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Volume 11 • Issue 9
Wednesday, June 8 2022
“The week before the elections, I did what was needed in order to get some answers for us, I sent a list of questions to candidates who were running, and I am disheartened to report that only one candidate reached back out to me, and Premier Doug Ford was not one of them...”
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FEATURE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
ABBY DALLAS When it comes to talent in Jamaica the chances of this little country - a mere dot on the world map, lifting a global title is endless. Tessanne Chin, the winner of The Voice (2013), won the hearts of thousands around the world. So too was another Jamaican, Dalton Harris, who sang his way to win the UK’s X-Factor talent competition in 2018. Well, our Abby Dallas, born Abbygaye Dallas, is no movie star, but she can sing and will tell anyone, off the tip of her tongue, she can win a global competition any day. Only an experienced songstress, who has what it takes, could fly such a comment in the air without any apology. I did my research and found out she was awarded the Best Junior Soloist in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in 2005. That’s no small feat to accomplish when one takes into consideration the number of schools across the island participating in this competition. To add more flesh to bone, she won the Jamaica Festival Song Competition in 2012, a competition that has kept true to their mission of enhancing national development through cultural practices by creating opportunities to unearth, develop, preserve, and promote the creative talents and expressions of Jamaican culture and people. The prestigious competition was also celebrating Jamaica’s 50th anniversary, and Abby Dallas became the youngest female to grab the prestigious title. Abby challenged herself when she enrolled in an intense four-year course in music at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Now, anyone who knows about Jamaica’s politics should have a sense of the power of the Manley’s. Edna, after whom the college was named, is the wife of National Hero Norman Manley who was also Prime Minister of Jamaica. She (Edna) is also the mother of
females who were entering the same phase of life.”
Michael Manley, another famous Prime Minister of Jamaica. Abby Dallas came into Bridgeport High School as a singer. In fact, she could stop any traffic along the road with her smooth velvet-laced voice, which stood out among the best.
•
Extraordinary! “I do agree that this song showed, what one could describe as, a different side of Abby Dallas. When the single was released, a lot of people thought it was Lady Saw who is famous for her raunchy lyrics before she became a Christian.”
•
No Ice Cream Living “One of my collaborations was with deejay Shaka Pow whom I have known for many years. He heard the original song done by Johnny Osbourne, and pushed me to do something on the same theme
•
Poppy Show! “This is the type of song which seeks to counteract the views of men that they are all great performers in the bedroom.”
“I was interested in music from the age of five. My dad Kenneth was a music addict, collecting just about every type of music, and he would sit and listen to these for hours. We lived in separate homes and whenever I visited him I would take up a handful of cd’s which I took home.” Abby Dallas was one step ahead of her father; she was not only listening but writing songs and during her third year at Edna Manley College (for short), she recorded her first song. “This was a song called ‘What’s Going On,’ a type of social commentary about the cost of living against the low minimum wage. As a writer I think about my listeners and what will interest them. Then, there is the hook or the punch line, which should be consistent like a boxer in a ring jabbing his opponent.” Since then, she has recorded over 100 songs and an EP titled “Destined.” It took her some amount of time to select five of her favourite songs. Here is the list: •
•
He is Just Not Into You! “This is a song which teaches our females to deal with relationships in terms of the expectations from our males.” From My Heart! “Certainly another love song, which came after winning the J.C.D.C. Competition. As I moved into the adult world there were a lot of concerns. I wanted to unleash a few which would guide
Abby Dallas is promoting two songs, “Poppy Show” and “One and Only.” She believes artists should be able to re-invent and rebrand themselves as music is a journey, which does not stay on the same path forever.
A songstress for all seasons
Photographer: PhotoMiller Credit: Phillip
Kenneth Reyes
“One needs support from relatives and friends, in addition to other players in the music industry. When my dad gave me a pink and purple microphone at age five, I took it to school, began to sing and instantly became a star. It’s my intention to continue shining even brighter.”
Written by Eugene Pitter Toronto Caribbean News
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NEWS
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 3
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is not just a street party! Welcoming back Carnival 2022 SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“We are so excited to welcome everyone back after two years of being away. We are thrilled to be back on the road again this year.” Laverne Garcia (Executive Chair of the Festival Management Committee) Just imagine, jumping, chipping, and whining half naked in the streets from sun up to sun down. You see masses of people from all over the world dancing without a care in the world. Men and women drinking rum, punchin, carib’s and eating all types of Caribbean cuisines. For those not actively involved, they sit back watching the beautiful colourful costumes covered in sequins and feathers, the huge floats, and “big trucks” with oversized speakers blasting soca, reggae, dancehall, and calypso. What can we say; carnival is definitely an experience that is worth your while, and on Monday, June 6th, 2022 at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Launch, you could literally feel the energy and good spirits in the air! It was a good reminder that after being locked up for two years, it was definitely a time to let loose, celebrate life and expe-
rience something different with family and friends. Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to the launch, and had a chance to be part of the excitement. The carnival team did an amazing job of creating ambiance, which brimmed with enthusiasm, positive energy, but also professionalism. Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, is known world round as North America’s largest Caribbean carnival. This year they are celebrating their 55th anniversary, and before the dreaded pandemic, the festival drew hundreds of thousands of people from across Canada and abroad each summer to celebrate Caribbean culture. The event is about unshackling ourselves from the vestiges of slavery,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson, who was one of the speakers at the media launch on Monday. “We should always remember the purpose of this celebration. It is about our freedom.” If you are not familiar with the history of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, you may think that it is just a street party, but it is really important to our culture because it is a celebration of emancipation, and freedom. There have been some changes to the carnival route, and the venue of events around the city. The weekend that people are most waiting for, The Toronto Carnival Festival Weekend begins on Thursday, July 28th, 2022 – Sunday, July 31st, 2022. A quick snapshot of the weekend includes:
Photographer: Natasha VonCastle King and Queen Showcase Thursday, July 28th, 2022 Live performances, dances, music, and food; this event is a spectacular display of creativity and pageantry featuring over 50 elaborate large costumes centred on different themes. OSA Pan-Alive Showcase Friday, July 29th, 2022 Pan-Alive is back and ready to represent! Independently run by the Ontario SteelPan Association (OSA), the annual Steel Pan Showcase is going to be a night filled with live-performances, showcasing quality steel pan renditions, sounds, tone, and rhythm. The Grand Parade Day Saturday, July 30th, 2022 Come rediscover North America’s largest Caribbean Carnival at the all-new Grand Parade Central, hosted on the Exhibition
Place Grounds. With over 10,000 masqueraders performing in this all-day event, featuring additional live performances, food, and drinks. Sunday, July 31st, 2022 The All-New Sunday Carnival Flavours at the Stanley Barracks, Hotel X Toronto will feature food and drinks from many different Caribbean islands and their local communities in the GTA. Rediscover flavours from each of the Islands through the showcase of their favourite culinary delights, entertainment and souvenirs. Carnival is a season that everyone should experience at least once in their lives! It’s such a freeing experience and one that all of our ancestors created for our enjoyment. Join in on the excitement by visiting www.tocarnival.ca/2022events/, and get ready to WHINE!
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Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 5
Canada and Guyana are collaborating on investment opportunities; a step in the right direction PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There is a special partnership that exists between the Republic of Guyana and Canada. Canadian companies are on the lookout for investment opportunities in Guyana, especially since the discovery of oil. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022, which will ensure that the two countries collaborate on investment opportunities that will span a broad spectrum of business interests. Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President of Guyana stated at a cocktail reception, “We see this really as an important step being taken that will lay the foundation for closer economic ties for Guyana and Canada, but notwithstanding the significance of this step, we see it as the one step in what we anticipate will be a journey comprising many more steps, and steps we would like to take as quickly as possible.” There was a 170-company delegation that accompanied Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Businesses, and Economic Development. In addition to the in-person meetings, there were virtual opportunities for companies to learn about business opportunities in Canada. The MoU provides a basis to explore pursuits of involvement with respect to the procurement of Cana-
dian goods and services for investment in the areas of: infrastructure, information communications technology, aerospace security and clean technology, along with other areas to be identified in the future. Dr. Singh states, “We see this as a special opportunity for our economic relations with all our friendly partners. We see this as an opportunity to evolve with the same speed with which the Guyana economy is changing right now.” There has been attention focused on Guyana ever since it was announced that oil and gas have been discovered there. Dr. Singh anticipates that there will be a two-way relationship between Canada and Guyana as business opportunities are explored and utilized. He notes, “We see investment opportunities for Canadian companies to invest in Guyana.” It has largely been due to the significant work of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Canada’s High Commission that there has been the facilitation of the meeting between the two countries. It was this meeting that served as a catalyst for the signing of the MoU. Minister Ng is optimistic about the future relationship between the two countries. She states, “We believe Canada companies are well-positioned to be a part of that journey along with Guyana in green infrastructure, green technology, and this MoU is just going to help strengthen our partnerships.” There is anticipation that the range of investment options that Guyanese companies have in Canada will be replicated in Guyana to ensure that those sectors that are underrepresented will be able to gain positive benefits. Attention will not just be focused on the oil industry, but on other areas of mutual interests and commonalities.
CANADA’S LEADING CARIBBEAN NEWSPAPER Selina McCallum TC REPORTER selina@carib101.com
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Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
Disenfranchised workers must get the fair treatment that they deserve MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
On Saturday, May 28th, injured worker advocates held an online election forum to highlight the plight of injured workers in Ontario. Injured Workers Action for Justice and Justice for Migrant Workers organized the forum. Both organizations have one thing in common, a dedication to holding the government accountable and to making sure migrant and other disenfranchised workers get the fair treatment that they deserve. On the table for a much-needed discussion was a list of grievances that needed urgent attention. Here are some of the issues that were presented. •
•
•
Injured workers who raised questions regarding the WSIB’s recent multi-billion-dollar rebates as part of the new legislation. The draconian practice of cutting off benefits through the practice of deeming and the discriminatory treatment that migrant workers face under Ontario’s WSIB system. Asking the politicians to support abolishing this distribution to employers, restoring the injured workers’ compensation cuts, and wanting to know how they would implement this?
As it stands now injured workers are seeing WSIB providing massive rebates to employers at the expense of injured workers’ compensation cuts and eligible claims denials (50% cuts from 2010 2017). The surplus is currently valued at $6.1 billion. The rebates to employers are valued at over $1.5 billion and in addition to almost 50% of employers’ WSIB premium reduction in the last 4 years $2.4 billion. “Injured workers continue to be
given the raw deal by compensation that hands out rewards to bosses and punishes workers for being sick or injured. Enough is enough. We demand a system that uplifts workers and does not further entrench our lives into poverty,” said Chris Ramsaroop, a representative for the workers from Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW). I spoke to IWA4J Injured Workers Action for Justice organizer Sanghun Mun about this troubling matter and his concerns, but before we go further, it is important to note that the forum featured NDP candidate Eric Depoe who is running in Hastings-Lennox and Addington, and Green Party candidate Niki Ward who is running in Toronto Centre, however, both the Conservatives and Liberals continue to hide from public scrutiny by not attending this critically important forum. “I think the meeting was good,” Mun said, “We had over 70 attendees from all over Ontario.” Mun said the meeting was two hours long in which the plight of injured and migrant workers was highlighted, and the floor was then opened up for questions. Both NDP and The Green Party representatives agreed to make suitable adjustments, however, Mun said, “They still don’t have a good understanding on where the money comes from, and the impact on these workers, but both Candidates agreed to abolish such a system, which is good.” Mun describes a sad situation where even though a worker is injured and gets a doctor’s sick document, he can still be deemed eligible to work in Ontario, therefore, relieving him of his benefits. “This system is called deeming,” Mun said. “Do you know what happens to migrant and undocumented workers when they get injured? The employer just sends them back to their country without any benefits,” he said. “There is research showing almost 50% of permanently injured workers are living in poverty, no home, no family, no compensation, and are strung out on drugs too.” Something has to be done.
NEWS
PAGE 7
NEWS
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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
It is time that we hold our Governmental Officials Accountable • •
SIMONE SMITH
•
simone@carib101.com
What I find interesting about our Premier is that nobody had ever heard of Doug Ford before he showed up at Toronto City Hall in 2010 to assist with his little brother Rob Ford. We all know how that ended; he enabled his brother and Rob Ford took a turn for the worst. Apart from taking care of what was needed in his ward, and voting to cut funds to social support, Doug Ford really did not accomplish anything. Now, he is the Premier of the second largest province in Canada, and contrary to his claims of supporting the Black community more than any other politician, we have still not seen how he has done anything to truly support and uplift the African Caribbean community. This leads me to the most important part of this article. The week before the elections, I did what was needed in order to get some answers for us. I sent a list of questions to candidates who were running, and I am disheartened to report that only one candidate reached back out to me, and Premier Doug Ford was not one of them. Situations like this continue to show that the needs of African Caribbeans in Canada are partially considered, and I am curious as to how you, the reader, feels about this? The candidate who responded to me was the leader of the Ontario Party Derek Sloan, and his answers were very telling. I had my thoughts on them, but not wanting to be subjective, I reached out to community leaders: Knia Singh, and Devon Thompson to see what they had to say about his responses. I am going to let readers review them as well, and see how they land. Let’s do this!
TC REPORTER
“We have a big agenda to fulfil and keep our promises. We are going to make sure we keep every single promise.” Premier Doug Ford It was pertinent that I shared this article with the community, strictly because something needs to be made very clear. The only way to get our community out of the situation we are in is to create our own team of leaders who will represent and serve our needs in Parliament. In our community, there seems to be two different thought patterns: a tendency to hope for a better future through politics and politicians, and the pessimistic thought that regardless of who is in power, we are dealing with the devil so why even care. It is something that I heard from a lot of people during this year’s election, and to be honest, I have experienced both patterns of thought. We have a hope that a new candidate will help the community to break from past mistakes and provide motivation for the future, but can such hope ever be fulfilled? Or, is it merely part of a cycle, a cynical exploitation of short voter memories and political partisanship. Will we ever witness a human government who can deliver a better future? I think what was most disappointing about June 2nd, 2022 was the voter turnout. It was recorded that 43%, the lowest voter turnout in history, which technically means that around 20% of Ontarians actually voted for the PC government. When Premier Doug Ford was asked about considering a different voting method that would be more representative of Ontario voters, Premier Ford replied, “This system has worked for a hundred and some odd years.”
Q: In the last two - three years, what have you actively done in the African Caribbean Community (Remove grants and funding that many members of the community do not have access to)? A: “As a politician, I have not been involved in removing any grants from the community. In my local community, there are not a lot of members of the African Caribbean Community, but there are some. I’m connected with many at my local church.”
My question is, work for whom? Thanks to a general lack of care, Doug Ford had a resounding win in the Ontario election undoubtedly giving him and the Progressive Conservatives a strong mandate for the next four years. No doubt, there are plenty of tough issues confronting the PC government, particularly fiscal and economic. He will also soon face contract talks with the teachers unions and other education workers, and with inflation so high, wage increases are bound to be a major sticking point. Premier Ford has offered three main things to make life more affordable: RY 10TH
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Q: Have you reached out to members of the African Caribbean community who had valid reasons for not wanting to be vaccinated? Have you taken the time to hear their point of view? A: “Our party is against vaccine mandates. We would not require anyone to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and we would not allow companies to require that either.” Q: What research has your party has done on the effects of vaccines on the African Caribbean community? A: “Our party has been doing research on the effects of vaccines for the last two years. I am aware that various vaccines have been tested on communities in Africa, and that they have caused issues and disease there.” Q: What is an action plan that will enable our community to become self-sufficient and not depend on handouts from the government? A: “We believe in teaching kids that they can achieve whatever they want to, as opposed to teaching them that they are perpetual victims. Donny Morgan, our candidate in Scarborough-Agincourt, grew up in a single-parent, disadvantaged family, and yet even though he is young, he has started his own business, employs other people, and is married with three kids. He’s also just bought his first home. Anyone can do this. We need to use the Donny Morgan’s of the world as examples that you can achieve great things through hard work and perseverance, no matter the circumstances that you may come from.” Q: Other than the career politicians, have you spoken to leaders in the African Caribbean community to hear what they have to say? A: “Yes I have. I’m connected to various Christian leaders in this community.” Q: Have you reached out to African Caribbean news outlets, requested to speak to them and share your policies with the people? A: “My office has responded to press requests from different African Caribbean news outlets from time to time. I am always happy to speak with African Caribbean
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A: “We have various members of our party from this community that inform our view when creating policies.”
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Q: Have you reached out to the grassroots communities, spoken to them, taken the time to hear what their needs are?
Q: Have you reached out to children in our community? Actually spoken to young people, those who might not be seen as desirable, and heard their stories? This is important when creating policies that actually support them, nurture their stories.
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news outlets and welcome the opportunity to do so. Thank you for providing this opportunity for me to connect with the African Caribbean community.” I showed this last answer to the founder of the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper Grant Browning, and he reminded me of something; “The last question is interesting, I believe Simone, you reached out to him several times for an interview throughout the pandemic and there was no response.” Facts! I then heard Knia Singh’s take on it, “There seems to be a total lack of response to the questions being asked. African Caribbean Christians are not the only members of the African Canadian community. It is disturbing that Derek feels that is a sufficient answer. The perpetual victim statement in question number six bothers me. Not everyone can make it out, because the systemic oppression is constant. Derek seems to believe the challenges we face are something that can be overcome with hard work. Yes, with hard work the chances improve, but too many are being lost through the systemic barriers and discrimination that exist in society. Without addressing those, the disproportionate outcomes will continue. Furthermore the perpetuation of that myth demonstrates a lack of understanding. He could have done much better.” I want to end with Devon Thompson’s thoughts because they were profound, and it laid the responsibility back on us, the community. “I agree with the responses from Knia. It shows a lack of understanding from Sloan’s part. We however have to understand that Sloan doesn’t owe us anything, and we don’t owe him anything; what this means is that Sloan will always look out for what he sees as his best interest or the best interest of the people he chooses to represent. Our community, while diverse, must do the same thing. We must start looking out for our best interest, and that means doing what you did Simone, reaching out and soliciting a conversation with all party leaders to ensure that they at least have an understanding of the needs of this diverse community. It may not be our responsibility to educate others, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that our interests are addressed in government policy, whomever forms government. Finally, it’s paradoxical that the only leader that responded to Toronto Caribbean News was the leader of the Ontario Party, the leader that the Liberals and NDP claim is racist and anti-immigration. Our community must begin to start dismissing hearsay, organize, meet with these leaders in person and hear directly from their mouths what their positions are on issues affecting the community.”
NEWS
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 9
Is what you are eating safe?A detailed look at recalls, advisories, and safety alerts er.
SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“Oh! That doesn’t taste right!” It is an unfortunate part of being a consumer; sometimes products are placed onto store shelves and sold to us even though they are unsafe or contain manufacturing defects. This is why recalls happen, and once again, I want to shed light on the importance of being aware of what you are feeding your family, or putting in your home. A product recall is a procedure where defective or dangerous products are retrieved from consumers. In some cases, these recalls can lead to product liability lawsuits. They are usually issued when a defect is discovered that may hinder the product’s performance, injure consumers or cause potential legal problems for the manufactur-
The Canadian government or the manufacturer will usually issue a public recall of the defective product. The government may also announce a mandatory recall if the product constitutes a significant risk to its users. I want to note that manufacturers issue most recalls. Their voluntary recalls are intended to prevent legal liability and negative publicity. Recalls may also be issued after a consumer watch group discovers a product defect. As some of you may know, I volunteer a few hours a week to a food bank that I assisted in establishing in April 2020. Working with ELMC has opened my eyes to exactly what is happening with our food, and why we need to be more aware. I learned about the website https://recalls-rappels.canada. ca/en, from one of our partners in the community, and below I have shared a couple of the most recent recalls that you should know about. I would encourage readers to subscribe to these notifications to shield you and your family from any potential harm. Distribution of a New Presentation of SPIKEVAX (elasomeran) COVID-19 Vaccine (0.10 mg/mL in 2.5 mL multidose vial) with
English-only Vial and Carton Labels Last updated 2022-06-06 (https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alertrecall/distribution-new-presentation-spikevax-elasomeran-covid-19-vaccine-010-mgml25-ml) Affected products SPIKEVAX (elasomeran) (0.10 mg/mL), dispersion for intramuscular injection, multidose vial (2.5 mL), royal blue vial cap. DIN: 02527685 Manufacturer: ModernaTx, Inc. A new presentation of SPIKEVAX (elasomeran) with a concentration of 0.10 mg/mL in a 2.5 mL multidose vial was authorized on June 01, 2022. In order to provide rapid access to the new presentation of SPIKEVAX (0.10 mg/ mL, 2.5 mL multidose vial), Moderna will distribute vaccine product with English-only carton and vial labels for a period of time. As a result, important Canadian-specific information is absent from these labels (see the Information for healthcare professionals section). Affected products Infant formula - manufacturing plant by Ab-
bott Laboratories in the United States. (https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alertrecall/shortage-infant-formulas-babiesfood-allergies-what-you-should-know-anddo) Issue The closure of a large infant formula manufacturing plant by Abbott Laboratories in the United States, manufacturer of Similac® Alimentum®, has resulted in a global shortage of infant formula. Canada is experiencing a shortage of infant formulas designed for babies with food allergies and certain medical conditions. There are two types of formulas for babies with food allergies: extensively hydrolyzed infant formulas and amino acid-based formulas. In certain provinces, the supply of these products is not meeting demand. This can be a distressing situation for parents and Health Canada says that they are doing everything they can to mitigate the situation and provide parents with safe and healthy alternatives. This is only two of thousands of recalls found on the Canada.ca website. Thankfully, now you have this information and will be able to use it to help you navigate as a consumer.
The cost of living: Can we survive it? STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
We are living in a time of universal price increases, and inflation uncontrolled. A time
where the corporations that once advertised how empathetic and caring they are towards us, are now driving us literally to the poor house. Our governments are in need of revenue, as they try to pay for the mass expenditures of these past two years. Taxes are upon us and we cannot do anything about it. Going to work is more expensive too. Gas and fuel prices have escalated far beyond many of our expectations, and up, up and away they go again. Canned food is looking good these days, because fresh
food is just too expensive. Try and repair any appliance and vehicle these days. There are no parts available for most imported vehicles. Summer is upon us, and the chance of travel is looking very appealing, except the cost of travel is now exceedingly high and local travel seems best, but then all hotels, restaurants and events/venues will fill up. Availability will soon become a problem. Oh yah, lest we forget, the pandemic is still with us, mutating globally, still
with the sting of illness and death. Safety and health measures being discussed again. What to do? Holy crap, what do we do? The middle class is becoming something less, the workers of our society work harder for less money. Corporations run to the bank with their profits, and the government awards themselves a monetary raise for working so hard. Now, I know why people fall into stress filled addictions, poverty and distress.
Dr Jermaine Gordon; giving a second chance to forgotten voices EUGENE PITTER eugene@carib101.com
ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER
JAMAICA -- Every now and then, sometimes through sheer coincidence, someone would walk right into my pathway. And, instead of giving them the green light to move on, I decide to switch on the red-light to check out their past. Such is the case of Jermaine Gordon, who started from nothing to someone
who is an inspiration to others. His journey to success didn’t come overnight; it was after years of depression from fatherly neglect, the storms of poverty, and hurricanes of child abuse. “My life was no bed of roses. There are ten of us; yes, ten children and my dad fathered 13. We never lived together. Mom and dad were separated. She lived in a place called McGregor Gully in Vineyard Town, Kingston, Jamaica. When I was three years old my father left me on the roadside. I was carrying my bag with my clothes. He was supposed to take me to his home, but he didn’t want to live up to his responsibility like a lot of fathers. As for the little shack in which we lived, this was home for four of us including my mom. The board structure couldn’t even withstand a good earth tremor.” Jermaine was said to be as stubborn as a mule, and he almost lost his life when he was only five years old. His mother took him to Port Royal, along with two of his siblings to have fun. Unable to swim, Jermaine just could not sit and watch the oth-
ers have fun. “I jumped into the water and found myself drowning. I was gasping, and called for help twice before I was rescued by my brother Ricardo.” His mom just couldn’t cope with so many children, and after several visits to the Family Court, she begged the judge to place Jermaine in a state-run institution for boys when he was eight years old. “My life at the first boy’s home was pure misery. I wasn’t ready to take any talk from strangers and I had to pay the price. They beat me with the leg of a discarded rocking chair, and as if that wasn’t enough, boxed me in the face. The second boy’s home was no better. Punishment was so humiliating and I prayed for deliverance. I told a simple lie once, which cost me a severe beating and I ran away to my home for good in Kingston. This was the turning point in my life.” Jermaine settled at two schools: one of which was Vauxhall Secondary (now high school). He began to play the saxophone and participated in drama productions at age 14. Jermaine knew he had tal-
ent. “At age 17, I became a member of the Area Youth Foundation, a brilliant avenue for youths to express themselves through drama.” Jermaine wrote a script for his group, which won him an award. Ralph Holness, a special guest at the event, spotted Jermaine’s acting ability and invited him to take on a lead role in his production “Balm Yard Affairs.” He also played lead roles in Ruth Samuels, “Hell A Pop A Yard” and Hugh King’s “Night Work.” The opportunity took the young actor to three different countries with 700 shows to his credit. He migrated to Florida, U.S. in 2009 with the intention of pursuing academic studies. This led to him receiving a Doctorate in Divinity from the Universal Church in Seattle, Washington. He also did a diplomatic course at the University of London, and later flew to Germany mastering a global governance course, which covers management, leadership and team development. Today, Jermaine is the owner of Olanquan Broadcasting Company (OBC). This, he hopes, will give a second chance to the forgotten voices.
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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
The concept of the ‘Precautionary Principle,’ and the lack of it by the Canadian Government SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It truly blows my mind at the utter disregard for the health of Canadian citizens by the Canadian government. I know that for some of our readers, they depend on the government to do what needs to be done to keep them safe, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. There have been numerous reports of global governments taking care of their own selfish needs, and watching their people suffer in the process. They continue to say that we are all in this together, but for some strange reason, science continues to develop on the severe effects that the vaccine has had on the world population. Where to begin? Let’s just take it back a little and speak on some of the neurological issues that are common side effects of all childhood vaccines and are often grouped
under the label of “autism.” For years, scientists have been finding correlation with increased vaccinations of children to rising rates of autism in the United States. What is disturbing is the fact that health agencies refuse to acknowledge any causal effect between the bloated childhood vaccine schedule and diagnoses of autism. Most recently, it was reported that Moderna and the EMA have systematically neglected evidence from preclinical animal trials that clearly pointed to grave dangers of adverse events; as a result of that, the Moderna vaccine has caused thousands of deaths within less than a year of its introduction. Something else that might be a little triggering for readers is the reports of brain damage in children following COVID-19 vaccines compared to the rate of brain damage reported with all other vaccines administered for the previous 30 years before the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccinations. In one report, researchers utilized the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System) for all cases reporting “encephalopathy” following vaccination. “Encephalopathy” is a term for “Any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure.”
What they found were results from 17 months of COVID-19 vaccine distribution since December of 2020, when the vaccines were given emergency use authorization. They also looked at the previous 30 years (360 months) before the COVID-19 vaccines started. There were 1,068 cases of “encephalopathy” reported after use of all other FDA-approved vaccines. They note that there was an increase of over 2000% cases of encephalopathy. Experienced physicians have collaborated on establishing effective treatment guidelines for clinically manifested COVID-19. These treatment options were available both for the early stage of the disease, when emphasis is placed on inhibiting viral replication, and for the later stage, at which antiinflammatory treatment is paramount. Since the very beginning of the pandemic, two drugs have been used successfully at the early stage: hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. Both drugs have been, and continue to be, in use against a variety of other diseases. What is interesting is that our world governments were aware of these medicines, and still pushed an experimental vaccine on us. This brings me to the concept of the ‘Precautionary Principle’ (Vorsorge-
prinzip). It first arose in the 1970s, when Germany introduced laws as an environmental response to forest degradation and sea pollution. Vorsorgeprinzip translates as the ‘foresight principle’. There are two ideas underpin the precautionary principle: •
•
Decision-makers should anticipate harm before it occurs [with an implicit reversal of the onus of proof: under the precautionary principle someone proposing an activity should show the proposed activity will not or is very unlikely to cause significant harm The concept of proportionality of the risk, cost and feasibility of any proposed action
Now, there are critics of the precautionary principle in public health who warn that it may inhibit innovation; advocates say that may be wise. Regardless of how and where you stand in this vaccination debate, research coming out shows that our world governments have done more harm to their people than good, and at some point, we have to wake up and realize that, “We are not in this together!”
Fiddleheads; an unknown but tasty Canadian delicacy STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Fiddleheads are a true Canadian delicacy. This springtime veggie is a culinary dynamo, versatile and flavourful. Fiddlehead season is short, so when you see the adorable green curli-
cues at your grocery store or farmers’ market, buy them while you can. Before chowing down on these little springtime delicacies, there are a few things you should know first since fiddleheads can cause food poisoning if they’re not cooked properly. Fiddleheads are tightly curled coils, members of the ostrich fern fronds family. They start to appear in late April and early May in :Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They are usually found in forests, marshes and by rivers and streams. Taste-wise, fiddleheads, which
are popular amongst food foragers, are often compared to asparagus and artichokes. They’re packed with nutrients, including: omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C and are a great source of valued fiber. How to cook fiddleheads Fiddleheads, once boiled, can be added to: a stir-fry, added to pasta, rigatoni, and soups or wrapped in flour and baked into bread or pastry. Health Canada urges Canadians to never consume raw or undercooked fiddleheads since these spring greens have been associated with cases
of food poisoning. Here are Heath Canada’s recommendations for properly preparing fiddleheads: • • •
Start by removing as much of the brown husk as possible To get rid of the rest of the husk and dirt, wash your fiddleheads in multiple changes of cold water Cook fiddleheads before adding them to stir-fries, frittatas or any other dish by boiling them for 15 minutes, or, steam them for 10-12 minutes
A new state-of-the-art parcel sorting facility named after the first Black letter carrier be at 1395 Tapscott Road in Scarborough.
PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There is a new state-of-the-art parcel sorting facility in Scarborough in honour of Albert Jackson, the first Black letter carrier in the City of Toronto. He started as a letter carrier in 1882 and worked for 36 years until his death in 1918. The facility will be a key hub for the company’s national network and improve service for Canadians when it officially opens in 2023. The new facility will cost approximately $470 million and will
Details of the facility include: • The building is 585,000 square feet roughly the size of the six Canadian football fields. • It will be able to sort more than 60,000 packages per hour – 50% more than Canada Post’s Gateway facility in Mississauga, the company’s largest parcel plant. • The facility will be able to process more than one million packages a day at full capacity. • It will be Canada Post’s first zerocarbon building and the largest industrial project in Canada with the zero-carbon building standard designation. • The facility is under construction and is expected to be operational in early
2023. Doug Ettinger, Canada Post President and CEO described special features about the facility. “It will be the largest and greenest parcel sorting facility in the Greater Toronto Area. In addition, it will improve service, reduce our environmental footprint and enhance the overall work experience for our employees.” He notes that with the increasing awareness of the importance of inclusion, it is now incumbent on companies like Canada Post to create an inclusive environment. He states, “We didn’t always live up to these ideals, but we’ve learned that it’s important to acknowledge our past, so we can do better.” It was one of the reasons why they decided to name the facility after Albert Jackson. There were several members of
Albert Jackson’s family at the naming ceremony on Thursday, May 12th, 2022. One of his grandsons, Lawrence Jackson told the crowd, “I couldn’t be more proud of what Albert Jackson started. If he were alive today, working from the post office the buttons would just jump off his jacket because he loved postal workers, he loved his job, and the people who supported him. He had a dream and the dream has come true. His dream was to become something. He said, ‘We are equal, and we are going to be treated equal.” Albert Jackson was previously recognized with a poster in 2013, a plaque in 2017 and a commemorative stamp in 2019.Anyone interested in learning about the Albert Jackson Processing Centre can learn more at www.canadapost.ca
NEWS
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 11
Urban Alliance of Race Relations calls on Toronto Catholic District School Board to develop an anti-Black racism strategy PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It has been over thirty years that the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of fighting against racism, injustice, intolerance, and discrimination. The UARR has partnered with other community-based organizations to form the Coalition of Racial Equity in Education. The coalition is a collaborative project, which also involves the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA), Ontario Alliance of Black Educators (ONABSE), Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto (CCNCto), and the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action (TCCCA).
The coalition receives funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. In the UARR’s May newsletter, the work of the coalition is highlighted which, “First aims to bring together existing work, those already done, and those eager to be involved with activism. We equip community with advocacy tools and training and spend our organizing time working towards specific policy changes at the level of regional school boards and the provincial government.” The Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Peel District School Board (PDSD), and York Region District School Board have developed anti-Black racism strategies. Unfortunately, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) has still failed to formulate one. There was hope that with the installation of Dr. Brendon Browne as the New Director in 2019, the resurrection of the Race Relation Committee, and the ongoing work of the African Canadian Caribbean Committee (ACCC) that the board would be able to formulate one.
The UARR is part of a petition “#CUETHESTRATEGY that reiterates that TCDSB needs an anti-Black strategy. The petition states, “The TCDSB’s last Equity Action Plan (2018-2021) fails to even mention the term “Anti-Black Racism. This gap, the constant incidents of anti-Black racism, and the failure to note their progress on the African Canadian Advisory Council’s five-year plan has led our coalition and community to demand a strategy that transparently identifies how the board intends on challenging and dismantling anti-Black racism. The time is now to #cuethestrategy.” The petition indicates that despite meeting with the board’s Director, Superintendent of Equity and Diversity, and the Human Rights Advisor, anti-Black racism is still not acknowledged. “There has not been any signalling towards comprehensive, quantifiable measures that are going to be put in place to confront antiBlack racism. The response to our concerns of anti-Black racism has been that they are working on the matter and that
change takes time, and when we asked further, what are Black children supposed to do while the board takes its time, there was a lack of response.” The petition concludes, “There needs to be adequate planning, strategizing, expertise, and resources dedicated to the dismantling of anti-Black racism. A strategy is not going to fix the problem, but it will outline, quantify and affirm what gaps exist and how then to evaluate and amend them. We are calling on the community to join our coalition in demanding that TCDSB #cuethestrategy. The petition can be seen website: www.change.org/p/ cuethestrategy.” Anyone interested in learning more about the UARR can check its social media sites: Website: www.urbanalliance.ca Facebook: Urban Alliance on Race Relations-UARR Twitter: @UARRToronto
CIA-Declassified research reveals massive bio-effects of 5G mm-wave radiation MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
After going through the information provided in order to write this article, it was shocking to find out that governments were aware of the damage that microwaves and the internet can inflict on the human body more than half a century ago, and yet kept it as classified information to push these devices on the public. This article aims to enlighten the public on some of the pitfalls that are caused by the above devices, especially the bioweapon also known as 5G. Dr. Rashid A. Buttar, a physician who has been banned from most mainstream platforms walks us through the
reality and scams of these modern-day minefields which our governments like to call safe technology. “When there are massive environmental shifts taking place,” Dr. Rashid said, “From an evolutionary standpoint, the beings that are on the planet will be impacted by whatever change there is.” “From 1983 with the first cell phones to 1993 ten years later, the number of cell phones on the planet was one billion. Fast forwards to now with the implications and what it is doing to the electromagnetic grid of the planet, people just do not have any idea.” To explain the seriousness Rashid made a reference to Einstein in a quote saying, “When the bees start to disappear, this would indicate that in a few years human life would cease to exist.” Our hearts, brain, and our entire being as humans have been disrupted by the rollout of this bioweapon all in the name of faster and better technology. “You are causing an energetic shift of the entire population of the plan-
et, animals, plants, and humans,” said Dr. Rashid, “We are adjusting the pulse of the planet and we don’t understand the implications.” Rashid was asked about the decline of the bees and the death of many birds, especially in Europe to which he answered, “I don’t know what it is, but I think it’s an energetic shift that’s accruing and I think that certainly the 5G is connected to it.” Rashid said that they have just started rolling out the 5G, and if we are already seeing this type of detrimental effects, then he does not know what will happen to the whole planet. The physician spoke on how a few years ago birds would go on their mission and return only losing 15% of their flock, but recently that has changed drastically, now it’s 85% of the flock that does not return, and he blames things like cell phones that are in the atmosphere for interfering with their sense of direction or internal compass. “We rely on bees to pollinate our
crops, and without that pollination, crops will not grow. You are talking about a massive problem here,” he said. Could this be intentional? This would mean no food for humans, and massive starvation as a result?? It can fit right into the concept of eugenics. After all, it was Gates and his crew’s plan that 14 out of 15 people would have to be eliminated to sustain the planet in his mind. Another famous plan according to Dr. Rashid when it comes to 5G technologies is that governments are now using it in stadiums to tap users’ data, and for “crowd control.” Maybe that was the plan all along to keep the earth’s inhabitants 6 feet apart so that they can be monitored all under the disguise of avoiding the so-called flu. In this article, I can go on forever, but on a final note, Dr. Rashid cautioned about the dangers of these so-called body scanners at the airports that are all connected to radiation. He said he always asks for a human scan instead.
Remove police-in-schools programs: Policing-Free Schools and Parents of Black Children call on the community PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Since the formation of Policing-Free Schools in 2019, they has been active in fulfilling their mission to end police(ing)in-school programs simultaneously with policing, carceral, infrastructure, culture, practice and create life-affirming space, It was founded by Andrea Vasquez Jimenez who serves as Principal
Consultant and Director and is on a mission to get rid of police officers from educational institutions. Parents of Black Children (PoBC), is an advocacy group that has been pivotal in providing support and addressing issues pertinent to Black students in Ontario schools. Together, both organizations have joined together to call on the public and catholic school boards in the York region to remove police-in-school programs. Before the June 2nd, 2022, provincial election, Policing-Free Schools sent out a 2022 Provincial Election Pledge for A Policing-Free Schools Ontario to ensure they move towards #PolicingFreeSchools. Part of the pledge states, “Equitable access to education is a human right, and
structures of policing and carcerality impedes this access. Policing-Free Schools is a legal obligation, as it is a human right. The removal of police-in-school and policing-in-school programs is a first, necessary and immediate step that can be taken, meanwhile working towards additional changes needed for the co-creation of transformative, healthy, equitable, lifeaffirming, policing-free schools.” The pledge asks candidates if elected to pledge to a #PolicingFree SchoolsON by actively supporting: •
Mandated immediate removal of all and any type of police-in-school programs and policing-in-school programs across all educational levels, K-12 and post-secondary
•
•
Review and amend legislation to uproot educational spaces’ policing and carceral infrastructure, practices, policies and culture and creation of accountability measures Review and amend legislation in support of co-creation of transformative, healthy, equitable, life-affirming, policing-free, properly and equitably funded, and resourced public educational spaces
The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is inviting delegations by the deadline of June 10th, 2022, at 7: 00 pm. Presentations will be on June 14th, 2022. The link to the delegation form is: https:// yrdsb.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
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NEWS
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
It is time to say, “No to EQAO!” Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario speak out against standardized testing PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There has been opposition to the continuation of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) by the various teachers’ unions for the school year 2021-2022. The Ontario Ministry of Education nonetheless decided to continue with the Grade 3 and Grade 6 elementary EQAO tests despite perpetual calls for its cancellation. On Friday, May 27th, 2022, it was
reported that there were technical difficulties during the operation of the elementary EQAO tests. The Canadian Press reported that the EQAO acknowledged that there had to be a pause in the testing as it attempted to resolve a technical issue. Allison Jones reported in an article for The Canadian Press that both the Ontario NDP and Liberals pledged that they would overhaul standardized EQAO testing if they were elected in the June 2nd, 2022 Ontario provincial election. Anne Kidder, Executive Director of People for Education, would like the EQAO testing to be done differently using representative samples rather than whole scale testing of all Grade 3 and 6 students. There was no one available from the EQAO before the June 2nd, 2022 election to provide up-to-date information with respect to what changes were made in the last four years, especially in light of adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sophie Auclair in a written statement to The Canadian Press states, “EQAO’s new online assessment allows for a more engaging experience, as students will benefit from interactive content such as multipleselect when they provide answers to items. Additionally, to assist students in being more comfortable while they are taking the assessment, we also incorporated optional built-in tools such as virtual breathing exercises, reminders of test-taking strategies, and mindson activities, leading to a more seamless experience for each student,” Unfortunately, in spite of these promises, technical problems arose during this year’s EQAO testing for Grade 3 and 6. This is not the first time that the EQAO testing had to be stalled. On October 21st, 2016, CBC News reported that there was a technical glitch in the new online literary test system. One of the largest teachers’ unions, the Elementary Teachers Federation of On-
tario (ETFO) released a statement in response to the Friday, May 27th, 2022 technical glitches. The statement reads, “ETFO has received reports that some students faced significant system lags, while other students completed entire sections only to learn that their answers did not save. This is inexcusable given the Ministry of Education had the opportunity to pause EQAO again this year. These predictable issues add unnecessary stress to students during a time that is already quite challenging. Educators have significant concerns about the well-being and mental health of students. Adding EQAO-related anxiety and stress at this time is totally irresponsible.” ETFO is concerned that the testing may have to be rescheduled at a later time and students have to repeat previous assessments complete with no guarantee the system won’t crash again. For this reason, it is time to say, “No to EQAO!”
Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey split, Kris Jenner has always pimped Kim out, and Bridgerton starlet told to hide her sexuality SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey have reportedly split Many of us have fallen in love with the idea of being in love, and it is why when we find out that our favourite Hollywood couples have split, we take it very personally. Well, I have another split for you that many didn’t see coming. This couple made a strong early case for the biggest celebrity hook-up of 2021, and now, we are hearing something a little different. Rumours started swirling about Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey at the end of November 2020. They were spotted in Salt Lake City for New Year’s Eve. In January 2021 was when the model and Black Panther star began making their relationship public. In a picture posted on Michael B. Jordan’s Instagram page, it shows the couple embracing among the holiday lights, and that is when we all knew that something was going on. Not wanting anyone in their business, they did their best to shield their relationship from the media, but Michael B Jordan couldn’t help but share the joy he felt in his interviews.
“I’m still private,” Michael told a reporter for People Magazine, “And I want to protect that, but it just felt like it was a moment of just wanting to put it out there and move on. I am extremely happy.” Well unfortunately, that happiness is gone. The beautiful young couple have reportedly broken up, and interestingly Lori has removed all photos of MBJ from her IG page, while he has not deleted any of her. This leaves many wondering; what really happened between them? Is it possible that the Kim Kardashian and Ray J sex tape was purposely leaked? Love them or hate them, the Kardashian’s are one of the most talked about families in the world, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that the family is led by the original boss lady, Kris Kardashian. The matriarch of the first family of reality TV is notoriously candid, but recent reports say that she is not only candid, but candid with a purpose. It was reported that Kris’s first husband Robert Kardashian warned his wife and kids about the high price of fame. To him, it wasn’t worth it. In response, the determined and energetic Kim Kardashian announced that she intended to be rich and famous someday, and you can guess who was all up to supporting her baby girl; yep, the one and only Kris Kardashian. By the time she hooked up with Bruce Jenner in 1991, Kris was a woman with a definite plan: First, she and her family were going to be filthy, stinking rich. And secondly, they were going to be famous. Nothing, but nothing was going to stop her.
It is why when recently reported rumours came out about the Kim and Ray J sex tape being purposely leaked, there was no real surprise. The now-infamous celebrity sex tape that Ray J and Kim Kardashian made sometime around 2002 that eventually was leaked in 2007 is now being exposed as a publicity stunt by no other than Kris Kardasian. Ray J recently felt like it was time to let the truth be known and burst the bubble on a lie that many of us have believed for a decade-and-a-half now: the tape in question never leaked, but was actually a concocted plan between himself, Kim and Kris Jenner. Ray J admits that it was his idea, and he suggested it to Kim after they saw how Paris Hilton’s profile was boosted when she released her sex tape. At the time, Kim claims she didn’t want to do it, Ray J says the now 41-year-old embraced the idea and enlisted her mother Kris Jenner to organize its release via Vivid Entertainment – a process he had little to do with. Reportedly there was a contract, which was signed by both Ray J and Kim for three videos including two sex tapes, one made at the Esperanza Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, one created in Santa Barbara, and a third tape that is listed as an intro to the Cabo footage. Only one tape – the video shot in Cabo – was ever released and dad-of-two Ray J told DailyMail.com that all of the intimate tapes were kept at Kim’s house in a shoebox under her bed. I guess there are no limits to what people will do for fame, but a mom allowing
this is surprising. Golda Rosheuvel was told to hide her sexuality in order to be successful in Hollywood “I would rather lose a job than not be true to who I am. I’d rather not work in an industry that doesn’t accept me. It just wasn’t how I was raised.” Golda Rosheuvel Bridgerton has cemented itself as the fifth biggest original Netflix series ever. The show had over 63 million streams since it was released on Christmas Day, and it has found renowned fame amongst people of all ages. What has been appreciated about this series is the fact that the show was shot from a feminist lens, and that even in the context of this time, these women have real agency. Yes, they are all suffering from the patriarchy in their own ways, but the storyline allows these women to choose their own destiny. News recently broke that a fellow lesbian in the film industry told Golda Rosheuvel that she would have to hide her sexuality in order to be successful in Hollywood. The entertainment industry wasn’t always a gay-friendly place, and there are still some today that would rather go back to how things were. Golda highlighted how much it means to be seen as her true self in the public eye as well as her personal life, “My sexuality is really important to me, in terms of existing, in terms of being around the campfire and knowing that I’m important. I’m as important as anyone on the planet.”
Toronto has put a spotlight on Little Jamaica; it is time to re-build PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was attention focused on the potential impact of businesses along the Eglinton strip, east of Keele Street, and west of Marlee with respect to how they were affected by the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown. The closure of many of the longstanding businesses has caught the gaze of local politicians, city planners, and bureau-
crats who have expressed concerns about the impact on many businesses that are still present. According to the website: thelittlejamaica.com, it is considered one of Toronto’s ethnic enclaves. The recent naming of a city lane as “ Reggae Lane,” is a testament to this. Little Jamaica is home to the highest concentration of diverse and dynamic Black and Caribbean-owned businesses in the City of Toronto. Mike Colle, former MPP and Councillor in Ward 8 has been very active in bringing awareness to this vibrant community. One of the businesses that closed was Randy’s Take Out, home of Randy’s Patties, which was located at 1801 Eglinton Ave. He wrote on his Facebook page on February 24th, 2022, that, “Randy has been a beloved pillar of the Caribbean community across the GTA for over 40 years, serving some of the best patties in the country.” He continues, “The Randy’s team
were hurt by a number of issues facing far too many of our local businesses, including years of endless Metrolinx construction on the Eglinton Crosstown, COVID-19 closures, and no direct financial assistance from the Ford’s government to help weather these storms.” There has been some assistance offered through the Black Business Emergency Relief Grant (BBERG), which is part of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA). Through the initiative of the BBPA, Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture Division, and the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, a $150,000 fund was made available to affected businesses that were able to access either $3,000, $5,000, or $10,000 to alleviate their financial challenges during the second phase of COVID-19. The Business Improvement Association (BIA) York Eglinton has been active over the years bringing much-needed attention
to the diversity and richness of Little Jamaica. On Monday, May 23rd, 2022, a community clean up on Eglinton Avenue West was held. The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) initiated it in conjunction with the BIA York Eglinton. The clean up was a kick-off event for the start of “Summer Stinting”, Nadine Spencer, CEO of the BBPA states, “We are delighted to be part of this much-needed initiative to welcome Toronto back to Little Jamaica. It’s going to be a great summer for the businesses in the neighbourhood.” The kick-off event involved: the City of Toronto, FedDev Ontario. Black Urbanism Toronto, Urban Arts, and Councillors Mike Colle and Josh Matlow. Paints were supplied by the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades. To learn about other summer events check: wwwthelittleJamaica.com
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
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No cash or cards allowed: Major supermarkets set to accept only BIOMETRIC payments MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“And he causeth all, both small and great rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding, count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man, and his number is, six hundred threescore and six.“ I know by now many of you are wondering where this is going, but sit tight, I promise I’ll take you there and on time too. Supermarkets in Brazil have al-
ready teamed up with Mastercard to implement a very subtle but deadly form of payment called a biometric payment plan. This form of payment does not come from your wallet in the form of cash or credit card, instead you are paying with an account that is attached to your Godgiven DNA. Here is how this elaborate plan works if you are interested, but bear in mind that such a manner of payment fits perfectly into an Orwellian surveillance society. Users will check out goods at the cashier and then scan their face or palm to authenticate a payment. Their biometric information will then be cross checked to a bank account stored on file, automatically deducting the purchase amount once the transaction is accepted. “No more fumbling for your phone or hunting for your wallet when you have your hands full. The trusted technology that uses your face or fingerprint to unlock your phone can now be used to help consumers speed through the checkout,” claimed a representative.
I am guessing by now the biblical picture is becoming clearer by the second, but as I said earlier in this article stay with me. The biometric payment program was piloted in five branches of the St. Marche supermarket chain, all in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. Mastercard collaborated with local Brazilian start-up Payface to make the system a reality. The New York-based financial services firm hinted that more trials in Asia and the Middle East are planned, with an eye on a global rollout later this year. Mastercard Cyber and Intelligence Solutions President Ajay Bhalla said: “Our goal with the new program is to make shopping a great experience for consumers and merchants alike, providing the best of both security and convenience. The way we pay needs to keep pace with the way we live, work and do business, offering choice to consumers with the highest levels of security.” Even though some might view this method as extremely convenient, it
is important to note that biometrics is not without its downsides. Let’s look at a few of them now. According to a well-known news source, “All the digital ID and data-gathering systems are vulnerable to security breaches. The potential for cyber breaches, hacks in the future could [be] even larger and put entire systems at risk.” It also cited the 2017 Equifax breach, where the personal data of more than 150 million people in three countries was compromised. Lawyer Suzie Miles also warned of additional risks that come with using biometrics as a payment system. “Mastercard itself has recognized the data and security concerns that come with the use of biometrics. You can change your password, but not your fingerprint nor your smile.” The architects behind this cashless society might just want to think twice. For concerned readers of this article, the only way to stop the implementation of this Draconian system is to always pay in cash.
What does a leader do to build approving appeal in America? Why, have a war! STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
President Joe Biden is redeploying hundreds of troops to Somalia, reversing former President Donald Trump’s decision to pull troops from the country in January 2021. The effort is meant to counter alShabab, an al-Qaida-linked Islamist militant group responsible for an attack on the US base in Kenya. The two nations have had a complex relationship in recent decades as Somalia struggles to recover from a civil war.
US and UN humanitarian efforts to stabilize the country ended after 19 troops were killed in a notorious failed 1993 operation, which inspired the novel and film “Black Hawk Down.” However, the US returned to Somalia in the early 2000s to fight al-Qaeda cells, including al-Shabab. The US had about 700 troops in the country before they were relocated in 2021. This news comes as Somalia’s parliament elected Hassan Sheik Mohamud as President. He previously served as the country’s president from 2012 to 2017. Mohamud is an agent and friend of the many warlords that rule this poverty stricken nation. This policy move by President Biden may show the world that America’s move away from anti-terror direct action involving their military is at an end. The President has been pressured by various lobbyists in Washington who are involved
in direct or indirect military spending. The American war machine has suffered a decline due to the pandemic, with layoffs and decommissioning of various businesses. Should the American troops stay in The Horn of Africa? Is them being there creating an economic boom for the manufacturers and suppliers of military equipment and personnel that the American Military will develop? War is a money-maker for America, and the type of war America has been involved in is transparent to us all. Since 9/11 Homeland Security has controlled the purse strings in America. Searching out “terrorists” in: Africa, Central and Latin America will bring added profits to the known military complex that is America. Furthermore, America’s Police Departments are the recipients of what funds remain in America’s anti-pandemic
health and safety programs. Remaining funds have been passed onto America’s police departments. How are these funds being spent? By hiring more police, and purchasing more weapons. The movement for police reform has seemingly been forgotten, and the militarization of our police continues. President Biden’s approval has fallen to basement levels, and something had to be done to seek public approval. What does a leader do to build approving appeal in America? Why, have a war. War usually unites the nation, generates employment and nationalistic appeal. Will President Biden take the road less travelled (investing in America’s people) or strive towards international intrigue?
Conservative leadership candidate Leslyn Lewis responds to criticism from CBC regarding her position on the World Economic Forum PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There have been many obstacles that Conservative Leadership candidate Leslyn Lewis faced in her second attempt at the leadership race. It was revealed that she accused her former campaign manager John Mykytyshyn of “Misappropriating resources, deliberately badmouthing her and using her 2020 leadership run to fund his own interests, rather than hers.” John responded by launching a counterclaim in March 2022 alleging that she had failed to pay the bills that he incurred from working
with her. In an email from Leslyn on May 20th, 2022, she launched a petition that states, ”Canada should protect its healthcare sovereignty, and prepare our own pandemic response rather than negotiating a pandemic treaty with the unelected, unaccountable World Health Organization.” She expressed concerns that with the World Health Assembly meeting the following week to vote on amendments to the International Health Regulations this could have serious implications with respect to how pandemics are declared for any signatory nation. She states, “If action is required to deal with pandemics, then local, provincial or federal politicians should be accountable for decisions that are made. Full stop.” Leslyn had concerns about Canada signing the amendments for the International Health Regulations. Her question
to the Prime Minister was, “Why did the Prime Minister not establish a public health inquiry into our COVID response before considering signing amendments to the international health regulations?” In his response he states, “We will continue to be active, strong participants in the international forum around health while always respecting and protecting Canada’s sovereignty and choices to make the right decisions for its own citizens.” CBC News responded by dismissing her concerns as “fear mongering.” The article by Catherine Cullen titled, “Legal experts accuse Leslyn Lewis of ‘fear mongering’ over WHO pandemic pact,” described how Leslyn during a Facebook live and Twitter feed stated that, “If Canada signs an international pandemic treaty, Canadians’ travel and medication choices could be restricted, the Constitution could be suspended, and it could all pave the way for a global government.”
Professor Steven Hoffman of York University told CBC News, “This is just nonsense. This is not all that is being discussed. It’s just trying to get people to be mad at a non-issue. This is really just a conspiracy theory that we’re seeing unfold in front of our eyes.” Professor Timothy Caulfield of the University of Alberta goes further and states, “This is nothing more than fear mongering. There is nothing to support these strong assertions. There is no treaty the WHO could negotiate that would suspend our Constitution. They just don’t have the power to do that.” Leslyn states explicitly in her email, “If this document is passed next week, then I believe it lays the foundation for the transfer of powers from nation states to the unelected WHO during pandemics - thus legitimizing the drafting and potential passage of the Global Pandemic Treaty.”
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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
To what extent can AI help prevent disease? W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER
The short answer is yes – cancer and other health problems too. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game-changer. Not only can this rapidly advancing technology improve the speed and accuracy of disease diagnosis and treatment, it has enormous potential to predict health problems, allowing for far more effective prevention programs that target at-risk populations. Take, for example, children born with congenital heart defects. This fate currently falls on about 40,000 babies born in the U.S. each year, and about 1.35 million newborns worldwide. What causes defective heart structures in the developing embryo is open to debate, but genetics, diet, environment, medications, and smoking are all on the list.
What if AI could analyse vast quantities of data and learn from patterns to predict a problem pregnancy even before conception? Neonatal cardiac surgeons are studying this possibility, in hopes of putting themselves out of a job. Instead of time in operating rooms, they are designing educational programs and delivering nutritional supplements to would-be mothers most at risk. What exactly is AI? And how does it work? Artificial intelligence refers to computer programs, or algorithms, that use data to make decisions or predictions. To build an algorithm, scientists instruct computers to follow a set of rules in the analysis of data. In machine learning (ML), an algorithm teaches itself how to analyse data and interpret patterns. With exposure to vast amounts of data, learning and interpretation improves. The question becomes, to what extent can the decisions being made be trusted? Dr. Hugo Aerts, Director of the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston,
says, “AI can automate assessments and tasks that humans currently can do but take a lot of time.” Scientists are developing AI tools that use screening images like mammograms to predict risk of developing cancer. To date, doctors have used such images to detect if cancer is already present. Due to variation in the skill-level and experience of radiologists, results are highly subjective. Aerts notes that relying on “A human making an interpretation of an image—say, a radiologist, a dermatologist, a pathologist —that’s where we see enormous breakthroughs being made.” In 2018, an AI tool hit the news by outperforming 58 international dermatologists in the diagnosis of skin cancer, missing fewer melanomas and misdiagnosing fewer benign moles. AI models have shown impressive precision in identifying lung, breast, thyroid, prostate, and bloodrelated cancers. With AI, medical professionals can cut costs, expedite clinical decision-making and significantly reduce wait times. Despite these successes and benefits, there is reason to be skeptical about early computer models as stand-alone
tools for screening cancers, or predicting the onset of other diseases. One model, for example, was found to raise alarms not in accordance with the patients’ conditions but with the location where imaging equipment was used. Yet, scientists are honing the instructions given AI tools by validating results against well-known, trusted data. For example, the Framingham Heart Study has been collecting data from a large population cohort for over 70 years. This data provides an opportunity to assess AI findings against established records. Will the technology become so astute that oncologists and pathologists become obsolete? Not according to Dr. Olivier Michielin of University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland. “AI will enable oncologists, pathologists and other stakeholders to work more efficiently, it will not replace them,” he says. But AI is undeniably improving the practice of medicine by having computers do what humans cannot – crunching huge amounts of data to expedite diagnosis and treatment. To what extent AI can help prevent disease remains to be seen.
Why are we allowing companies to make mass profits off of inferior products? STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Over 60% of our vehicles are made of parts manufactured in far off lands, and these manufacturers received these contracts because they were cheaper than their competitors. The cost of products commonly used by you are often imported, and made in the most cost effective manner possible. That often means they were the cheaper, less costly to make and possibly least scrutinized products in the market. Whether you are NASA, Ford, Apple or Sony the parts that make up their
products are the least expensive components on the market. That is one way of saying they were the cheapest out there. Years ago, I had the opportunity to help develop a door handle pull for an American car firm. We developed a product that would be guaranteed to not break even after 2,000+ pulls. The buyer found this unacceptable claiming the guarantee we needed was for approximately two hundred pulls. If they break early, a future sale is guaranteed. The corporate world makes visible, loud claims that they are selling the very best of their products on the market. That is what they claim, but we know better. The cell phone device that sells for two thousand dollars most likely actually costs less than $390.00. In Ontario, private consortiums pave our highways. They guarantee the pavement will last for years. Often this does not happen. A severe winter later and the paving is cracking. The purchasing process demands that the buyer purchase the least
expensive item from a proven contractor. Imagine the bridge you just drove over was treated in the same way. I like to fly gliders. You have 1/4” material between you and the open sky. The quality of the glider is paramount in maintaining my safety. What if the manufacturer used cheaper products or shaved some time in its manufacturing? As long as we maintain this economy of the cheapest, buying products that are satisfactory, but certainly not excellent, our domestic economy will remain inert, stalled forever. Our domestic manufacturers cannot compete with the labour markets overseas, and nor should they. If our economy were based upon safety first, quality, and excellence always, there would be no need for low quality imported products. If there is a need for some product on the market today, our domestic manufacturers should have the ability to fulfil that requirement. The safety and durability of products used by our fellow citizens should be the first and second reasons to buy local.
The power of the consumer will always reign supreme. What is needed, what should become commonplace, is that local manufacturers be elevated within their communities, and their products receive the principle approval of our public governmental purchasers as well. With the cost of transportation, fuel and logistics, domestically sourced products make sense. A lighting fixture on a pole is something commonplace in most communities. Held by four bolts, the safety of your neighbours is reliant upon the quality and strength of the bolts. What will it be; a matter of cost or one of assured quality? Well made brakes for your vehicle, or the cheapest your supplier can find? Only the determination of the consumer can end our society’s mass profiteering off of inferior products. We should demand quality, safety and abundance above all aspirations.
Are you aware that your child’s rights were violated during the pandemic? Human Rights Watch speaks out against EdTech PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Since its creation in 1978, Human Rights Watch, formerly known as Helsinki Watch has been at the forefront of defending and protecting human rights according to its website: www.hrw.org. As an international nongovernmental organization, it investigates and documents human rights violations and advocates for policies to prevent such abuses. On Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, it released a report titled, “How Dare They Peep into My Private Life?: Children’s Rights Violations by Governments that Endorsed
Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The report was based on technical and policy analysis of 164 technology (EdTech) products that were being utilized by 49 countries. There was an examination of 290 companies that were involved in the collection, processing, and obtaining of children’s data since March 2021. The summary of the report states that the governments endorsements of the majority of these online learning platforms put at risk or directly violated children’s privacy and other children’s rights, for purposes unrelated to their education. “There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of students worldwide as governments were forced to resort to online learning to offset the lack of in-person learning.” The report states, “In their rush to connect children to virtual classrooms few governments checked whether the EDTech they were rapidly endorsing or procuring for schools were safe for children.
As a result, children whose families were able to afford access to the internet and connected devices, or who made hard sacrifices in order to do so, were exposed to the privacy practices of the EdTech products.” The methodology involved analysis on each product to assess how it handled children’s data, then compared the results to the product’s privacy policy to determine whether the EDTech company disclosed its data practices to children and their caregivers. The report notes, “Governments should conduct data privacy audits, and immediately notify and guide affected schools, teachers, parents, and children to prevent further collection and abuse of children’s data.” The report outlines a list of recommendations to the government such as: •
Adopt child-specific data protection laws that address the significant child
• •
• •
rights impacts of the collection, processing, and use of children’s personal data. Enact and enforce laws ensuring that companies respect children’s rights and are held accountable if they fail to do so. Require child rights impact assessments in any public procurement processes that provide essential services to children through technology. Ban behavioural advertising to children. Ban the profiling of children.
There are additional recommendations to ministries and departments of education, education technology companies and advertising companies as well as other thirdparty companies that may receive data from EdTech products. The full report can be seen at the Human Rights Watch’s website: https:// www.hrw.org
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Geoengineering; Scary technology worth knowing about! SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
In the last year or so, I have noticed that a hot topic of global discussion is geoengineering. I have seen people share information about it and have been written off as conspiracy theorists. I have also seen those who propagate this technology as what will save the world. What I am going to do today is provide information on it, and allow you to take it from there. Geoengineering is a controversial topic, and for good reason. It describes a set of technologies that seeks to reflect a small fraction of sunlight back into space to
cool the planet. The most prominent such technology involves deliberately injecting tiny reflective particles into the stratosphere. There have been debates on this topic; both about the science and technology itself and on the societal and policy implications. There have been some valid concerns over the impacts of solar engineering, but first, what is it anyways? Geoengineering is rapidly emerging technologies that could manipulate the environment and partially offset some of the impacts of climate change (buzzword). It is split into two broad categories: • •
Carbon Geoengineering, often called carbon dioxide removal (CDR) Solar Geoengineering, often called solar radiation management (SRM), Albedo modification, or sunlight reflection
According to research being done at Harvard, carbon geoengineering seeks to
remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which they claim will address the root cause of climate change – the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Harvard researchers explain that solar geoengineering seeks to reflect a small fraction of sunlight back into space or increase the amount of solar radiation that escapes back into space to cool the planet. It aims to reduce some climate damages. There are just a few problems. The first is the side effects. Sulfate aerosols are pumped into the upper atmosphere to block sunlight. The sulfates slow or reverse the recovery of the ozone layer; this might reduce global rainfall, and the rain that did fall would be more acidic. If SO2 are continuously injected into the lower stratosphere, it would produce global cooling, stopping melting of the ice caps, and increasing the uptake of CO2 by plants. Other reasons why some scientists say it is a bad idea are:
• • • • •
Disruption of the Asian and African summer monsoons Reducing precipitation to the food supply for billions of people Ozone depletion No more blue skies Reduction of solar power
There are also concerns about commercial or military control, and it may seriously degrade terrestrial astronomy and satellite remote sensing. I want to leave you with a 26-minute video that was most recently released (https://www.brighteon.com/6c95984ec271-4426-9305-59882b226ff2). The speaker is Kristen Meghan, a Former Air Force Pilot Turned Chemtrail, Geoengineering Whistleblower. In this presentation Kristen shared what she had discovered about geoengineering and chemtrails while serving her country. Some scary stuff, but it is worth knowing.
Congratulations once more Dr. Rita Cox; Queen Victoria Public School has been renamed MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
After months of consultation work with the Committee composed of students, staff, parents/guardians, members of the Black Student Success Committee, the Student Leadership Team, Queen Victoria school council members, and Parkdale community, members finally voted to rename Queen Victoria Public School to Dr. Rita Cox Public School and Kina Minogok (All Things Grow Well Together). The suggestion to rename the school was brought forward to the Board of Trustees in May 2021, and the process
was guided by TDSB policy and procedure (P047 and PR592). In December, the School Naming Committee launched a call for submissions for potential new names to replace Queen Victoria PS. The community for consideration submitted over 150 names, and a shortlist was presented for feedback to the community during a town hall in February 2022. The TBS, Dr. Debbie Donsky, and Ms. Darlene Jones Superintendent of Education had this to say, “We want to thank each one of you for your participation and interest in the renaming process, including those who came to the town hall to advocate for their choice of a new name. Your dedication to ensuring the new name reflects the values of the school and the broader community has been a learning experience for all involved.” I spoke with Dr. Rita Cox about her numerous achievements, especially this one and what it means to her.
I asked the Canadian Caribbean storytelling icon how it feels to have a school named after her too. She answered, “I am honoured. I am humbled. When I saw it, I got a little weak-kneed, because no matter what, you never achieve anything alone.” Cox wanted the community to know that she is very grateful for their recognition of her work, and for rewarding her by bestowing this great honour upon her. Cox, who has always worked with the children, said, “I have worked with this particular school for over 20 years, so I have known all the children there.” She highlighted that she has seen three generations of children who grew up to be productive members of the community, and what gives her satisfaction is knowing that she played an important role in their lives. I could not resist asking her about her next project? She said, “I am a found-
ing member of The National Foundation of Black Storytellers and we are celebrating over 40 years soon.” Just as expected, Cox said that she is active in many ways and still makes appearances virtually and in-person when necessary, and she is also on the board of her church. “I have been involved nationally, internationally, and always with my Caribbean community as well, so I have got the benefits of it all. I feel so fortunate when I look and see how the community has developed.” Cox who came from humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago migrated here and like they say “The rest is history,” but in her case has made history internationally. We join with all your well wishers in saying congratulations to you Dr. Cox on a job well done.
We need more than words to fight the intolerance and hatred that is festering within our society 3.
PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The racist rampaging at Tops supermarket in Buffalo on Saturday, May 14th, 2022, which resulted in the death of ten Black residents and the wounding of three prompted an international outpouring of condemnation and grief. The names of the victims include: 1. 2.
Ruth E. Whitfield - 86-year-old grandmother, mother of 4 children cared for her husband Pearl Young - 77-year-old substitute teacher and pillar of the community, mother of two
Katherine Massey - 72-year-old community activist who campaign against gun violence 4. Heyward Patterson - 67-year-old taxi driver as a father of 3 involved in the community 5. Celestine Chaney - 65-year-old grandmother of 6 noted as a loving and caring person 6. Geraldine Chapman Talley - 62-yearold baker who was a mother of 2 children 7. Aaron Salter - 55-year-old former Buffalo police lieutenant worked as a security guard 8. Andre Mackniel - 53-year-old father of 4 daughters and 1 son was born in Buffalo 9. Margus D. Morrison - 52-year-old school bus aide who was a father of three children 10. Roberta A. Druxy - 32-year-old female who ran a business with her brother There were additional details reported
about these victims including the fact that Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed that $2.8 million would go towards the victims and their families and a GoFundMe had been set up. Dewitt Lee, Co-founder at Emancipation Month, Creative director at LEAP Branding and community activist in Toronto was instrumental in organizing through Canadians in Toronto and @6ixmayor the foundation for the #Buffalonewyork memorial for the victims. T Shirts are now available for pay what you can. They would like to donate $7.16 from every sale to the families. Transactions can be made through email transfer to BuffaLOVE.newyork@gmail.com. Nadine Spencer, CEO of The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) wrote an email to its members titled, “The Decay Underneath the Buffalo Mass Shooting.” She writes, “There have been positive and emotive responses in the aftermath of the Buffalo shooting-people
paying tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters and the family and friends they have left behind, calling for gun control, and speaking out against white supremacy and racism in general. However, we need more than words to fight the intolerance and hatred that is festering within our society. What we need is targeted, collaborative action - a concerted effort to equip our community with the tools needed to educate others about diversity and inclusion to ferret out avowed White supremacists and other racists who are being radicalized to violence, and most importantly, to begin the slow but essential process of overcoming the widespread systemic racism that creates social inequities and feeds the more overt bigotry and hate driving this violence.” Funds can be donated to: https:// www.gofundme.com/buffalo-survivorors-fund.
NEWS
PAGE 16
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
The Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity held the second George Floyd Memorial Lecture PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity held the second George Floyd Memorial Lecture, which was coined the National Social Justice Action Day in honour of the May 19th, 2019 death of George. It is an annual empowerment forum where leaders in businesses, communities, academic and religious institutions deliberate over social, corporate, and cultural changes to eliminate racism, foster inclusive leadership and enable the economic empowerment of Black and minority people. The event was hosted by Nosakhare Alex Ihama, Founder and Executive director of CCIDWE and moderated by Moy Fung. It started with Chrissy Benz and Henry Luyomba. Moy gave the welcome and land acknowledgment. After Liberty Silver sang the national anthem and civil rights song. Alex spoke about, “Why
Black Lives Matter: The Inconvenient Truth about Anti-Black Discrimination, Racism, and Extremism.” Afterward, Dr. Pat Francis, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Covenant Centre and founder of Canadian Confederate spoke about,” Healing the Soul of Canada: Spiritual Strategies for National Transformation, Unity & Greatness.” She mentioned how her involvement with the Canadian Black Directorate (CABD) is making a difference in the lives of young people. Roberto Hausman spoke about the importance of, “Unity in Diversity: The Fabric of Love & Humanity in Workplaces, Institutions, and Communities.” Speaker Ray Williams focused on, “Enabling Wealth Creation for People of African Descent A Change in Corporate Canada.” Later on, Senator Bernadette Clement highlighted, “Fundamentals of Equitable Justice in Canada Increasing Diversity, Empowering the Underrepresented,” followed by Rosemary Sadler on, “Black Canadian History: The Ongoing Pains, Plights & Remarkable Potential of People of African Descent.” Tiffany Callender, founder, and executive director, spoke about the importance of the “Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE); The Catalyst of Black Generational Wealth Creation.” Dr. Patrice DeGuire, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) spoke about the importance of focusing on anti-Black
racism with respect to systemic racism. She focused on the role of the OHRC with respect to, “Promoting Diversity, Protecting Black Lives and Upholding Human Dignity.” The morning session ended with greetings from mayors across Canada. The afternoon session started with a presentation by Dr.Wesley Crichlow who focused on, “Critical Race Theory & White Supremacy: How to Deconstruct Anti-Black Racism & Dismantle Colonialism.” He highlights the importance of focusing on the Canadian context with respect to the work of BADC in fighting racial injustices and not simply looking to the U.S. Pauline Christian, former President of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), gave insights into how systemic barriers to black recognition can be removed within corporate Canada, followed by Dr. Delores V. Mulings who spoke about, “Equitable Pathway for Black Academic Brilliance; Inclusive Admissions, Curriculum & Student Services.” Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad gave an excellent presentation on, “Closing the Opportunity Gap: Increasing Accessibility & Affordability for Academic & Economic Brilliance.” Dr. Manju Varma, of New Brunswick spoke about, “A Provincial Strategy Against Racism & Discrimination: Embracing Diversity & Transforming Communities.” Kevin Junor, Retired Captain, Canadian Armed Forces, Executive Director of
KRJ Corp gave an interesting presentation recounting facts about the negative outcomes for Black students. His presentation was titled, “The Core & Cure of Anti-Black Racism: How to Eliminate Anti-Black Racism & Discrimination in Organizations.” Later, Dr. Francis Mpindu, Executive Director, Niigon Abin Resolution Service & York Region, Police Chaplain spoke on, “The Framework for Healthier & Vibrant Communities.” He states, “We are not colours, we are people.” There was an empowering presentation by Nevill Wright on “The Spirit of Resilience: A Critical Prerequisite for Social Justice Work & the Implementation of EDI Strategies.” Isaac Olowolafe Jr, Founder and CEO of The Dream Maker Realty and Dream Legacy Foundation presented some great ideas on “The Foundation of Black Generational Wealth: Black Innovation, Venture Capital & Real.” Farley Flex gave some insightful ideas on “A Collaborative Approach to Black Empowerment Ways to Strengthen the Afro-Canadian Community.” Nosakhare concluded the day by reiterating the importance of an EDI framework to eliminate racism and discrimination. The struggle for racial equity must be based on love. Anyone interested in learning about the work of the Canadian Congress can check: Website: www.canadiancongressondiversity. ca
Leaders; do what is right and necessary for the Jamaican people DEVON THOMPSON devon@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Jamaicans shouldn’t have to escape Jamaica for a better life, we are seeking a new set of leaders that will create what I coined, the Great Jamaican return, where flights upon flights of Jamaicans from all over the globe are filled with Jamaicans bringing their wealth, knowledge and families back home to their country. Last week, I wrote about some of the political turmoil that is occurring in Jamaica. As a former Vice President of the UIC, I have some advice and recommendations. Firstly, to the Jamaican voters, no single man or woman will save you or save our country. The only person who can do that is you. Politicians serve on your behalf and it’s time you start seeing them as employees and
not as heroes or gods. Do not look at Joseph L. Patterson, Roman Baber, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Pierre Poilivire, or Justin Trudeau as your saviours; look at them as your employees. Vote, run and disconnect are what I advise citizens of any country to do; always use your vote. Take part in the political process as a candidate if you can, and do your utmost best to reduce your reliance on government and its services. REMEMBER, you are your hero. Secondly, this is for the UIC’s past and present members and executives. This article was not written to form an opinion on Joseph L. Patterson, my former political mentor; it was to awaken the spirit of my readers, to let them know that Jamaica can be saved, with or without Joseph L. Patterson. All it needs is a population willing to stand up firmly against the corruption in the country, a population willing to vote, run and disconnect. Mr. Patterson has resigned as the UIC’s President on multiple occasions, but do not be dismayed if he resigns for a third, fourth or fifth time. Do not lose hope if the UIC chooses to replace him as the President, because I am personally aware of many Jamaicans (inside and outside of the UIC) who are strong, educated, diligent and trustwor-
thy enough to take the political fight to Andrew Holness and Mark Golding. The UIC remains Jamaica’s best chance at a flourishing future. I am pleading with the President, and all existing members, to do what is right and necessary for the Jamaican people. This means revamping the UIC’s constitution to separate the post of President from the Leader of the Party, therefore guaranteeing separation of powers so that the President will never become the Prime Minister of Jamaica. The leader who is chosen by the UIC’s Membership on a yearly interval will therefore be the one to become Prime Minister. There should be no qualms about a leader being replaced if he/she is not the best fit to lead the country. Canadians have so far booted the leader of the Federal Conservatives and the leader of the current Albertan Government, because they have lost faith in them. Booting their leaders does not shake the core of the party, because a President is always there to maintain the smooth operation of the organization. Thirdly, to the current President of the UIC; I believe you are a good man; that you believe that every single step you take is the right choice and that Jamaica would
be better off for it. However, you are a leader to some and not a leader to all. What this means, is that you are not capable of leading 63 strong, independent souls into a general election, because you think that they should show loyalty and appreciation to you every step of the way. “Strong independent minds opposed you as party President and if these strong independent minds remain within your party, they will do the same to you as Prime Minister should you lead them to an election win and act in a manner that is not within the best interest of Jamaica. But you can’t have that, so rather than having MP or Councilor candidates who may dissent, you would rather be a leader of candidates who would kneel to and obey the commands of King Patterson. We cannot allow such a group to be elected to Government; I, therefore, urge you to re-invite all dissenting members of the UIC back into the organization whom you’ve wrongly accused of engaging in a coup attempt. Knowing that Jamaicans will be present in the UIC leaders’ cabinet or caucus who will dissent should leadership steps out of line (again), will bring peace of mind to Jamaican voters.”
Toronto District School Board Trustees voted to remove all entry exams and auditions to specialized schools and programs PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is wrestling with the tensions and challenges of admission to its specialized schools and programs. The TDSB has released a report to the Governance and Policy Committee titled, “Student Interest Programs: Specialized Schools and Programs Policy Review: Phase 5.” The executive summary of the report indi-
cates that there would be the renaming of the Specialized Schools and Programs Policy to the new Student Interest Program to ensure that, “all students will have equitable access to both local and centralized programs that support their interest and success. Work went into the development of these recommendations through extensive consultations and feedback with diverse community stakeholders that highlight the best practices, system data, and enrolment trends within the TDSB. It was intended that these recommendations were in alignment with its Multi-Year Strategic Plan, which has been operational since 2018. The purpose of the recommended change was, “Intended to address the decade-worth of data that consistently shows that not all students have benefitted equitably from our specialized programs.” The report identified two tensions
and challenges that resulted from the Secondary Program Review after extensive consultations in 2021 and 2022: 1. Tensions • Admissions and programming based on ability vs. interest • Specialized programming misaligned with Secondary Program Review 2. Challenges • Specialized programming as a means of ‘upstreaming” • Limitations of the current application process • Renaming the programming The report acknowledges that there are benefits to students from being enrolled in specialized programs but there are inherent obstacles that need to be overcome. It states,
“We must now confront the barriers to access and ensure that all students have the same opportunities and the same access to those programs. As a result, the proposed policy aims to improve access and remove longstanding barriers while maintaining the same high quality and specialized education.” The report highlights centralized programming and local programming as two areas that need to be improved to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. On Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, TDSB’s trustees voted to accept the draft Student Interest Programs Policy as was presented on April 27th, 2022. This would ensure that all tests, exams, auditions, and grade entry requirements are removed as requirements for entry to these specialized schools and programs.
PAGE 18
FEATURE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Photo Credit: LuvBay Afrobeat Music and Talk Radio
BROTHERS WHO CARE
Elevating the way young BIPOC girls and boys see themselves SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The reality is that we are dealing with a crisis in the African Caribbean community here in Toronto, and today, I want to share with you an organization that is preparing for the recovery of our people, and they tell a very different story, one of pivoting focus to the younger generation that will assist with the long-term resilience and growth of all African Caribbean people. We know that representation is everything, especially for our youth, who are easily impressionable. Great representation helps them to expand their mindset and see that they can achieve anything they want in life. Let’s first take into consideration that African Caribbean children have a unique set of experiences that often influences their development. It is why there is such a push to find admiral role models, and mentors that have also had these experiences too. In order to properly address the challenges that our youth are having, they must be acknowledged first, and this week’s feature organization has taken it upon themselves to not only acknowledge, but act. “Financial literacy can empower youth to break cycles of poor wealth management and poverty. By sparking an interest in financial literacy, we are cultivating bright futures for our children ensuring they have financial tools to enable their success.” David Griffiths (Founder of Brothers Who Care) Brothers Who Care is a registered Canadian Non-Profit organization committed to changing the social, financial and psychological health of the African Caribbean community through stories, images and engagement. What this team has discovered is that one of the best ways to build wealth over time is to invest and engaging students at a young age can improve success down the road. The founder, David Griffiths, was born in Manchester, Jamaica. David is currently an Associate Partner with IBM Con-
sulting. He holds a BASc in Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering from the University of Windsor and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. When meeting David, you can feel the energy; tenacity and authenticity he brings into helping people, communities and the organizations he works with. Brothers Who Care began to seek out ways in which to provide mentorship for our youth, as well as programs that would allow parents to get involved. Under David’s leadership, they have teamed with One Voice One Team, CIBC Wood Gundy Group (specifically the McDonald Group), and Commerce Valley Financial Group to produce a series of programs that ran during the pandemic, and have begun to catch fire throughout the city of Toronto. They have compiled three projects into one that are aimed at elevating the way young BIPOC girls and boys see themselves. The projects include:
The “I SEE ME” Career Promotion Campaign & Documentary “The “I SEE ME” Career Campaign and Documentary,” David begins “was aimed at elevating the way young BIPOC girls and boys see themselves. Careers in the fields of: engineering, video game developing, wealth advisory, acting, law, medicine, architecture and teaching are not commonly seen as professions that Black children can attain. Around grades 4 to 6, students start to look at the world, and think about who and what they want to be when they grow up. Brothers Who Care recognize this sensitive time as an opportunity to have professionals tell compelling mentee-mentor stories. Through stimulating dialogue, and storytelling, the students’ eyes were opened to how life would look if they chose to follow the path less chosen. The film matches students (Grades 4 – 6) with a role model in their chosen career path and showcases ways to support young BIPOC boys and girls to dream big and see themselves in those dreams,” David told me proudly.” The documentary will be released on June 11th, 2022 and features 11 students who are matched with 11 professionals in their chosen career path. The storytelling element makes the documentary an excellent learning tool for elementary schools.
I “SEE ME” Youth Investment Competition The “I SEE ME” Youth Investment Competition ran from March 7th, 2022 to June 3rd, 2022. “The competition is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about money and apply it to real world situations in the stock market,” David shared with me. “Students used the application, The Stock Market Game™ that introduces young people to saving and investing through a simulation of the stock market and bond market. Students were able to trade and manage their own virtual $100,000 investment portfolio.” Not only was this project fun and interactive, winners are going to be announced at the release party on June 11th, 2022. The event will enable youth, parents, and community members to network, dialogue, and see exactly how effective strong mentorship can be. S.W.O.L.E. Leadership & Financial Literacy Summer Camp We are entering into the best part of the school year for students; summer break. Something that needs to be considered is that as students return to school in the fall, many of them – especially students from historically disadvantaged communities will start the academic year with achievement levels lower than where they were at the beginning of the summer break. This phenomenon is referred to as summer learning loss, summer setback, or summer slide, and it has been of interest to education researchers going back as far as 1906. The team at Brothers Who Care have added a twist on the idea of a traditional summer camp, by having financial literacy as the focus. “We motivate students to work alongside one another to overcome learning challenges, and engage youth in a series of cognitive and physical activities designed to empower them to become strong leaders,” David shares with me. Interested in becoming part of the Brothers Who Care movement? They would love to hear from you. You can subscribe to their newsletter at info@brotherswhocare. com, or you can follow them on Instagram: @canbwc, or Facebook: @brotherswhocare.ca, and of course make sure to get involved by visiting their website : brotherswhocare.com. I am very proud of this dynamic and influential group of individuals working together to better the future of our community. It is motivating to know that there are Brothers out there who Care.
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PAGE 20
FEATURE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Photo Credit: David Ayers
KING COSMOS “55 Still Alive!” Celebrating richness, diversity, and inclusion That’s right! You heard correctly! Following two years of lockdown from the pandemic, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is returning, culminating a four-day celebration from July 28th, 2022 – July 31st, 2022. It is a special year for African-Caribbean’s living in Toronto because we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Grande Parade, which was first gifted to Canada by the Caribbean Community during Canada’s centennial celebrations. Since then, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival has become a spectacular display of costumes, music, and culture. This Caribbean tradition of parading through the street was founded in celebration of freedom and emancipation from slavery and is appropriately celebrated on what has been recognized by the Canadian government as Emancipation Day weekend. This tradition is a reminder of the history of creative resistance. For many years, enslaved Africans were dehumanized, and what this celebration does is educate Canadians, and remind them that it is not just about jump up, jump up, but it is also about a statement of free expression, something that was ripped away from us during colonization. In times like this, it is appropriate to salute the pioneers; people who were there from the very beginning, and that is why this week, we are honoured to celebrate a man who has been instrumental in the growth of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the one and only King Cosmos. King Cosmos (Henry Gomez) is known
throughout the Caribbean community in Canada and in the Caribbean for his vast repertoire of musical genres as a Calypsonian. A google search of his name revealed a wealth of facts. He was born and raised in Princess Town on the island of Trinidad and Tobago. His musical heritage is rich as his family and includes Johnny Gomez and Gomez of parang fame in Lopinot. His academic career includes a B.A. and B.Ed from the University of Toronto, and a Masters of Fine Arts and Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from York University. His thesis titled, “The Caribana Parade: Storming and Issues of Power and Control,” won the thesis prize nomination in 2021. As an educator with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for over 30 years, he was very involved in promoting steel pan in Toronto schools. As a Calypso performing artist who has performed all across Canada, he won the Calypso Monarch competition in 1995. He has deep roots in the Toronto Carnival culture since his involvement in the late 1980s. He was directly involved with the Caribana Arts Group (CAG) which ran the festival from its inception in 1967 to 2006 when it was taken over by the Festival Management Committee (FMC). He served as Chair of Caribana from 1996 to 1997 and from 2012 to 2014. It is because of his passion and commitment to the carnival arts and desire for it to thrive that he wrote the anthem for 2022 entitled, “55 Still Alive.”
It is a fitting tribute to the legacy of the contributions of many creative originators, innovative artists, versatile organizations, and progressive stakeholders who have often gone unrecognized for their endless work to make this annual festival one of the largest in North America. Henry composed, produced, and wrote the anthem which featured an up-tempo Calypso track in a call-andresponse style. In my interview with King Cosmos, he told me that the anthem is a “doculypso.” This is a term he coined which he explains, “It is a song that pays tribute to some of the founders and nurturers, and at the same time it documents the evolution of the festival.” He believes that it is “A tribute and ideal song for the festival” as there is “The documentary nature of the song.” He emphasizes that it is “Truly Canadian calypso.” This he underscores is, “What makes calypso unique as an art form.” From his studio located in Scarborough, Henry states, “I shared the song with close family and friends and the positive feedback kept coming in. Now I understand that international interests, including Trinidad and Tobago, are embracing a song about the Toronto Carnival, and it’s a great feeling. The calypso is upbeat to capture the vibrant pulse of the carnival culture. It is educational as it tells something about some of the artists, organizations, and stakeholders who created and nurtured the festival. I did this for our 55th anniversary - Carnival’s Emerald year in Toronto. I feel the piece captures the essence of the 55th milestone and it brings all the parts: calypso, pan, and
mas into an inclusivity that makes Toronto iconic.” To celebrate the launch of “55 Still Alive,” several notable Torontonians commented on the positive impact of this creative and innovative anthem. Alissa Trotz, Professor at U of T stated, “What better way to document Caribana 55, than with this lively anthem to Caribbean presence on the Toronto landscape from King Cosmos! A tribute to mas-bands, steelbands, the earliest participants and organizers, calypsonians, revellers, organizations; this is a sound archive of the rhythm, energy and living history of Carnival.” Longtime radio personality, Jai Ojah Maharaj of Chin Radio 100.7 FM stated that the anthem is, “A timely tribute to the people who have contributed unselfishly to make this a truly vibrant festival in Toronto.” Readers, you all have a chance to check out this historic song, which is now available on all streaming platforms. Get something and whine! Get something and whine! Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography
Written by Paul Junor Toronto Caribbean News
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HEALTH
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Bend So You Don’t Break; the Benefits of Yoga as you Age W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH
Getting older takes a toll. Weakening bones, increasing aches and pains, and failing balance, flexibility and strength can make the body feel like worn-out baggage. There is a curious truth in an ancient Hindu text that states, “Everyone else is conquered by the body, but the body is conquered by yogis.” For centuries, people all over the world have practiced yoga for: religious, spiritual rehabilitation or fitness reasons. The older set may see the neighbourhood yoga studio as a place for the young and nimble, but there is ample evidence that aging seniors benefit physically and mentally from instruction in the “sun salutation”, “tree pose,” and more amusingly named positions like the “chair pigeon” or “cat-cow pose.”
Yoga combines movement (asana) and breath work (pranayama). The beneficial effects of yoga include relief from back pain, eased arthritis symptoms, better sleep, and improved mood. Regular yoga practice also promotes social connectivity and improved self-care. Yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system – the “rest and digest” mechanism of the body reducing heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Studies show decreases in blood glucose, cholesterol and sodium, and an increase in oxytocin. Yoga is effective in building strength, mobility and flexibility and aids in weight management and posture. Improved balance and functional movement are major benefits for seniors at risk of falling. These physiological benefits have led to the incorporation of yoga into the treatment of many chronic health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and chronic pain. While many people initially look to yoga for physical health benefits, there are important psycho-spiritual perks as well. As a practice, yoga increases concentration, memory, and attention. Hostil-
ity, anxiety, and depression are reduced. Instead, improvements in outlook and general self-acceptance rise. Breath work patterns common to yoga practice are energizing and often used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Dr. Kirsten Blokland, a developmental psychologist and certified yoga teacher, states, “Synchronizing movement with breath can impart a feeling of coherence and integration – something that is so needed in our society, where many people report feeling fragmented and unsettled because of the hectic pace of our lives.” Dr. Blokland is part of a growing community of yoga specialists focusing on restorative yoga to assist with the healing process in response to significant medical challenges. Where do you start if you can’t touch your toes? It’s unfortunate if yoga conjures ideas of pretzel-like contortions. To the contrary, even those with limited mobility can enjoy yoga. Chair yoga, a style of yoga performed in a seated position, is a suitable starting point for people having difficulties getting from standing to sitting on the
How to prevent digital eye strain If you’re experiencing dry eyes, headaches or blurry vision, digital eye strain may be to blame. Here are five things that can help alleviate the effects of frequently looking at your computer, tablet or phone screen. 1. Follow the 20/20/20 rule Look up from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This short break will give your eyes the needed rest to relax, refocus and reset. 2. Change your settings If your job makes it impossible to avoid looking at a screen all day, try using a larger font size. Additionally, you can increase the contrast, sharpness and brightness of your screen. 3. Adjust the lighting Glare from the sun or overhead lights can cause
your eyes to work overtime. Try dimming the lights in the room, closing the blinds or installing an anti-glare filter. 4. Improve your posture Bad posture can intensify digital eye strain. Avoid slumping over, craning your neck or looking down at your screen for long periods of time. 5. Schedule regular eye exams An optometrist can ensure that your uncorrected vision problems are addressed. Plus, they can provide professional advice on how to keep your eyes healthy. Though digital eye strain is unlikely to lead to permanent damage, it can be uncomfortable. Taking precautions will help minimize difficulties with your vision and eye health.
floor repeatedly. Sitting down lowers the center of gravity protects hip and knee joints from weight bearing and eliminates the need to rely on the shoulders and wrists for support. With the added stability of a chair, participants can concentrate more deeply on breathing and poses. There is also added accessibility of seated yoga. Everybody has access to a chair. Chair yoga can be done in the kitchen, in the office, or anywhere there is a place to sit. Chair yoga can be just as beneficial as other forms of practice, such as on a traditional yoga mat. “Chair/modified poses are in many ways just as beneficial as traditional asana poses – particularly when we consider that the benefits exist not just in the physical domain, but also in the psychological and spiritual domains,” says Dr Blokland. As the body ages, take this advice to “Bend so you don’t break.” Give it a try under the guidance of a trained instructor.
Peel Regional Police News Your access to the latest alerts, media releases, crime statistics, podcasts and more.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
HEALTH
The realities of recovering your body back after a baby RACHEL MARY RILEY rachel@carib101.com
HEALTH & FITNESS
Have you ever wondered why some women have a difficult time getting their body back, or why their body changes so much during pregnancy? I personally have not experienced the pregnancy phase yet, but however, I encourage those that are pregnant, desire to be a responsible parent someday, or going through the phase of pregnancy to let healthy living start with your mind and lifestyle before you start that phase. First off my dear, your body is temporary and you have a choice to change it according to what you believe within yourself. I have personally seen women train while pregnant, but because of the fact that they made healthy living become a part of their lives even before they were pregnant, provided them benefits after they gave birth. I am not saying you should be a trainer, but the benefit of taking care of yourself even before pregnancy will even affect your mind-set after pregnancy. Creating that lifestyle is worth it. Children
these days are like sponges, and as parents, we can create influence in their lives especially when it comes to healthy living. Another thing is don’t allow culture and traditional mind-set to shape your beliefs about how you should look after your pregnancy. I see queens bounce back as soon as they drop their baby, meanwhile for others it is much harder. However, it will take time and it will take hard work. Be patient with your body.
Helps You Bounce Back after Pregnancy, 2022).
Special tips to help bounce back after your pregnancy:
When can I safely exercise again? According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if you had a healthy pregnancy and a normal vaginal delivery, the answer may be sooner than you thought. You can start exercising within a few days of delivery if you feel ready. That doesn’t mean picking up where you left off in your favourite boot camp class, though. Walking is a great start for many women. That could be a 10-minute stroll around the block, with or without your baby. Build-up as you feel able, aiming for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Moms who had complications or delivered by C-section may need to take it more slowly. A doctor, midwife or physical therapist can give personalized advice (Getting In Shape After Having A Baby, 2020).
Kindly ask and accept help (What Really Helps You Bounce Back after Pregnancy, 2022). Post pregnancy workout with core strengthening exercises: Completing a lot of core workouts in the early mornings or night can help decrease your abdominals. In addition to moderate cardio, a postpartum workout should focus on building up the muscles of your torso (which takes a beating when you are pregnant). Every new mom can benefit from core strengthening. Some women also experience a separation of the abdominal wall muscles, which is called rectus abdominis diastasis. Exercises that target this condition can bring the muscles back together again (What Really Helps You Bounce Back after Pregnancy, 2022). Prenatal vitamins, because your body still needs the nutrients: (What Really
What’s normal for postpartum weight loss? Trusted resources state that typically about 13 pounds comes off immediately after childbirth, and another 5 to 15 pounds over the first six weeks. It can take six months to a year to lose the rest (Getting In Shape After Having A Baby, 2020).
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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Spotlight on red radishes The crisp white flesh and peppery taste of radishes make them a great addition to salads and sandwiches. Plus, the leaves of this root vegetable can be used as a leafy green much like lettuce and spinach. Although they can be found year-round, red radishes are generally ready to be harvested in the spring. Health benefits Radishes pack a punch with their distinct taste, but they’re also loaded with nutrients. In particular, radishes are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. They’re also rich in minerals like calcium and potassium, which help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. Other compounds in radishes can help prevent dia-
betes. Plus, this vegetable is low in calories and a natural appetite suppressant. Selecting and storing For maximum taste, choose radishes that are about the size of ping pong balls. Make sure they’re firm with a smooth, vibrant red exterior. If you buy radishes in bunches, the leaves should be stiff and bright green. Radishes can be stored for about a week in a perforated plastic bag. Place them in the crisper drawer of the fridge to help prevent them from drying out. To stock up on these tasty vegetables, visit your local farmers market.
How to choose sunglasses that will protect your eyes Did you know your eyes can get a sunburn? In addition to damaging your corneas, exposure to the sun’s rays increases your risk of developing cataracts and other serious eye conditions. This is why it’s essential to wear sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy days. Here are some tips to help you choose a pair that will provide adequate protection.
• Opt for close-fitting sunglasses or frames that can easily be adjusted. Choose wide lenses or wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from every angle.
• Make sure the lenses don’t cause too much distortion. Test them out by looking at a tiled floor while wearing them to see if the lines look straight.
• Check the label to ensure the lenses offer full protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember that it’s not a question of colour, darkness or price.
PHOTOCHROMIC VS. POLARIZED LENSES Photochromic lenses can be useful because they darken in response to exposure to UV light. However, this means they don’t darken properly in cars, since windshields block some UV rays. Polarized lenses, on the other hand, are ideal for driving and outdoor activities, as they reduce glare off flat surfaces such as roads, water and snow.
• Favour sunglasses that have a scratch-resistant coating on the lenses. This will help prevent imperfections from hindering your vision. • Select a pair with mirror-coated or gradient lenses. These features will reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes without compromising your ability to see. • Be mindful of the activities you’ll be doing when wearing your sunglasses. For example, brown lenses are ideal for driving because they don’t affect how you see colours.
For more advice and to help you make an informed choice, consult an optician or other eye care professional.
What is restless leg syndrome? Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that affects about five to 10 per cent of adults and is particularly prevalent among women. Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, it’s characterized by a strong urge to move the legs in response to unpleasant sensations in the lower limbs. The frequency and intensity of
these sensations, which may include itching, aching and crawling, depend on the person. RLS may also affect other parts of the body such as the arms and head. Since symptoms typically occur while sitting or lying down in the evening or at night, RLS can interfere with sleep and lead to a number of health problems. Here’s an overview of the condition and what can be done about it. Causes There’s often no known cause of RLS, but your chances of developing the condition are significantly higher if it runs in your family. If this is the case, symptoms will usually begin in early adulthood, before the age of 40. Additionally, RLS symptoms may temporarily appear or worsen during pregnancy. In certain instances, the condition is associated with other health problems such as an iron deficiency or kidney failure. Diagnosis In most cases, it’s the description of your symptoms that will allow your doctor to make a diagnosis. However, your physician will likely also review your family history
and schedule a blood test to determine if you have an iron deficiency or other abnormality. A polysomnography, which is a type of sleep study, might also be recommended. Treatments There’s no cure for RLS, but there are several treatments that can considerably reduce its symptoms. Medications that increase the amount of dopamine in the brain are often prescribed, as this neurotransmitter helps the nervous system regulate movement. Additionally, there are various habits you can adopt to help ease RLS. These include maintaining a regular sleep schedule and doing activities that require prolonged sitting early in the day rather than in the evening. When you experience symptoms, you can massage and stretch your legs or apply a heating pad or ice pack to get relief. If you think you have restless leg syndrome, it’s important to take your symptoms seriously and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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Stand tall and stop selling yourself short DANIEL COLE
daniel@carib101.com
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Selling yourself short means to underplay your worth, competence, skills, values, contribution, and hard work. And it always stems from a low or poor self-esteem, a sense of unworthiness and inadequacy. These are sometimes fragments of an abusive childhood, the lack of validation or acknowledgement. Has someone once give you a compliment about a job or work well done only to respond with, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing?” If that sounds like you, you need to stop. Take pride in what you’ve done and the contribution you are adding. In the movie, ‘Coach Carter’, you
probably remember the scene when Carter walks into the gym to find his players studying with the hope that they can get their grades back up. It’s from here that one of the players, Timo Cruz, delivers the “Our Deepest Fear” poem. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frighten us. You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Read this phrase again “There is nothing enlightened about you shrinking.” Yes, playing small does not serve anyone. You are created to shine, and you don’t have to be apologetic about that. It’s OK to own your victories. It’s
OK to collect your wins. It’s OK to acknowledge the battles you’ve won and the darkest night you’ve survived. You’ve paid the price to get to where you are, you’ve made some sacrifices, you’ve put in the hours, and you’ve had your fair share of life’s pain and struggles, don’t underplay any of that. In the words of Jennifer Nettles, “Don’t ever sell yourself short. Stand tall. Never be ashamed of who you are. You are beautiful, you are loved. You are needed. You are worth it. Promise me you won’t forget that. Promise me you won’t let your scars define who you are. Let your trials shape you. Let your victories humble you.” Most of the celebrities and influencers we admire do not necessarily have extra-ordinary curriculums, special skills or gifts. However, if there is one thing they’ve done really well, they’ve consistently kept a posture of excellence in the field or industry they represent. You can do the same. In life, you need to learn how to collect your wins because in your darkest moment, you will need them as a reminder that your life is not define by the current challenges you
may be going through or your temporal setback. Whatever life throws at you, always stand tall. The idea is not to go about bragging about what you’ve done, what you’ve accomplished, or the awards you’ve won, no, there will always be people who have done more than you, who have gone far ahead than you, the idea is, when needs call for it to showcase your work, to speak about the values you can contribute, to speak out about your experience, skills and competence, don’t downplay it. It is important not to compare yourself with anyone. Embrace your uniqueness and creativity. Avoid toxic environments and people who never appreciate your contributions or acknowledge the good works you are doing. Life is too short to live with cynical, non-appreciative, and shallow-minded people. Go where you can flourish, and always remind yourself that you are worthy of every good thing life can give. You deserve the best and the very best of life. Stop selling yourself short; keep standing tall.
The Civic Education Handbook: a book that must be treated as a treasure DEVON THOMPSON devon@carib101.com
POLITICALLY SPEAKING
Jamaica received independence from the United Kingdom on August 6th, 1962. Sixty years later, the country has created its very first Civic Education Handbook. We should be popping wine and celebrating, but my readers must understand that this handbook, even though I was one of a few to contribute to its content, is 60 years too late. For 60 years, successive Governments of Jamaica have banked on the lack of education that the Jamaican people have on their system of: governance, electoral system, and political history. They’ve used our ignorance in these matters to maintain their iron grip on our nation. The connected internet is probably the worst thing that happened to Governments across the world because it allowed us to communicate with citizens of other na-
tions; it allowed us to learn. While slowly, many Jamaicans have woken up to the despair that the Jamaican Government has caused over the 60 years of our so-called independence. I call it so-called independence because Jamaica was only independent of the United Kingdom, and not Her Majesty, the Queen of Jamaica who is also the Queen of England. Some of my Jamaican readers will be surprised to know that the positions of Queen of England and Queen of Jamaica are two separate positions; this means that if the Queen of England and Jamaica, Queen Elizabeth passes away, the Monarchs for England and Jamaica could very well become two different persons should they choose. Since we are on the topic of Systems of Governance and the Queen, I believe the Civic Education Handbook got one thing wrong. It identifies Jamaica’s system of governance as a parliamentary democracy, which is misleading and may cause a bit of confusion. Jamaica’s system of governance is not one thing, but consists of multiple: 1. 2. 3.
Constitutional Monarchy Parliamentary Democracy Unitary State
Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy because the Crown is the watch person of the constitution and through her GovernorGeneral, must approve all bills before they become law. The head of government may be the Prime Minister, but the head of state is still the Crown, aka Her Majesty, aka the Queen. Jamaica is certainly also a parliamentary democracy in that the citizens elect representatives who form a parliament to make decisions on behalf of voters. I must note that there is a problem with how the book describes parliamentary democracy; it makes it seem as if the Jamaican people directly elect the Government, and that is not entirely true. Jamaicans vote for Members of Parliament to become representatives in the House of Parliament, after which, the Governor-General appoints the elected member who has the confidence of a majority of the House, the Prime Minister (leader of Government), and the second runner up, leader of the opposition. The Prime Minister then selects his Ministers from appointed Senators and elected members, who the Governor-General also has to approve of and confirm in the positions of Minister of Government. In
fact, as Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy, the Governor-General has the power to choose who among those elected to the House of Parliament becomes Prime Minister, and could, if he chooses to, elect someone other than the leader of the party with the most seats. Jamaica is a unitary state, the opposite of a federal state/federalism. A unitary state simply means that the country has a system of governance where a central government has full power over all political subdivisions. Canada and the United States of America are federal states, where Provinces/States are granted self-governing powers under a constitution. Even though I do consider the error to be misleading, the Civic Education Handbook must indeed be treated as the treasure that it is, and should make its way into every basic school, primary school, high school, university, and every community across Jamaica. A population more educated on their history and on how their government works is a population that will one day make the right choice in an election and choose the leader/political party that will finally make Jamaica the greatest nation on earth.
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Simone, I don’t think that I can be with you anymore; reliving my past trauma SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
HUMAN SPECIALIST
It is interesting now when I look back at this day how impactful the series of events were. I had just been released into my parent’s custody, and my boyfriend at the time had come to pick me up. As we walked to the car he gripped my hand like if he let go I would disappear again. I gripped back knowingly. I knew that things had been difficult for him. I will never forget the look on his face when they took me away. He stood there helpless, unable to move. All he could do is watch the authorities take away the woman that he loved. I glanced at him while we walked, and noticed that his face was stoic. I figured that he was waiting to get
to the car and start driving before we discussed anything, so I quietly walked beside him, taking in the crispness of the day. When we got to his car, he opened the door for me and I got in. He closed the door slowly, and walked around to his side. He climbed in and turned to look at me. “I am so glad you are home, Simone. I missed you.” Tears started to roll down my face. I was not supposed to be crying. I had told myself that I was going to be strong and save the emotion until I was alone, but his words went through me. David gave me a hug and started the car. We pulled out and began our journey home. We crossed the border easily, and I breathed a sigh of relief once we entered into Canada. Being home felt fantastic. As we drove, we sat in silence. I was gazing out the window taking in the beauty of Ontario. I glanced over at David and I noticed that his expression had become very serious.
We can find answers and solutions through our connection with one another I'm trying to reverse.
STEVEN KASZAB
Away from the triggers, Away from the pain, All my muscles are tense, Why can't it be explained?
INSIGHT TO SOCIETY
There is no good reason, But I can't press pause. I don't think this is normal, I can't find the cause.
steven@carib101.com
Irrational fears, mistrust living with no hope, and mental illness may have a grip upon some members of your family, neighbourhood and community. The trick is to recognize the many symptoms, act with kindness in your heart, and a determined spirit. Intense anxiety can be dealt with, resolved with hard work and personal self-exploration. Having a guide or sympathetic person to help is always welcome. A poem I recently read seems to tell the tale, so read it out loud and bear its message well. I'm feeling so scared, I can't breathe but I must. Thinking so many thoughts, Trying so hard to trust. These fears are irrational, But I can't make them stop. I just wish that they'd leave, That my heart rate would drop. I can't catch my breath, My heart's running a race, Against my emotions, Struggling to keep pace. I struggle to breathe, But each sound makes it worse. My world seems so dark,
Oh I need Help I can't live like this, Where my fears are sewn, Is this a question I must ask? Why do they come? What's the cause of this pain? I want to let go, But I can't just the same. I try to calm down, But my fears just won't quit. I can't find air to breathe. I'm stuck in this pit of agony. This was written by Sima, a 13-year-old girl. No matter your age, economic status or race, we all experience the powerful grip of mental illness and addictions. Our mind is searching for meaning, emotional and logical attachment too. We can respond often in ways socially unacceptable, but you need to realize that you are shaping yourself daily, seeing and thinking thoughts perhaps new and different. We can find answers and solutions through our connection with one another. When you're frightened, stretch out your hand for assistance, and you'll find a welcoming handshake, hug or kind word. We are only human after all.
“Is everything okay David,” I asked. “No, it’s not,” he said. I sat back in my seat and gave him my full attention. “What’s going on, love? “I brought your phone with me, and I want you to explain a few things.” He handed me my phone then asked, “Who is Erik?” “Erik?” I was surprised that he was asking me this. “Erik is one of my good friends from Detroit. Why do you ask?” “Well, he has been blowing up your phone for the last few weeks. I kind of find it inappropriate that there is some random guy blowing up your phone.” I looked at David’s face to see if he was joking. “Are you serious right now David? This is what you are coming at me about right now. I just finished dealing with one of the most traumatic experiences of my life, and you want to dialogue with me about a friend who was probably worried about me because he
had not heard from me.” “I just don’t understand why you have men texting your phone anyways. I find it disrespectful.” I was shocked. I slouched in my seat as David continued to berate me on how disrespectful I was and why I should not have men calling my phone. This lasted for about 40 minutes, and then he said, “Simone. This is all too much. I don’t think that I can be with you anymore. This time away from you has put a lot of things into perspective, and I know that I cannot be around you. What you have done will affect and has affected me and my family. I just think that it is time that we go our own separate ways; take some time to figure out our lives, and then maybe we can connect at a later date to talk about it.” By this time, tears were streaming down my face. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I reached for the car door and began to open it slowly…
LIFE
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Debunking the cannabis myth of Indica and Sativa; a look at the taxonomy of cannabis SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com
THE HEIGHTENED CHEF If you have any familiarity with cannabis, you’ve definitely heard of the terms indica and sativa. Although they are prevalent in the cannabis culture and industry, they have been largely misused to a point where their purpose has long been diverted from their function. These categories were initially created to classify the plant but have now become in many cases a marketing tool. Here we will discuss how these terms came to be and how they can assist you in choosing which type of cannabis to consume. Cannabis obviously predates human history but the taxonomy dates back to the 1700s. The original name given to the plant was cannabis sativa. Later that century, it would be further classified into two species based on the physical characteristics of cannabis plants from India. This would come to be known as cannabis indica. Botanists argued that C. indica plants
have dark green, wide leaves compared to C. sativa leaves, which are light and narrow. Much later in the 1930s, cannabis ruderalis was identified as the third subspecies. This was based on growing traits rather than physical characteristics and rarely used by anyone other than cannabis growers. The common day application of these terms began even later still in the 1970s as scientists proposed that all cannabis derived from one central species: cannabis sativa. They contended that human intervention and cross hybridization created the others. It was at this point where the chemical profile of these plants began to define their categorization. The indica subspecies was thought to have a higher THC content, and the sativa subspecies was thought to have a lower THC content. This too is misleading to the average consumer. Only just recently has science begun to reveal that beyond just THC and CBD, there are hundreds of other active cannabinoids and dozens of terpenes (aromatic chemicals) that influence the way each variety affects each person. Over decades of cultivation and cross breeding, pure indica or pure sativa plants are essentially non-existent. Every strain you’ve ever come into contact with is a hybrid of some form, be it indica dominant or sativa dominant. Growers use indica, sativa, and hybrid to categorize plants
Bring your office to the backyard
based on their growth traits and resulting chemical profiles. Retailers are trying to market cannabis to consumers by categorizing strains under these terms. Indica and sativa are still around because they still serve a purpose for cultivators but are archaic to consumers. In order to best navigate the hundreds of strains available with any type of bearing, we must separate a difference between effects and lineage. Whether a plant is indica or sativa dominant, it does not influence how its effects will make you feel. Sativa effects are often described as cerebral, heady, uplifting, and energizing while indica effects are described as relaxing, sedating, full-bodied, and stoney. It’s still perfectly valid to describe effects as sativa-like or indica-like as long as we recognize these effects are not exclusive to its genus. The good news is that cannabis marketing will move closer towards accuracy as consumers become more knowledgeable. More and more cannabis products are labeled hybrid because that is the more accurate descriptor. Technically, all modern strains are hybrids, but the plants we officially classified as hybrids are the intentional crossbreeds of indicas and sativas designed to produce specific qualities and effects. Hybrids will be recommended for their highly specialized effects, flavours, and aromas.
4 annuals that will add height to your flowerbeds Annuals often feature abundant blooms that are positively eye-catching. While it’s relatively easy to find low, medium-sized flowers, it can be difficult to get your hands on large, majestic ones. Here are four annuals that stand tall and proud. 1. Dahlia. Some varieties of this beautiful flower can grow up to two metres in height. However, it’s best to stick to a sin gle colour and find a type that doesn’t grow taller than one-and-ahalf metres. 2. Cosmos. This thin and delicate flower is available in beautiful pastels like white and pink. It’ll wow your neighbours and attract butterflies and birds to your yard.
Do you work from home? Whether you want to escape distractions or enjoy some fresh air, moving your office outside could boost creativity and productivity. Depending on your needs and the available space, you can create an open office by installing an overhang on your deck to protect you from the weather and the sun’s powerful rays. This option is ideal for summer. However, it may not work when making calls in the middle of a rainstorm. Therefore, you may want to build a complete room, similar to a converted shed,
which can be used year-round. Things to remember Above all, your workspace must be functional to ensure you’re as productive as you usually are in a traditional office setting. You must also have access to electricity and a stable internet connection. You may also need to consider investing in an air conditioning, ventilation or heating unit. If a backyard office appeals to you, work with local businesses and contractors to make it happen.
Inevitably, consumers will accept these antique terms less and retailers will be forced to evolve in order to remain relevant. The labels indica and sativa were established centuries before we realized how integral terpenes were to the overall effects of a given strain. The effects you experience from cannabis strains are much more directly tied to cannabinoids and terpenes. THC, the dominant cannabis compound, is just one of hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Each strain has its own cannabinoid makeup and accompanying effect. Knowing the difference between indica-like or sativa-like effects is a great starting point, but when it comes to choosing a cannabis product, you’ll be able to make much more educated decisions once you start paying attention to the cannabinoid and terpene content of each product. Shopping at licensed retailers that provide detailed labels makes it easy. You can also see if the flower you’re interested in buying passes the smell test. Does it smell good to you? If so, that’s a good indication your body may respond well to the dominant terpenes. Regardless, you will now have the knowledge to see past the out of date terms and be more open to strains based on the effects they provide!
3. Cleome. This beautiful ball-shaped flower is often overlooked at greenhouses and nurseries because it rarely blooms at the start of spring. Give it a chance — you won’t regret it. 4. Canna. This bulbous plant tends to bloom late in the season. Therefore, it’s best to plant it indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. Better yet, you can buy dwarf varieties that fill out quickly.
Horticulturists and landscapers generally recommend limiting yourself to two or three colours and three or four species to maximize their visual impact.
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What you need to know about canine distemper Distemper is a potentially le thal virus that attacks dogs and other domestic animals like cats and ferrets. It can also affect wild animals like rac coons. If you have a dog or want to adopt one in the fu ture, you should know about distemper.
cause the virus targets both the nervous and respiratory systems. If your pet is infected, it could exhibit some of the following symptoms:
Transmission Distemper is a highly conta gious disease. It can be trans mitted through respiratory dro plets ex pelled from the nose and mouth by coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through contact with eye se cretions.
• Aggression • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Pacing • Diarrhea • Nasal discharge • Rash • Fever • Lethargy • Loss of appetite • Excessive salivation • Spasms or convulsions • Coughing • Vomiting
Symptoms The symptoms of distemper vary from animal to animal be
Many infected dogs don’t ex hibit any symptoms but are still contagious.
Treatment Unfortunately, there’s no anti viral cure for distemper. How ever, your veterinarian may pres cribe antibiotics, anti convulsants or intravenous fluids to treat your pet’s symp toms. Prevention Veterinarians recommend all dogs should be vaccinated ag ainst distemper. The sad truth is that many unvacci nated dogs needlessly die from the infection or develop serious and irreversible side ef fects. You can protect your faithful com panion by follo wing the advice of your veterinarian.
Can you give your cat milk? You often see cats drinking milk in books and movies. A child rescues a hungry cat and gives it a saucer of milk, and the cat laps it up with pleasure. But is this the right thing to do? According to the experts, the answer is no. Here are a few reasons why. Essential enzyme Kittens can digest their mother’s milk because they’re born with a specific enzyme that allows them to break down lactose, a form of sugar, efficiently. However, as they get older, most cats lose this enzyme and can no longer properly digest milk. Various health problems If an adult cat eats high-quality food and gets plenty of fresh water, it doesn’t need to drink milk. Drinking this fat-rich substance can trigger a variety of ailments, including obesity and diarrhea. Milk is especially harmful if your furry friend is allergic to milk proteins or can’t properly digest lactose. In short, if you feed cow’s milk to your adult cat, it may enjoy it at first but will suffer digestive issues and other health problems later. Consult your vet to determine what’s safe to feed your cat.
“Despite my name, I’m not from Guinea!” If it could talk, your guinea pig could teach you some amazing things.
Even though we live under the same roof, there walks on a leash or harness. These items aren’t are probably some things about my species suitable for my body type and could make me you don’t know. For example, did panic and hurt myself. The same you know that I’m a strict her applies if you give me an exercise bivore and must eat fresh fruits wheel or a ball designed for a and vegetables every day? But hamster; using them could hurt be careful not to feed me the my back. same thing all the time, and don’t feed me just anything. Unlike my name implies, I’m not (that’s the sound Learn which ones best suit me, related to pigs and don’t hail from I make to get and then surprise my taste Guinea. There are many theories your attention)! buds. as to how I got my name. For example, guinea pigs were likely Something else you should know brought to Europe by Spanish is that I don’t sleep as much as you think. Accor explorers in the 1500s. Around this time, the ding to experts, I only sleep an average of four word guinea was often used to describe hours a day in total. Although you may see me things that came from across the sea. lying down, that doesn’t mean I’m asleep. When I’m awake, I like to be active, so I need a large Thank you for giving me everything I need, in cage and plenty of outings. cluding your affection.
SQUEAK SQUEAK
While we’re on the subject, don’t take me for
Doudou XX
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
REAL ESTATE
PAGE 35
Yash and Wari want to buy a home JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com
REAL ESTATE PRO
Yash and Wari came to Canada as landed immigrants three years ago. Yash was trained as a chef, Wari a teacher. Christopher and Louise, their friends, recently bought a home. Yash and Wari went for a visit. They were hoping to get some advice on buying a home. “Start by saving. Make a budget and stick to it,” said Christopher. “You can always buy depreciating luxuries later in life.” Christopher and Louise started saving years before they purchased. They bought maximum RRSP to reduce their income and save on taxes. When they were ready to buy, they both withdrew RRSP to supplement their down payment. They knew that they must repay the funds they withdrew, but it’s their retirement money. “We have $150,000 saved up so far,” declared Yash. “To buy a home, you need to have around three percent of the purchase price towards acquisition cost. In real estate, it’s called closing cost,” explained Louise. “Let’s give you the grand tour. We don’t have much furniture.” It was a medium size home, about 1,600 sq feet with two floors plus basement. The main bedroom featured a full ensuite. “Our basement is completed with a basement apartment. When we bought the home, we met the tenants and decided to keep them. It’s a great financial help for us. We were fortunate because this one is already registered with the city,” mentioned
Christopher. It was a hot summer’s day. Christopher and Yash proceeded to the backyard, a beer in hand. Louise and Wari sat in the living room. “Our realtor is a good guy. You should meet with him. He can walk you through the process,” said Christopher. Yash took a sip. “That’s a great idea.” “Do you know that without credit you cannot establish a credit report and without a credit report it would be difficult to get a mortgage,” voiced Louise. “Christopher and I have one credit card each. Applying for too many could trigger hard inquiries. Too much of hard credit inquiries may suggest that you are take on too much debt. Cards that are maxed out would have a negative effect on your credit.” Christopher and Yash joined their wives in the living room. “We were going to buy a home earlier but I had cosign for a friend’s cell phone. She paid her phone bills late and my credit score dropped,” said Christopher. Louise noted, “If you have cosigned for your friend to buy a home instead, you would have lost your first-time home buyer privileges. We may not be able to get a mortgage, since in the eyes of the lender, we would be buying a second home.” “I learnt my lesson. It’s better to give someone a dollar than cosigning for them,” said Christopher. “We bought this home with a possession date in September. We did not realize that we were locked into a lease agreement with our landlord until December. We got lucky because our landlord managed to find a new tenant and took a month’s rent as penalty for breaking the lease,” said Louise. “There is one thing bothering me. You got $150,000 sitting in your saving account? Why don’t you invest it so that you can earn some serious cash?” Christopher
asked. “Louise and I invested in good dividend stocks like Enbridge gas and TD Bank.” “How about mutual funds?” Wari questioned. “That’s a long-term thing and as you know, you cannot live in a mutual fund,” declared Louise. “Wari has a student loan of about $15,000 and I have a credit card debt of about $10,000. What should we do?” Yash disclosed. “Pay them off,” said Christopher. “Why pay a high interest rate while your saving account is earning little. Stop the bleeding.” The couples then discussed the importance of a Tax-Free Saving Account (TFSA). “Unlike a regular saving account where you make next to nothing, a TFSA is like a fruit basket. Each fruit represents a good stock to invest in. When you sell
the stocks, the profit is tax free,” explained Christopher. “TFSA was established by the Canadian Government since 2009 as a way to encourage people to save. Since you are opening the account with money you already paid taxes on, when you withdraw, its tax free. If you never contributed, your contribution limit grows. Do not go over the contribution limit and do not use it as a daily trading account because the bite from CRA can be nasty.” It was getting dark when Yash and Wari headed towards their car. “You guys will have to take a stress test before you can get approved for a mortgage,” hollered Louise. “We need to make an appointment to meet Dr. Saied soon,” murmured Wari. “Yes, we need to honey. The stress test is important.”
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HOME
The pros and cons of refinancing your mortgage
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
3 tips for paying off your mortgage faster Paying off your home can seem impos sible, especially if you’ve recently been saddled with a substantial mortgage. Here are three easy tips for paying off your mortgage faster. 1. INCREASE YOUR PAYMENT FREQUENCY If you initially chose to pay your mort gage monthly, contact your lender and ask if you can switch to weekly or biweekly payments. This simple change is equivalent to paying one extra mon thly payment each year. For example, an additional $1,500 per year means you’ll pay off an extra $30,000 over 20 years.
Many homeowners refinance their mortgages to free up extra cash for large projects. However, before making this decision, you must unders tand the implications. Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of mortgage refinancing. THE ADVANTAGES Mortgage refinancing allows you to borrow large sums of money at a lower interest rate than most personal loans and credit cards. This type of financing is beneficial for urgent and costly home repairs like fixing a leaky roof or unstable foundation. The money can also be used to buy a car or contribute to a retirement savings plan. Additionally, many people refinance their mortgages to help consolidate their debts and pay less interest. THE DISADVANTAGES You must keep in mind that the money obtained through mortgage re financing is debt that’s secured against your home. Therefore, if you run into major financial problems, you may find yourself without a home. While your lender might not mind if you borrow $50,000 against your home to pay for a trip around the world, you must ask yourself if it’s worth the risk. It’s also important to ask your creditor about extra costs asso ciated with refinancing. Talk to a local mortgage broker to make an informed decision.
2. ADD TO YOUR PAYMENTS If your current budget allows you to make larger payments towards your mortgage, don’t hesitate to make the
adjustment. You’ll pay off your loan fas ter and save on interest. Check with your creditor to find out what terms and conditions apply. 3. MAKE PREPAYMENTS Did you get a generous bonus or sell your classic car? You can use this influx of cash to pay off your mortgage faster. Be aware that your contract may stipulate a maxi mum lumpsum amount. If you go over this threshold, you may have to pay a pe nalty. Therefore, check with your lender to determine how much you can put down. Contact a mortgage broker or financial advisor for personalized advice.
FUN
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 37
WEEK OF JUNE 5 TO JUNE 11, 2022
ARIES
The luckiest signs this week: SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS AND CAPRICORN
You have a lot of work ahead of you. The small details may take a long time to sort out. You may also be promoted at work, which will materialize gradually over the next few weeks.
TAURUS
You’ll be highly charismatic. People will love, support and follow you wherever you go. You’ll suggest interesting projects to your boss and significant other, and they’ll both agree with you.
PUZZLE NO. 763 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 763
HOW TO PLAY :
GEMINI
Your children will be demanding, and you’ll become involved in their various activities. You’ll also get the green light from the bank to finance a property or significant home renovation.
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
CANCER
You’ll express yourself clearly when it comes to money and finance. You’ll make big plans with your significant other, such as buying a house, to ensure that you have a promising future together.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
LEO
Now is an excellent time to ask for a loan, perhaps to consolidate your debts. Don’t hesitate to ask your boss for a raise; they won’t be able to refuse you this week.
VIRGO
PUZZLE NO. 53 46. Certain fruit pastry 50. Frosty 54. Larry and Curly’s chum 55. Vice President Al ____ 56. Fast-food order 57. Come to a close 58. October gemstone 59. Verge
ACROSS 1. Sudden notion 5. Middle Eastern bread 9. Fitness center 12. Roof projection 13. Skip 14. Cut down 15. Tinted
16. Faster 18. Fruit beverage 20. Dark 21. Mexican dish 24. Angry fury 27. Mr. Chaney 28. Extra 30. Actor Patel 33. Away from
34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 42. 45.
home Term of respect Dentist’s org. Not con Legal excuse Tree As well Crazy In two parts Relations
DOWN 1. Married 2. Dried grass 3. “____ Got to Be Me” 4. Purple Heart, e.g. 5. Work as a model 6. Small demon 7. Even score 8. Dined 9. Lower-leg front 10. Quick look 11. Crooked 17. Spotted playing cube 19. Dreary 21. Horse-hoof’s sound 22. Time measure 23. Division prepo-
sition Wireless set Fast steed Zodiac sign Close friends Foolish Red-pencil text Change “Open ____ Night” 41. Join 42. Sir’s wife 43. “It Came ____ a 24. 25. 26. 29. 30. 31. 32. 39.
Midnight Clear” Parodied Ship’s spine Self-regard Father Pension plan: abbr. 51. Ocean fish 52. It came first? 53. Female deer 44. 45. 47. 48. 49.
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 53
A new and exciting challenge awaits. There may be a new beginning on the horizon. You may take steps to go back to school or deepen your spirituality.
LIBRA
Your health may get in your way. Find a good doctor or research treatment to improve your quality of life. You’ll see results, which will put you on top of your game.
SCORPIO
You’ll expand your network of professional contacts, grow your circle of friends and increase your following on social media. You’ll be able to combine business with pleasure at work, at home and in your free time.
SAGITTARIUS
Whether at work or home, you’ll be involved in a demanding project that will be profitable over time. You must be patient; abundance is slow in coming. However, it’ll be yours soon enough.
CAPRICORN
Training over the next few months will enable you to obtain a new qualification in your field. You may go on an adventure that broadens your hori zons and boost your selfesteem.
AQUARIUS
If there’s tension in your relationship, you’ll take serious measures to find a solution. Planning quality time with your partner is essential. However, avoid topics about external problems.
PISCES
If you’re single, someone you don’t know will offer to take you on an adventure. A business trip will turn out to be profitable if you have mastery of the subject matter. Weigh the pro and cons before making a decision.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING
the free
Classifieds Your destination to buy, sell and post!
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HELP WANTED • ITEMS FOR SALE • PERSONALS • ANNOUNCEMENTS • AND MUCH MORE! FOR SALE FOR SALE SHIRT JACKS: Shirt Jacks all sizes all colour call 416-474-3454 SCHOOL PLANT SALE: BEVERLEY HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY PLANT SALE Selling vegetables and flowers that are ready for planting in a new, loving home. Our Grade 8 French Immersion class has been growing a variety of plants which are now looking for their new garden homes. We are selling on Saturday, June 18 AND June 25, from 10 AM - 2 PM. All plants cost $5 or $10 each. All proceeds from our sales will go towards this year’s Grade 8 Graduation. Address: 26 Troutbrooke Drive, North York, ON M3M 1S5 Contact: Monica O, 416-395-3000
FORWANTED SALE HELP GENERAL HELPER: Looking for a helper to do general labour, garden cleaning, landscaping, and winter snow removal. Cash paid weekly. Located at Morningside & Lawrence in Scarborough. Please call: (416)269-5174
HIRING FOR CLEANING: Looking for experience people for general cleaning evenings and night. Must speak English and can drive to areas in the GTA. Call or Text 647-239-4808. Seriou calls only HIRING: Laparkan is looking for a Warehouse Associate in Shipping and Receiving. No experience necessary. Will train on the Job. Send Resume to toronto@laparkan.com or call 416-292-4370
HELP WANTED PART TIME DELIVERY DRIVERS: Approximately 4-6 hours commitment every second Wednesday. Drivers needed for: • Scarborough/Pickering/ Ajax • North York/Rexdale/ Malton • Brampton/Mississauga Driver must have SUV or Van. Call 647-722-6298 to apply.
FOR RENT FOR RENT: Furnished Room For Rent! Sharing Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Morningside Avenue & Kingston Road. $850.00/month including utilities. Please call (416)459-6155. FOR RENT: Furnished 1 BedBasement Apart For Rent! Separate Entrance, Private Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Morningside Avenue & Kingston Road. $1,550.00/ month including utilities. Please call (416)459-6155.
FOR SALE WORSHIP SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211 MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137
SALES REPS WANTED
We are in the process of expansion and constantly looking for the best of the best! Dedicated salespeople; people interested in opportunities to help others while also being able to help themselves. For more information, please contact Trish 647-722-6298 or trish@carib101.com
business
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PAGE 40
FINANCE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Why a cooling real estate market might mean it’s time to invest! CLEVE DeSOUZA cleve@carib101.com
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Many real estate investors have had their eye on the Toronto area for a while now. However, the high demand for homes and properties made for an extremely hot market throughout most of Canada. Prices were constantly rising and bidding wars became quite commonplace. Recent trends, though, indicate that the market is beginning to cool and sales may be on a decline, creating new opportunities for patient investors. About real estate prices Somewhere around mid-2019, home prices in Canada began to soar. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average residential home in June of 2019 sold for about $500,000. By the end of 2020, that number had risen to over $600,000. Fast forward to early 2022 and that same average home sale was nearing $800,000! While stats like this are great for investors
that bought early, it also had the potential to price many investors out of the market. While the prices are still comparatively high, it seems that Toronto and greater Canada may be in the midst of a dip. Many investors watch for these lower price points, and capitalize on the opportunity to buy before the trend returns upward. About interest rates Interest rates are another factor to bear in mind as a Toronto real estate investor watching the markets. Historically low rates over the last several years made it possible for many people to qualify for a higher loan amount, thus driving home sales. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board President Kevin Crigger indicates this trend may be in full reversal mode. He said, “It certainly appears that the Bank of Canada is achieving its goal of slowing consumer spending as it fights high inflation. Negotiated mortgage rates rose sharply over the past four weeks, prompting some buyers to delay their purchase.” While higher interest rates certainly affect an investor’s ability to buy property, real estate investors tend to be able to cover the added expense easier than the average consumer. Rents can be raised to generate higher revenues, which often happens naturally in times of inflation anyway.
About home volume While prices and interest rates are both important considerations for the real estate investor to track, how many houses are being sold, or home volume, really is a key indicator of market strength as well. According to the Canadian Mortgage Professionals, Toronto home sales fell 27% in April, when compared with the previous month. In a market that has had significantly more buyers than properties available for sale, this could mean that inventory of homes may be catching up. While it is still thought to be a “seller’s market” the lower volume may create some balance between supply and demand. This provides Toronto area investors more opportunities to buy real estate since there will be less competition for properties. The bottom line Investing in Toronto real estate requires both strategy and patience, as market conditions may not always be favourable for investing. By understanding changes in the market, and knowing how those changes affect your personal investment strategy, you can be ready to move when opportunity presents itself.
Is remote work right for you? Do you dream of working from home? Do you believe working remotely reduces stress and helps achieve a better work-life balance? While you may be right, there are a few important factors to consider. Despite popular belief, working from home is often challenging and doesn’t necessarily fit everybody’s lifestyle. First, you can forget about working all day in your jammies slumped on the couch. A successful at-home career requires exceptional organization. Showering,
getting dressed and eating a well-balanced breakfast like any regular work day, maintaining an organized workspace, planning one’s schedule, resisting distractions and staying in regular contact with clients, coworkers and employers are all part of the daily life of a remote worker. On the other hand, working remotely means taking breaks as needed without having to feel guilty. And while it may be tempting to work days, nights and weekends according to one’s schedule,
the risk of overworking is also very real. Furthermore, getting paid for working overtime at home is often tricky business. However, if you have children, working from home can be an excellent solution for spending more time with your loved ones. In a nutshell, working remotely is ideal for people who are independent, disciplined and who don’t fear isolation. Do you fit the bill? Then chances are that working from home will bring you much joy and fulfillment!
How to choose between multiple job offers If you’ve applied for more than one position and have interviewed with several companies, it’s very possible that you left a lasting impression on more than one employer. Have you recently received two (or more) interesting job offers? Here’s some advice to help you choose the best option. To make an informed decision, give yourself some time to weigh your options. Don’t be afraid to explain to potential employers that you’ve received several offers and will need a few days to properly consider each opportunity. Think back to
each interview: which employer made you feel the most comfortable? Did you get a feel for each company’s culture? If so, how would you describe it, and how does it compare with the others’? Of course, you can let your emotions guide you in your decision, but don’t neglect other important factors such as possibilities for advancement, financial compensation, working conditions, benefits, etc. Speaking of compensation, it goes without saying that a high salary can often tip the scale in favour of one job over
another, but don’t forget that your wellbeing and quality of life are just as important as money! Finally, accepting one offer means you have to ultimately reject another. But don’t worry: employers are used to this kind of outcome. Nonetheless, you should always decline a proposition with tact, and ideally over the phone rather than by email. Who knows — maybe one day you’ll once again find yourself knocking on that employer’s door in search of a new career opportunity.
18
TM
ABOARD THE
Tickets:
$50
per person
176 Cherry Street - Pier 36
Sunday, July 3rd, 2022
12 Noon BOARDING TIME
at 176 Cherry Street Pier 36
12:30 PM SAILING Enjoy a Delicious Curry & Lunch Buffet Cash Bar Raffle & Door Prizes
Music by:
ROYAL SOUND DJ SERVICES
NOTE: NO PERSONS UNDER THE WEIGHT OF 45lbs WILL BE ADMITTED
Alcohol consumption on the parking premises is prohibited and illegal.
Entire proceeds go towards helping children from the Caribbean to access critical medical procedures.
The Foundation has assisted over 341 less fortunate children in the past 20 years. Your participation will assist significantly. Thank You for your support.
FOR TICKETS & INFO, PLEASE CALL: WEST END CENTRAL Vick (647) 280-6712 Ojah (905) 672-2287 Jay (905) 840-5369 Jankie (905) 303-5817 Amit (647) 703-1283 Radheeka (647) 838-9941
EAST END Kumar (416) 498-9962 Ross (416) 412-0306 Irzad (416) 559-4656
PAGE 42
AUTOMOTIVE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2022
4 signs your car needs a little TLC May is Car Care Month, and as your thoughts turn to summer adventures and road trips, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Here are a few signs your car could use a tune up. 1. You see an engine warning light If the engine warning lights flash on your dashboard, don’t ignore them. Amber lights will alert you to simple pro blems, such as a loose spark plug, while red lights indicate more serious issues, such as an oil leak. Engine warning lights may also indicate when your car is due for an oil change. 2. You hear weird noises Strange sounds coming from your car can signify there’s a problem. Noises may begin quietly and get louder as the pro blem gets worse. Turn off the radio while you’re driving and listen for sounds like squeaking or grinding. These noises could indicate your car has a loose belt, low
power steering fluid or unbalanced tires. 3. You notice strange smells If you notice an unusual odour, it may mean there’s a problem with your car. An unpleasant smell can indicate there’s an issue with your exhaust system, electrical components, tires or brakes. All these pro blems require immediate attention from a mechanic. 4. You see or smell smoke Smoke coming from your engine or ex haust pipe could be a sign that your radia tor is overheating or that you have a pro blem with your head gasket. These are urgent issues that could ruin your car’s engine. If you want to be safe on the road, give your car the care and attention it needs. An automotive professional can help you maintain your vehicle and make repairs before they become major problems.
Car spoilers: truths and myths Spoilers are a popular accessory for many car enthusiasts. On top of being stylish, many people believe they can improve a car’s speed and aerodynamics. Here’s what the science says. How spoilers work The spoiler’s effect comes from the same physical laws that drive aviation, but it works in the opposite direction. While an airplane wing lifts the aircraft as it accele rates, the spoiler on a car exerts a downward force, pressing the vehicle into the asphalt and improving traction. It also decreases the drag arising from air turbulence at the vehicle’s rear.
Spoiler effects The spoiler’s aerodynamic effect is in disputable. But its effectiveness is propor tional to speed. For example, a Formula 1 racing car benefits most from a spoiler because it’s lightweight and fre quently exceeds 300 kilometres per hour. Cars intended for consumer use are much heavier and subject to legal speed limits. For these types of vehicles, the downward thrust effect of a spoiler is negligible. However, spoilers reduce drag, which helps reduce fuel consumption. This effect is especially true if the manu facturer installed the spoiler and tested it in a wind tunnel, which is often the case for high-end cars.
18
TM
ABOARD THE
Tickets:
$50
per person
176 Cherry Street - Pier 36
Sunday, July 3rd, 2022
12 Noon BOARDING TIME
at 176 Cherry Street Pier 36
12:30 PM SAILING Enjoy a Delicious Curry & Lunch Buffet Cash Bar Raffle & Door Prizes
Music by:
ROYAL SOUND DJ SERVICES
NOTE: NO PERSONS UNDER THE WEIGHT OF 45lbs WILL BE ADMITTED
Alcohol consumption on the parking premises is prohibited and illegal.
Entire proceeds go towards helping children from the Caribbean to access critical medical procedures.
The Foundation has assisted over 341 less fortunate children in the past 20 years. Your participation will assist significantly. Thank You for your support.
FOR TICKETS & INFO, PLEASE CALL: WEST END CENTRAL Vick (647) 280-6712 Ojah (905) 672-2287 Jay (905) 840-5369 Jankie (905) 303-5817 Amit (647) 703-1283 Radheeka (647) 838-9941
EAST END Kumar (416) 498-9962 Ross (416) 412-0306 Irzad (416) 559-4656