What happened to her was a living nightmare. It’s something that no young woman should have to go through.
As I listened to her story, I thought to myself, “She is so strong, so loving and passionate about life. If she had not told me this, I would never know.”
This is why we do it. This is why the team at Toronto Caribbean Newspaper decided over 10 years ago to share the stories of Caribbean women who have historically been marginalized and underrepresented in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. By telling their stories, we can provide representation and visibility to a group that has often been excluded. It allows other Caribbean women to see themselves reflected in narratives and helps to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
This week I am happy to be sharing the story of one of our writers, a woman who I admire, and whom I strongly believe will continue to be a source of wisdom and health to the Caribbean community here in Toronto, and across the diaspora.
Our Woman Empowered is a renowned healer, and possesses great knowledge, skills, training, experience, empathy and compassion. Her personal experience with pain has contributed to her development of empathy and understanding. By trade she is a wellness consultant, but by her soul’s decree, she is a Divine Essence, Healer and Mystic who has been charged with the task to empower, awaken and inspire those who are led to work with her. She takes a full-circle approach to healing, incorporating all aspects of health to restore not only the body, but mind and soul as well.
She offers a unique and diverse perspective that contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the human experience. Her story will inspire individuals to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and contribute to a positive change in our world. I would like to introduce our Woman Empowered, Trisha Smith.
“I was born and raised in Toronto and my family moved to Brampton when I was much younger. That is where I spent most of my early life. I lived with my mom and dad until I was five years old, and then my parents split up. My parents were two different energies. My mom was a Christian and my dad was more street, you know the Caribbean man; he loved his drink, he loved the street, and he loved his weed.
The split was difficult for me because from when I can remember, I was a daddy’s girl all the way. He favored me, spoiled me, and loved me. He was my everything. That was my daddy. When he left, it impacted me. We went from a six-bedroom house to a shelter with bunk beds. It was a total 360 for me. This is when life took a turn for the worse, and for a while, life didn’t make sense to me.
I will never forget the day when my mother and I returned from Jamaica, and when we came back the house was empty.
My dad had sold the house and moved out. It was a very traumatic experience for me. Even at a young age, what was happening seemed off.
We were in the shelter for six months, and then moved into housing. From six until 16, I was in housing. I still saw my dad, but things were just different. I hated going to see him. Once I got older, we grew apart; I don’t know if I reminded him of her, but he became very miserable. Our visits were always him questioning me and my siblings about what my mom was doing, it wasn’t about us.
I watched my mom slave; I saw how difficult it was for her. Even though I was younger I saw this. I hardly saw mom, and I only saw her when we were going to church. She was very protective over me; I couldn’t have a boyfriend, I couldn’t go out, I couldn’t do anything.”
Trisha’s life became very tumultuous; at a young age she began to feel intense emotional pain that left her longing for connection.
“My mom met someone, and she left us. Yep, she just got up and left, and this is when life went haywire; I started to do everything that I wasn’t supposed to do. I ended up living with my dad again, but that was short lived. One day he came to my room, threw a suitcase on the ground and told me that I was going to live in New York with my mother. I had five days to get my life together and just like that I was living in the Bronx. I finished up the 10th grade in New York.
My mom’s husband did not like me at all; I guess I disturbed their no-child home, so before I knew it, I was being sent back to Canada. I didn’t tell my dad I was coming back, instead I went to live with my sister. I think my mom felt bad, so she came back to give me some kind of stability, so I was with her after that.”
Trisha was developing as a woman, and her feeling of abandonment triggered a deep sense of rejection. She began to feel unworthy, unimportant by the people who were supposed to love her, and this led to self-doubt and diminished self-esteem. It also made her vulnerable to predators.
“I met a Rasta, and he changed my life. I was young and foolish, and I got caught up in him. Next thing I knew I was pregnant, and this man started to beat me. The abuse got worse, and Children’s Aid got involved. It was terrible. I was getting beaten twice a week. My mom actually caught him beating me, and she called the police. He finally got deported.
Life was rough during that time, but it was the genesis of my healing journey. I attended Dominion Herbal College when I was with him. I became a vegetarian and got extremely sick, which led to me discovering the miracle of herbs. I wanted to learn more about my body, so I went to the Canadian School of Natural Medicine and graduated as a nutritionist. I found passion in holistic medicine.
One day my friend invited me
to a fire ritual, and this is when everything changed. I learned about my ancestors, how to interact with nature, and learned about the elements. It opened up my eyes to more. I started to get more into African spirituality, and healing. When I met Malidoma, he taught me how to have a more intimate relationship with nature and then I began creating my own concoctions. This is how Adero Herbals was born. I vended all over the city for 10 years, conducted workshops and helped many women through my nutritional consultations.”
Her second evolution was in Las Vegas when she went to a workshop seminar led by Dr Mitchell Gibson, and his wife Kathy Gibson (Solar Rejuvenation).
“He gave us practices that involved rituals around the sun. He spoke about evolution, the soul, the spirit, and how we interact with the spirit world. It was level up for me. I came home and I couldn’t do the rituals, and this upset me. I wanted a way out of the life that I had created. I stopped smoking weed and began to focus on my healing.
I decided to go back to school. I went to Humber College and got my Marketing Diploma, and I started writing. I had always been a writer; it was in me. I started sharing stories in Reggae Exclusive, and other publications. I revamped my business to Sakred Synergi and introduced a new line of tonics and began doing guided meditations and writing eBooks all centered around mental health and women’s health. I am proud to say that I also got my certifications in Reiki and Life Coaching.
My healing journey is still a process and has me working on a shadow work course where I will teach women in a step by step process how to heal from trauma and pain.
I love water in all its forms, deep walks off the trail in the forest, metaphysics, jazz and reggae music, clubs and comedy. Yes! This Gemini embraces her dual nature, and I am always down for adventure and trying new things! Drag racing is next on my list! My four children keep me on my toes and challenge me to show up as a better version of myself every day.”
Photo Credit: Ric Mathis @ricmathis Photo Credit: Lady Mensah Photo Credit: George Pimentel Photo Credit: Evermore Media Photo Credit: Myles “Jay” Joseph Photographer: Phillip MillerIn his words, “The efforts to update the International Health Regulations and draft a pandemic accord share a number of common themes, including the importance of equity in access to health, collaboration and capacity building. It is important that there is consistency and alignment across the two processes.
There is nothing pleasant about what I am about to report; what is being done is happening covertly, swiftly, and if we do not take immediate action to oppose it, we may very soon find ourselves under the control of a centralized global authority that dictates our approach to public health.
This week, we wanted to provide you with an update on the latest developments of the Pandemic Treaty and the grave concerns it brings about to our individual freedoms.
As you may remember from our previous articles; the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking new, far-reaching, and legally binding powers to supposedly “Improve the socalled prevention, preparedness and response” of future pandemics.
In February of 2023, Ashley Bloomfield, former Director-General of Health of New Zealand, who co-chairs the working group on updating the 2005 WHO International Health Regulations, concluded its latest round of discussions.
The ongoing pandemic has underscored the importance of countries working together collaboratively, and supporting WHO in its vital work, to make the world safer.”
Abdullah M. Assiri, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Health and working group co-chair, said the 194-nation WHO membership is “In the driving seat” of the process of strengthening the current regulations.
So, what could this mean for us as global citizens? This could result in a centralized global power that erodes the sovereignty of individual countries.
The working group of WHO representatives have agreed on the next steps for more in-depth negotiations to approve the new Pandemic Treaty. Most frightening of all, is that WHO member states have agreed that the future pandemic treaty currently being negotiated will be a legally binding act of international law!
This would give the WHO increased powers to declare “potential” health emergencies, develop new global surveillance and data-sharing mechanisms, and counter “misinformation and disinformation” by declaring a global “of-
ficial truth.” Let us just remind you of the grave concerns we have for our global community. Remember our job is to make you think; not polarize you or inundate you with useless information. We are providing the information that looks a little different than what is being broadcast in newspapers across the city. Let’s take a closer look at what we could be in for:
The treaty could lead to an unprecedented centralization of power in the hands of the World Health Organization (WHO), which could make decisions on public health without considering the unique situations and needs of individual countries. This centralization could undermine the autonomy of nations to make their own decisions regarding public health.
Unlike much of UN legislation, the Pandemic Treaty would be legally binding, which means that countries that ratify it would be obligated to comply with its provisions under international law. This could make it harder for nations to prioritize their citizens’ needs and make decisions that protect their freedoms.
The treaty might introduce new global surveillance and data-sharing mechanisms, which could potentially infringe upon individual privacy rights and lead to increased surveillance of citizens.
The Pandemic Treaty could grant the WHO powers to counter “misinformation and disinformation,” which might result in the organization controlling the global narrative on public health matters. This could suppress alternative viewpoints and limit free speech.
By establishing a centralized global strategy to combat future epidemics, the Pandemic Treaty would erode the sovereignty of individual nations, limiting their ability to determine and manage their own approach to public health issues.
In light of the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Pandemic Treaty, it is vital to be aware of the upcoming events that will shape its future. A progress report is set to be delivered to the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023 this coming May 21st.30th, 2023, in Geneva, and this meeting could have far-reaching consequences. Their ultimate aim is to adopt the Pandemic Treaty by 2024!
I am thankful to organizations like CitizenG, who are committed to standing at the forefront of this critical issue and will do everything in their power to remain vigilant, because they know how critical this issue is and the dangers it brings. You can find ways to share your voice, speak your mind by emailing me at simone@carib101.com.
There is a novel creative venture intending to make a significant difference in the lives of BIPOC individuals in the development space. It was piloted by Zahira Ebrahim and Kofi Hope who founded Monument as a social purpose business that supports BIPOC leadership and equitable fair institution. Ebrahim is Deloitte’s executive advisor on cities and design, and develops community-led policy as a strategist. Hope has written many opinion pieces for the Toronto Star, and works at the University of Toronto as an adjunct professor in the School of Geography.
Salma Rawhi, CEO of York University Development Corp provided expertise to Monumental to ensure that her values were in alignment with the mission of the Incubator. “In our industry there is so much legacy; you know your growth is limited.”
Zebra Ebrahim is optimistic about the future of the Incubator. She states, “We don’t want this to be an exploratory program. We want this to be for folks who want to become real estate entrepreneurs. This would be a kick start to their long-term journey.”
Hope envisions that the Incubator will be able to attract candidates from diverse social realities in order to bring their skills to the forefront. In an interview he states, “Housing is the crisis of our times. With all love and respect to the established industry, it has not solved the housing crisis. There has been a lot built in Toronto over the last 20 years, and a lot of it has not been the type of housing that we need-affordable housing that meets the needs of families.”
There is a need for fresh ideas and creative solutions to tackle the housing crisis issue in Toronto. There has been a lot of attention that has focused on real estate development in Toronto. Hope notes, “We all benefit as Canadians by having the best minds across all communities getting involved because this is the crisis of our times.”
Furthermore, Ebrahim reiterates with respect to applicants that, “We have a lot of applicants who have a piece of land with a family member, with a friend, on their own, and have no idea what to do with it.”
Matti Siemiatycki, Director of the Infrastructure Institute acknowledges the role that many established families have played in the development of real estate in the cities. Many families worked together and helped each other to move up as can be seen in many custom homes that are built in areas such as York Region. With the wealth and money that they accumulated, many have given back through philanthropy and building of hospitals and museums.
He is fascinated by the changes that are currently taking place in spaces that have been disproportionately racialized. He observes, “Real estate and property development has been such a wealth escalator, and for so many communities over generations. That meant some people have become fabulously wealthy and others have been excluded. In large measures in our city, racialized communities and in particular the Black and Indigenous communities have really not been as included and not been as big a part of the real estate sector as others.”
Abigail Moriah, founder of the Black Planning Project and the BIPOC Mentorship Initiative for Indigenous and Planners of Colour believes that many Black Planners are viewing the planning field afresh as a way that they can have an influence on spaces, on communities like (their) own.
There is a need for fresh ideas and creative solutions to tackle the housing crisis issue in Toronto
seem to get enough of the brand, there are some ugly revelations that have raised the eyebrows of some consumers, and last week I received a letter from a group in Toronto who is speaking out against Shein.
When I first read the accusations, I had to dig a little deeper, and I was shocked at what I found. I am surprised that Shein is still in business, but I think it might be because this is not being broadcasted loud enough, but I digress…
Right here in Ontario, in the City of Markham, the province is housing what seems to be one of the worst clothing companies known worldwide.
I am sure that at some point, when you are online, or scrolling through one of your social media feeds, you will run into an ad from the company Shein. If you ask a GenZ about Shein, they will know about it. Shein is the most Googled brand in the world, even beating out Zara and Nike. Yep! It’s true.
To put this into perspective, Shein reported a $100 billion valuation in April 2022. According to Bloomberg Second Measure research, the company accounted for 40% of fast-fashion sales in the U.S. in March 2022. According to data from Coresight Research, the 14-year-old company’s revenues have grown at a rate of 57% per year, while competitors like 20-year-old Asos hover at around 20%, Now, according to Euromonitor, the ecommerce platform is valued at $100 billion USD, making it the largest onlineonly fashion company in the world.
Now, all though this is exciting news for Shein consumers, who can’t
They are asking the City of Markham to support their demands of Shein; they are asking the Federal Government of Canada to support their demands of Shein, and they are asking the Provincial Government to support their demands of Shein.
Let’s start from the very beginning of this story. Shein has set up a 170,000 sq ft warehouse and office in the City of Markham, ON, Canada, and despite its growing popularity and success, Shein has come under fire for their alleged human rights abuses and poor employment practices. One of the most concerning issues with Shein are their labor practices. The company has been accused of exploiting workers in its supply chain by paying low wages, ignoring safety regulations, and violating labor laws.
Reports suggest that Shein’s suppliers often force employees to work long hours in dangerous conditions for little pay. Many workers are denied basic rights such as: breaks, sick leave, and overtime pay, and some are even subjected to abuse.
Shein has also been criticized for their environmental practices. They produce cheap, disposable clothing that is designed to be worn only a few times before being discarded.
They reportedly have been found using toxic chemicals in their manufacturing process, which can harm workers and pollute local water supplies.
One of the bigger issues with Shein is their lack of transparency. The company has been criticized for their secrecy and unwillingness to disclose information about their supply chain, labor practices, and the impact they are having on the environment. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases and hold the company accountable for their actions.
Like many other famous, and more influential brands, Shein faces accusations of cultural appropriation and insensitivity. The company has been criticized for selling clothing items that appropriate traditional cultural symbols and designs, without acknowledging or respecting their significance.
Some community members in the City of Markham wrote a demand letter to Mr. Xu (Shein’s Founder), with a list of requests that include:
• A list of all the suppliers that you use in your supply chain, so customers know where products are coming from and how Shein is managing their supply chain.
• Proof of where cotton, used in the production of items, is being sourced from and how it is being harvested.
• Proof that workers are being paid and treated according to the governments’ stipulations in countries where they are based.
• What steps, if any, you have taken to reduce plastic waste.
• Information on how many returns you receive and what is done with returned items.
We as Canadians have a responsibility to hold companies accountable for their actions and demand better practices. I am proud of these community members for standing up for what they believe in. More of this is needed nationwide.
Among the 307 amendments proposed by the 93 nations, the (WHO) World Health Organization are seeking to implement a digital ID on humanity, and we the population of this planet must rise against these corporate monsters or be devoured.
Evidence from their last gathering in Bali reveals a clear and non-stop plan to push humanity over the cliff and into digital slavery. The two-day G20 Summit on November 15th, and 16th, 2022 hosted by the Indonesian G20 presidency in Bali was about getting all countries to roll out these digital handcuffs as soon as possible.
As usual their reasoning behind this demonic plan is called safety, safety from more pandemics, safety to travel, saf-
er communication, more accessible health information, and the hoax goes on.
What these planners are keeping secret is their nefarious intentions. Intentions to control and enslave the inhabitants of this planet, by this I mean being told you cannot travel, you cannot own property, you cannot own cars, your money now belongs to them and God help you if you oppose the narrative.
Here is a statement from the planners.
“We acknowledge the importance of shared technical standards and verification methods, under the framework of the IHR (2005), to facilitate seamless international travel, interoperability, and recognizing digital solutions and non-digital solutions, including proof of vaccinations. We support continued international dialogue and collaboration on the establishment of trusted global digital health networks as part of the efforts to strengthen prevention and response to future pandemics.”
These amendments will not need the signature of any President or Prime Minister to be rolled out, or the advice of the senate nor parliament to be implemented. This means that they have already
started the project.
They say, “Oh well, it’s voluntarily, but what they’ve been doing is building the infrastructure. If you could imagine the infrastructure needed to be able to track and trace everybody on the planet, it’s a large systems task,” Author James Roguski told Steve Bannon’s War Room. “Building these systems – it takes time, it takes money.” This perhaps is an indication they don’t intend for it to be “voluntary” for long.
In his statement, Indonesian Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, shared with the B20 attendees that Indonesia should invest in “emergency medical countermeasures” and the “business opportunities” this creates.
Here is his version of a business opportunity. “Business for emergency medical countermeasures which is diagnostic, vaccine, therapeutics or medicine will grow very very fast globally.” Here is how he describes another business opportunity.
“We understand that our enemy is not a human being. Our enemy is pathogens… These pathogens need surveillance systems like when aliens out of the country are attacking you. Globally, all countries
will link the radar system, so they have great surveillance if the enemy is coming from outside the earth.
What are the opportunities for you? This is an opportunity for you to move into biotechnology, because this is the biggest threat to humanity. So, people, the government, will politically be pushed to spend into this sector.”
Remember when folks who knew what was about to happen were called conspiracy theorists?
Here in their own words are the “non-travel” plans for those who dare to disobey these so-called unelected shysters.
“The fourth agreement that we’ve achieved; when we have another pandemic, we understand that to stop the spreading of the virus we have to limit not stop the movement of the people, so let’s have a digital health certificate, acknowledged by WHO, if you have been vaccinated or tested properly then you can move around.”
Anyone who values their freedom should “Say no to Digital IDs” once and for all.
On Thursday, May 4th, 2023, the Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN) hosted the media day at the BMO IFL Conference Centre in Toronto. It coincided with the start of mental health week and brought together: caregivers, parents, social service providers, and mental health practitioners for four days of sharing of evidence-based culturally-centred Afrocentric teaching from May 2nd to May 5th. The purpose of the gathering was to better support the mental health needs of African-Caribbean Canadians. It was in partnership with Black Creek Community Health Centre, Green Shield and Roots Community Services.
CAFCAN is a B3 Organization: Black-led, Black -serving and Black-mandat-
ed. They are a registered charitable organization whose primary focus is on building and strengthening the service framework for: African Canadian children, youth and families through culturally safe individual and group counselling supports, case management services, employment services, youth mentorship, and youth outreach programs. Since it was started as an offshoot of the Jamaican Canadian Association, it has focused on creating a safe and supportive environment that promotes the well-being and success of African Canadian individuals and communities.
The theme for this year was, “Towards Culturally Grounded & Socially Just Practices.” Day one featured Dr. Wade Nobles, Co-Founder and Past President of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi). He spoke about the importance of a worldview he described as, “A comprehensive idea, order and understanding belief about the nature of reality and the meaning of being, the proper role of society, and the ways things are, or should be. “They are formed from, “Ancestral insight (inspiration), historical experience and psycho-cultural retention/inventions,” and “Westernization, Cul-
tural Imposition, Epistemic and Mentacide,” influenced and distorted it.”
The featured speakers included:
• Dr Samaru Sahlu, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada Psychiatry
• Dr Wesley Cricklow, Critical Race Intersectional Theorist
• Francis Garwie, CEO of Carea Community Health Centre
• Debbie Nicholas, Holistic Movement Specialist/Creative Wellness Professional
The media day started with a dynamic drum procession by Quammie and Ngoma Drum Ensemble leading the guests from the reception to the dinner area. For Africans, the drum Is the voice of the village. It calls the people together.
Ginelle Skerritt (CEO York Region Children’s Region Aid Society) was the MC of the event. There was an acknowledgment of Harriet Ekperigin (VP Mental Health, GreenShield Canada) Representatives from Black Creek Community Health Centre, Roots Community Services, and Youth Link were present in the audience.
Ginelle introduces Floydeen Charles-Fridal (Executive Director of CAFCAN). She recounts the history of the premier social delivery organization. She told the audience that it has increased significantly from its humble beginnings to the present where it is now receiving almost $4 million in funding. She states that for CAFCAN to be “effective” and “impactful” having the right people is crucial.
She states that CAFCAN intends to develop more partnerships as it seeks to be the agency that’s providing evidencebased African-centred work; not looking at Eurocentric models or the research, but doing it for ourselves, understanding it for ourselves.
She concluded her impassioned address by stating explicitly, “We’re here to make a difference, to be leaders, to fight, and to agitate, and sometimes say, no, because sometimes when people offer you things, even for free, it doesn’t mean you should take it.”
Anyone interested in learning about CAFCAN can check the website: www.cafcan. org
Better supporting the mental health needs of African Caribbean Canadians; Cafcan hosts mental health conference
“We’re seeing right now the highest death rates we’ve ever seen in the history of this business.”
This comment was made by Scott Davison, the CEO of OneAmerica, a $100 billion life insurance and retirement company headquartered in Indianapolis.
Early last year, there was an astounding report that several life insurance companies determined there was an overwhelming, unexplained increase (40%) in “all-cause deaths” among 18 to 49-year-olds.
From that 2022 report: Three physicians released real data drawn from the clinical diagnosis codes. The increases found are from 2021, compared to the five-year average from 2016 to 2020.
• Myocardial infarction: 269% increase
• Miscarriages: 300% increase
• Bell’s palsy: 291% increase
• Congenital malformations: 156% increase
• Female infertility: 471% increase
• Pulmonary embolisms: 467% increase
• Neurologic abnormalities: 300% increase
• Cancers: 300% increase
According to a September 2022 study by Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, heart attack deaths across all age groups have become more common in the U.S.
The age group hit the hardest? People between 25 and 44, who saw a 29.9% relative increase in heart attack deaths over the first two years of the pandemic (which means the actual number of heart attack deaths were almost 30% higher than the predicted number).
Last week, I found out that a high school friend of mine died from a heart attack. He was only 40 years old. The news brought me to tears, but it also made me think; why are so many young
people dying from heart attacks, and an even better question is why is this not being spoken about more on mainstream media?
I do have my assertions, but as a journalist, it is not my job to assert my thoughts, it is my job to present the facts, and a fact that cannot be ignored is that the increase in heart related deaths and disease have increased since the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine.
What I find interesting is that during the pandemic, the news would let us know every day how many people had died from COVID-19 or had been infected by OVID-19. Now there is an increase in sudden death syndrome, and cardiac arrests and the mainstream media is not making the same effort to report these numbers. I wonder why?
During one of my interviews with the esteemed David Icke, he mentioned that we would be dealing with the fallout of this pandemic for at least five years. He made this comment in 2021. When he shared this information with me, I was not sure what he meant, but as the years have passed, I have seen the pain experienced by many families after they have lost their loved ones suddenly, and unfortunately many of these deaths have been cardiovascular in nature.
Well, this week I am going to sound the alarm again. I am doing so for a few reasons: our Liberal government is thinking of enforcing vaccine mandates again, and I want our community to be prepared to stand up and say NO! No to a vaccine that has caused more harm than it has helped.
In January 2022, the CEO of OneAmerica, an Indiana-based life insurance company, shared data about how the pandemic and its response by public health officials, has impacted the life and disability insurance industry.
Davison said death rates among working age people – those 18 to 64-years-old – were up 40% in the third and fourth quarter of 2021 over pre-pandemic levels.
The fact-checkers immediately came out in force in attempts to debunk growing conversation that a newly developed mRNA vaccine technology, rushed to market with no long-term testing may have led to such an increase. Instead, they placed blame on the delta variant of the coronavirus and deferred medical care during the pandemic.
Despite Davison’s claim that the data is “Consistent across every player in
the business,” no other insurance companies made it known that their 2021 data reflected this warning signal.
On February 2nd, 2023, Dr Masanori Fakushima filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government for cancellation of the administrative action. He did so because the Japanese Health Ministry refused to acknowledge the causal link between vaccines and deaths. Dr Fakushima and a team of researchers said, “They had no choice but to dare to take legal action.”
“It is a matter of fundamental importance for the Japanese government to continuously collect and disclose accurate data,” Dr Fukushima expressed. “I have come to realize that this is an historically serious problem that threatens the very existence of the nation of Japan,” he stressed. “As a medical doctor and a scientist, I had no choice but to dare to take legal action.”
Dr Fukushima then broke down some startling data. “Take a look at the data for 65-69 and 70-79 age groups,” he implored. “Surprisingly, the number of new infections or positive cases per 100,000 people is four times higher for people who have been vaccinated twice, compared to unvaccinated people.”
“Also, look at the data provided by the Advisory Board in September 2021,” he invited. “The fatality rate of the unvaccinated people and the fatality rates of the one-dose and two-dose vaccine people were described properly. According to the description in red, vaccination has indeed reduced the fatality rate for those over 65 years of age. However, for all ages, vaccination has demonstrated the opposite effect, causing higher fatality rates. This is a paradoxical phenomenon,” he asserted.
Again, data like this is not reported as readily as COVID-19 numbers were, and again I ask, why not? Is Big Pharma putting pressure on the media for this type of coverage? There is the thought that the pharmaceutical industry silences data and stifles information that doesn’t fit the COVID-19 vaccine narrative.
The latest mortality data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that there had been 128,797 deaths from January 1st, to August 31st, 2022, which was 17% higher than the historical average.
That equates to an extra 18,671 deaths. Of those, only 7727 were attrib -
uted to Covid – or 41% – leaving 10,944 non-Covid excess deaths.
Deaths in the month of August were 12.4% above the historical average, down from 16.2% in July. According to the Actuaries Institute analysis, ischaemic heart disease was the biggest contributor to excess deaths in 2022, followed by cancer.
Hmmmm…
As a reminder of why many people remain skeptical of these “explanations,” I will note that countries in Europe have nixed the vaccine for children and teenagers, asserting the risks of vaccination outweigh the risk of infection.
Australia’s former deputy chief medical officer said the country should reconsider its stance on giving the dose to children above the age of five.
The UK has stopped offering the vaccine to healthy children who turned five after August, while Sweden no longer recommends it to teenagers aged 12 to 17.
In Denmark, since July no one under the age of 18 can get vaccinated against Covid, with health officials saying very small numbers of children get severely ill from the disease, and therefore vaccination isn’t necessary.
An article in Medical News Today stated clearly that the COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, and experts do not know exactly how common heart side effects are. However, several studies have examined how common myocarditis is among those receiving the COVID mRNA vaccine.
A study of 23.1 million residents of four Nordic countries found that the risk of myocarditis was highest in males aged 16–24 years, reporting nine to 28 excess events in every 100,000 vaccine recipients. The risk was higher after receiving the Moderna vaccine than from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, with the risk climbing after the second dose.
I always find it interesting when people ignore the facts. I could go on and on about research that has been found to prove the information provided above, but instead I will say this; the human race is under attack. We have to ensure that we take a stand if they ever try to force a vaccine on the nation again. We are not guinea pigs, and we should not be treated as such.
This is a historically serious problem that threatens the very existence of the nation
It is said that the love of money is the root of all-evil, and $14,000,000 is what was given to the Royal Canadian Legion by Trudeau’s government under the umbrella of staying afloat during the pandemic.
The name of this program was called VOESF or Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund. The Royal Canadian Legion decided to accept the money, which leaves one to wonder why.
Any and everyone who has been in this country during 2020, 2021 and 2022 knew the government of the day was pushing very hard to implement injection passports, therefore, by taking that money as an organization, you had to comply with the COVID lie.
Speaking of lies, we the public must never forget that the Canadian military supposedly saw this “plandemic” as a unique opportunity to use propaganda techniques on Canadian citizens. They refer to it as “shaping and exploiting information”. This was done to push public health measures while attempting to minimize civil disobedience.
This is a class example of the heartless nature of those who say that they are in charge. These folks have no problems lying to and manipulating the population even though they knew the outcome would mean frustration, loss of business, and eventually death; they have no remorse.
With that in mind the question remains, were the Royal Legions also compromised? Did they turn their backs on veterans to peddle compliance with lockdown measures? This seems very likely.
The government fact sheet named over 200 charities, churches, and businesses and I am sure there are many more. For years now I have wondered why even very small estab -
lishments have managed to stay in business while refusing to serve their unmasked and un-vaxxed customers. The answer is becoming clearer and clearer—pandemic funding.
At the top of this article, I spoke of what the love of money can do to an individual, now let’s look at the case of Danielle Smith before she became Alberta’s Premier. This lady had some morals back then. She called out the lying COVID narrative for what it was and even refused to wear the poppy, which is symbolic of the “legions “
When asked why she was not wearing the famous poppy, Smith answered, “They ruined it for me this year.”
“The problem — and I hope we never do this again — with putting doctors in charge is they seem to be hardwired against criticism,” Smith says.
When this same woman became Premier of Alberta, she changed her tune and apologized. Here is what she told the press and people about her previous statements.
“I apologize for any offensive
effective June 20th, 2022, the following will go into effect:
• The vaccination requirements to board a plane or train in Canada will be suspended.
A news release from the Government of Canada on June 14th, 2022, stated, “Following a successful campaign, 32 million (or nearly 90%) of eligible Canadians have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and case counts have decreased. Canadians have stepped up to protect themselves and the people around them, and rates of hospitalization and deaths are also decreasing across the country, and Canada has one of the highest rates of vaccination in the world.”
The press release extols the benefits of vaccination and encourages Canadians to “Keep up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses to get ready for the fall.”
The press release states that
• In addition, federally regulated transport sector employers will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination in place for employees.
On May 6th, 2023, the Liberal Party of Canada concluded its national policy convention in Ottawa. It was the first inperson gathering since 2018 and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to run in the next general election. One of the revelations that was released was phone records by Tanya Rowlands who interviewed a Liberal Party MP on May 8th, 2023. It confirmed that the Trudeau Government engaged in discussions regarding re-introducing the contentious and widely unpopular vaccine mandates after ensuring that it is “approved.” Orlewicz mentioned that Canadians who received two COVID-19 vaccinations are considered “unvaccinated” and would be eligible to receive future vaccinations.
language used regarding this issue made while on talk radio or podcasts during my previous career.”
“I would hope we can all move on to talk about issues that currently matter to Albertans and their families.”
This kind of flip-flopping is what has kept Canada in the pathetic and trifling position that it is in presently.
It is important to note that the Royal Canadian Legion condemned Smith’s comments, stating that “The poppy is a symbol of remembrance, of those who have served Canada and made the supreme sacrifice in the name of democracy,” adding that it has no role in politics.
One has to wonder if the Royal Canadian Legion criticized Smith for not wearing the poppy or if their criticism of her was because she came out against the COVID lies and mandates, after all the Royal Canadian Legion has $14 million reasons to not be on her side.
The Liberal platforms show that mandatory vaccination is part of its agenda. It states, “To finish the fight against COVID-19, protect people at work, ensure businesses can get back up to speed, and most importantly make sure our kids can safely return to school, we need to do everything we can to keep public spaces safe.” It notes further that if the Liberal government is re-elected in the next election, it will:
• Require that travellers on interprovincial trains, commercial flights, cruise ships, and other federally regulated vessels be vaccinated.
• Ensure vaccinations across the federal public service: as the country’s largest employer, this will protect the health and safety of the federal public servants and their communities across Canada.
• They will also keep working with employers in Crown corporations and federally regulated workplaces to ensure vaccination is prioritized for workers in these sectors.
An article in BMJ Public Health by Dr Kevin Bardosh and others titled, “The
unintended consequences of COVID-19 vaccine policy: why mandates, passports and restrictions may cause more harm than good,” notes, “Restricting people’s access to work, education, public transport and social life based on COVID-19 vaccination status infringes on human rights, promotes stigma and social polarization, and adversely affects health and well-being. Current policies may lead to a widening of health and economic inequalities, detrimental long-term impacts on trust in government and scientific institutions, and reduce the uptake of future public health measures, including COVID-19 vaccines as well as routine immunizations.”
The authors note that there is a need to evaluate current COVID-19 vaccine policies due to the negative consequences that arose. They conclude that ”Leveraging empowering strategies based on trust and public consultation, and improving healthcare services and infrastructure, represent a more sustainable approach to optimizing COVID-19 vaccination programmes and more broadly, the health and well-being of the public.”
simone@carib101.com TC
Ice cream, styrofoam cups, Tequila, agave; these are a few items that we are going to see less and less this summer.
During the summer months, supply and demand problems become more acute, which means that many other items are also at risk of vanishing from sight.
It appears that the shortage of everything is happening across America, and even here in Canada. Retailers left and right are facing empty shelves, and consumers are being forced to pay more for the items they need as demand continues to exceed supply. Conditions are getting so extreme that you may not find some summer favorites like ice
shelves in the upcoming months.
Meat
The U.S. cattle herd is declining in a scenario that will not reverse until late 2023. The drought-like conditions in the U.S. Plains may lead to more cowherd liquidation. There are concerns that inflation is weighing on beef demand. No doubt, such concerns are warranted, in fact, in the year ahead, a shortage of red meat, beef and pork will be a headline grabber. Yes, a shortage of beef and pork appears likely.
Farm-grown fruits and vegetables were some of the biggest victims of the fertilizer shortage that erupted during the pandemic and exponentially worsened after the world lost two major producers (Russia and Ukraine) of NPK – which stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three primary ingredients plants need to grow.
At the peak of the shortage, farmers were seeing fertilizer prices shooting up 700%, and that was right when planting season began. Consequently, many small producers that could not afford the rise in costs started abandoning their less profitable crops.
Batteries have been in short supply for quite some time now. The global production of steel, zinc, manganese, potassium, and graphite – all components that make the alkaline batteries we find at our local stores is still going down in 2023. The situation doesn’t look any better for lithium, or even solar-powered batteries given that demand is significantly outstripping supply worldwide. On top of that, the cost of producing batteries went up by 156% since 2020, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This means that not only are they getting harder to find, but prices are already climbing. Batteries are usually one of the first products to disappear during an emergency, so if your battery stash is running low, you should probably restock it now before inventories drop even further.
Mayonnaise
This is because eggs used to make mayonnaise are currently in short supply. In 2022-2023, egg prices doubled. Also, some farmers were even forced to kill their flocks because they could not afford to nourish them. Mayonnaise may become more costly or hard to find if egg prices keep increasing or the shortages worsen.
In April 2023 there were reports of low yields for India’s 2023 Kabuli chickpea crop, the Global Pulse Confederation reported. Combined with low production in Mexico, global supplies are under increased pressure, meaning a shortage is expected over the next six months.
Since 2005, there has been a lot written about the challenges honeybees face with the so-called “Colony Collapse Disorder.” This year beekeepers are experiencing much higher-than-normal winter losses and there is an acute shortage of bees. Even some very good beekeepers report losses of more than double what they typically experience. There are reports of beekeepers experiencing losses in the 80-90% in some of their overwintered bee yards.
Don’t wait until everyone starts rushing to the stores to get the supplies you need because by then it may be far too late. Make sure you store your products properly. Pay attention to empty shelves the next time you go grocery shopping, so that you know which shortage is getting worse, and which products to purchase before things get even more complicated.
and not Christian.
So far 179 bodies have been exhumed and moved to a hospital in the coastal town of Malindi for body identification and investigation. Many of the bodies had been strangled or bludgeoned, with internal organs missing. Hundreds more people are missing, possibly buried in unmarked mass graves. Of course, the Kenyan Government is trying to explain how such a thing could happen within one of Africa’s most modernized nations.
Why would so many people disregard the most basic of human instincts to survive and choose to die through fasting and poisoning oneself and family? How can an organization that sells itself as a Christian Church and movement become an example of human evil? Well, the answer to the question of why someone would do such a thing is obvious, GREED! These despicable murderers lacked any form of humanity except for one, survival of the fittest. Like a thought out of Darwin’s Evolutionary Thesis, the strong predators devoured the weak and vulnerable.
Africa has become an outlet for extremist Christian movements, a place where
anything can truly happen if the bribe is big enough. For the police and governmental officials in Kenya to claim innocence and ignorance of what was going on is like comparing these events to what happens in China’s Prison System where prisoners’ organs are harvested freely. Ignorance cannot be an excuse; like the Nazi’s actions, Germans claimed to not know what was going on. Evangelical Christianity has blossomed throughout Africa. In most cases these organizations carry out good works attracting a loyal flock to religion. Those who see Africa as a wide-open “Wild West’’ environment have been harvesting Africa’s precious commodities and wealth. European and American evangelists have become wealthy picking the pockets of Africans searching for a faith and religious promise. While the EU and Britain are becoming secularized, African religious intensity is growing. Evangelical Preachers seeking wealth and power search for it throughout the continent.
For Victor Kaudo, an activist in Malindi, the freedom granted to preachers like Mackenzie have gone way too far. Indoctrination and brainwashing techniques had
been used to sell their ideology. As some members of the cult died, they refused to be helped because they wanted to die and be with Jesus.
Those who opposed Mackenzie were called witches and demons, threatened, imprisoned and killed.
How did this happen? The politicians and police try to become wealthy through the acceptance of bribes and corruption. Africa has multiple: mining, rubber, oil, natural resource possibilities that foreign interests will acquire, and national governments and individuals are willing to sell their nation’s soul to the highest bidder. Then religious and political opportunists arrive to rob those who still have wealth and financial substance.
“Africa for Africans” was once the call of people like Mandela. Now, if this is heard, police show up to arrest the political terrorists calling for national action for the peoples benefit.
Africa belongs to who? Some will say it belongs to the organization of foreign nations with the deepest pockets. What do you think?
Some will say Africa belongs to the organization of foreign nations with the deepest pockets; what do you think?
simone@carib101.com
The Great Manipulator: An enterprise, organization, powerful individual or group that uses manipulation and illusion as a tool of control, presenting itself as charitable while maintaining its self-centred greed-profiteering ways to achieve its goal of power.
The coronation of King Charles III was an extravaganza supreme, a show for all in the UK, America and the Commonwealth that monarchy’s can be useful, a way to divert the people’s attention away from the stress filled days they experience, and to wallow in the magnificence of our betters, you know, the rich and famous.
One thing that was not allowed was any form of dissent to the events, the monarchy or Charles III. None at all. All media outlets kissed the royal ring, presenting the monarch as something particularly new and needed. Dissent is what
this letter is about. Every government on this planet has methodology and protocols that protect their administrations, present diverting illusionary media stories that divert our attention, and go after those that challenge authority.
The UK, Canada, the EU and many other nations are either about to enact, or have enacted laws that protect authority, and challenge those who dissent. Should you not like how someone: dresses, behaves, protests, practices their faith and you speak out, your actions can bring the strong arm of the law down upon your shoulders. There has developed a situation where challenging a socially accepted: practice, ideology, migrant practice, or even thoughts are seen as: racist, prejudiced, destructive and unacceptable.
Challenging the idea that someone of the same sex can get married is cause for legal action in Britain. Political, ethical and moral ideals when seen as incorrect and unacceptable to even a small number of people, can bring the wrath of “the people” upon you. Hateful, truly racist ideals, phrases and practices can and should be challenged, but the so-called elites, intelligentsia and their followers have challenged the very concept of democratic debate.
Universities and schools of
higher learning are now centres of recruitment to progressive, or diverging movements placing the very fabric of society into question. Are women superior to men, more intelligent, patient and achievement oriented? Sex, race, intelligence, gender, body shape, achievement ratio are all being challenged by forces who want to win and forge an unknowing future within society.
Can governments legislate: good behaviour, societal patience, equality, financial equity and fairness, open-minded societal evolution? What we have seen and will continue to experience is that societies are experiencing a fierce struggle between the individual and societal needs and demands.
Governments use the media as a tool of control and propaganda, legislating its authority, funding the media in ways that allow for manipulation, and direct influence. Can the truth ever be expressed and understood? So long as the media is a financial tool, a profiteering establishment, truth and understanding of what real news is may well be difficult to express and understand.
We fear the news, so the media and societal norms translate it to be better accepted within society. Perhaps that is why a list of who commits crimes, what is their race, where they are from will not
be published by the media or provided by the government. Fear of the possible, of how it can be possibly misunderstood, possibly becoming a tool towards the spread of racism, prejudice and further crime.
If you had the opportunity to read the original Christian Bible, many would freak out. So, hundreds of years ago it was translated, manipulated and rewritten to benefit the elites of the time (Emperor and Kings), the church hierarchy, and to make religious life somewhat more liveable.
Remember we don’t see things as they really are, we see them as we expect them to be. We can be silent and see all the delusions that surround us melt away, all the electronic sounds that fill our lives. It is natural to speak against what is to us a wrongful thing. Governments, societal prejudices and power elites can try to stop us, even muzzle our champions the media.
While reality can be brutal, it is our only true teacher. We are all asleep, living our lives routines within an illusion presented to us by the great manipulator. You want to know the truth and truly be free, then wake up and drive the delusions away.
paul@carib101.com
There has been a lot of attention directed to the level of violence that has been occurring in Ontario schools in 2023. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) released a press release on Friday, May 12th, 2023, that summarizes the results of its 2023 All Member Violence Survey. Strategic Communications Inc. conducted the online survey during February and March 2023.
Karen Brown, President of ETFO, states in the press release, “Learning is being disrupted and violence is being normalized in schools because the Ford government refuses to adequately invest in public education. The system is suffering from chronic underfunding, creating environments where students’ needs are going unmet. The province must provide
adequate funding so learning and working environments are physically and psychologically safe for students, teachers and education workers.”
President Brown notes in the press release, “It’s clear that many school spaces are not safe, especially for those on the front lines with students whose needs are not being met. Students would never choose those behaviours. This is symptomatic of a system where students are not getting the support and resources they need-not for their education nor for their mental health.”
President Brown blames the lack of funding by the provincial government as the reason for the increase in violence in schools. She states, “The system is suffering from chronic underfunding, under-resourcing, and understaffing, creating environments where students’ needs are going unmet. The province must provide adequate funding so learning and working environments are physically and psychologically safe for students, teachers, and education workers.” ETFO believes that the lack of education support workers has created significant gaps in the promise of public education to be inclusive.
President Brown stated at a news conference on Monday, May 15th, “The
results are alarming and distressing and action must be taken at the provincial, and school board levels.” She mentioned that there has been an escalation in violence since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lisa Dunbar, a ETFO member and teacher states, “What we are seeing is a symptom of a bigger problem. Ontario students are under supported because our public education is underfunded. I want to be clear; our students are not to be blame. The government is failing them time and time again, especially those who are most vulnerable.”
Some of the results of the survey are:
• Educators working with younger children are more likely to experience violence.
• 86% of ETFO members who work in special education have personally experienced violence or witnessed it against another staff person.
• Four out of five members state there are more incidents of violence in schools now than when they started working in the Ontario public elementary school system.
• Two-thirds of members say the severity of violent incidents has increased and 72% say the number of incidents
has increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• More than 80% agree that violence in schools is making working with students more difficult and that it interferes with classroom management.
• Front-line support is often not available to educators and students. A majority report that: educational assistants (61%), and social workers (56%) were available only some of the time, rarely or never when needed this school year.
• Administrators know that violence is a problem, but do not always act on reports of violence.
• 42% of members have suffered a physical injury, illness or psychological injury/illness as a result of workplace violence against them this school year.
• Approximately 30% of ETFO members’ injuries warranted a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claim although those claims weren’t always submitted.
The research report and summary which was conducted by Strategic Communications will be forthcoming at www.etfo.ca
We don’t see things as they really are, we see them as we expect them to be; the media, truth, and you
“Our students are not to blame; the government is failing them time and time again.” Why has there been an increase in violence in Ontario schools?
Criminal Code to:
• Create a new reverse onus to target serious repeat violent offending involving weapons
• Expand the list of firearms offences that trigger a reverse onus
• Broaden the reverse onus targeting repeat offenders of intimate partner violence (IPV)
stricted firearm (section 95)
• Breaking and entering to steal a firearm (section 98)
• Robbery to steal a firearm (section 98.1);
• Making an automatic firearm (section 102)
element on what is called a “balance of probabilities.” This may result in cases where an accused might nevertheless be convicted even though there is a reasonable doubt as to their guilt.
On May 16th, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-48 that proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice.
Bill C-48 would make targeted changes to the Criminal Code’s bail regime to address serious repeat violent offending with firearms, knives, bear spray and other weapons. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to address the enhanced risks posed by intimate partner violence (IPV). The proposed changes seek to improve the safety of people and communities across Canada.
What are the proposed reforms to the bail system?
The Bill proposes a number of changes to help address the challenges posed at the bail stage by repeat violent offending with weapons, including for offences involving firearms, knives, and bear spray.
These proposed changes would amend the bail provisions of the
• Clarify the meaning of the terms “prohibition order” in an existing reverse onus for offences involving weapons
• Require courts to consider an accused person’s history of convictions for violence, and community safety and security concerns, when making a bail decision
Creating a new reverse onus to target serious repeat violent offending involving weapons.
This Bill would add a reverse onus for an accused person charged with a serious offence (an offence with a maximum penalty of at least 10 years imprisonment) involving violence (used, threatened or attempted) and the use of a weapon, where that accused was previously convicted (within the previous five years) of an offence with the same criteria.
Expanding the list of firearms offences that trigger a reverse onus.
This Bill would add a number of firearms offences to an existing reverse onus for bail, specifically:
• Unlawful possession of a loaded (or easily loaded) prohibited or re -
Broadening the reverse onus targeting repeat offenders of intimate partner violence.
This Bill would expand the current reverse onus provision, added by former Bill C-75, which applies to anyone charged with an offence involving IPV under the Criminal Code, and who has a past conviction for such an offence, to apply to accused persons who were previously convicted as well as those who previously received a discharge for an IPV related offence for which they had been found guilty.
A reverse onus is a legal provision that requires an accused person to prove or disprove something, such as an element of an offence or a defense.
Under the Charter, everyone has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Normally, the prosecution bears the burden of proving all aspects of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, including the inapplicability of any defenses that are raised.
When a reverse onus applies, the accused must prove the relevant
MICHAEL THOMASmichael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“The WHO should know better than to toy with the sensitivities of children and the concerns of parents in this way.” These are the words of British MP; John Hayes after finding out exactly what the WHO is up to when it comes to children and their education.
What exactly is the WHO aka World Health Organization up to these days?
Teaching infants as young as four years old about sexual intercourse, touching themselves aka masturbating, questioning their gender, oral sex, and the X-rated list goes on.
As a parent, as brothers and sisters, as uncles and aunts, and as the family we have to get together, join hands and speak out against this evil. Say no to this satanic agenda once and for all. Is this what our school board
and so-called politicians were elected or selected to do? Since when did the WHO start dictating school curricular? For those of us who do not know, the answer to the latter question is, as of now.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is under pressure to withdraw guidance for schools recommending that toddlers “Ask questions about sexuality,” “Explore gender identities,” and learn about the “enjoyment” of “early childhood masturbation.”
Imagine trying to pass off paedophiles as guidance, here is a quote from this so-called organization.
“Sexuality education starts from birth,” and is described as a “Framework for policymakers, educational and health authorities and specialists.”
This garbage disguised as guidance on how to “talk about sexual matters” with young children was aimed at policymakers across Europe, was translated into several European languages and promoted at national and international events.
In Wales UK, parents were outraged enough to involve legal representation when they found out that children as young as three were about
to be targeted under the disguise of education.
Paul Diamond, a barrister representing parents, said the RSE aka Relationship and Sex Education code was “The most extreme and unbalanced documents there could be.”
“When parents send their children to school, they don’t expect to have psycho-sexual theories and ‘plus issues’ taught from the age of three,” he said.
“This is the most comprehensive change in the school environment, and it places its entire focus on one issue, that of LGBTQ+.”
Mr. Diamond said the code offered “No room for religious, moral or philosophical views of the children or their parents.”
The RSE code says that from the age of three, lessons should promote “An awareness of how to communicate wants and needs in relationships,” and “awareness of how needs relate to rights.”
Seriously? Wants, needs, and relationships all at the age of only three?
If this is not a reason to stand up for our children, then I do not know what is people!
This is a serious problem, and Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), reacted to Government of Canada’s introduction of Bill C-48.
“The federal government’s introduction of Bill C-48 will not make the public safer.
Every person in Canada has a constitutional right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to not be denied liberty or reasonable bail without just cause.
The crime rate in Canada has been going down significantly - but the number of people denied bail has gone up 400%.
Bail is not being handed out like candy.
Over two-thirds of people held in provincial and territorial jails are not convicted of a crime.
We believe that every person in Canada deserves to feel safe in their community, but this bill will not accomplish that.
It is possible to protect the right to reasonable bail and ensure public safety. The federal government can and must do better than Bill C-48.”
As a community, this directly affects us; what are your thoughts? Is this bill helping our society or hurting it?
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering launching an urgent review of “age-inappropriate” sex education materials in schools, but this could be just lip service.
As we have seen in the past, whenever there is a public push back the evildoers will give a bit of slack only to come at us full force again. This is no time to accept promises.
Parents need to keep their eyes peeled and attend their toddlers’ classes unannounced regularly to catch these sex offenders in the act of teaching these vile lessons to babies, and if this is not possible, remove these very young children from these schools that participate in this evildoing.
This is a universal assault on our children that involves all levels of governments from Africa to the Caribbean with North America being the headquarters of operations including Canada.
In conclusion, I believe North Carolina’s Gov. Mark Robinson said it best and I join him in saying. “This rubbish has no place in any school in the universe.”
When did the WHO start dictating school curriculum? Paedophiles should leave our children alone!!
simone@carib101.com
In the African-Caribbean communities, there is a strong cultural emphasis on sports, especially high-impact sports. Certain sports, such as football or basketball, are particularly popular and create a sense of identity and pride associated with participation.
The presence of successful African-Caribbean athletes who have excelled in high-impact sports serve as role models for aspiring young athletes. When young people see individuals who look like them achieving success in sports, it inspires them to pursue similar paths.
High-impact sports often offer opportunities for scholarships, college recruitment, and potentially professional careers. For our youth, engaging in these sports can be a pathway to higher education, financial stability, and social mobility.
Sports fans out there have their favorite American football players, their fa-
vorite boxers, their favorite MMA fighters, but what many of us don’t realize is that these individuals put themselves at risk every time they step on the field, or step in the ring.
An estimated 50 million new TBI cases are reported worldwide each year and this figure has been increasing. The trend prompted scientists to launch CENTER-TBI, a European Union-funded project aimed at improving care for Traumatic Brain Injury patients.
Even light bumps on the head can cause long-term problems, and researchers may now have an idea why: the brain’s wiring can change in the aftermath of mild concussions.
Prior studies suggested that even mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that don’t cause any observable structural damage can still trigger symptoms that persist long term. These symptoms range from problems with concentration and fatigue to depression and anxiety.
Research has found that although there are treatments available for moderate to severe TBI, the understanding of mild TBI and its long-lasting symptoms remains poor.
The CENTER-TBI dataset is unique because, in addition to brain scans, it includes behavioral data, clinical outcomes and biomarkers. Co-senior author Emmanuel Stamatakis, whose University of
Cambridge lab specializes in developing methods to understand fMRI data, reported “This makes it possible to relate brain function to observed behavior.”
What has been found is that the brain adapts to injury in other areas of the brain by increasing their connections to the thalamus. The thalamus’ position at the center of the brain also makes it vulnerable to injury from impacts, whatever direction they come from, so the increased connectivity could also be a response to direct thalamus injury.
The thalamus is often described as the “relay” of the brain, because many signals pass through the structure before being shuttled elsewhere. The thalamus is involved in not only primary sensory functions, such as seeing and smelling, but also various complex functions that activate multiple brain regions simultaneously, like concentrating.
Next, the researchers plan to look at the effects of repetitive concussions as often seen in sports, to see whether TBI has cumulative effects.
It’s crucial to let our young men/ women know that they must prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear, practicing proper technique, and following the rules and guidelines set forth by the respective sports organizations. We need their young minds to guide us into the future.
The Toronto Caribbean News would like to express our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the families and community affected by the Mahdia Secondary School tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with all who have been affected.
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
tent customer service. Perhaps I’d be hap py with what is left of Toronto’s waterfront?
playing a game, paid no matter whether they perform well or not. Yah, that’s Toronto! Torontonians think they are the centre of Canada’s universe in every way. Know something needs to be done in the city. City Council studies it to death, on and on, again and again, lacking any initiative to achieve any greatness for the city. Look at their transit, and lack of historic city planning Even when they do plan something, the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. One service lays pipe, places concrete over the work only to have another service come by and dig it all up to place electrical wiring. Their city piping is over a hundred years old and they claim to not have the funds, or ability to fix what can be a terrible problem in the future.
The City Council is mostly made up of a bunch of elitist socialists who live and die within the city they have mismanaged. An original idea coming out of their combined talking head will never happen. The City of Toronto expands; its population grows while plans for the future remain unheard of from their City Council.
A downtown of no real consequence, with a waterfront riddled with
condos and unused warehouses. These folks cannot even decide what to do with their exhibition-waterfront playhouse. Needed housing, a park, entertainment or spa centre? Talk, talk and talk some more. That is all they do. The Premier wants action, decisions to be made, while the City Council looks upon him as opposition instead of a financial partner; ideologies that do not mesh well.
The rest of Ontario often is ignored while Toronto cries out for more revenue, more decision-making, and more attention.
Toronto cannot live within its own financial means, whether they are in a pandemic, or not. Excuses abound, yet Torontonians live in a city divided by: the stressed working class, shrinking middle class and Royal Blue upper class. Class distinctions abide everywhere. Can Toronto identify itself, where it is going and how it’s going to get its bankrupt self-there?
Toronto is likened to The Maple Leafs, prosperous and forever trying, but never getting to the pinnacle of success. Why do you think Toronto fans are so rabid? They have nothing else to look forward to.
Toronto is likened to The Maple Leafs, prosperous and forever trying, but never getting to the pinnacle of successW. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER
Mickey Mantle, former star of the New York Yankees baseball team, often remarked, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” He was only 63 when he died. Now, with many of us getting a good chance to live beyond 100, what’s one of the best investments in maintaining good health? It’s cheap, easy, and right inside your mouth.
Tooth decay affects 96% of North American people 50-64 years old. The statistics for tooth decay are almost as high for people aged 20-49. One in five North Americans over age 19 have lost teeth. One in four over 75 years of age have no
teeth. Last year, the World Health Organization reported that nearly half of earth’s human population suffers from oral diseases. Something is very wrong. The problem is that good oral health demands consistent manual work. Everybody knows that brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are crucial for keeping good teeth. But the greatest gap in life is between knowing and doing. Who knows why, but perhaps prevention is a price too high for people who enjoy laziness for free. According to a report from the University of California, only two-thirds of Americans brush their teeth twice daily. Fewer floss, and the laggards don’t admit their negligence. Many fail to make regular visits to their dentist. Is cost a factor? Dental bills can be high when treating disease. But the math looks good when weighing a checkup twice a year against the annual cost of sugary foods people buy without hesitation. Taxpayers should note, the cost of excess sugar consumption in Canada is $5
billion in health-care expenses. The U.S. healthcare system spends about $1 trillion per year on the negative health costs of excess sugar consumption.
A toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss cost a few dollars. Cheap weapons to fight the enemy.
Normally the balance of bacteria in the mouth does not injure teeth. But decay can develop from a combination of decreased saliva, poor diet, inadequate dental hygiene, and bacteria that produce high levels of acid. This results in the gradual demineralization of the tooth’s enamel.
Losing teeth through decay is one problem. Gum disease is another, and it’s a common cause of tooth loss. Most people are unaware that 50% of North Americans over age 30, and 70% of those over 65, suffer from gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene starts with what dentists call gingivitis, resulting in swollen red gums that bleed while brushing teeth. Plaque, composed of micro -
scopic food particles and bacteria, forms around the base of teeth. This gradually hardens into tartar.
Research has linked gum disease to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The American College of Cardiology confirms bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart and arteries. Over 400 years ago, Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, knew the importance of teeth. “For what I would have you know, Sancho,” Don Quixote said, “that a mouth without molars is like a mill without a stone, and a tooth is more precious than a diamond.”
Today, women seem to be paying better attention than men. One study found that 88% of women brush their teeth almost every day at bedtime, compared to 61% of men. Among teenagers, another study found 31% of girls flossed regularly, and only 21% of boys. But even if the girls outperform the boys, these rates are still too low if they hope to live to be 100 with all their teeth in place.
From the moment I walked in, the vibrant atmosphere and excited dialogue around the room set the tone for an unforgettable night. The venue was beautifully decorated with colorful lights; the guests were dressed to impress, and it looked like an incredible mix of people, each bringing their own unique energy and enthusiasm.
The diverse crowd created an atmosphere of inclusivity and I found myself meeting new friends, and reconnecting with old ones. The party was a fantastic opportunity to socialize and forge meaningful connections.
As the night progressed, the energy and excitement continued to escalate. The guests were filled with a sense of joy and camaraderie, which created
an incredible sense of community. It was evident that everyone was there to have a great time and celebrate life together.
The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to the Matrix Mortgage Global 15 Year Anniversary Oyster Party on Wednesday, May 17th, at Nomé Izikaya, 4848 Yonge Street.
For those who don’t know, Matrix Mortgage Global is one of Canada’s only Caribbean owned Mortgage Company. They are an experienced team of mortgage agents and brokers with backgrounds in financial planning, investments and real estate.
Since 2008, they have provided thousands of Canadians with the mortgage solutions they need to improve their financial situation. They have worked hard to build the resources, knowledge and confidence to meet their client’s individual needs. They are experts at helping secure funds for difficult to place mortgages. They have three offices in the Greater Toronto Area and have over 100 mortgage agents to help our community with all our mortgage needs.
Founder Shawn Allen is the perfect example of a man finding his pur-
pose, and going forward with it, and because of this, the mortgage world no longer has to be unexplored territory for our community. His success has made him a major stakeholder in the Canadian Financing Landscape, and he has worked with YWCA in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to provide employment opportunities for many within the African-Caribbean community.
His community work has extended to roles as a board of directors for the Scarborough Business Association (SBA), a community-based group dedicated to helping businesses thrive in Toronto. He is connected to the: Scarborough Business Association, Scarborough Renewal Community Organization, Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Markham Board of Trade, and the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association. When it comes to the mortgage industry, there is not much he has not already done.
Celebrating 15 successful years in the industry is a major accomplishment for the team, and as the party drew to a close, there was a feeling of satisfaction
and contentment in the air. Before everyone could leave, Shawn took a few moments to thank and speak to his guests,
“To successfully grow a business, four key decision areas need to be addressed: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. Neglecting any one of these areas will hinder the potential for success.
Get the right people doing the right things right, and watch your business achieve desirable outcomes.
It’s imperative to have a clear and effective strategy that promotes ongoing growth in revenue and gross margins. Tonight, we celebrate 15 years at Matrix Mortgage Global. We have the knack for pivoting, adaptability and strategic partnerships which are the cornerstones of our ongoing success.
I want to thank everyone for coming here tonight, and I know we are going to see many more years.”
The event had been a resounding success, and it was clear that it would be remembered as the celebration of the year. The memories made, the connections forged, and the sheer enjoyment of the night made it an unforgettable experience.
The memories made, and the connections forged made it an unforgettable experience; Matrix 15 Year Anniversary Oyster Party
SIMONE
simone@carib101.com
Kes and The Band, Konshens, Patrice Roberts, all on one album. What type of musical madness is this?
Can you expect any less from the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history. His distinctive voice, combined with his melodic delivery of relatable themes make him one of the most recognized voices in Reggae and Dancehall. His crossover successes (“It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “Bombastic”) make him the most streamed artist from the Caribbean.
His latest sonic effort, ‘In The Mood,’ is a 7-track EP that has a heavy Soca
applies elements of EDM and Dancehall by way of guest performers who are hitmakers in their respective spaces.
I received a personal invite from Natasha VonCastle (Director of Communications, VP Records), a great friend of the team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, to a private listening party. I was joined by media houses across the diaspora, all there to celebrate the greatness of a musical genius, the one we all know as Shaggy.
The EP begins with “In The Mood” featuring Kees from Kes The Band, which is a groovy Soca track that has both musicians throw inhibitions to the wind as they seek girls, rum and fun. “In The Mood” literally puts fans in the mood for light fun, smiles and laughter.
Colleagues Noah Powa and Konshens join Shaggy on track 2, “Buddy Bye.” Yep, this track applauds the jiggle of the female derriere, and seeks to use words to describe what her anatomy looks like when it moves.
Female Soca star Patrice Roberts adds her sultry voice and energy to track 3, “Whine and Jumping.” Paired with Shaggy, the duo captures the feeling of revelers as
they ‘whine and jump’ in their carnival costumes behind the big truck on the parade route. Designed for all the Carnival hot spots (Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto, Notting Hill, Miami and more), the groove of this track and the visuals of the music video keep you in the mood for Carnival.
Continuing with track 4, “I Love Her” is a liquified xylophone infused ode to the special lady who captures Shaggy’s excitement. With clever double-entendre and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Shaggy describes why his love interest is appealing to him. She may not be Miss World on the pageant circuit, but she is everything to this Reggae star.
EDM meets Soca on track 5; “Don’t Run” featuring Skinny Fabulous. With vigor in each beat, Shaggy and Skinny Fabulous lock their attention on the female of their fete desire to enjoy ‘whine’ from the beginning to end of the song. Emphasized with laser sounds and an infectious party resonance, “Don’t Run” is a hardcore power Soca chune that makes listeners move no matter how much they resist.
Track 6, “Liquor Buss,” is all about endless shots of liquid courage resulting in
a staggered walk, slurred speech and vibes that make for a memorable night. It features guest performers Future Fambo and Noah Powa.
Closing out Shaggy’s EP ‘In The Mood’ is track 7, “Well Talented” featuring Bunji Garlin. Produced by Tony ‘CD’ Kelly, the best of Dancehall and Soca combine on this electrifying and happy song that playfully appreciates a female’s physique. Emphasizing the natural beauty women possess, and how it moves when they dance, Shaggy and Bunji trade compliments with ladies who are not shy to show off their attributes.
“I always try to bring the fun when I’m performing and keep everything very lighthearted and joyous. I think my purpose and my job is to bring joy to as many people as I can, and I want that to resonate within all of the music that I create,” Shaggy shared with all of us.
‘In The Mood’ is a joint release with VP Records and Ranch Entertainment. The EP will be available on all streaming platforms on Friday May 16th, 2023.
I think I am in the mood for summer fun, in the mood for some Shaggy!
steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
When will we be able to be honest with ourselves, and admit there really is only one way to end this drug pandemic? Do our elected officials not realize they are looking more and more like the cartels of Latin America? None of these officials have seen people shoot up, with lines on their arms and between their toes. They have not witnessed horrid crimes committed by addicts to pay for the addicts needs.
Our elected officials are a bunch of pampered people, feeling sorry for others, but without the belly to make the appropriate choices to save many lives.
What can be done? Nay, what needs to be done?
Certain civil liberties need to be suspended at particular times when needed. A determination needs to be made declaring addiction as a form of mental illness that can lead to suicide and death. Make ad-
diction not just an illness, also a crime punishable by forced treatment. Addicts usually will not help themselves, but rather will do everything possible to feed their habit. Addiction is a severe mental illness that can be seen as a precursor to suicide/self destruction. I know, harsh words especially to those who love and care for the addict, but there really is no other way. Either the police have to have the authority and ability to pick up and detain addicts, or those that love them should be able to have them institutionalized within facilities whose job it is to treat these individuals over a set period of time up to six months. Breaking an addiction and assisting the addicted will take time and effort to meet their varied needs.
Treating addiction should be either the government’s job or a private affair. A gambler will continue gambling until they
are forced to stop, so to the addict. Look at Hastings in Vancouver! City blocks full of homeless and addicts forever growing in numbers.
This drug pandemic will continue and grow just as casino commercials shower our youth with potential wealth opportunities, developing their addictions. End casino advertisements on TV and radio and respect the potential and existing addicts among us.
Legalized weed and vaping is creating new and long lasting problems within our communities. The spread of opioids is the problem, not just those contaminated with toxins. Many drugs are poison to the body. The only thing you should be inhaling is the air around us.
I cannot believe I am saying this, but Nancy Reagan was right when she said “JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS”.
Carol Royer, Executive Director of Buddy Services Centre for Seniors is on a mission to see seniors not just survive, but thrive with health, wealth, prosperity and success. Carol is a Trinidadian Canadian entrepreneur, information specialist and community activist who is committed to helping others rise above poverty and inequality.
As a non-profit organization with a social enterprise purpose that is focused on improving the lives of seniors is a vital service that makes a big difference to those who have given so much.
Carol ran as an independent candidate for Etobicoke North in the last provincial election but was not successful in her attempt to unseat the incumbent Liberal MPP. As a mother of three daughters, who has lived and worked in Etobicoke North, she is aware of many of the crucial issues that seniors face considering that over 18 per cent of the Canadian population is older than 65 years old, and depression induced by loneliness contributes significantly to the diminishing of their quality of life and reduction in their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Buddy Services offers a wide range of services to seniors, which include: medical escorts, overnight stay, housekeeping, laundry, cooking, activities like going on walks, and escort for family gatherings. In addition, it has added new services such as: grief counselling, restorative care, buddy meal-kit and concierge. The areas that are covered by the services include Durham Region, Toronto, Peel Region and Halton Region.
On Saturday May 13th, 2023, Buddy Services Centre for Seniors held its Royal Tea fundraising event. In the promotional press release Carol states, “We are proud to be hosting the Royal Tea fundraising event, and welcome members of the media to attend and share this important occasion. By highlighting our event we hope to increase awareness about social isolation and encourage more people to support this worthy cause.”
The day’s event featured a welcome address by Carol Royer, prayer by Karietha MacBaiden, and a solo trumpet performance. There was drumming by the Keith Pascal drummers who entertained the mostly female guests throughout the event with live entertainment. This charity initiative was geared to raise funds to support seniors living alone includes a silent auction featuring a range of diverse prizes. Minister Shelley Hibbert and Brenda Royer made presentations.
I spoke with Carol at the event that was held at a nice and comfortable venue in
Scarborough. She was excited by the turnout of individuals who came out to support this exciting cause. She knows first-hand how important it is to provide needed services to seniors, especially as so many of them have been impacted by: rising inflation, increasing food and fuel costs, health and medical challenges as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed optimism about the expansion of in-home care services beyond the GTA into Halton Region through the delivery of: high-quality care, resources and companionship to seniors.
Carol told me of the opening of a new location at 420 Britannia Road East, Unit 108 in Mississauga near Britannia Rd and Hurontario Road. She announced it on April 12th, and the official opening was on April 26th. It will feature a brand-new day program geared to seniors in Mississauga for only $10 per day. It will be a safe and welcoming place for seniors to participate in fun-filled activities.
simone@carib101.com
This summer is looking to be a sizzling one, and on Thursday May 18th, 2023, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited for a sneak peak of exactly what we have to expect in one of the most multicultural cities in the GTA.
We want to personally invite the Caribbean community to Brampton on Stage, a new umbrella branding by the city of Brampton that celebrates their venues: The Rose Mainstage & Studio, LBP Cyril Clark, and Garden Square. Together, their venues create an interrelated, city-wide campus.
Their high-caliber and multipurpose facilities offer a wide range of artistic programming, concerts, special events, and experiences. This year, Brampton will be announcing their city in two parts, bringing the community more high-quality entertainment all year round.
Hosted by our very own Jay Martin, guests were introduced to the spectacular June to December 2023 season. It was an incredible night that highlighted the very best in performing arts, including music, dance, theater, and more. The night reflected the traditions, history, and identity of the great city of Brampton. Through the ar-
ray of performances, it demonstrated how communities can preserve their cultural heritage, pass down stories and values to future generations, and celebrate their unique identities.
What Brampton has done is use performing arts to bring people together. They have provided opportunities for individuals to connect, collaborate, and share experiences. Participating in or attending performances fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the community. These events can create shared memories, promote empathy, and bridge social divides by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together.
What we have done is put together a list of events that we think our community will not only appreciate, but want to be a part of:
June 23rd, 2023:
Midsummer Market
June 22nd, & 23rd, 2023: Vibrant Brampton
July 7th, 2023
Kirk Diamond and The Movement of Ahryel Featuring Jonelle
August 4th, 2023
East Coast Kitchen Party featuring Eclectic Revival and Screeched Inn
Movies by Moonlight
Every Wednesday at 8:00 pm from June 28th to August 30th, bring a blanket and chair to Garden Square to cuddle up and enjoy a FREE family friendly
movie.
Starlight Saturday Movies
Enjoy FREE star-studded movies under the stars on Saturdays at 8:00 pm with box office hits on July 8th, 29th; August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, and September 2nd.
October 21st, & December 2nd, 2023
Stand -up Stitches, Curated by Keesha Brownie
Where comedians, comedy-lovers, and entertainment seekers convene to share in nature’s most abundant recreational drug-laughter!
September 17th, 2023
Harvest Moon Market
September 23rd, 2023
Flow Fest
They rhythm of drumming and syncopated sound returns to The Rose Mainstage for the second annual Flow Fest, Brampton’s International Drumming Festival.
October 13th, 2023
Flower City Slam
A competition highlighting voices of poetry and spoken word. Poets compete to win $500.00 in prizes, and a featured spot on the slam stage.
October 26th – 28th, 2023
The Vagina Monologues
November 4th, 2023
Crate Clash, Curated by Joseph Khargie
The ultimate DJ battle showcasing young DJ’s and DJ crews participating in a 70-year-old Jamaican tradition.
November 17th, 2023
Winter Market
November 25th, 2023
The Jay Martin Comedy Series
November 30th, 2023
Hype, Curated by Jemane Kent
A high energy event featuring local singers and dancers.
December 1st, 2023:
Rising Vibes, Curated by TCSPADES
A hip hop and R&B showcase RISING VIBES elevates artists in Brampton, the Greater Toronto area, and beyond with shows featuring the best in emerging local talent Performing arts have the power to inspire, entertain, and uplift individuals. Whether through a thought-provoking play, a powerful musical performance, or a mesmerizing dance recital, the arts have the ability to evoke emotions, spark imagination, and provide moments of joy. They offer an escape from everyday life, promoting mental well-being and enriching the quality of life within the community.
Ticket prices are affordable, parking is free, and it will be the summer to create great memories. Book your tickets now at tickets.brampton.ca/Online/default.asp
Oh, what a summer it will be!
TIN), which. according to the website: https://www. tetin.net/, “Promotes Social, Industrial & Economic Development Through Appropriate Education and Training.”
1987 to December 1988.
The news of the death of well-known educator Oscar Braithwaite came as a shock to many who knew him personally over the years. His daughter, Wendy Motion, announced the sad news on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023. On her Facebook account she wrote, “We are sad to share that our father E. Oscar Braithwaite has passed on. Though we, and so many others, will miss him dearly, we are thankful for his life, love and all of his contributions both here and abroad. We celebrate him through good memories and recognition of his vision and his legacy. He is now with our ancestors and the Creator, and for that we are grateful.”
Oscar was born in Bridgetown, Barbados and moved to Canada to further his education.
He founded the Technical Education and Training International (TE-
Oscar described himself as, “A Pan-Africanist who wants to close the wide divide between Continental and Diaspora Africans.” He studied: Sociology of Education, History & Mathematics at the University of Toronto and received his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts, as well as Post Graduate Studies in Education Theory. He subsequently obtained a Certificate in Architectural Technology from Ryerson Polytechnic University (now known as Toronto Metropolitan University) as well as completing the Ontario Secondary School Principals’ Qualifications course.
Oscar started his teaching career with the Toronto Board of Education in September 1968, and worked there until August 1997 where he became the former head of the Department of Technology. He worked for two years at the Botswana Polytechnic in Botswana, Africa from March 1982 to April 1984 as well as at the TechnicalVocational Education Consultant at Gweru Technical College from August
In addition, after his retirement, he worked as an education consultant at Swaziland Ministry of Education & Training from November 1997 to November 1998, and as Technical Education Consultant at Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic from June 2000 to July 2000.
He travelled extensively in Africa visiting thirteen countries as well as the Caribbean and Brazil where he conducted: workshops, consulted with educators, published writings and participated in conferences.
Oscar was well respected and honoured for his extensive and widespread community involvement. He served as a board member with the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Black Tradesmen, and Women of Ontario in the 1990s, and became Chair of the Board and member of the African Canadian Legal Clinic in 2007. He was a founding member of the Canadian Alliance of Black Educators (CABE) and subsequently served as its President.
It started with the Black Education Project. It was incorporated in1980 and was the brainchild of Oscar Braithwaite, and the late David Melville, both
of the Greater Toronto Area. The civic agenda spearheaded by Braithwaite and Melville would draw others into action, and the organization CABE would enhance the future of unrecorded numbers of Blacks.
Especially important were educational remediation offered in the Saturday morning tutoring classes, advocacy with Boards of Education, and research which exposed systematically embedded issues impeding the life chances of Black learners in Ontario.
It was primarily due to the visionary and pioneering work of CABE and its collaboration with educational advocacy groups in: Nova Scotia, Quebec and the United States that there were major changes made to: programs, policies and procedures of school boards to increase the academic success and educational achievements of Black students. He also held the role of co-director within INVOTEC Education Ltd (UK).
Oscar is survived by his three children: Caroline, Wendy and Eddy; siblings: Irma, Gwen and Farley as well as eight grandchildren. Oscar’s home going and celebration of life services were held on May 20th, 2023, at Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Educator Oscar Braithwaite remembered for his years of service to public education and community work
As he made his way to the ring, he vividly imagined himself winning the fight. He had mentally rehearsed various scenarios, visualized successful punches, defensive moves, and strategies.
Of course, he was nervous; nervousness and anxiety are common before a fight, but he had learned and practiced techniques to manage these emotions. “Breath,” he said to himself. “Deep breaths.” He knew that he had to stay composed, focused, and disciplined throughout the fight. Emotional regulation was crucial in order to avoid impulsive reactions and maintain a clear mind.
It was his first time back in the ring after a long layoff, and he knew that it would be physically and mentally grueling, but over the years he had developed mental resilience, enough to endure the challenges that he would face. For him, it was all about pushing through fatigue, staying mentally strong in the face of adversity, and maintaining a determined mindset.
Face off finished, back to the corner and wait for the bell. Ding…
This is the second installment of “Return of the HItman” the Kemahl Russell Story. I decided to tell Kemahl’s comeback story after meeting in November 2022. There was just something about him, a determination that I had never seen before. After his victorious fight on April 29th, 2023, I searched the internet to see what had been written about him, and I was disappointed; no one could really derive the essence of his story, but no fault of theirs. I just happened to be invited to join him on his journey back to the ring, and therefore could truly capture what he had experienced.
Kemahl willingly stepped into the ring, knowing he would face an opponent who was equally determined to win. I watched him display courage, stand his ground, and fight back even when the odds were against him. During my time with Kemahl and his team, I learned that boxing is not just about throwing punches. Boxers employ strategic thinking, analyzing their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, and adapting their approach accordingly. They must make split-second decisions, anticipate
their opponent’s moves, and exploit any openings that arise during a fight.
Every time a boxer steps in the ring, there is a chance that it will be his/ her last time. Really think about that.
During his six-week training camp, I watched Kemahl live a disciplined lifestyle. He abstained from unhealthy habits, partying, staying out late, as well as other personal pursuits, in order to devote himself fully to his training. Kemahl would pay attention to his diet and follow a nutrition plan that supported his training and helped him meet his weight requirements for his weight class. Plus, he had to sacrifice time with friends and family coming to Canada, which I am sure was challenging at times.
I noted that Kemahl had developed the ability to stay focused, maintain composure under pressure, and make split-second decisions in the ring, all of these skills practiced and exercised outside of the ring first.
When he was not physically training, Kemahl was analyzing his opponents’ strengths, weaknesses, and fighting styles so that he could develop effective strategies. He would study videos of their opponents’ previous fights, as well as boxers who he respected and looked up to. He would take the time to observe patterns and strategize accordingly. I realize now that this analytical approach helped him diversify his fighting style and feel more prepared and confident going into the ring.
Grant’s
A boxer is nothing without his team, and a key member of that team is his coach. During his six-week training camp, Kemahl had to undergo rigorous training to develop his physical and mental: strength, agility, speed, and endurance. He spent hours in the gym working on various aspects of his technique, including punching, footwork, defensive maneuvers, and conditioning exercises. His training sessions often involved sparring with other boxers to practice and improve their skills.
I sat back and watched his sparring sessions in awe; he would have to go six or seven rounds, swapping out a new
opponent every two rounds. No doubt he had to follow a strict fitness routine to maintain peak physical condition. He engaged in intense cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and agility drills. His coaches focused on building his strength, and explosive power.
Ryan Grant (aka RG) has years of experience in the sport. He has been through various training camps, fights, and competitions himself, which has given him valuable insights and wisdom. I observed him share his experiences, offer guidance, and act as a mentor to Kemahl, helping him navigate the complexities of boxing and providing valuable advice on his career development.
Since its opening in November 2008, the gym that Kemahl trained at (Grant’s MMA Gym) quickly established itself as the premier fight gym in the city with a rich history of building champions.
After more than 15 years of coaching elite and developing fighters at Ring 83 in Montreal and Grant Brothers Boxing, RG made his way out to Toronto and established a tremendous following of competitive boxers, MMA fighters and boxing enthusiasts creating a demand to open a center dedicated to helping fighters like Kemahl develop and excel.
Partnering with Sandro Dipic, an exceptional Muay Thai coach with a competitive career of more than 50 fights, Grant’s MMA Gym was built to provide the most elite boxing instruction. For Kemahl, Grant designed a personalized training program that was tailored to his specific needs, helping to improve his strength, speed, agility, endurance, and overall fitness level. RG, and his Assistant Coach Evan monitored his progress and made adjustments to optimize his physical capabilities.
RG would analyze Kemahl’s strengths, weaknesses, and fighting style, and create effective strategies and game plans for his upcoming fight. If I came into the gym and I heard yelling, I knew that one of the fighters was getting chewed out for not doing what they needed to be doing; RG and Evan did not play.
Kemahl had set specific goals for
himself before the fight, and RG helped with the execution. From the very beginning they were a match made in heaven, and when his hand was raised, the bond became official. They were a winning team, and soon all the world would see. There was so much to take in during my time shadowing Kemahl, and one thing that stuck out to me was how much boxing is like life.
“In the ring,” Kemahl shared with me, “A boxer is solely responsible for their performance and outcome. I have to take ownership of my actions, strategies, and mistakes. There is no one I depend on in there but myself. I have to take calculated risks that can lead to victory, but it can also expose me to potential harm.
Life also requires taking risks, and boxing emphasizes the importance of assessing risks and rewards; it teaches valuable lessons about decision-making and consequences.”
What did I learn during those six weeks? I learned that first of all being a boxer is no joke, and that boxing is often seen as a microcosm of life due to the challenges, triumphs, failures, discipline, and personal growth it encompasses. The lessons learned in the ring can be applied to various aspects of life, making it a rich source of metaphors and analogies for the human experience.
I appreciate Kemahl for allowing me to be part of his comeback, and I know that we will be hearing more about this young man in the future.
The Hitman is back!
Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News
E-cigarettes are gentle and safe, right? Wrong. Despite what many say, vaping isn’t an ideal alternative to smoking. Since it’s a relatively recent trend compared to traditional cigarettes, the long-term effects haven’t been studied. If you’re curious about this gadget or know someone who vapes, know the facts.
Effects of nicotine
Although the nicotine contained in many vaping products isn’t associated with cancer, e-liquids and e-juices are highly addictive. They’ve also been shown to:
• Impair concentration and memory
• Cause behavioural problems, especially in adolescents
• Predispose users to dependence on other addictive substances
Vaping products contain several ingredients that may seem safe, such as dietary glycerin, propylene glycol and artificial flavours. However, when heated, these substances can create cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acrolein. In addition, contaminants like toxic heavy metals can end up in inhaled vapour.
Additionally, studies indicate that vaping worsens lung disease and asthma, and inhaling harmful chemicals can cause irreversible lung damage and cardiovascular disease.
Do you vape and are struggling to quit? Consult a health professional for help.
Do you want a fun way to refresh your look and express your personality this summer? Take inspiration from some of this year’s trends.
Discoloured eyebrows. Dark, thick eyebrows are out. Trendy brows are now nearly invisible. To adopt this bold style, make the most of your eye makeup.
Long bangs. Worn straight, to the side or as a curtain, the long fringe is back to cover the entire forehead. Get your shears in gear!
Natural complexion. In 2023, give your skin a breath of fresh air. Light foundations, tinted moisturizers and serums are all the rage.
Vinyl Lips. This year, vinyl is a trending lipstick finish. Your pout won’t go unnoticed with this ultra-chic style.
Full eyelashes. Give your upper and lower eyelashes extra drama with new “faux lash” mascaras. Your glances will be irresistible!
Blorange. A blend named for blond and orange or blood orange, this flamboyant mix of orange, pink and red is sure to warm up your hairstyle.
Fade haircut. This short cut requires you to shave your hair so that it’s heaviest at the top of the head and gradually thins towards the nape where it barely grazes the scalp.
What trends will you try this year?
How important is what I like to call the “Total Family Doctor” (TFD)? For years, I’ve praised the hardworking family doctor for the role he or she plays in medical care. Now, many North Americans say it’s impossible to find a family doctor. What has happened to them?
Prior to becoming a surgeon, I had the good fortune to spend time as a family doctor. I nearly decided to follow this path. Why? I also watched specialists performing the same task every day. It could become boring, I thought. So, surgery finally won,
but I’ve never forgotten the challenges of being a family physician. I even experienced the roles of hotel doctor and ship’s surgeon during medical training.
I believe that people who are fortunate enough to have a family doctor have a better chance of living longer. Why? Seeing a doctor regularly for check-ups means they’re not playing Russian Roulette with their health. We all hope that nothing is going to go wrong with the only body we will have in this life, but when your family doctor finds you have hypertension, you can start to cut down on salt. Or, when the doctor recommends you should avoid obesity, you can improve the diet and decrease health risks.
Getting a head start on problems cannot be overemphasized. Consider the woman whose breast malignancy is diagnosed early, or the man who believes rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. The “total family doctor” thinks otherwise and orders a colonoscopy, which detects early cancer of the bowel. How about someone who be -
lieves a chronic cough is due to allergy, but an x-ray ordered by the family doctor finds early cancer of the lungs.
So, give thanks to the Almighty if you have a “total family doctor” looking after you. Kudos if yours steers you away from the disease I call “Pillitis” causing people to rush for painkillers at the first sign of a headache, ignoring the serious side effects of these drugs. Why not a cold towel on the brow, or a quiet room to relax? Why the need to rush to the pharmacy after overindulgence in food? The family doctor may suggest just a change in eating habits as the right prescription.
It is also a plus to have a total family doctor who warns about the possible excess of radiation. He or she knows X-rays save lives, but many patients are heedless of the damage of overuse. Patients should be hesitant to demand X-rays of the reluctant doctor.
I’ve known many direct, decisive and empathetic TFDs. Patients appreciate these traits.
I witnessed a telling incident. Three specialists gathered around a patient were worried about his laboured breathing following gallbladder removal. They had decided the obstructed breathing was so serious it required an immediate tracheotomy to put a tube in his throat.
As they were about to wheel the patient into surgery, the family doctor arrived and listened to his long-time patient’s breathing. Promptly he said, “I’ve known Tom for 40 years and he always breathes that way!” The operation was immediately cancelled. Three embarrassed specialists departed. This illustrates why continuity of care is so vital.
There’s another way family doctors can be of tremendous help, when the problem is beyond the TFD’s range of expertise. A fast referral to the right specialist is something people without a family doctor rarely achieve.
Let’s train more TFD’s, the backbone of medical practice! In another life, I’d be one of them without hesitation.
Let’s train more Total Family Doctors; they are the backbone of medical practiceW. GIFFORDJONES MD COMMON SENSE HEALTH DIANA GIFFORD-JONES
trishas@carib101.com
I was having a chat with my co-worker today, and we were reasoning about the five wounds of the soul. These wounds are betrayal, injustice, abandonment, humiliation and rejection. Every single person on this planet has experienced at least two wounds in their lifetime. These wounds cause deep-seated trauma and eventually shape the way we think, how we feel about ourselves and how we see the world.
What was interesting in our con-
versation was the topic of self-awareness. As we get older and embark on this healing journey, we can come to terms with a traumatic experience like divorce, or abuse, lean into the lesson and keep it moving, but is that really it? If these wounds have changed the very core of our lives, then learning the lesson does not equate to being healed from that trauma. The wound is not healed, because you are in fact still the same. For example, if you have been rejected all your life, you learn that everyone won’t see your worth and that is ok, because it does not diminish the awesomeness of who you are.
Over time though, you find yourself becoming withdrawn and introverted. Maybe you don’t keep people too close for the fear of rejection and only accept perfection from yourself so as to not be rejected by the few you open up to.
You weren’t always like this, but the way you are now is the “mask” you have accepted to wear as part of your core characteristics. This “mask” is a result of trauma. Am I saying that people can’t change? Of course not, evolution is a part of our human experience, but is going from a rambunctious, fearless extrovert into a withdrawn, isolated person considered evolving? It sounds like devolution to me. This is where self-awareness comes in. To acknowledge that something about you has indeed changed, but not necessarily for the better. When we can sit with ourselves and take inven-tory of who we truly are, then we can begin to take responsibility for the aftereffects of the trauma so we can begin to heal.
This is where the “active” part of healing comes in. Active healing involves embracing new paradigms and reprogramming the mind so new habits and behaviours will follow. Below are a few ways we can begin the active healing process.
allowing your emo-tions to flow through: journaling, therapy or just talking to trusted individuals. Keeping the pain within is debilitating to not only the spirit and the mind but the body too. Talking and writing is a healthy way to empty your cup so to speak, to work through challenging emo-tions and allow for healthy expression and release.
Setting boundaries is very important during the healing process. Healthy boundaries must be put in place with relationships and situations in order to create a safe and supportive en-vironment for yourself. Sometimes active healing can mean severing ties with people, learn-ing to say no and abstaining from things that don’t leave room for you to work on yourself.
You may have heard of this or not. I am a firm believer of a healthy lifestyle. It’s not easy sometimes to start a fitness challenge, but it is easy to make it a lifestyle instead of dieting. Not too long ago I dived into the topic of juice fasting and eating raw fruits and vegetables. It is possible to transition into a lifestyle where it becomes a part of you. There are ways and means, so let’s take
Thus far, I have personally gone on a journey, falling and getting back up with diverse fitness challenges. My journey of juicing had its hiccups, but as time went on, I decided to give myself grace and time and even if I eat food a day or two, or on weekends that I wanted or deserved. I would stick to eating my fruits and vegetables or juicing or creating a momentum towards a
Yes, it is possible. You can juice fast or eat fruits and vegetables for a week and experience the benefits that you need. You can also make it work and have one vegan meal day, which is a lifestyle. Some people have supplements three times a day. Think of juicing or juice prepping three times a day in between your meals or having one meal a day with juicing.
Juicing has so many benefits. Juicing helps to clear your skin and eases any sickness, or disease. Overall, creating a way to juice and eat fruits and vegetables raw will help you to ease off certain old habits especially if you’re a binge or emotional eater.
Your juicing guide to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle.
Juicing perks include:
Easy to take on the go. Simply bottle-up and go. Some machines even allow you to
expel your juice directly into the container of your choice!
Healthier than store-bought juice
In the sea of juices in beverage isles, it can be difficult to read every label to make sure there aren’t hidden ingredients in the juice that’s even labeled “all natural”. With homemade juice, you know exactly what’s going into your cup and into your body.
What’s the difference between fresh and traditional?
Simply put, almost all store-bought juice is cooked. Due to FDA requirements and general safety concerns, most fruit and vegetable juices must be “superheated” or pasteurized to kill off bacteria that would form if the liquid sat on the shelf too long. This goes for juice on the shelf and in the refrigerated section. This process lengthens shelf life, but it also kills lots of essential nutrients you would receive if you had juice from fresh. With more health movements on the rise, there are brands of “raw” juice available at select grocery stores. However, it tends to be more expensive because of smaller batching and short shelf life.
Look out for “juice drinks,” or juice beverages. Buyers beware of sugar lurking in juice that may even have the titles “natural” “real” or “healthy” on the label. Any juice that has “juice drink” or “juice beverage” in the title is more than likely mixed with water, sugar and other additives. It is not 100% juice and by law cannot be called so. Stay far away from these processed beverages. They can sometimes have as much sugar as your everyday fast-food soda. When in doubt, fresh is best!
There are many ways you can get started with making your own juice at home. Because juicing has become more popular, lots of companies have begun flooding the market with affordable equipment to get the most out of your fruits and veggies. This includes centrifuge juicers, slow juicers and citrus juicers (Your Juicing Guide to Jumpstart a Healthier Lifestyle, n.d.).
To be self-aware is to understand your own: thoughts, emotions and triggers related to trau-matic events and experiences. It allows you to identify areas of healing and focus your ef-forts effectively with reflective questions and new perspectives. Meditation is a great way to begin cultivating self-awareness so you can become more conscious of your words and ac-tions.
Emotional processing is another way to actively heal. It is the process of
The most important aspects to active healing are self-care, self-forgiveness and compassion for oneself. You cannot get very far in the healing process if you are still beating yourself up about the past. It’s time to give yourself grace and extend kindness, understanding and ac-ceptance to yourself. Get outside and ground with trees, partake in healing rituals that nour-ish the spirit, get active, and go get a massage, or join that dance class.
Punishing yourself does not serve anybody, it’s time to forgive, honour the lesson that the experience brought, and begin implementing healthy ways to remove the “mask” of injustice so you can truly, actively heal.
Your juicing guide to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle
Begin implementing healthy ways to remove the “mask” of injustice so you can truly, actively heal
SAKRED SYNERGI
megan@carib101.com
DELICIOUS CONVERSATIONS
One of the aspects I adore about food is the deep, rich history it narrates. Just as spices give a dish its unique flavor, history imparts a distinctive essence to food. I’ve always been fascinated by the crucial role food plays in our societies, shaping cultures and connecting people across borders. The journey a dish takes from its origin to its current form reflects human migration, adaptation, and survival. By tracing this path, we understand the profound significance of food in our global society.
Take for instance, the story of Ackee and Saltfish, a dish that beautifully illustrates the global connections fostered by food. Ackee, a fruit native to the lush landscapes of West Africa, found a new home in Jamaica during the 18th century. This relocation wasn’t by choice, but a forced consequence of the transatlantic slave trade. Despite its tragic introduction, the fruit flourished in the Caribbean climate. Its exterior, a vibrant red, splits open to reveal a soft, creamy-yellow interior.
When cooked, it develops a delicate, buttery texture reminiscent of scrambled eggs.
But the fascinating saga of this dish doesn’t end there. The Ackee needed a partner to create the culinary symphony that is Ackee and Saltfish. Enter saltfish, or salted cod. The connection of this preserved fish to our tale adds another layer to our global tapestry – a Canadian connection.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, British ships braved the Atlantic, carrying salted cod from the icy waters of Newfoundland to the sun-kissed Caribbean. This was an integral part of the Triangular Trade, a global exchange network where Canada was a vital player. The saltfish, preserved to withstand long sea voyages, found favor in the Caribbean cuisine, pairing exquisitely with the local ackee.
Ackee and Saltfish is more than just a dish—it’s a tale of survival, resilience, and cultural fusion, a savory testament to human adaptability. This humble meal serves as a delicious history lesson on a plate, narrating stories of cultural exchange, colonial trade, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
Now, with our hearts filled with this rich narrative, let’s embark on a culinary adventure to prepare an easy yet authentic recipe of Ackee and Saltfish with Fried Dumplin. To enhance the textural ex-
perience, I propose a little twist - adding butter to the dumplin. This small act of massaging cold butter into the flour results in a flakier, softer dumplin, a delight for the senses. Cooking, after all, is not just about following recipes but also about adding personal touches, just as history adds its flavor to food.
In the end, the story of Ackee and Saltfish is not just about a dish—it’s a journey, a narrative of human history, resilience, and the extraordinary power of food to connect us all. As we savor each bite, we partake in this shared history, and we add our own flavors to the ongoing, delicious story of global culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
• 2 cans of ackee (drained)
• 250g of salted cod
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper (de-seeded and chopped, optional)
• 3 tablespoons of oil
• Black pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
• 2 cups of flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of cold, unsalted butter
• Water
• Oil for frying
Instructions: Soak the salted cod overnight to remove excess salt. If you’re short on time, boil it for about 20 minutes. Drain, debone, and flake the fish.
Heat the oil in a pan, sauté the onion, bell pepper, Scotch Bonnet (if using), and garlic until softened. Add the flaked saltfish and tomatoes to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes. Gently fold in the ackee. Cook for another 5 minutes. Remember not to stir too much, or the ackee might break up. Season with black pepper to taste. For the dumplings, mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water until a firm dough forms.
Divide the dough into small balls, flatten, and fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. The butter in the dough will melt as the dumplings cook, creating steam that results in flaky, soft layers.
Serve the Ackee and Saltfish hot with your flaky, buttery fried dumplings. Here’s to a bite of history and a testament to the power of culinary fusion.
By learning the routes that food takes to become what it is, we truly appreciate its significance and the connections it fosters. After all, we’re all part of this global culinary tapestry. Bon appétit
ter being falsely accused of making advances toward 21-year-old Carol BryantDonham.
When one does something wrong, they should realize there are consequences for their wrongdoings. However, there have been cases of innocent people receiving one when they did not deserve one.
During the summer of 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till traveled to Mississippi from Chicago for what was supposed to be a fun family vacation.
The vacation turned tragic after Till was brutally beaten and lynched af-
Several nights after the incident, BryantDunham’s husband, Roy, abducted Till from his great-uncle’s home with his brother, J.W. Milam.
Both brothers beat and mutilated Till before shooting him in the head and tossing his body into a river to sink.
Till’s body was discovered three days later and returned to Chicago.
Mamie Till-Mobley, Till’s mother, insisted on having a public funeral service with an open casket to raise awareness of racism in America and how barbaric lynching is.
Although Bryant and Milam confessed to murdering Till, an all-white jury acquitted both of them in his murder.
Till’s murder would be motivation for the next phase of the civil rights movement. The Montgomery bus boy-
cott would begin for three months and continue for over a year. The boycott resulted in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregated buses were unconstitutional.
In 2017, we all learned that Bryant-Donham lied about Till making advances toward her in released details from a 2007 interview. Upon learning of this, many have called for the arrest of Bryant-Donham. Unfortunately, the district attorney and a grand jury did not proceed with an arrest due to a lack of evidence.
Bryant-Donham died on April 23rd, 2023, at the age of 88.
Upon learning of Bryant-Donham’s death, I couldn’t help but think about how damaging false accusations can be. Till’s murder wasn’t the only time someone died over a false accusation.
In 2002, 47 years after Till’s murder, actor Merlin Santana got shot and killed after 15-year-old Monique King
falsely accused Santana of rape.
King received ten years in juvenile custody for the murder. The first gunman, Damien Andre Gates, received three consecutive life sentences plus 70 years in prison. The second gunman, Brandon Douglas Bynes, received a 23year sentence.
Those falsely accused are also not the only ones impacted by false accusations.
Sometimes, real victims can experience victim blaming when they come forward. Some real victims don’t get the justice they deserve for this very reason.
If you ever think about making a false accusation, remember that you can put someone in a dangerous situation. Remember to think about the real victims who may face scrutiny due to people who make false accusations.
BY ADRIAN REECEI had the pleasure of attending SHE IS WOMAN, an interactive art exhibit highlighting the Black woman’s contribution to this world with her talents. It was created, orchestrated and curated by Nigel Birch, an international poet and host.
Walking into the venue, an intimate environment immediately met you; around the room sat beautiful paintings of different genres, with many pieces taking the senses to another world. The artistic elements were highlighted by poetic verses explicitly tailored to each portrait, created and read by Nigel himself.
Sitting down with Nigel, I re
en, and even though statistics show they are more educated and earning more than they have historically, the treatment they receive has not improved at all. As a result, Nigel is dedicated to displaying the most innate qualities in their art as a reflection of their inner beauty separate from the physical aspects of societal attraction. There was also a desire to combine the nature of antiquity with the contemporary presence of Black art into one medium to showcase the love, but connecting the past and the present shows that Black women never go out of style. Like all layers of society, there is a level of misogyny in the art spaces, and Black women are actively attempting to take up space. The intersectionality of being Black and a woman makes it difficult to find places where they can showcase the beauty of their minds and hearts. Through their lens, we get a view
of a perspective that men can never portray in the reflections of their thoughts. This event allowed the essence of Black women to display all of its rawness that, in most cases, we never get to see. SHE IS WOMAN is just the beginning of spaces where Black women in the art world are given a platform to share their creativity and talent. It was an event designed to display the powerful intersectional elements that Black Women are made of. Every inch of SHE IS WOMAN, from idea to conception to application, screamed vulnerability and selflessness. These talented artists put their hearts and minds on display while being subjected to the prying eyes of many people who may not understand their vision but could appreciate the beauty of their struggles. In this venue, we found connections to people we’d never met, an understanding of ourselves and a like-
mindedness of those who attended. Nigel isn’t done yet. He is moving forward with another interactive art show named “HE IS MAN, in which he will attempt to showcase the vulnerability and power of the Black man in art and bring together the aspects of Black women and Black men into a place where we can be unified as opposed to constantly divided. These events bridge love in the community through art and allow us to pour love into women, and as a result, it is run back into their male counterparts and uplifts the community as a whole. This mission brings together the most beautiful aspects of Black women and Black men, separate but always connected in their manners of expression and vulnerability. This is only the beginning of what we can expect to see from the launchpad of SHE IS WOMAN.
communist spies, saboteurs and influencers? Such action has not happened already, right?
steven@carib101.com
Whether in the US Congress, Mexican Legislature or Canadian Parliament Chinese corporate and governmental lobbyists try to buy many of our elected officials favours.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) and their military wing have infiltrated our homelands using our own immigration systems. Once a member of the Chinese Military, always a member, ready to serve China’s requests and needs no matter where they may be. China’s government has no problem using family members still living in China as pawns to threaten our Chinese North American citizens into doing what they are asked to do, and what is the ask?
• Place themselves within securityeconomic important jobs and positions that allow them the ability to: acquire, manipulate or sabotage Western Interests.
• Place themselves within organizations and businesses that have the ability to manipulate public opinion and distort domestic policy in favour of Chinese policies.
• Place themselves into positions within domestic, national, and international police organizations as well as national military organizations.
Chinese corporations, whether established internationally, or domestically owe their allegiance to those who own them and the country of origin, China.
ers, in an attempt to acquire information for: blackmail and fraud projects, intelligence gathering, and development of contacts friendly to China and its allies. Sensitive signals data has been acquired and processed outside of America and Canada’s reach intercepting communications between control group contacts, with the hope of acquiring intelligence and useful dirt on target individuals.
co-op our elected officials. Do you look under your beds at night for Chinese
Always work towards the benefit of China, its security and economy through acquiring technological, economic, political, military and social secrets.
Chinese intelligence can demand Chinese corporations’ assistance in a military, intelligence or political op. These are the rules in China and abroad.
Chinese intelligence has used mobile networks in the Caribbean to spy upon American and Canadian subscrib -
Our governments all know that authoritarian regimes like China and Russia make constant attempts to: infiltrate, manage and manipulate those who defend, manage and serve our nation. Our fellow citizens who serve in military, security, policing, governmental, pharmaceutical, medical and technological positions can face threats from a foreign national organization, or intelligence agency.
That is the reality of life in the 21st Century. Those in: Ottawa, Washington, or Mexico City who claim to not know of these threats and activities should not be in government, or positions of power.
Black women in the art world are given a platform to share their creativity and talent; “SHE IS WOMAN!”
simone@carib101.com
What is interesting about telling this story over the last couple of years is that in the meantime, life is still happening. There are many parts of this story that have been repeated several times over in my life, and I question myself, “Did I learn anything from my mistakes, and if I did, why am I still finding myself in the same situations.”
I will tell you why, I have not completely healed. When you have not healed from a trauma in your life, that area of life will always stick out like a sore thumb. What I mean is you will notice the same situations happening over and over. What many of us tend to do is point to things outside of us, and we don’t take the time to look at the fact that certain aspects of our lives are direct projections of our thoughts. In other words, we see the world because of the thoughts that are in our mind.
After M, I had to dedicate some time to healing, and figuring out why I had allowed someone so destructive to come into my life. Looking back at it now, I know that it was because I felt so terrible about myself; at that time, I was so ashamed of what I had gone through, I needed to know someone understood.
M did. He made me feel heard, accepted, even though it was an acceptance to a very deluded, and manipulative world.
It was during this time that I started to see a social worker. She was recommended to me by my family doctor Dr. C. I knew that something felt off about me; I was tired all the time; I lacked motivation, and I had become very withdrawn. I also found myself falling back into destructive patterns, and turning to addictions that I thought I had a handle on. My anxiety was at an all-time high, and I felt like I was in a tailspin.
What a disaster?
When I went to see Dr.C, she told me that my blood pressure was through the roof. I broke down in her office. I remember her sitting there and quietly listening to me. She just allowed me to talk.
“Simone, I think that you should see our onsite social worker. I think that she will be able to help you.”
I sat there unsure of what to say. I knew that something had to be done.
“It sounds like you might be dealing with some depression, Simone. I cannot diagnose you right now, but I want you to take a look at this self-reporting questionnaire. Answer the questions as honestly as possible and bring it back to me next week.”
I looked down on the sheets of paper that she handed to me, and recognized it right away. It was the Beck Depression Inventory. I had seen it during my Master’s studies in Michigan. We would use it to measure the severity of depression, as well as to serve as a tool
desmond@carib101.com
CARIBBEAN HISTORY
The Africans who were kidnapped and trafficked came from the West African interior, which was almost entirely Moslem. Between the 8th century CE and the late 14th century CE, the Islamization of the interior of West Africa below the Sahara Desert was complete. So, the majority of the enslaved Africans in the Caribbean coming from West Africa would have been Moslems, therefore their religious ceremonies were probably not Voodoo ceremonies, but Islamic religious practices.
For example, in Guyana traditionally, the word for a Muslim of any race - African or a descendant of indentured laborers from India - is Fulaman, derived from the name Fula/Fulani who were among the enslaved African Muslims in the Caribbean. Similarly, in Trinidad, a common word for any Muslim of any race is Mandinga, from the Moslem Mandinka people of West Africa.
With reference to the start of the Haitian Revolution, the ceremony at Bois
Kaiman is usually described as a Voodoo ceremony. However, the historians of The Louverture Project contend that there is strong evidence that Bookman/Boukman, the man who led the ceremony, was a Moslem and quite likely an Imam versed in the Koran, so far from being a Voodoo ceremony. The event at Bois Kaiman could easily have been a Moslem religious event.
This prejudice extends to African women’s status. Cecile Fatiman, Bookman’s/Boukman’s co-leader, is described as a Voodoo priestess with no evidence to support this assertion. In this vein it should be noted that every female leader of a maroon settlement, or a revolt by enslaved Africans is immediately categorized as steeped in witchcraft, because in their minds, Africans could not possibly respect a woman for her leadership abilities.
They maintain this view in spite of their awareness of the existence of Queen Amina/Aminatu who ruled the Zaria Emirate in the 15th century, the existence of the female Agojie soldiers in the Kingdom of Dahomey, and of Nana Asma'u, daughter of Caliph Usman Dan Fodio, who was a revered: teacher, poet and Islamic leader in her own right. So let us not unwittingly buy into the negative stereotyping of Afro-Caribbean people promulgated by some European historians.
for screening for depression.
The original BDI consisted of 21 items, each of which corresponded to a symptom of depression. In 1996, the BDI was revised to include additional items, and the revised BDI, known as the BDIII, is the most widely used version of the questionnaire.
“Now, I want to be clear about something,” Dr. C said “The BDI is not a diagnostic test, but it can help me make a diagnosis. Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, and some people may have difficulty accurately re -
porting their symptoms. Also, it may not be as accurate in measuring depression in people from different cultures. I want to be clear about this before you do it.”
“Thank you Dr. C. I will complete this and bring it back.”
In my head, I knew what the diagnosis was going to be. I knew this was just a step to get me the help that I needed at the time.
“My anxiety was at an all-time high, and I felt like I was in a tailspin.” Reliving my recovery
SEAN SEURATTAN
sean@carib101.com
THE HEIGHTENED CHEF
Clones are seedlings clipped from living plants and by far the easiest method to start with because a large amount of the initial work has been done. This allows for a grower to start later in the season than one using seeds, but availability and choice can be limited.
Seeds generally allow for much more control but require more time and knowledge. Seeds come in three varieties: regular, feminized and auto flower. Here we will discuss the pros and cons to each as well as how to begin growing them.
Important to note, Canadians of age are legally allowed to share cannabis
with one another. This is widely obscured by the retail industry to ensure their profits. If you know someone who is growing cannabis, the best option is to inquire if they have seeds or clones, they are willing to share. You are allowed to share up to thirty seeds when outside your home. More than likely, they will also have previous experience with the strain and cultivar you will be receiving.
This can be extremely helpful as different strains can have different requirements or proclivities. Some may want more or less light, water and nutrients. Knowing this will greatly improve both the quality and yield of your crop. As a last resort, you may have to purchase seeds. Currently, the Ontario Cannabis Store website is the only place in Ontario where you can “legally” buy seeds. They come in packs of 4-10 and can range in cost from $25-$75. Clones are not available on the OCS website.
Regular seeds are the standard type of seed and are produced by pollinating a female plant with a male plant. This means there is a 50% chance that the plant will grow into a male plant. This is not desirable since only the female plants produce the all-important cannabis buds. Male plants must be removed upon detection in order to avoid female pollination. Once a female plant is pollinated, it stops producing buds and begins to produce seeds. Even just one male plant can pollinate many females. Sex can usually be determined by the fourth week of growth. Regular seeds do allow the benefit of being able to cross breed and po-
Many species of plants, animals and insects are becoming endangered at alarming rates. Consequently, it’s become more important than ever to increase initiatives to protect flora and fauna. Here’s what you need to know about wildlife corridors.
Definition
Wildlife corridors are land or water passages that link multiple natural environments. For example, they connect woodlands, wetlands, undeveloped areas or bodies of water. Due to invasive human activities, these natural passageways are under threat. Fortunately, many organiza-
tions are working to protect, restore or develop them.
Use
Healthy grasslands, forests and lakes provide several benefits, and the passages that connect them ensure plant species and wildlife can continue to disperse and thrive. It’s been proven that when natural environments are connected, they create healthier ecosystems with better biodiversity.
Wildlife corridors are also crucial for combating climate change – they benefit everyone!
An increasing number of environmentally conscious companies are using waste materials to create new consumer products and reducing the load in landfills. Here are some innovative ways these companies are recovering waste.
In factories, workshops, laboratories and other industrial settings, unusable materials are separated, melted, crushed, shredded or chemically treated and given a second life. Here are a few examples:
• Outdoor furniture made from writing materials, like pens
• Sports turf made out of old tires
• Furniture upholstered with used clothes
• Organic waste, like table scraps, turned into biogas
• Old drywall made into fertilizer
Scientists worldwide are working hard to find new and inventive ways to use waste. For example, according to researchers at the École de technologie supérieure in Montreal and the University of Saskatchewan, it may be possible to use eggshells to increase the strength of the printing material used in 3D printers.
Do you care about the future of the planet? Look for businesses in your area that promote waste recovery. Support them whenever you can by purchasing their products and services.
tentially create new strains through selective breeding. If purchasing, regular seeds are the least expensive. Experienced growers and those who want to experiment are best with regular seeds.
Feminized seeds are ones that have been bred to produce only female plants. Ideal for new growers, this eliminates the need to identify male plants thereby protecting your crop from pollination. Forcing the female plant to create pollen produces feminized seeds and self-pollinates. This is done by stressing the plant into panic mode through exposure to intense heat or light, under watering or the introduction of certain nutrients. Due to the fact there is only one set of genes present, all offspring will be female. Downside to this is that any plant grown from feminized seeds cannot be used for breeding purposes. Also, if purchasing, these seeds are more expensive than regular seeds.
Auto flower seeds are named for an important attribute they possess. All plants begin in a vegetative state to grow and transition into a flowering state to produce buds. For the other types of seeds, this process begins when light cycles change and begin to shorten. For normal plants, this can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks from germination.
Auto flower seeds have been bred to automatically flower in ten weeks no matter the light conditions needed to trigger the change that other seeds require. They normally produce smaller plants with a total lifecycle of about three months making them ideal for indoor
growth. This allows for multiple harvests per year as opposed to the annual lifecycle of regular and feminized seeds. The downsides to these are that they often produce less potent and smaller yields. Auto flower seeds are the most expensive type of seed but best for the beginner or those in a hurry.
Once you’ve obtained your seeds, it’s time to germinate or “pop” them! Depending on what type you have, you’ll want to start germinating mid April inside and move them outdoors by mid May based on weather conditions. Germination is the process of a seed sprouting roots prompted by a combination of water, heat and air.
The simplest method is to place your seeds 2-3cm apart in a paper towel soaked in distilled water. Place this into a sealed sandwich bag and leave it somewhere warm and dark. Check everyday for the development of taproots, keeping it moist when necessary. Roots should develop within 2-3 days but may take up to a week. Any longer than that means your seeds may be duds. Move the sprouted seeds into your growing medium (soil or peat). Allow them to have appropriate water drainage and up to eighteen hours of light. Each seed should have its own container. Over the course of 2-3 weeks, it will grow vertically and begin to show small leaves. This means it is almost time to move them outdoors into a larger container or directly into the ground. Happy Growing!
Although hydrogen is a colourless gas, it’s categorized into colour codes, like black, grey and blue, representing the processes used to make it. Green hydrogen is a clean fuel that could eventually replace fossil fuels in many industries.
Instead of being produced with fossil fuels that generate massive amounts of carbon dioxide, including coal and natural gas, green hydrogen is created using renewable energies, like hydroelectricity, wind energy and biomass.
For example, green hydrogen can be produced by passing an electric current through water to separate the molecules and extract the hydrogen. Also, biomass heated to a very high temperature can produce a synthesis gas, which can then be turned into hydrogen.
Exciting possibilities
Green hydrogen is creating a lot of buzz because it can help combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, it can be used to:
• Produce heat and electricity
• Replace fossil fuels in the transportation industry
• Store electricity in remote communities
Green hydrogen is currently considered a novelty because it’s extremely expensive to produce. That said, several industries in Canada and the United States are already using green hydrogen, including various electronics, chemical, steel and transportation companies.
One thing is certain: it’ll be interesting to see how this solution contributes to the worldwide evolution of energy in the years to come.
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:
1. Feed your fish twice a day
2. Visually inspect your fish for signs of injury and illness
3. Top off water lost to evaporation
4. Check water temperature and salinity
5. Empty and rinse the skimmer’s collection cup
6. Check that all equipment is working properly
On a weekly basis:
7. Test the water
8. Clean the glass of the aquarium
9. Remove excess algae
On a biweekly basis:
10. Clean the filters
11. Change 20 per cent of the water
12. Vacuum the substrate
On a monthly basis:
13. Check the filters and replace them if necessary
14. Clean the protein skimmer
15. Thoroughly clean the outside of the tank
In addition, you should thoroughly clean all your aquarium’s components a few times a year.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 dus
ting, 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.
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.
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 distressed. 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.
Brampton downtown Go Station, and the second is to make an underground rail from Nanwood Drive to the downtown core.
and Hamilton. Once completed, the Mississauga Brampton LRT transportation network will provide riders with many travel options.
Real-estate values alongside any central transportation corridor usually appreciates substantially in value. Like the stock market, investors can make an informed decision about investing in an investor who researches the company. Brampton’s population will soon reach 700,000 residents, while Mississauga’s population is around 800,000. Mississauga has a fine eighteen-kilometer transportation line with 19 stops extending from Port Credit to the Brampton Gateway Terminal.
Brampton City Council met recently to revisit plans on building a Light Rail System (LRT) from north of Steeles Avenue to the Go Station near Queen Street. LRT is a transportation system with electrically powered light rail vehicles (LRV) operating on cables. In 2015, the Brampton City Council, in a 6-5 vote, killed the plan to build the LRT. The Ontario Government funds the LRT project. Had Brampton City Council voted in favor of the project in 2015, the Brampton LRT would have been almost completed.
With fresh eyes, Patrick Brown, Brampton’s current mayor, took a second look at the project in 2019. In 2021, The Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) came up with two options. The first option is to build a surface rail from Steeles to the
The surface railway would have three stops in both directions at Charolais Boulevard, Nanwood Drive, and the third between Wellington and Queen Street. The north terminal would be below grade near the downtown Go Station, and stairs and elevators would connect the platform with the GO Station.
With this option, the LRT would have dedicated center lanes from Nanwood Drive to Wellington Street with regular traffic on both sides. Engineers must restrict bicycle paths and left turn lanes with the surface option, it would be noisier for residents and businesses and would be susceptible to daily traffic. This option would cost 933 million dollars and be finished in about five years.
The second option is to have two underground stations located at Nanwood Drive and south of the downtown GO station. The tunnel portal would be at Elgin Drive, and the downtown terminal would be between Main Street and Neilson Street.
The underground option would not disturb traffic flow along the HurontarioMain Street corridor. A tunnel would provide faster commutes and more ridership. Extending the tunnel further north would be easier if needed. The underground version would cost 2.8 billion dollars and would be finished in about seven years.
LRT is owned and operated by Metrolinx, a crown cooperation of Ontario, whose long-term vision is to develop a sustainable transit network across GTA
The LRT corridor will eventually become a medium to high-density area where riders can hop on and off the LRT. The LRT will reduce the heavy traffic flow along one of Brampton’s busiest roadways. By 2045, one-quarter of the workforce will be living along the MississaugaBrampton Hurontario-LRT corridor. Those who choose to invest along the corridor today, will enjoy the bountiful harvest tomorrow.
Brampton is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. The LRT will act as a pres-
sure relief valve, allowing easy commutes for residences. Over time, condos will begin to sprout, and the landscape will change to be like square one. If you cannot buy now, save for when the condos take root. Usually, it takes about five years for the project to finish. By then, the LRT should be on a roll, and if you consider inflation, the price can double.
Based on my research, investing in properties anywhere along the Hurontario-Main Street corridor will be fruitful. There are many tiny homes scattered on both sides. In the future, the highest and best use for these homes will change to multi-residential or commercial.
Are you new to gardening? If so, you’ve probably heard all types of advice floating around. To ensure you start out on the right foot, here are three common gardening myths debunked.
1. “Coffee grounds do wonders for the garden” Have you been told coffee grounds can chase away slugs or unwanted insects, enrich the soil or act as mulch? The truth is that sprinkling this organic waste around the base of your plants doesn’t really do anything. It can even prevent water and air circulation. Simply add it to your compost.
2. “Potted plants should always have a drainage layer”
You don’t need a base layer of small rocks or clay balls if you’re planting vegetables or flowering plants in containers with drainage holes. To prevent soil from coming out of the holes after watering, line the bottom of the container with old newspaper or a coffee filter.
3. “Never put rhubarb leaves in the compost” This misconception stems from the fact that rhubarb leaves are slightly toxic and unsafe to consume. However, don’t hesitate to add them to your compost bin. The oxalic acid they contain quickly transforms into a harmless substance during the decomposition process.
Trust the horticultural experts for accurate and reliable information on the best gardening practices.
Do you dream of planting a vegetable garden that gives you fresh produce all summer long? Successive sowing is an effective strategy to optimize your precious plot of land.
What is it?
The principle of successive sowing is simple: once you harvest mature vegetables, you reuse the empty space to sow new ones. For some vegetables, this means sowing several seeds over three or four weeks. The aim? To enjoy fresh vegetables for a longer period without having to cook or freeze the surplus; preventing waste is an added benefit.
Sowing in succession allows you to get the most out of your garden. Moreover, you can quickly fill empty rows with new plants to prevent your plot from being overrun by unsightly weeds.
Which vegetables to choose?
It’s important to note that not all vegetables are suitable for successive sowing. Slow-growing vegetables such as toma-
toes and eggplants won’t work. Instead, choose fast-growing species like lettuce, spinach and radishes.
Check the hardiness zone in your area to find vegetables suitable for successive sowing.
Do natural stones make your eyes light up and get you envisioning ways to include them in your landscape? Here are five sure-fire ideas for incorporating them into your space.
1. Create a trail. Flat stones, whether of varying sizes or straight cut, are perfect for creating paths that combine esthetics and function.
2. Build a low wall. Low walls break the monotony of your landscape while outlining specific zones like a garden or flower bed.
3. Install steps. Durable and elegant, stone steps give your entire landscape a touch of charm while making certain areas more accessible.
4. Add a decorative feature. Large stones can add a rustic look to a rock garden or flower bed. Crushed stone can also serve as a decorative mulch.
5. Grace your terrace. Complement your patio furniture
with the warm aspect of natural stones. This improvement will make the perfect sitting area to spend a summer evening.
Do you see a major project on your horizon? Trust the knowhow of a specialized landscaping contractor to help you bring it to life.
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
The luckiest signs this week:
ARIES
You’ll spontaneously decide to move. You’ll find a place that meets your family’s needs, even if it’s at the last minute and your choices are limited.
TAURUS
You’ll have a lot to talk about this week. You may make a speech that everyone will love. Those around you will help you sort out a complicated financial matter.
GEMINI
You’ll have many items to shop for this week. You’ll pull out all the stops to find the best prices. Try to negotiate better terms on a loan to save on interest.
CANCER
You have a lot going on and will undertake several inspiring projects. Inspiration is a source of initiative. Take care of your health and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
LEO
Fatigue or poor health could slow you down this week. Someone close to you may need you. Give yourself the time you need to recharge your batteries and feel better.
VIRGO
You’ll expand your social circle and professional contacts. You’ll be in charge of planning a large-scale event that will be a huge success. You must take a methodical approach to plan it.
LIBRA
You’ll have a lot of work and family responsibilities to take care of this week. If you have young children, you’ll be involved in their end-of-year activities, making them happy.
SCORPIO
Plan your next holiday now and treat yourself to a luxurious getaway. You’ll have many details to consider, especially if you’re booking for a large family.
SAGITTARIUS
If you feel restless and sensitive, you may need to make a change. You might have to restructure certain aspects of your life once the storm has passed. This will allow you to start afresh on more solid footing.
CAPRICORN
It’s crucial to find harmony at work and home this week. If you’re in a relationship, passion will reignite the flame. If you’re single, you’ll double down on trying to find your soulmate.
AQUARIUS
Staying in good health is essential. You may start a new diet that proves to be highly effective. You’ll see quick results, and others will want to imitate your efforts, hoping to have the same success.
You’ll stand out in a group or at work. A daring feat will fill you with pride, strengthening your leadership skills. Saturn in your sign will bring you notoriety.
LAND FOR SALE IN TOBAGO: 10500 Square feet near Mount Irving Golf course. Approve by Town and Country Edward 647218-1333.
2009 JEEP CHEROKEE: 4x4, extremely great condition, certified in January, keyless entry. Asking $7000 selling as is. Call 647-8584660
FOR SALE: Homes for saleLange Park, Chaguanas, Trinidad - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully a/c 400k CAD. 437-929-6750
Homes for sale Felicity, Chaguanas, Trinidad - 2 storey main road property, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 attached apartments 400k CAD. 437-929-6750
HIRING NANNY: Looking for a nanny East York region for a 1 year old, light housing cleaning and cooking, 3 to 4 days a week. contact 647-739-2743
HIRING: Looking for a helper to do general labour, garden cleaning, landscaping, and winter snow removal. Cash paid weekly. Located at Morningside & Lawrence in Scarborough. Please call: (416)269-5174.
Some restrictions may apply. We reserve the right of refusal.
Laparkan is looking for a Warehouse Associate in Shipping and Receiving.
No experience necessary. Will train on the Job.
Send Resume to hrca@laparkan.com or call 416-292-4370
SHARED ACCOMADATIONS:
1 Bedroom available in basement apartment with Side entrance Shared accommodation, Male only , No parking, no smoking or drinking Everything included. $900. Medowvale and Sheppard Call 647-447-2377
LOOKING FOR A JOB: 29 years old male looking for a looking for a job. Sanjay 437-484-5151
SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211
MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137
We are in the process of expansion and constantly looking for the best of the best! Dedicated salespeople; people interested in opportunities to help others while also being able to help themselves. For more information, please contact Trish 647-722-6298 or trish@carib101.com
Are you knowledgeable about franchising and are determined to buy a franchise? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Before choosing a franchise, you first need to ask yourself a few important questions. For example, what business area interests you? Do you have the skills to operate in this sector? How much are you willing to invest? What is your borrowing capacity? Where would you be willing to open a franchise?
You should then make a list of the characteristics that the franchise must have and start looking for suitable
franchisors. Visit exhibitions and trade shows; consult guides and business directories or business magazines. Contact specialized organizations and draw up a list of three or four franchisors that you would like to meet so you can see if they match your criteria.
Do you like one of the franchisors you’ve met with? Visit several of its franchise locations to check their cleanliness and appearance. Pay attention to the degree of uniformity between the different establishments, especially with regard to the quality of ser vice and products and the type of clientele. You should also
You’re a keen entrepreneur with your eye on a prospective franchise business. The franchisor is small, not a big national chain, but that doesn’t scare you because your gut says this product is going to earn money all by itself. But buyer, beware. Before you dive in, you need to closely examine the company’s franchise disclosure document.
Not only does the FDD tell you in explicit terms the costs involved in buying the franchise, it also discloses the company’s financial track record and litigation history. In short, this document is what protects you from buying into a pyramid
scheme or a company with hidden liabilities.
At this point in time, the FDD is the minimum disclosure required by five Canadian provinces: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and P.E.I. For franchises belonging to the Canadian Franchise Association, an FDD is the minimum disclosure requirement for membership. What does this mean for Canadian entrepreneurs who aren’t planning to operate in any of the five provinces or three territories that don’t have legislation on franchise disclosure? You’ll need to be extra diligent about doing your homework.
meet with some franchisees to see if their reality matches what the franchisor has described to you.
Are you convinced? Ask for a credit report on the franchisor to check for solvency. It is also advisable to ask for an audit of its judicial records as either a plaintiff or defendant.
Lastly, before signing anything, it’s important to surround yourself with expert advisors. Find an accountant and a legal advisor who will be able to guide you through the process so you don’t make any costly mistakes along the way.
The entirety of any FDD is pertinent and should be inspected very closely. If some details strike you as insufficient, then ask the franchisor to provide the information you’re looking for. For example, the franchisor may choose not to include contact information for existing franchises or precise information about recent franchise closures. However, in that case the franchisor should agree to deliver the information at least 14 days before the signing of a franchise agreement. If they’re not willing, then it gives pause for thought. Good luck with your investment!
Grocery stores, cleaning services, restaurants, fitness centres, car dealerships, hotels, beauty salons, bookstores, clothing stores: franchises have popped up in many different business sectors. New sales outlets are opening up all the time in locations across the country, and that’s great news for small business.
A franchise is a business formula that allows an enthusiastic entrepreneur to exploit another company’s brand and business methods. The franchise owner pays the franchisee fees in order to be able to sell their product or service. In
other words, this concept is what allows people to enjoy their favourite restaurant in different towns and cities across the country.
Each new franchise that opens its doors makes a significant contribution to the economic growth of a city, region or country. Franchisors and franchisees are entrepreneurs who invest in our economy and create many jobs in a variety of different business sectors. What’s more, many franchisors are local companies.
Not only do franchises make a valuable contribution to local development,
but they also produce business leaders. And these leaders go into business with less risk than independent business people, as each new franchisee benefits from the expertise of the network. In addition, franchisees can rely on each other to exchange information and advice. That means the risk of failure in a franchise is usually lower than in other forms of entrepreneurship.
Over all, this makes franchising an important job creating model that can play an important role in the region’s economic development.
Regardless of the business sector you’re interested in, it takes more than ambition, a good dose of motivation and solid financial resources to operate a successful franchise. Each type of business sector has its own requirements, and prospective franchise owners need to know about them before embarking on a franchise adventure. However, the general qualities of a successful franchisee cover all areas of business.
Even though you’re in business with a franchisor, you’re still in charge of your own company. In other words, you need to be able to make all the decisions
necessary to operate your franchise. Consequently, an interest in business and management skills are essential. You must also be skilled in negotiating and communicating in order to make your business grow
Working within a franchise network also means accepting some fairly close supervision, which should be seen as helpful and not as a constraint. Teamwork is also one of the job requirements, since the success of the network depends on that of its franchises.
To be a successful franchisee, you have to be willing to learn and improve
your skills in running a business smoothly. Similarly, you must be capable of bouncing back quickly when problems arise. Above all, you have to be healthy and ready to work tirelessly to make your franchise a success. Last but not least, you can’t be afraid of taking risks; owning a franchise doesn’t exclude the possibility of failure.
In short, opening a franchise is much the same as starting any kind of business; it’s a project that requires a certain skill set and personal disposition. Are you up to the challenge?
You’ve probably heard about the dangers of road rage, but did you know that other emotions can compromise your safety behind the wheel? Anger, anxiety and even joy can lead to unsafe driving practices. Here are some ways to prevent your feelings from overriding your decision-making while on the road.
Beware of positive energy
It’s not only negative emotions that can adversely affect your driving. It’s easy to get a little too relaxed when you’re cruising with friends or eager to share some good news with your family. Your road trip playlist may put you in a great mood but can also make your foot a little heavier on the gas pedal. Enjoy your drive, but don’t let yourself get distracted.
Check yourself before turning the key
When you get behind the wheel, take a few deep breaths to ground yourself before starting the engine. Be mindful of any circum-stances that may cause excitement, irritation or concern. Then, take a moment to consciously shift your attention to the task of driving.
Prepare yourself for the road conditions
Manage your expectations by checking traffic reports and weather forecasts before setting out. If the prospect of driving in heavy traffic or stormy conditions makes you anxious, consider an alternative plan. If you have no choice but to drive, try some relaxation techniques to calm your mind before hitting the road. Give yourself plenty of time
Impatience or fear of showing up late for an appointment can lead to anger and irrational decisions while you drive. If you must be at your destination at a fixed time, set out early enough to allow for unexpected delays. If getting there on time is optional, try to make peace with the possibility of showing up later than you’d like.
Keeping your car in good condition will reduce your distractions on the road. When did you last have a tune-up?
Do you want to take your electric vehicle on a road trip this summer? Imagine the distance you can cover, taking in landscapes and exploring locations you’ve never seen before. Keep these three tips in mind as you prepare for your adventure.
1. Scope out charging stations
Do some research before your trip to identify where you can charge your car. Use those points as pit stops for a meal break, a quick stretch or an overnight stay. Look for a convenient phone app indicating available charging stations along your route.
2. Leave home with a full charge
While charging your car to 100% daily can negatively affect battery efficiency over time, it’s best to start your trip with maximum energy. You’ll be able to travel a grea-
ter distance before having to plug in. It’ll also give you peace of mind in case you have to make an unplanned detour.
3. Adopt good driving habits
Your electric vehicle’s battery capacity depends on several factors, including your driving speed and acceleration. Exceeding the speed limit or driving aggressively can cause your battery to drain faster. It’s best for your car if you take your time, and it’ll give you more time to take in the scenery.
Finally, as with any vehicle, it’s wise to have your electric car professionally inspected before departure. Before taking to the highway, have a mechanic check your tire pressure, brakes, headlights, turn signals, windshield and wiper blades.
