The fraudsters used fake identification and pretended to be the homeowners.

A home is something personal. In many instances, it is full of lifelong memories. For many, it is their entire life savings. Selling a home is complicated and involves many steps. So how exactly did the fraudsters pull it off?

When selling a home, a realtor cross references photo identification, such as a driver license or passport, with the owner’s name from the land registry. If these documents are fake, it would be difficult for a realtor to know. Identity theft is becoming more prevalent since most of our information is online. In 2021, there were 1.4 million reports of identity theft. What can homeowners do to protect themselves?

Fraudsters are looking for easy targets. In the above case, the imposters knew that the homeowner was away. It’s easy for an imposter to break in and search for infor-

Fraudsters look at your social media profile. When we are on a family vacation for example, we share our experiences with our social media friends. A fraudster can know when we are away. For many of us, it’s an open book for a fraudster to read. Monitor your social media profile and when you are away, don’t expose it.

Fraudsters target mortgage free homes. When a property has a mortgage, it is registered on the title (or history) of the property. It is more difficult to transfer the property to a different owner because the lender must give consent. Lenders have sophisticated security systems set in place to detect fraud. For fraudsters, it’s more hoops to jump. When a property is mortgage free, it’s a prime target. If you are mortgage free, open a home equity line of credit. When this happens, the lender is registered on the title of the property. You can ask the lender to keep it locked. If you need to use it, then you and the lender can unlock it together.

Fraudsters love the elderly. Imposters tend to target elders who are living alone in their home. They pretend to be a friend and spend time building a relationship. As the relationship grows, the trust factor for the elder grows. In many instances, this has resulted in marriage. The fraudster becomes a joint owner of the property. If you are an elder, then consider adding your loved ones, such as your children, on the title of the home. Children should keep a close watch on their elderly parents and assist them in their financial dealings. Important documents such as SIN, passport and banking information should be placed

Freeze your credit. It’s free and easy to do. To freeze your credit, you must contact each of the two credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion. The agency will provide you with a PIN you can use when needed. This does not affect your credit score.

Use two-factor authentication. Hackers are using sophisticated systems to gain access to your computers and accounts. Two-factor authentication (2FA) gives another level of security. For example, if someone signs into an account with a password, you will receive a text message with a code you need to enter to gain access.

Selling someone’s home without their consent is unusual. The fraudsters must first steal the owner’s identity and then access the property for showings.

Later, they would be screened by a lawyer. Their lawyer would pay off any liens and mortgages on their behalf. Finally, after the sale, their lawyer would either deposit the funds into the owner’s account or prepare a draft in the owner’s name. Since the imposters pretended to be the owner, it is likely that they may have opened an account in the owner’s name. They would need to withdraw all the funds from that account. The point is, many things must align to pull this off.

With easy access to information, cunning hackers and scam artists, identity theft is on the rise. Many people are buying identity theft protection services. These help to catch potential fraud early but they cannot protect you from fraudsters. The best protection is to safeguard yourself. Be vigilant.

The benefits of vinyl flooring

Are you renovating your home or building a new abode? When it comes to flooring, keep in mind the undeniable advantages of vinyl.

Multiple qualities

This versatile material has been gaining popularity in the world of interior design. Modern vinyl flooring has the following benefits.

• It’s cost-effective compared to other floor coverings

• It’s easy to maintain

• It’s scratch- and scuff-resistant, making it suitable for high-traffic areas

• It’s waterproof, making it practical for bathrooms and kitchens

• It can be made to look like natural stone and wood

• It’s warmer underfoot than other types of flooring materials like tile

• It’s available in several formats, including rolls, tiles and strips

Visit a flooring retailer near you to discover the versatility of vinyl flooring.

5 ways to add a tropical twist to your decor

Does the cold winter make you dream of a sunny getaway? These five decorating tips will make you want to throw on a bathing suit, sandals and sarong despite the sub-zero temperatures.

1. Choose evocative materials and textiles. Transport yourself to a picturesque fishing town on the coast by decorating your space with furniture and rugs made of materials like rattan, driftwood, linen and bamboo.

2. Dress your walls and windows in summer colours. Purchase artwork and window coverings in tropical colours like pure white, azure blue, bright yellow, fuchsia pink, emerald green and turquoise.

3. Use outdoor furniture in your home. Turn your home into a beachside resort with outdoor lounge chairs, picnic tables and hammocks. You can also use your prettiest beach towels as throws.

4. Accessorize your space. Utilize ocean-inspired accent pieces like buoys, fins, surfboards, anchors, lobster cages and seashells to create a vacation-like atmosphere.

5. Arrange a variety of plants. Create a beachy vibe with natural or artificial tropical plants and flowers like palms, cacti and hi¬biscus. Arrange a basket of exotic fruits as a centrepiece.

Visit your local stores to find summer vacation decor.

6 things to consider for a successful painting project

Do you want to paint (or repaint) a room, staircase or piece of furniture? Here are six things to remember to ensure your painting project is successful.

1. Choose high-quality products. For the best results, invest in high-quality products. For example, spend the extra money on good paint, brushes and rollers.

2. Select the right colour and finish. Compare several samples to select a paint colour you love. Make sure to choose the right finish for your desired look.

3. Think about maintenance. Kitchens, bathrooms and entryways are more likely to collect dirt and dust. Therefore, choose a finish that’s easy to clean and can withstand heavy traffic.

4. Consider the surface type. When choo-

sing the right paint for your project, it’s essential to consider the surface type. For instance, concrete, wood and metal require different types of paint and surface preparation.

5. Evaluate your experience level. If you’ve done several painting projects in the past, you may have enough experience to take on the task yourself. If not, call a professional for beautiful, smudge-free results.

6. Buy enough paint. Depending on your project, you may need to apply a primer and account for one, two or even three coats of paint. Ensure you buy the correct amount of paint, especially if it’s a custom blend.

Visit your local paint retailer for personalized advice.

ARIES

You’ll have to elbow in to get this pro motion. If you give it your all, you’ll be rewarded. Fortune smiles on the bold. A spontaneous getaway or trip will get organized.

TAURUS

In the face of a changing family situation, you’ll consider moving to a more suitable environment. You must give a vital decision much thought before taking action.

GEMINI

You’ll contemplate going back to school or enrolling in a training course. You’ll have to negotiate with strangers and converse in another language at work or elsewhere.

CANCER

You’ll have to tie up many loose ends at work, which will take a long time to finish. You’ll finally get your hands on the right treatment or medication for chronic issues regarding your health.

LEO

Despite some reluctance, you’ll find yourself in a situation that takes you to the top. This situation will have many people talking for years to come. Your pride is bound to swell.

VIRGO

While taking care of your home and family, spoil yourself and have some fun. You may also have to prepare food for loved ones in need.

LIBRA

Much travel is in store. Family and friends will need your services and a listening ear. You’ll receive an abundance of gratitude and appreciation from them.

SCORPIO

Love is top of mind. If you’re single, you’ll meet that special someone who wants to make a longterm commitment. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll make longterm plans to solidify your union.

SAGITTARIUS

This week, your exceptional interpersonal skills will come in handy. You’ll organize an event that turns out to be a huge success. All your initiative will have a surprising impact on your future.

CAPRICORN

This week, your life will be full of spectacular twists and turns. How ever, time isn’t on your side. Although the path may be unclear, one of your dreams will become more attainable.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

FOR SALE FOR SALE

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Joyce Road, (2KM from Chaguanas Police Station)

• Scarborough/Pickering/

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FOR RENT: Furnished Room For Rent! Sharing Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Morningside Avenue & Kingston Road. $850.00/month including utilities. Please call (416)459-6155.

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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

How to keep your New Year’s budget resolutions

Many of us resolve to tighten our budgets after the holidays. Here are three tips to help you keep your financial resolutions in 2023:

• Make your resolutions specific. Resolutions like “spend less money” or “stick to a budget” are too vague and don’t explain how you’re going to change your financial habits. It’s better to establish more concrete goals, such as reducing your grocery bill by half or paying off one of your credit cards.

• Establish short-term and long-term goals. Maybe your long-term goals are to buy a house and save enough to retire at 65, but your short-term goals include saving for a family vacation and buying a new car. Both types of goals need to be factored into your overall financial plan. Short-term goals, however, are more likely to motivate you to stay on budget because they’re more easily achieved.

• Analyze last year’s holiday spending. If you overspent during the holidays, Ja-

nuary is the ideal time to look back at your December expenses. Although you may not be ready to think about next holiday season, reviewing your finances now will help you plan for next year so you don’t make the same spending mistakes.

With the right planning and mindset, you’ll find it’s possible to stick to your New Year’s budget resolutions after all.

Tips for getting rid of student loans

Living with student debt can be demoralizing, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Here’s how to take charge of your student loans.

Make a repayment plan

Knowing the value and interest rate of each of your loans will help you figure out how to pay off your loans efficiently. Use a student loan calculator to find the best repayment strategy for your situation, ta¬king into account loan interest rates.

Avoid paying only the monthly minimums. It’ll take longer to pay the loans and

cost more in interest.

Use the avalanche or snowball method

The avalanche method for tackling debt involves making the minimum payments on all your loans and then putting left¬over money toward your loan with the highest interest rate. Once that loan is paid, focus on the loan with the second-highest interest rate.

The snowball method works similarly except instead of prioritizing loans with high interest rates, you start by paying off loans with the lowest balances.

You’ll save more money and time with the avalanche method, but the snowball method is often more effective because the relief of paying off one loan motivates you to continue making payments.

Don’t despair

As long as you make payments part of your budget, you’ll be living within your means while slowly but steadily paying off your loans. Consider finding other ways to supplement your income (a roommate, a second job, etc.) and try to maintain your frugal student lifestyle to keep living costs in check.

Four ways to teach young kids about personal finance

The earlier children develop good spending habits, the better. Here are four ways you can teach your kids about saving money and living frugally.

1. Pay in cash. Using cash instead of cards when shopping with kids will help them better understand how money works. Consider giving them the cash to count out when it’s time to pay — they’ll get to practice their math skills.

2. Show the benefits of comparing prices. Encourage kids to look for the lowest

prices at the store and figure out if you’ll get a better deal by spending more to buy larger quantities. Make it into a game to see who can spot the best deal first.

3. Set tangible goals. Let kids know that you’re saving as a household for something they want (such as a trip to Disney World or a pool for the backyard). This will help teach them about cutting out unnecessary expenses to save for something bigger down the road.

4. Let them do the grocery shopping. If your kids are older, have them choose their meals for the week, then make an ingredients list, find the items needed at the store and pay for everything in cash.

Taking the time to teach kids how to spend money responsibly will help prepare them for a lifetime of good financial habits.

Side hustles and the gig economy

In today’s gig economy, it’s becoming more common to have a “side hustle” — a flexible second job that’s done in addition to a fulltime position to generate extra income.

The emergence of gig-based companies like Airbnb, Uber and Etsy has made it easier than ever for people to have a side hustle. Some popular side gigs include renting out apartments, driving for rideshare companies and selling handmade products

online. Additionally, freelance writing, editing and designing for the web are prevalent types of side hustles.

While side hustles are often associated with making a hobby into a source of income, most people turn to them because they need the extra cash. Many people working side hustles are millennials struggling to find well-paying jobs and pay off student loans. However, studies also show that older

Americans are starting to use side hustles to boost their retirement savings.

If you’re thinking about taking on a side hustle, be sure to choose something you enjoy doing. This way your motivation to work during your free time will be high. In most cases, however, you shouldn’t depend on what you earn from your side hustle. The availability of freelance work tends to fluctuate, making it a source of income that’s unreliable.

5 handy accessories for your car

Do you spend a lot of time in your car?

If so, here are five accessories that can make your drives more pleasant.

1. USB adapter

This inexpensive gadget plugs into your cigarette lighter and ensures you always have a place to charge your phone and other devices. Single and dual port versions are available.

2. Air purifier

With a car air purifier, you can breathe fresh air inside your car year-round and expel lingering smells. What’s more, some models allow you to monitor humidity levels and detect toxic fumes.

3. Portable Wi-Fi router

With a wireless router, your passengers will be able to enjoy using the internet while they’re on the road. This is especially handy on family car trips. Wi-Fi routers

that plug into the cigarette lighter are also available.

4. Organizer

If the loose objects in your car get tossed around whenever you make a turn, consider buying an organizer to put in your trunk or between your seats. Your car will be tidier, and you’ll no longer have to fish for lost items under the seats.

5. Trash bin

If you struggle to keep your car’s interior clean, a simple trash bin can make a big difference. There are many types available, from flexible models that fit into cup holders to ones that hang on the back of your seat.

With these handy items on board, car rides will be more enjoyable for you and your passengers.

5 unsafe winter driving habits

When the roads are covered in snow and ice, motorists need to be extra careful to avoid being in an accident. Here are five driving practices that have no place on the roads in winter.

1. Driving too fast

Fast driving and icy road conditions can be a lethal combination. Slow down, especially in bad weather.

2. Following too close It can take up to 10 times longer to come to a full stop on an icy road. It’s important that you give yourself more braking distance in the winter by leaving ample space bet¬ween your car and the one in front of you.

3. Using the wrong tires

Driving with summer or all-season tires on winter roads is simply unsafe. Winter

tires improve traction and vehicle handling on snow-, ice- and slush-covered roads.

4. Neglecting to clear off your car

Clearing snow and ice off your car can be tedious, but it’s a must if you want to have adequate visibility on the road. Make sure to clear off your car’s headlights and taillights too.

5.

Looking at your phone

Distracted driving is always dangerous, but it’s especially hazardous on snowy and icy roads. Drivers must be able to respond quickly to changing road conditions.

Finally, try to limit how often you drive and choose your route carefully. In winter, accidents can happen to even the most careful drivers.

you’ll want to clap when you land

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