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Volume 11 • Issue 10

Wednesday, June 22 2022

“My daughter seems to be lacking personal boundaries and seems extremely clingy. She doesn’t talk a lot and sometimes needs to be dragged into her new preschool. When she’s uncomfortable or upset, she screams at a pitch that pierces the ears.”

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FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

BAHIA WATSON AND LIZA PAUL

“Sometimes things are funnier in that West Indian intonation!”

When you think about going to the theatre, what comes to mind?

Is it a room full of White elitists with their noses in the air? How about a group of people sitting bored in a room?

For some, these images ring true, but what if I told you that the theatre isn’t only for rich people or white people, but it’s for people that don’t get to see their stories on stage.

With live events making a comeback this summer, I had a chance to speak with two amazingly talented thespians, who as soon as I saw their videos I knew that they would be perfect to showcase as our Women Empowered.

The MASHUP PON DI ROAD starring Bahia Watson and Liza Paul launches in Little Jamaica this July, just in time for Caribana. It’s a hilarious, vaudeville-style, West-Indian flavoured, Black girl-powered musical variety show presented as part of ArtworxTO’s Year of Public Art. This travelling outdoor show is the perfect experience for families, dancehall and theatre lovers, and anyone who appreciates the rich Caribbean culture this city has to offer.

“I love that people who don’t normally feel at home in this space are coming to the show.”

Produced by Paul Watson Productions, in association with Why Not Theatre, MASHUP PON DI ROAD fuses raucous humour with whip-smart cultural critique. Through a series of vignettes and songs, our two empowered women and their band of colourful misfits give audiences a funhouse mirror look at the sheer absurdity of this oppressive world. The show explores feminism, climate change, and immigration themes that are incredibly salient right now. The experience can be described as a didactic moments; a moment intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment.

Not only are the audience going to be entertained, but they will also be dazzled by bright coloured costumes, and head pieces designed by Toronto-born design studio Norblack Norwhite. Torontoraised Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar have been seen in Vogue and Dazed and Bahia and Liza ensure that Toronto creatives are herald for their extraordinary talent.

For those who follow Bahia and Liza, you might be familiar with “Pomme

is French for Apple,” a fresh and irreverent look at womanhood, sex, society, and all kind of madness in between. It’s a series of vignettes about dating, sex and society with a distinct West Indian flavour. Bahia Watson and Liza Paul wrote, produced and performed the show, and as with this new travelling show, the two seem to work brilliantly together.

It took a few weeks, but I finally caught up with the dynamic duo, and they shared with me how this project came to be.

“I thought I was going to be a doctor,” Bahia tells me. “My sister was a singer. I was supposed to be an academic.

I did dance classes and sang in the choir.

I actually stumbled into acting. They were doing an open call, and I went with my McDonald’s resume and photo.” She stops to chuckle for a moment. “I started doing extra work, and then I took acting class.

It felt right so I thought, how far can I go with this?’

I realized that it would be all about how much I wanted to put into it, so I moved to Toronto from Winnipeg, and that is where I met Liza.”

“I got into arts administration in 2003, 2004, supporting the work of creatives,” Liza tells me. “D’bi Young is the foundation of dub-poetry in Canada. When I saw her in Blood Claat: one ooman’s story, Iand I was blown away. I started to question what I was interested in doing. I said to myself, I think I want to tell stories.

When Bahia joined, we found humour in our own experience. We had a lot in common. We were both doing an artistic residency at D’bi Young Anitafrika’s theatre. We were all working on solo pieces in the program and most people’s pieces had a tinge of sadness – but mine wasn’t and Bahia’s wasn’t either, we had jokes in ours. So after the program ended, in September of 2009, we decided to keep writing together.”

“The humour and the music brought us together,” Bahia continues.

“Liza had some funny songs. There was a lot of common ground. D’bi has a framework of telling stories with integrity. How we processed what we were putting out there. I was working on a one-woman show called In Search of Shaniqua Jenkins and Liza was working on her show called Everybody Wan Catch A Screw and it was just this vibes thing. We didn’t know what we were working on or toward but thought we’d write and set some dead-

lines.”

Liza excitedly tells me, “Internally everyone is excited.

Performing outdoors mobile is a different animal. The shows we have done to date were indoors, smaller stages, more control over the environment.

It is a level of offering that needs to go out.”

“I agree,” Bahia chimes in. “We’re very excited to be launching the world premiere in Little Jamaica! Especially after the endless years of horrible construction along Eglinton West we really felt that the community deserves a lot of love and joy and hope MASHUP can bring some of that.

It has ais a vibe. Come free up yourself. It is free of charge. People come; shake off the day, and be delighted by what is in the space. Gates will open at 8:00 pm. Feel a feeling, when things have cooled down, then we do our things. Our goal is that you have such a nice time you want to share it with people.”

Liza leaves me with a thought, “I want people to come and say to themselves, I didn’t know theatre could be like this.”

I have shared the dates and locations below if you are interested, and you can find out more about MASHUP PON DI ROAD at https://welcometodicircus.com/ Show Dates and Times Community Preview: July 19th, 2022, gates at 8 p.m. / show at 9 p.m. at Assembly Park (80 Interchange Way - Sponsored

by QuadReal Property Group)

Exemplifying Black-Girl Power on Stage Photographer: Phillip Miller

Photo Credit: Kenneth Reyes

July 21st-23rd, 2022, gates at 8 p.m. / show at 9 p.m. in The Heart of Little Jamaica (Green P Lot, 1531 Eglinton Ave West) July 27th, 2022, gates at 8 p.m. / show at 9 p.m. @ The Bentway (250 Fort York Blvd - Presented in partnership with The Bentway)

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

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NEWS

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 3

There is no true measure of the levels of safety and effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; Introducing The Control Group SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Trust the Science!.... Trust the Science!”

If I had a dollar for the amount of times I have heard this statement spewed from the lips of our government officials, well, I would be able to afford these gas prices.

Seriously though, mainstream and social media platforms have been ignoring, attacking and de-platforming the hundreds of international doctors and scientists who have raised serious concerns about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, we all know that it was rushed out under emergency use authorization, using novel technology without any long-term testing.

I want to take the time to reiterate that the SARS-CoV-2 inoculations are an untried and untested MRNA technology, which we have never before seen used in humans. There have been no long-term safety trials completed yet for these injections and therefore it would be true to say that they are experimental.

We all have friends and family members who have received these SARSCoV-2 inoculations, and there are concerned citizens across the globe that have decided not to participate in the recent inoculation experiment. They have come together to positively contribute their data to a very important part of any experiment: the control group.

Let’s take a look at what makes up a true research experiment. In research of any kind it is vital to have both an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group receives the treatment (SARS CoV-2 vaccines in this case), and the control group does not receive the treatment.

The reason for this is so that the researchers can determine if the treatment has an impact on the measure of experiment (in this case, the reduction in serious infection as well as the incidence of adverse reactions in those given the SARSCoV-2 vaccine). What the control group does is serve as a baseline comparison to the experimental group, whereby the researchers can reliably compare the measured results of the treatment cohort with the control.

Failure to provide a strong control group may cause a study to be considered invalid, because it would not allow the researchers to eliminate or attribute effects that might have occurred within the experimental group as being due to the treat-

ments or incidental occurrence.

The people originally allocated by the pharmaceutical companies to be part of a control group for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, have almost all been vaccinated now. What this means is that the official, long- term control group for the SARSCoV-2 vaccine research no longer exists.

Thankfully, there is a citizen led initiative, open to anyone who has chosen not to be vaccinated. The Control Group (www.vaxcontrolgroup.com) is an independent, worldwide, long-term study of the health outcomes of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-free individuals. They believe that without a vaccine-free control group to compare against, there is no true measure of the levels of safety and effectiveness proclaimed by governments and health organizations across the world. Their goal is to collect large-scale health data from both the SARS-CoV-2 inoculated and the vaccine-free in order to conduct true experiments that will yield valid and reliable results.

They are voluntarily supported by: scientists, doctors and other professionals from all over the world who have helped this project to achieve the growth and success it has to date.

They continue to collect the longterm health data of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-free from every country, so that they can provide the missing control group to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated; thus enabling

independent and transparent, comparative analysis of the mass vaccination policy.

I am thankful to this group for providing support to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccinefree community against discrimination and harm.

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NEWS

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 5

Telecommunication company that is trying to make a difference in the lives of students PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Beanfield Metroconnect is at the forefront of ensuring that there is a strong connection between students and schools within the Greater Toronto Area.

In a press release on Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, Beanfield Metroconnect revealed that it is an exceptional telecommunication company that is trying to make a difference in the lives of students.

“We recognize the importance of connecting communities and the people within them, and we do this without sacrificing outstanding customer support and superior services. At Beanfield, it’s about building communities not just networks.”

There are currently 450 schools that are part of the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic School Board, and the York Catholic District School Board that have working relations. The purpose is to provide fast, reliable network infrastructure that meets the needs of students and teachers today and in the future.

In many ways, Beanfield Metroconnects was able to capitalize on the need for adequate technology infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic as many school boards across Ontario offer online learning to students. Dean Armstrong, Founder, and CEO, Beanfield Metroconnect states in the press release, “The pandemic made it abundantly clear that strong and reliable internet access is essential to serve students and educators in our modern

world. With our expertise and existing fibre infrastructure throughout the GTA, we can ensure that all students are set up for success with a fast and reliable fibre solution that connects schools and off-premises data centres.”

There are over 453,000 students that have benefited from having access to the services that Beanfield Metroconnect provides. The press release notes, “These schools require sufficient bandwidth to support smart-learning initiatives that incorporate mobile devices and other digital learning platforms.”

Peter Singh, Executive Officer, Information Technology and Information Management TDSB states, “When looking for a partner, we need a company that could easily and quickly meet the needs of our primary and secondary schools, and Beanfield stepped up and met our timelines and connectivity needs. As the needs of our students continue to evolve, we are confident Beanfield has provided us with the network infrastructure to meet our current needs and has the ability to scale to meet our future requirements.”

There are more than 95% of the specified schools that Beanfield Infrastructure is operational in. Steve Camacho, Executive Superintendent and Chief Information Officer of the TCDSB states, “A fast, secure and resilient network is foundational in our vision of the Digitally Enabled School, and we are excited to bring this important forward. Our educators, administrators, and students require a reliable network that will help support their increased use of technology for learning and teaching. Beanfield’s modern highspeed network benefits the TCDSB’s large student population by providing the essential peace of mind needed to enhance our ability to deliver innovations well into the future”

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

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

The persistent effects of colonialism in Caribbean science MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Time and time again history has proven that people from our race, community, and the Caribbean islands in general have played a crucial role in the medical and scientific field even though we had to overcome many obstacles along the way.

Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bahamas are two such places that have played a major part in the above-mentioned field by sharing their resources and joining together in research.

It is said that islands have played an essential role in the origin and development of ecology and evolutionary biology and are often viewed as natural laboratories, where complex patterns like migration and diversification can be teased apart.

Here is what one professor had to say in connection to the Caribbean and researching things, “When trying to understand these processes, you go to islands because they’re isolated, they seem controllable and there are many of them, allowing you to repeat experiments or make comparisons,” said senior author Alexis Mychajliw, an assistant professor at Vermont’s Middlebury College.

For instance, “When Europeans claimed that they ‘discovered’ the Caribbean islands, what they saw and recorded wasn’t necessarily the natural state of the region’s biodiversity,” said senior author Michelle LeFebvre, assistant curator of South Florida archaeology and ethnography at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

“For example, Indigenous people moved animals up from South America and in between islands, resulting in biocultural diversity. If we want to understand the natural history of an area, archaeologists, palaeontologists, and biologists all need to work together.”

Speaking of working together, Europeans and North Americans who hauled off most of the important specimens from the islands, and continue to keep them in their countries, must realize that you cannot claim to be the best when the product that helped you develop was stolen.

Even today this practice is hindering Caribbean researchers from reaching their full potential because there is no access to much-needed specimens from their islands.

“Many Bahamian collections are in museums throughout the world, which requires local scientists to travel outside their

country to incorporate those specimens into their research,” said co-author Kelly Fowler, a Bahamian anthropologist with the National Museum of The Bahamas.

Even though “Guppies, which is a fish,” are native to parts of South America and Trinidad and Tobago, since at least the 1940s, guppies have been extensively studied in Trinidad, and more than 1,000 papers have been published on guppy research.

“They’ve been used to study everything from ecology and evolution to pathology and the vector spread of disease,” Mohammed said. “But none of this research gets back to Trinidad, and Trinidadians often don’t even know about the work that’s been done on these fish.”

Ryan S. Mohammed (PhD., Mphil., BSc., PMA) is a Trinidadian scientist and the first Trinidadian to co-author a paper on guppies in 2001. He was later the first lead author on a guppy study in 2012 and did most of this work in the United States, as this is currently the only way to feasibly access data.

Imagine having to conduct studies in another part of the world on a product of your homeland all because the study cases were removed from your homeland.

The removal and foreign storage of natural-history specimens not only curtails local research and education, but also has more subtle and pernicious effects that influence everything from cultural identity to conservation.

All this information can only point to one thing; our people are brilliant but are limited, not by chance, but by design.

Here is another example.

Mohammed has known that an extinct group of giant armadillos found in Tobago, and also found in Venezuela shows that Trinidad was once connected to current-day Venezuela. This is based on similar fossils found in both countries, but the bone plate from Tobago is the sole piece of evidence that indicates all three were likely once a continuous landmass.

Guess where the fossil is, certainly not in Trinidad and Tobago, and that is and continues to be the problem every time.

Out of the 68 known mammal fossils excavated from the tar pits in Trinidad and Tobago, the majority are located outside of Trinidad, and nearly all of the preserved plants, birds, and insects referenced in early manuscripts from the time seem to have vanished completely.

“For local scientists to train the next generation, they need to have collections where they are,” LeFebvre said.

A worldwide collaboration of researchers from multiple institutions is now spearheading an effort to return these fossils to Trinidad. I certainly wish them luck, because the Africans have yet to recover the artifacts.

NEWS

PAGE 7

NEWS

PAGE 8

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Decisions made during this pandemic has seriously impacted our children experiences, the lack of interaction; their brains became wired to assume that the environment was going to always be like that.

According to a handful of small studies published within the past few months, children born during the pandemic scored lower on average on tests of gross motor, fine motor, social and problem-solving skills compared with those born before COVID-19. For instance, a 6-month-old pandemic baby is less likely than a previous 6-month-old to get into a crawling position or smile at herself in the mirror – both of which are milestones for that age group.

Scientists all over the world are sharing reports of just how damaging the lockdowns have been on our children, and I share these with you because we as a community have to do something now for them before it is too late. Let’s start with how the lockdowns have affected children’s health.

According to paediatricians at the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, children have begun piling into the hospital with an alarming number of respiratory viruses, even though the regular flu season is over.

The viruses found include rhinovirus (the cause of the common cold, which rarely hospitalizes people), adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and parainfluenza.

They’ve even begun diagnosing more kids with COVID. Doctors who have been dealing with these sudden surges say that it can be attributed to lockdowns and isolation from everyday activities that would have built up young immune systems.

“It’s a massive natural experiment,” said epidemiologist and chief science officer at eMed Michael Mina.

“The moment you stop seeing a virus on this regular cadence, as happened during the pandemic, that natural balance is upset,” he continued.

He adds that not only has this time away from regular life impacted the ability to fight off viruses, but it’s also increased the window for kids to be infected by viruses rarely experienced outside fall and winter.

We have heard about how this pandemic has hurt our children mentally,

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“My daughter seems to be lacking personal boundaries and seems extremely clingy. She doesn’t talk a lot and sometimes needs to be dragged into her new preschool. When she’s uncomfortable or upset, she screams at a pitch that pierces the ears.” (Mother speaking about her 6-year-old daughter) He flies into a rage at the drop of a hat, slamming doors and yelling at the top of his lungs. Mom and dad just stood there looking stunned.

“I notice that he is having difficulty finishing his school work. He doesn’t want to own up to the mistakes he is making, if anything he hides them. If he fails at something, he won’t make any attempt at trying again.”

There are more and more reports coming in from parents about changes they are seeing in their children. Emerging evidence reveals an uptick in developmental delays and challenging behaviours in children belonging to what is now being called the “COVID generation.” These are children that were born during or shortly before the pandemic. Many of these children are talking, walking and interacting later and less frequently.

These children are prone to certain behaviours, such as outbursts, physical aggression and separation anxiety.

It’s unclear how much the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic fallout are to blame. Experts note many children have had uneven access to health and childcare and relatively little exposure to the outside world.

During these last couple of years, the brains of our children have continually been exposed to stress. All the emotional RY 10TH

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The effects of the pandemic on children are being seen world wide, and with the surge of reports coming out, certain things are undeniable.

There was a report issued by UNESCO and then jointly reissued with UNICEF and the World Bank that is damning. The report showed that school closures carried high social and economic costs for people across communities. The impact however was particularly severe for the most vulnerable and marginalized boys and girls and their families. They were deprived of opportunities for growth and development. Schools are hubs of social activity and human interaction, and when schools closed, children and youth missed out on social contact that is essential to learning and development.

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but let us dig a little deeper. There is a lot of evidence about the damage caused by COVID-19 restrictions to children’s mental health. The impact has been alarming. In a report by Collateral Global, eight out of ten children and adolescents report an increase in negative feelings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures contributed to increased anxiety, loneliness and stress; negative feelings due to COVID-19 increased with the duration of school closures.

The Hart Group released a detailed research report that showed one in six children were reporting significant mental health problems, and one in four young people felt unable to cope. The surge in mental health problems led to record numbers of children being prescribed antidepressants.

The cumulative mental health consequences of 18 months of pandemic restrictions was summarized in a recent comprehensive review of the research evidence, carried out by Collateral Global, which concluded that the impact on children and adolescents was ‘severe’, with 80% of young people reporting a deterioration in their emotional wellbeing.

Another report found that five times more children and young people committed suicide than died of COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic in the U.K.

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children in 188 countries. Education systems were on average fully closed for 121 instructional days and partially closed for 103 days. Classroom closures continue to affect more than 635 million children globally, with younger and more marginalized children facing the greatest loss in learning after almost two years of dealing with the pandemic.

In South Africa, school children are between 75% and a whole school year behind where they should be, with up to 500,000 having dropped out of school altogether between March 2020 and October 2021.

In Ethiopia, primary age children were estimated to have learned between 30-40% of the math they would have in a normal school year.

In Mexico the number or 10–15-year-olds not able to read has risen by 25% A study in JAMA found that compared with the historical cohort, infants born during the pandemic had significantly lower scores on gross motor, fine motor, and personal-social skills.

In France, a study titled “Adverse Collateral Effects of COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions on Physical Fitness and Cognitive Ability” found that physical fitness, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, is strongly associated with academic achievement in children and adolescents. The present work highlights an alarming decline in both overall physical fitness and cognitive performance among primary school French children due to the public health restrictions imposed in order to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

As the years go by, reports like these will surface, and although the damage has been done, we have to take a serious look at how this pandemic was handled, and how we can do things differently in the future. I really hope that our elected officials have taken time to analyse the research coming out globally about how badly this pandemic was handled, and how certain decisions have seriously impacted our children.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS

PAGE 9

Former MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes demands change; Parliamentary Protective Services must be held accountable SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It was 8:35 am on June 12th, 2022, when former MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes walked with Natasha Chawdhry (a young woman in the Institute of Future Legislators program at Toronto Metropolitan University) to the front entrance of the Senate of Canada. As she walked to the doors, she told the first security member that she was a part of the Institute’s group. He let them in, and they went to the first desk. Her pin - a pin that distinguished MP’s from other guests - was clearly visible.

She gave her name and was checked off the first list. The second desk (before the formal security) looked at her license and provided her with a printed name tag. Again, her pin was fully present.

As she entered the screening area, she took off her coat, making her pin even more visible. She was told to put her bags and coat in the baskets for screening. The security there kept looking at the pin, but even with the quizzical looks on their faces, they told her to walk through the full body screening device. When she started to gather her belongings, one of the guards asked, “What was that?” and pointed to the direction of my

pin on her chest. MP Chavannes told him it was an MP pin. He said, “Oh! You do not need to go through security.” The woman beside him shrugged her shoulders. She said, “Well, it looks like some MP’s do not need to go through and others do.” Keep in mind that at least half a dozen securities had seen the pin at this point.

She did not say anything further because she had a young, Muslim woman with her, and did not want her to feel further uncomfortable. She walked with her downstairs, and they chatted about the incident for a minute, but MP Chavannes did not want to let the situation go without challenging it.

She then asked the pages John and Nonso if the parliamentary pin had changed. They said, “No!” She then walked back upstairs, and asked one of the guards if the MP pins had changed, as I pointed to my own? He indicated that they had not, and then asked her, “Where did you get the pin from?” She told him that she earned it. He walked away and then came back to apologize and tell her that he would work with security to ensure that she could get in and out of the building for the rest of the day.

She waited on the upper level until former MP Peggy Nash (White woman who left politics long before me) came to the door. Like MP Chavannes, she had her pin on, and got her name checked off at the first table. When she went to the second table to go through security they said, “No Ms. Nash, you can go right through,” and motioned for her to not go through the formal security, but through the automatic doors just ahead of

the first and second table.

When this happened, MP Chavannes approached the automatic doors to ask the security why she had to go through the security, if they allowed Peggy to just walk through. Some words were exchanged, none of which she remembers. Visibly upset she walked away.

I saw MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes tweet when I opened Twitter on June 13th, 2022, and instantly reached out to her. This was one of those stories that needed to be documented in order for us to see that as much as we think we have progressed, there is still work to be done here in Canada when it comes to systemic racism.

I reached out to former MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes, and she openly shared her thoughts with me.

“We think because we see these people moving forward in a progressive way, that racism no longer exists, but racism has not gone anywhere,” she began.

“We think that by hiring a Chief Diversity Officer it is enough, but again, this is not enough. We have to ask, are we seeing any progress that has any actual movement?

Are we seeing any changes when it comes to issues like Black members in the public service being given promotions? I personally know members of the Black community who have worked for public service, and have not had a promotion in the last 20 years.

Are we serious about Anti-Blackness, and if we are, how are we holding these organizations accountable?”

“I am not expecting anyone to recognize me,” MP Chavannes continues. “The

universal sign and symbol that I am an MP is the pin, so why was I asked where I got it?

How does this translate? What is that?”

She compared it to how Black youth must feel when they go into a store and are followed around by the storekeeper.

“They looked at me for 7-10 minutes, and then asked me what the pin was.

Some of us think that just because a couple people of colour have gotten high positions, that this trickles down to what happens on the ground floor.”

Naturally, she reported Parliamentary Protective Services, and had to spend the rest of the day having them look at her sideways.

The interesting thing about this story is that MP Chavannes actually flew back home to get her pin and still had to deal with the disrespect.

“I didn’t wear the pin for four years.

It is the job of Parliamentary Protective Services to recognize all faces of MPs. Their job was to remember who I was. I shouldn’t have to wear a pin or anything else.”

What is disturbing about this story is the fact that even though former MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes is a public figure, a woman who is well known for the work that she does in the community, she still had to deal with being seen as a second class citizen. So the question is, if this is happening to someone like her, what is happening with members of our community who do not have status or celebrity?

There is clearly more work to be done here in Canada; racism is still a very real issue.

We need to be smarter, quicker and more determined in our opposition to out right mechanization of our society STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Our economy is transforming before our eyes. These past five years have forced many of us to accept what we cannot change, and change what we can. The Corporate World has realized a few things too.

With the introduction of robotics in all areas of our marketplace, such as: manufacturing, packaging, farming, mining, food service, transportation and more, there is less need for us, the working stiff. Robotics seems to be able to do what many of us can do, but also show the strengths of superior performance. Robots are not afraid of viruses, do not get sick, are always on time, can be reprogrammed to function in multiple ways. We

cannot? The Chinese re-education camps of old showed us that even with strict protocols and re-education, people often remain the same.

Corporations now know they can place most employees on the part time list, forcing billions to work multiple jobs at lower pay than a full time employee. Full time employees are required by law to receive benefits, a cost to an international conglomerate, so part time is for young and old. This is a futurist pattern that will never change.

The corporate world realizes they have some legal obligations for the safety, education and welfare of their employees.

So, how do they now alleviate this business difficulty? Staffing organizations often owned by these large corporations manage employees, providing minimal benefits while charging big time for the services rendered.

“Corporate Disassociation” is the name of this game, and it is becoming more prevalent even in governmental services too.

Public Employee Unions have been challenged time and again by management, asking if it has relevance at this time. An attack upon the employee, both personal and as a united group has started. Corporations now use international sources for low cost employees, brought to our homeland to work and then go back to their homelands. No real benefits, used by staffing/management firms for annual service.

Our parents had the opportunity to live one life with often a few long-term jobs.

Professions were a term applied not just to engineers, doctors and management, but also miners, tradespeople and food service personnel too. This has changed. All our jobs have changed too. The opportunity to work in a set profession no longer exists. Even railway workers, meat packers and grocery store employees must have many jobs, and now automation and robotics will take many of these jobs away from us.

Automation and robotics are as long lasting as their individual parts. They are serviceable, transformative and recyclable too. The service industry in developed nations keeps many of us employed. We are the product-customer of the future. Senior health care and home care within the developed world will introduce robotics in a multiple of different ways. A human smile, a few words of encouragement will not be human, but come from a machine. Does it make a difference? I think so.

There are over ten billion people on this planet, and many live in developing nations where a livelihood can simply be a means of survival. These people will come to the developed world looking for what we have - a better world hopefully less stressful and easier to live. What a surprise when they come and find continual and new struggles such as employment, housing, education and social acceptance.

Outside of our families and friends (those precious to us), are we nothing more than sand pebbles in a huge beach of hu-

manity, important to few, used by many, and perhaps replaceable. Are we going to become victims to the machines of the future, luddites who need to stand our ground and fight for ourselves?

Corporations create employment in one place and dismiss an entire population or community by closing a plant or place of business elsewhere. Will the unionists of this world stand up for the little guy, the worker, and become luddites with a difference.

The Luddites were a secret organization of textile workers in 18th century Britain who destroyed modernizing machinery that took their jobs. We need to be smarter, quicker and more determined in our opposition to the right mechanization of our society. “What about us,” should be the cry? We all need to be employed, having the opportunity to be part of the building of our society and protecting our family’s futures.

When grandma or grandpa opens their eyes in the morning and hears a welcoming word, will it be the voice of a lovely caring nurse or a metallic machine? Empathy coming from a person means a great deal more than from a programmed device.

Corporations care about one thing, and one thing only, that of maximizing their profits. To them robotics and automation are tools to achieve this goal. Do we let this pass us by, or do we challenge this march towards futuristic replacement...alternative robotics?

NEWS

PAGE 10

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The concern for unauthorized access and invasion of privacy are a very real concern; Introduction of RFID tags in our clothing

by Orwell to caution future generations of the dangers of an all-controlling government. Comparisons between Orwell’s novel about a tightly controlled totalitarian future ruled by Big Brother are in fact quite similar to today ‘s world.

It was on June 6th, 2013, that Americans learned that their government was spying broadly on its own people. That was when The Guardian and The Washington Post published the first of a series of reports put together from documents leaked by Edward Snowden.

The material exposed a government-run surveillance program that monitored the communications records of not just criminals or potential terrorists, but lawabiding citizens as well.

He was charged with theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defence information and wilful communication of classified communications intelligence.

Facing up to 30 years in prison, Snowden left the country, originally traveling to

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Everything, and I mean everything that you say or write within view of, or earshot of cameras and microphones can and is observed by our government. Our global leaders have the ability to do things like listen to everyone’s phone calls, read texts, read your emails, follow your internet searches, track your location (via GPS in your phone), and remotely activate people’s cell phone cameras and microphones to listen and see what people are doing in real time.

This type of surveillance was foreshadowed in the book 1984, written

Hong Kong and then to Russia to avoid extradition to the U.S., all because he exposed what most people already suspected; that we as citizens of the world have no privacy.

During the Davos meeting in May 2022, the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced its intentions to take tracking a step further; they want to place RFID tags in our clothing.

Radio-frequency identification, or RFID, tags put out a “pulse” that can be read/scanned by an electronic reader.

RFID tags are cheap, battery-free and washable, which makes them appealing to developers.

“By attaching these paper-like RFID tags to clothing, we were able to demonstrate millimetre accuracy in skeletal tracking,” says Haojian Jin, a Ph.D. student in CMU’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute. Scientists believe that RFID-embedded clothes could be an alternative to motion tracking devices like the Fitbit. RFID could also surmount cam-

era-based systems like Kinect for controlling avatars in virtual environments.

What is attractive about RFID tags is that on average, they cost less than a dollar. Most smartphones can’t currently read 900 MHz RFID applications, but including that capability in future handsets could unlock a cheap alternative to pricey wearable sensors.

There are some benefits that include: finding lost children, locating elders who have Alzheimer’s disease, processing and tracking employee work hours, and if your personnel work in or around hazardous areas, it’s important to know where your people are at all times.

However, the concern for unauthorized access and invasion of privacy are a very real concern. Nothing in this world is 100% hack proof, and in the last few years, we have seen how the tracking and tracing of global citizens can be extremely dangerous. It is unfortunately another way to control the movement, thoughts, and lives of all of us.

Anti-discrimination laws must shine the light of justice upon ugly racial discrimination directed at the LGBTQ community • •

STEVEN KASZAB

• •

steven@carib101.com

•

TC REPORTER

• •

More than 600 LGBTQ-identifying people have been killed in acts of violence in the USA and Puerto Rico since October 12th, 1998. A gallop poll estimates that 4.1% of 10 million Americans are identified as LGBTQ, while America’s Federal Data listed sexual orientation as a factor in only one reported hate crime in 2016.

67 violent deaths of LGBTQ people in the same year happened. 28 of these were victims in the Pulse Nightclub shooting alone. These numbers suggest that the real number of LGBTQ victims remains hidden by our government agencies, hoping to deny that LGBTQ citizens are victims of hate crimes in America, trying to blame other reasons for the violence.

• • • • • • • •

Transgender and gender non-conforming people are in danger globally.

• Joe Rose (Gay Canadian beaten and stabbed to death on a bus in Montreal) • Ukea Davis (18) Transgender shot to death • Stephanie Thomas (19) Transgender shot to death RY 10TH

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Law enforcement professionals are out of their league, unable or unwilling to understand, protect and be a part of the greater LGBTQ Community. While law enforcement should be dedicated to protecting our most vulnerable communities, and the LGBTQ community is one of these, the Justice Department does not take hate crimes seriously enough. Law enforcement officers and officials do not empathize with, understand nor sympathize with this community. The huge and uncertain death toll is in part due to a violent backlash against social progressions like same sex marriages and expanded acceptance of the LGBTQ Communities influence and success.

Anti-discrimination laws born from civil rights movement have shined the light of justice upon ugly racial discrimination. Such laws need to do the same thing for the LGBTQ and other communities.

Nations in the Caribbean, Africa and elsewhere need to repeal any bans on gay sex, like Trinidad and Tobago did in 2018. There are nations that still have laws where sex between two consenting adults of the same sex can be punishable by 25 years in prison, black balling a person because of his sexuality. While many of these laws are not enforced they still have a chilling oppressive effect upon our neighbours within the LGBTQ Community.

Sodomy Laws Discrimination still holds many to account because of the influence and fear amplified by HIV/AIDS and prejudice.

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Kenya (2013) 103 men, women and trans people were murdered in mass killings by enemies who felt their behaviour was disrespectful to their families. The stats excluded killers that killed romantic partners

2018

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Felicia Moreno (25) Transgender shot to death Michael Scott Goucher (21) Gay stabbed 45 times Rosa Avina (27) Lesbian burnt to death Muhadh /ishmael (17) Kenyan beaten to death Frank Yazzie (Gay Navajo) cut in half and stuffed into two bags Zella Ziona (21) trans woman of colour shot to death Amancay Diana Sacayan Argentians Trans woman murdered Amber Munroe (20) Transgender woman murdered Shira Banki (16) Israeli stabbed to death Francela Mendez (29) El Salvadoran murdered by group of men Cameron Langrell (teenager) took her own life after being bullied at school Jennifer Laude (26) Philippine Trans woman murdered by a man she just met at a disco Thembelihie Sokhela (28) Soth African Lesbian suffocated to death after being raped Paulo Henrique Alves (47) Brazilian Gay man burned alive on side of road Pedro Araujo (52) Brazilian man murdered because he was Gay Delon Melville (26) Guyanese man murdered because he showed “effeminate behaviour”

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In Antigua “buggery” is still punishable by 15 years in prison, or up to five years if committed by a minor. Barbados has laws that punish same sex relationships with ten years to life, one of the harshest in the Caribbean. These laws are still on the books. In Dominica anal sex is punishable by 10 years in prison. “Gross indecency” is what it is called.

In Japan many transgender people prefer to be labelled with a disorder like “gender identity disorder,” a person who would like to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex. “Simply, if a boy wants to wear a skirt, let him wear a shirt.” Japanese culture is often viewed as more accepting of gender explorations and expression. However, a strong “deprogramming” movement exists with Japanese and Asian society, very similar to what The LGBTQ community experiences in the west.

Being a member of the LGBTQ community is something to be proud of, and cannot be hidden in the closet, as it once was not so long ago. Societies moral judgmental laws are changing as our society evolves, and what was once oppressive, prejudicial and hateful is hopefully becoming a thing of the past. Members of the LGBTQ community tell each other they are loved, even though there still is a stigma attached to this love.

Only honesty, a love for personal freedom and global empathy can change our ways, diminishing the power that hate, fear and ignorance have upon us all.

NEWS

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 11

Research report highlights underfunding of publicly funded education during the COVID-19 Pandemic and calls for effective recovery strategies PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The release of a research paper on Tuesday, May 30th, 2022, by the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) has drawn attention to the underfunding of public education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report was written

by Dr. Paul Bocking and is titled, “Schools, Austerity, and Privatization in the Pandemic Era.” The report provides some useful information to contextualize what the Ontario government did during this time. Overall the report traces how K-12 education in Ontario underwent a profound transformation during the coronavirus pandemic, due to the impact of the disease, and the policies and priorities of the PC government of Premier

Doug Ford.

The Ontario government proposed a reopening plan for September 2020 to deal with the pandemic that was never implemented. The plan mandated frequent asymptomatic surveillance testing on a large scale, and investment in expanding laboratory capacity; included considerable increases in funding to school boards to ensure elementary and secondary classes were capped at 15 students and considered the cost of additional teachers and staff and space limitations.

The 11 key findings of the research report are: •

•

The Provincial Government abandoned its initial well-funded plan to confront the pandemic in K-12 schools, which could have prevented or significantly reduced infections leading to school closures.

The largest effect of limited provincial funding, most of which came from the Federal Government and school board reserve funds, was the failure to reduce class sizes.

•

•

• •

•

•

• •

The Ontario Government’s rollback of education spending in the 2021-22 school year had significant consequences for health, safety, and student learning gaps.

The Ford Government lacked data to back its claim that schools do not spread Covid, putting students, educators, and staff at repeated risk.

Ontario Government expenditures on school ventilation were inadequate.

Ford Government policies for in-class virtual and hybrid classes created considerable learning gaps for many students and burnout for teachers.

Lack of Provincial Government funding was a major factor in the prevalence of hybrid learning, described by principals as “a disaster.”

The Ontario Government’s decision to move e-learning from School Boards to TVO/ TFO will put a commercial rather than pedagogical focus on learning and has no rational basis.

Ontario Government cash payments to parents could set a precedent for private school vouchers.

The “platformization” and digitalization

•

of education by ed tech companies have accelerated privatization within public education during the pandemic.

Ontario needs education recovery strategies that address student learning gaps, value teachers’ voices, and create supportive non-profit ed tech.

Dr. Bocking in his summary states, “Insufficient government funding led to elementary schools with untenable class sizes, quad, and octomesters in high schools that increased learning gaps, long periods of virtual learning, and more ‘disastrous’ hybrid learning in both elementary and high schools.”

Chris Cowley, President of OTF observes, “On the basis of these findings, there is no place for mandatory e-learning and hybrid learning in publicly funded education.

This policy has failed to meet the needs of students, teachers and educators.”

It is on this basis that the OTF is calling on the Ontario government to ensure that recovery strategies are fully funded by being inclusive of diverse teacher-led initiatives as well as a full range of medical health supports.

Why do some people develop eating disorders and others do not?

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“I am not enough!”

“There is no way that I will be able to wear this dress.”

“Do you see how flat her stomach is, and how thin her waist is; that can’t be real!”

Research shows that media exposure continues to contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Social media is unfortunately shaping our young girls’ concept of beauty. With constant exposure to images posted online, it is evident that there is a link to how individuals compare themselves and perceive their own body.

A negative body image can cause unrealistic expectations of how your body should look and can lead to unhealthy eating behaviours and disordered eating. One such eating disorder is anorexia, which is a severe eating disorder and mental health condition

that affects over a quarter of a million people aged 16 and over in the UK. Studies have found a correlation between the time spent on social media and a negative body image. Social media can hurt your body image by constantly exposing yourself to the ideal body type, leading to constant comparison of yourself to unrealistic standards.

Understanding why some people develop anorexia whilst others do not is still largely unknown, although biological factors are widely recognised. These new findings, which draw on extensive analyses of brain scans taken from patients around the world and are published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, go some way to answering the question.

There was a major study, coordinated by neuroscientists at the University of Bath (UK) with international partners that revealed key differences in brain structure between people with and without anorexia nervosa.

They reveal that people with anorexia demonstrate ‘sizeable reductions’ in three critical measures of the brain: cortical thickness, subcortical volumes and cortical surface area. Reductions in brain size are significant because they are thought to imply the loss of brain cells or the connections be-

tween them.

This means that people with anorexia showed reductions in brain size and shape between two and four times larger than people with conditions such as depression, ADHD, or OCD. The changes observed in brain size for anorexia might be attributed to reductions in people’s body mass index (BMI).

Based on the results, the team stressed the importance of early treatment to help people with anorexia avoid long-term, structural brain changes. Existing treatment typically involves forms of cognitive behavioural therapy and crucially weight gain.

Many people with anorexia are successfully treated and these results show the positive impact such treatment has on brain structure.

They found that the large reductions in brain structure, which were observed in patients, were less noticeable in patients already on the path to recovery. This is a good sign, because it indicates that these changes might not be permanent. With the right treatment, the brain might be able to bounce back.”

“The international scale of this work is extraordinary,” said Paul Thompson, a professor of neurology and lead scientist for the ENIGMA Consortium. “Scientists from 22

centres worldwide pooled their brain scans to create the most detailed picture to date of how anorexia affects the brain. The brain changes in anorexia were more severe than in any other psychiatric condition we have studied. Effects of treatments and interventions can now be evaluated, using these new brain maps as a reference.”

He added: “This study is novel in terms of the thousands of brain scans analyzed, revealing that anorexia affects the brain more profoundly than any other psychiatric condition. This really is a wake-up call, showing the need for early interventions for people with eating disorders.”

Outside of therapeutic treatment, there are ways that we can take control of our thinking and promote healthy body image. One thing we can do is examine ways to use social media in a positive way to avoid a negative body image. Encourage our young women to take a break from social media if they feel worse after using it. Additionally, have them pay attention to whom they are following on social media and unfollow accounts if they do not make them feel good.

Pay attention to accounts, people, and images that lift you up. Follow accounts that promote body positivity that does not agree with the beauty standards set by society.

A new line of books that decentre colonial models of literature and thought PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There is some exciting news for the literary community.

Dionne Brand was born in Trinidad and has received worldwide recognition as a: poet, novelist, non-fiction writer, filmmaker, educator and activist.

She has authored 10 books of poetry and received several awards over the years such as: the Governor General’s Award for

Poetry and the Trillium Book Award in 1997, the Pat Lowther Memorial Award in 2002 and the Griffin Poetry Prize in 2011. Between 2009 and 2012, she had the honour of serving as Toronto’s third Poet Laureate. In addition, she was named to the Order of Canada in 2017 for her contributions to Canadian literature.

Dionne has an extensive teaching career, having taught at: Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, St. Lawrence University in New York, and currently at the University of Guelph in Ontario. As a feminist, she is known for her social activism critiquing economic and political power structures and speaking out against racism, discrimination against women, and discrimination against gay and lesbian communities.

The press release by Penguin Random House states that the new publishing program, Alchemy which will be under Di-

onne’s editorial leadership will partner with Knopf Canada’s Publishing Director Lynn Henry, as well as be in collaboration and guidance of Publisher Martha Kanya-Forstner, to develop and publish a new line of books.

Alchemy, by Knopf’s mandate will be to create books that remake what is literary; books that reimagine genre; books that reposition our thinking about how we know what we know. There is creative and innovative visioning that is captured by what Alchemy will realize. Alchemy books will decentre colonial models of literature and thought.

They will speak about our times, about precipitous climate catastrophe, and about social and political reckoning. Alchemy will explore the state and stakes of living in the contemporary world and imagine a radical vision of time.

Dionne is excited about this pub-

lishing initiative as it extends the power of her creative imagination to dream. She states, “I am looking forward to this collaboration/experiment in Alchemy with Lynn Henry and Martha Kanya-Forstner. It’s my sense that how books might intervene in the present world and what complex thinking is required to meet that world, are two important and urgent questions. So for me, this collaboration will foster brilliant writers doing the most brilliant thinking in fiction and non-fiction for the world to come.”

Dionne states, “We will publish thoughtful books that attend narratively to the idea that we all live/lived these colonial processes.” A decolonizing lens will be at the forefront.

Anyone interested in learning more about the work of Dionne Brand can visit her on: Twitter:@BrandDionne

PAGE 12

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The Walk With Excellence celebrates the brilliance of graduating scholars in Toronto PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It is hard to believe that the Walk With Excellence, which was held on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 is the 11th walk since it started in 2011. In many ways, this annual celebratory event has now become a rite of passage for students who attend the four high schools in the area. This symbolic event featured graduating students from: C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute, Westview Centennial Secondary School, Downsview Secondary School and

Emery Collegiate Institute.

The Walk With Excellence has come to represent an important milestone in the lives of these Grade 12 students as they venture into the next phase of their academic journey. It highlights in a very public way their entrance into the world of higher learning. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held virtually and included students from: Brookview Middle School, James Cardinal MacGuigan Catholic High School, and Emery Adult Learning Centre. In 2021, there was no Walk With Excellence due to concerns about COVID-19.

Itah Sadhu, Managing Editor of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre has been instrumental in the launch of Walk With Excellence.

Itah states, “I am thrilled that we are having the 2022 Walk With Excellence in person. In the words of Rihanna, pop star and Barbados national hero, to see our students shine bright like a diamond.”

In addition, Amani Kwadwo Ausar, a

guidance counsellor at Downsview who was active in planning the Walk notes, “The Walk With Excellence celebrates the brilliance of graduating scholars from Emery, Westview, Downsview, and C.W Jeffrey’s. We have every confidence that these remarkable leaders from diverse backgrounds will work collectively to end all forms of hate and oppression so that freedom, equity, joy, love and social justice can reign supreme.”

The 2022 Walk With Excellence commenced at 10:00 a.m. at C.W. Jeffrey’s where there was the launch of student presentations. This was followed by the 5 km celebration march at 11:00 a.m. of almost 200 students along Sentinel Rd to York University.

Many students displayed banners, which indicated the schools that they attended.

The students arrived at Vari Hall at about 12:30 p.m. where they congregated in the courtyard and listened to speeches from representatives of the Toronto District School Board and York University. Awards

were given out to outstanding students from various high schools. At the end of the formal speeches, students were served delicious and appetizing Caribbean meals. T-shirts worn by students had the words of a poem by Gabby Molina of Downsview titled, “A Love Letter to our Future,” written on them.

The words of the poem are: “This is a love letter to our future.

This is a love letter to time we spent late nights and early mornings.

This is a love letter to our devotion giving everything to what we do.

This is a love letter to our determination working through obstacles pushing past barriers, even a pandemic.

This is a love letter to our resilience.

And this is a love letter to the unknown; the future is shrouded and it is terrifying.

But we can conquer whatever comes and fail in love with the future.

Yours. Ours.”

The loss of a Literary Giant, Juneteenth celebrations heard around the world, and Kim’s backside damages an iconic dress SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

A Giant in post-colonial literature transitions at the age of 94 We have lost another creative genius, but not before he gifted us with his iconic work.

George Lamming is a giant of post-colonial literature whose novels, essays and speeches influenced readers and peers in his native Barbados and around the world.

It was recently released that he has died at age 94. His death was confirmed by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who said, “Wherever George Lamming went, he epitomized that voice and spirit that screamed Barbados and the Caribbean.” No cause of death was given.

Lamming was among a generation of post-World War II writers from the West Indies who came of age as British rule in their region was being challenged. Lamming returned home and became a moral, political and intellectual force for a newly independent country seeking to tell its own story.

In novels such as “In the Castle of My Skin” and “Season of Adventure” and in the nonfiction “The Pleasures of Exile,” Lamming explored the Caribbean’s complicated legacy as a destination for enslaved people abducted and shipped from Africa, as a co-

lonial proving ground for England and as an uneasy neighbour of the United States. Lamming received his greatest acclaim for “In the Castle of My Skin,” its title drawn from an early poem by Nobel laureate Derek Walcott.

Published in 1953, the novel is a semi-autobiographical narrative based in a Caribbean village uprooted by colonialism and profit taking.

Lamming revisited and reinvented not just his personal history, but the distant past, which he saw as a battle for decolonization of the mind. “Natives of My Person” was an imagined voyage on a slave ship whose captain no longer believes in their mission. In a novel he was working on late in his life, he imagined Christopher Columbus arrested by natives in the West Indies, “stripped naked” and his hands and legs in chains.”

We have lost a legend, but his work remains with us.

Juneteenth celebrations heard around the world!

What a weekend it was as celebrities used their platforms to celebrate, reflect and educate the world about the importance of Juneteenth.

June 19th, known as Juneteenth, became an official holiday only last year.

It marks the date the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, became aware of the freeing of the enslaved in secessionist states by the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1st, 1863.

It has mainly been celebrated in Texas but has taken on greater national significance following the renewed racial reckonings in the summer of 2020.

Former first lady Michelle Obama posted a video message on June 19th, 2021 encouraging Americans to register to vote.

“Juneteenth is a day of power—a chance to celebrate our history and our triumphs, our resilience and our struggle,” she captioned the post.

“Today is about coming together and honouring those before us who reached for progress, who helped build this country with their bare hands, who marched, fought, and protested—who did everything they could so that we might have a voice and a vote.”

There was also a musical celebration of Black freedom and excellence at the Hollywood Bowl titled, “JUNETEENTH: A Global Celebration for Freedom” featuring performances by: Khalid, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Roots, Chaka Khan, Lucky Daye, Robert Glasper, Billy Porter, Mary Mary, Anthony Hamilton, Michelle Williams, Mickey Guyton, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and more.

Thomas Wilkins and Derrick Hodge lead the Re-Collective Orchestra, marking the first-ever performance of an all-Black symphony orchestra in the Hollywood Bowl’s 100-year history.

There were guest appearances and special presenters (both live and pre-recorded) that included: Michelle Obama, Yolanda Adams, Miles Brown, Cari Champion, Jordan Chiles, Deon Cole, Affion Crockett, D Smoke, Michael Ealy, David Gross, Jemele Hill, Lil Rel Howery, Leslie Jones, Opal Lee, Marsai Martin, K. Michelle, Kendrick Sampson, Jill Scott, Amanda Seales, Gabourey Sidibe, Algee Smith, Raven-Symoné, Terrence J, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Susan Kelechi Watson.

Kim’s backside damages an iconic dress Would it really be celebrity news if we didn’t have a little Kardashian in it? Well, Kim Kardashian with her extra self-decided that she wanted to wear the historic dress once worn

by Marilyn Monroe, and somehow seemed to have damaged it. Of course!

Marilyn Monroe wore the bedazzled dress when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” in 1962 to then-President John F. Kennedy. It was reported that after Kim debuted it, the dress appeared to be missing a few crystals, and others seemed to be hanging by a thread.

When the dress was loaned to Kim, she vowed to not make any alterations to the dress, as it has been declared a “national treasure,” so instead, she altered herself. She now admits that she lost 16 pounds in three weeks in order to squeeze into the dress. She was finally able to fit it over her famous derriere, but was unable to zip it — hence why she draped herself with a white fur shawl while on the carpet.

“I tried it on and it didn’t fit me,” Kim retold the tale of her first fitting. “It was such a challenge. It was like a role, I was determined to fit in it.”

In 2016, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Orlando bought the dress for $4.8 million. After taxes and fees, the total price was valued at over $5 million. It is now reported as the “world’s most expensive dress” ever sold at an auction. The dazzling gown is now valued at over $10 million.

Kim only wore Monroe’s artifact for a matter of minutes. She slipped into the gown in a dressing room near the Met Gala carpet and changed into a replica gown as soon as she made it up the steps.

Practice Inc; allyship and tangible steps to transforming the workplace PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

For over 20 years, Camille Dundas has been at the forefront of diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting for both the corporate and public sectors.

Her website states that her mission is anchored in intersectionality with specific emphasis on the idea that effective diversity work must go beyond gender. Her approach is multi-dimensional in perspective that tran-

scends a narrow focus on gender, ethnicity and age” to include multiple social identities.

She states, “No one is defined by a single category, we are influenced by our socialization, experiences, culture, and background.” This intersectional understanding is the basis of all she does in her DEI presentation. In addition, her approach is heavily rooted in explaining what allyship looks like and giving tangible steps to transforming how teams understand how this plays out in the workplace.

Camille serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s largest Black online magazine ByBlacks.com, and she and her team have received three national ethnic media accolades for their outstanding journalistic work, including a commendation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

On Tuesday, May 30th, 2022, Camille announced on social media that she

launched a brand-new company, The IDEA Practice Inc. The website: https://ideapractice.com/ indicates that IDEA stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism & Allyship. It is a group of Canadian educators and facilitators offering an innovative micro-credential course through Dalhousie University, called Inclusive Communications. The course involves four hours of content and four hours of Q & A sessions with a facilitator after which each learner will earn a micro-credential in Inclusive Communication Strategies.

The facilitators include: Josh Bileski, Sean Mauricette,Teneile Warren, Rachel Radyk, Archibald Radyk, Amie Archibald-Varley, and Keba DasGupta. When she started her first online course only one person enrolled and now there are almost 800 people signed up. In her Facebook posts, she states, “It’s the first one of its kind micro-credential course in Canada, and we’re excited to be a small part

of making big changes in the Canadian workplace culture. Not only can you learn at your own pace, from anywhere, but you will have monthly live sessions with one of our IDEA Practice facilitators.”

The learning objectives for the online course are: • • • •

Defining diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Identifying unconscious biases Explaining intersectionality Implementing inclusive terms and language

Anyone interested in learning about The IDEA Practice can the following platforms: Website: https://theideapratice.com/ LinkedIn: The IDEA Practice Twitter:@CamilleDundas

NEWS

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 13

York Catholic District School Board of Trustees approve access to two unique specialized programs PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The need for specialized programs offered by school boards in the Greater Toronto Area has increased over the past few years.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) currently serves about 51,000 student’s in101 schools with many offering specialized programs according to its website: https://www.ycdsb.ca.

On Tuesday, May 31st, 2022, at a

regular board meeting, the Board of Trustees passed two motions that will enable students to gain access to two unique specialized programs. St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School (CHS) will utilize a model that is presently in place at Holy Cross Catholic Academy in Woodbridge to offer the High Performer Athlete (HPA) program. Students will be able to earn two high school credits and they will follow a modified school schedule in order to accommodate their training schedules so that they can have access to the facilities before school or after school.

The press release states, “It is ideally located to serve the students in the northern areas of the board. It has an artificial turf field and track built and operated in partnership with the Town of Aurora. It also hosts half of the elementary track and field meets for the Board.”

The HPA program will commence in September 2023. Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the YCDSB’s Board of Trustees states, “I want to thank the principal, parents and his staff for embracing the ideas and making it a reality.”

With respect to the French Immersion Program Expansions that were adopted by the Board of Trustees, it will be offered to families in the Town of WhitchurchStouffville. It was based on funding that the YCDSB received from the Ministry of Education to open a multi-use school. The multi-use school will consist of a secondary school, an elementary school and childcare centre. The combined school facility will hold 1,400 pupil places, provide families with the opportunity to attend a local Catholic secondary school and assist in alleviating enrolment pressures at the existing Catholic elementary schools in Stouffville.

This new school named St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School is located on the east side of Ninth Line and south of Bethesda Road. It is expected to open in September 2023. The elementary school, Blessed Chiara Badano Catholic Elementary School, which is located in the same space, will be a Single-Track French Immersion school for Grades 1 -6.

The French Immersion program will see 16 elementary schools and 6 high schools in the YCDSB. It will provide nonfrancophone children with a high degree of proficiency in the French language where the language of instruction for most subjects is in French.

Interested parents can check: Website: www.ycdsb.on.ca

Are we going to continue to ignore the effects of vaccinations on children?

STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Millions of children have received vaccines made particularly for their age levels, and just like adult dosed recipients of these vaccines, some who have been vaccinated are suffering from minor to severe symptoms and reactions.

Logically of course those who made these vaccines and those approving them knew there would be events of negative reactions. Pfizer, the FDA and most other medical and pharmaceutical organizations knew there would be reactions, but in order to serve the greater good, and respond to the needs of society in fighting this Covid pandemic, decisions were made to approve and enact immediate vaccinations protocols.

Every government enacted im-

mediate laws that protected public, medical and pharmaceutical decision makers from any foreseeable future liability should the expected happen, that is to say that incidents of reactions and side effects occur.

From December 2020 - February 2021, 472 people who received a Moderna vaccine died, while 489 died from reactions to Pfizer vaccinations in America.

Newsweek confirmed reports that over 970 Americans had died from vaccines provided by Moderna and Pfizer. The FDA knew about these reactions and deaths, but still proceeded towards mass vaccinations and preferred child vaccines too.

The State of New York Health Department, under Governorship of Cuomo is being investigated presently because this department had been accused of hiding or misrepresenting statistics that proved how many seniors and vaccination recipients had died in senior homes or due to the effects of vaccinations.

Former Pfizer Executive Dr. Michael Yeadon told Real America’s Voice in 2021 that children are 50 times more likely to be killed by the Covid shot than the virus itself. He explained, “The MRNA gene

technology used in the Covid vaccine to trigger the body to create viral spike proteins is a fundamental problem that researchers and Medical Officials have known about for many years. These spike proteins can lead to blood clots and other health problems.”

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System has reported a very large number of adverse events since 2021.

Approximately 5,000 deaths related to this vaccination have been reported. The problem is that the Pfizer brand new mNRA technology had not ever been used in humans, let alone children, yet every government on this planet still demanded that their citizens be vaccinated.

Further warnings about vaccinations of Pfizer and Moderna from the CDC, have been amplified that there is a possible link to myocarditis and pericarditis amongst teenagers and young adults.

There have been 484 combined reports since June 2021 of events of pericarditis and myocarditis found within the 12-24 years age group in America suggesting a rate of 12.6% of cases per one million vaccinations among this age group. In Israel the health authorities equate a rate of risk

between 1 in 3,000 will suffer heart inflammation.

Both Pfizer and Moderna do not admit to these side effects, or that their vaccinations create health threats to adults or the young. We can consider the very large and growing population of citizens suffering from long-term effects of booster shots and initial first and second vaccinations.

Has vaccinations accomplished what was intended, to free our populations from the threat of COVID-19 and its variants? Generally speaking, the answer is a profound yes. That the vaccination process was and is still being politically influenced, that the needed research was fast tracked? YES again!

Will we have to deal with the growing side effects of these vaccinations within our populations?

Certainly. When dealing with an emergency event, and you do not have the prescribed time needed to research and perfect your response, what do you do? The certain human response would be to throw the dice and “Just get er done.”

CoLab Program offers grant money to help youth activists get their ideas for social change off the ground youth selected include:

PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It was recently revealed that $50,000 in grant money is available to youth between the age of 19 and 29 years of age to help them fund their ideas.

CoLab is an innovation accelerator that helps the next generation of: leaders, activists, innovators, entrepreneurs and critical thinkers who provide business solutions to Canada’s most pressing problems.

CoLab will offer them access to investment and mentorship via industry and academic benefits. Two grants of $10,000 and six grants of $5,000 are available. Benefits to

• • • • • •

Access to leading Canadian thought leaders as mentors Learn design thinking and problem solving Two inspiration sessions led by dynamic speakers Time commitment: 2-4 hours per week for 7 weeks Your own the IP for your idea 2022 CoLab Program is 100% remote/ online

The grant will go towards youth who are interested in one of the three social challenges: Climate grief The effects of climate change are negative impacts on people’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Thinking of the future with such a cumbersome issue causes deep grief and dread.

Cultural sensitivity in the mental health industry Institutions around mental health lack the cultural competence to address the harms, traumas and complexities of marginalized communities in Canada.

Spread of misinformation Misinformation, polarization, and radicalism are major barriers in trusting political and non-political institutions. Social media plays a critical role in perpetuating the negative impact but is an inescapable reality that needs addressing.

Some of the speakers who will be presenting to the youth activists include: • •

Brandon Gonez- Founder and CEO of GMI, website: brandongonezshow. com Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of Wisdom2Action at faejohnstone.com

• • •

Kehkashan Basu, Global influencer, Environmentalist, climate reality mentor Geoff Cape, Founder and CEO of Evergreen, developer of programs for cities Nivi Achanta, Founder and CEO of Soapbox, website: naviachanta.com

Applications are open to next-gen leaders who are 18-29 years of age who are interested in climate change, mental health and/or spread of misinformation.

Solution ideas can focus on: entrepreneurship, awareness or action campaign, minimum viable product or an evolution of a current system. Youth who are selected will start the week of July 4th, 2022, and end the week of August 29th,2022. Awards will be given out on August 29th, 2022.

Aside from the $50,000 prize money, youth participants will receive a $750 honorarium upon completion of the program.

PAGE 14

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Four ways to ease arthritis pain naturally

“Why shoot a mouse with an elephant gun?” It’s a good question to ask those suffering from osteoarthritis (the wear-andtear type of arthritis). Why is it that so many of these people have never been advised to try natural approaches before using strong drugs which can cause major side effects and complications?

Boston University Medical Center studied the vitamin C intake of 640 people. They discovered that those with a higher intake of vitamin C were protected against progression of osteoarthritis of the knee and slowed development of knee pain.

Remember, animals make vitamin C and humans do not. Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel prize winner, knew that humans receive more than enough C in the food they eat to prevent scurvy. But diet alone does not offer near enough vitamin C to prevent arthritis and coronary attack.

Pauling took 20,000 milligrams (mg) daily.

The recommended daily dose is 75 mg. If you decide to take high doses of vitamin C, you might experience diarrhea, in which case dial back the dosage. But your cardiovascular system and aging joints will thank you for a generous daily supply.

Vitamin C This vitamin is the most overlooked natural remedy in treating aging joints. Vitamin C is needed to produce healthy collagen, a vital component of cartilage. Deteriorated cartilage leads to bones grinding against one another causing pain. Researchers at

Exercise If you don’t use your joints, you lose them.

Exercise gets the heart going, and this is the pumping mechanism that pushes vitamin C and other nutrients into joints to nourish cartilage. It is under-use and poor maintenance, not just over-use, that causes

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER

so many people to need hip and knee replacements.

Diet A sound diet is powerful therapy for any condition and arthritis is no exception.

Studies show that a mostly vegetarian diet has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in improving joint pain. Patients with arthritis should concentrate on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits. Fish oils contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which have been shown to reduce morning stiffness and swollen joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. They help ease arthritis pain by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, molecules made at sites of tissue damage or infection that control processes such as inflammation, which in turn causes pain. Take supplements if you are not getting enough fish oil in your daily diet.

Boswellia Turn to herbal extracts used for centuries in

Asia and Africa to treat pain. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is obtained from the Boswellia serrata tree. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory compound that in recent years has been attracting significant attention. Boswellia has undergone human trials for knee pain and can be used in the prevention and treatment of diverse chronic diseases. It is devoid of toxicities. Look in natural health food stores for Casperome®, a new form of Boswellia better absorbed by the body. Faster absorption also means faster pain relief.

Natural approaches to treating arthritis are safe and effective, but in North America every year, 26,000 people die from gastrointestinal bleeding due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil (ibuprofen) Naproxen and others. Casperome® has been used safely and effectively together with NSAIDs, helping patients reduce the amount of NSAIDs needed to block pain.

Natural remedies can also have side effects. After all it was hemlock that killed Socrates! But pound for pound, they are much safer than prescription drugs and it is logical to try them first.

Look for quality over quantity and revise your expectations; dealing with rising Inflation STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The news cycle has centered upon issues of inflation, the cost of living, transportation and housing costs. Are we living far beyond our financial capabilities? Are our expectations too demanding?

The true inflation levels are nearing 8.9-10%, something our governments tried to hide in an effort to bring our attention to levels they wish to achieve, nearing 2-3%. Gas has reached levels never seen in our nation. Housing, both rental and owned, is out of reach for most citizens.

Everything from the food we eat, to what clothes us or entertains us has risen drastically.

Our expectations have brought upon us a feared financial apocalypse, and we need to revise our expectations and lifestyles if we are to survive and possibly prosper.

Energy costs demand that we stop driving gas-guzzlers, and move to smaller vehicles, or perhaps even electric vehicles.

Can the average person afford to drive a sports car or large SUV? Can we move away from costly food items towards local nourishing foods that are less costly? Steak and lobster can be substituted with poultry, shrimp and pork. Eating healthier while saving on your costs works for me. Purchase intelligently, communicating with the grocer what you want and what you’re willing to pay. They can be persuaded to compete more effectively.

Housing has been a magnet drawing many of our friends into costly mortgages and excessive debt. Perhaps it is time that we strive for less costly options like renting. In many large urban centres you can find people who have been rent-

ing happily for decades. The problem is finding rental units. Is it not time for you to pressure public officials to move their revenue expectations from large housing units towards townhomes, well-built apartment buildings and large building lofts? If you make it known that that is what is needed, some developer will build them, and when you rent or buy such a unit don’t play the blind bidding game, but strive to pay what the product is truly worth. Make the housing game yours, not the real estate agents and developers.

The time of passive immediate purchasing must end. Your expectations need to mature and evolve, just as you do daily. It can be said we have entered a period of recession, and depending on what the World Economic Czars do about it, it can develop into a horrible situation for many of us. Think 2009, but worse and perhaps lasting longer.

Do you have a grandma, grandpa who lived through the Great Depression?

There is a source of inspiration and advice you can tape. Make things last longer, learn

how to repair, reuse and recycle. As long as your car works, use it, and conserve gas by not wasting your fuel. Manage your time, expenses and expectations that would make your elders proud. Vacation locally, and don’t go to the airport to travel far away, it is a place of stagnation, stress and anger, especially Toronto International Airport.

“Well done, is better than well said.

The more I expect, the more unhappy I am going to be” (Ben Franklin). The stress you are all feeling, going to work for pay, while paying more to go there, and your payroll remains the same, it is a feeling that will be with you a long time unfortunately. We are not going forward financially, but rather hopefully remaining where we previously were, only to fall into debt and despair. Two feet forward, and three feet back.

The only way you can change your predicament is by changing your ways. Expect less, but expect better. Look for quality over quantity and revise your expectations.

Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario Calls on re-elected PC Government to change its approach and invest in public education PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario composed of 83,000 education workers shared a press release on Friday, June 3rd, 2022, titled, “ETFO calls on the reelected PC government to change its approach to invest in public education.” The press release states, “ETFO is ready to work with the provincial government and opposition parties but will remain vigilant in its

advocacy to protect public education and defend its members’ rights.”

Karen Brown, ETFO President makes a direct call on the Ontario government to alter its approach. She states, “The Progressive Conservatives have been given another opportunity to govern. While the results are disappointing to Ontarians who did not support the PCs, we are calling on Premier Ford to change his government’s approach during this second term. ETFO is ready to work with this government to improve public education, but we are also fully prepared to challenge it, when necessary, to secure the adequate funding, support, and resources needed to ensure Ontario students have access to the highquality, equitable public education they deserve.”

The press release reviews occurred during the last four years. Education unions

were not invited to be active participants in educational matters. President Brown continues, “Despite the difficulties and challenges faced during the past four years ETFO members stand strong. We are ready to work with the government and opposition parties to ensure our public schools receive investments and support they need.

It is our sincere hope that Members of Provincial Parliament from all parties work together during the next four years to lower class sizes, increase special education support, and ensure safe and healthy schools.”

ETFO emphasizes that a vibrant public education system is vital for the success of all kids. President Brown concludes, “Together, we can ensure a public education system that supports, uplifts, and celebrates every student, Let’s get that done.”

The Ontario Secondary Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) in an email to its mem-

bers on Friday, June 3rd, 2022, expressed its disappointment with the election results, but is still optimistic. It reads, “Many other aspects of this election fill us with hope, especially as we come together and prepare for the next round of bargaining.

53% of the voters did not vote for the Conservatives and instead voted for the three opposition parties who all ran on making major investments in education, lowering class sizes, improving supports for students, prioritizing people, and communities over profits, The people of Ontario overwhelmingly support public education and do not want to see cuts made or an expansion of privatization of education. The election results confirm the level of public support for investing in our public education system.”

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS

PAGE 15

You better CHECK yourself before you WRECK yourself; How Fact Checkers are limiting the narrative SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

What a time to be alive. Whether you want to believe it or not, we are in the middle of an information war where it’s difficult to tell the truth from fiction or lies. Journalists like myself, and my colleagues are no longer the watchdogs; instead, we are directed to information from obviously conflicted sources and made to convince the public to believe that particular viewpoint.

Fact-checking - a once-obscure term that is now a buzzword - is one part of the campaign to control what we as media consumers see online, and therefore what we think and how we perceive reality is all controlled.

To me, the most insidious method is the recent use of “fact checkers” to limit the reach of an outlet (like the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper), or simply branding us with the fake news scarlet letter to discourage readers from engaging. If you don’t believe us, you can check it out for yourself on our Facebook page. They actually discourage individuals from liking us or reading our stories.

This has been increasing in the last two years and I personally know of several remaining independent media outlets that have had to decide whether or not to run certain articles or video reports out of fear they might be censored or banned. What they have done is use algorithmic games to limit access to alternative media sites on certain social media platforms, and now most outlets are reaching a tiny fraction of what they once were.

We are now in a world where instead of real journalists and reporters, the media is infiltrated with propagandists who dictate what’s “fake news” and what’s not. In a way, we are being manipulated to want our information censored by third-party “fact”-

checkers, which were introduced as a tool to confuse and control the public further.

Let’s take a look at Facebook’s oversight board created to temper criticism over its decisions to flag certain content and accounts. According to Facebook, members of the oversight board “were chosen for their expertise and diversity” and “must not have actual or perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise their independent judgment and decision-making.” They all “have expertise in, or experience in advocating for, human rights.”

There is just one issue: 18 of the 20 members of Facebook’s oversight board members have ties to Soros’ Open Society Foundations. Two other organizations that have partnered with Facebook and fact checked TMU are Science Feedback and Africa Check, both which claim to identify and expose the spread of disinformation.

Science Feedback describes itself as “A worldwide network of scientists sorting fact from fiction in science based media coverage. Our goal is to help readers know which news to trust.” Africa Check says they are a non-profit attempting to “Raise the

quality of information available to society across the continent.” Africa Check uses semantics to label a story false or misleading.

Science Feedback uses a similar strategy.

Africa Check’s list of partners includes The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, yet another example of how the Gates’ spread their influence and agenda around the world. I want you to remember that Gates also funded the Event 201 pandemic simulation exercise, which discussed the potential for censoring the internet, or even arresting individuals who spread information that has been deemed false. Let me also note that it has been reported that Africa Check is also partnered with the George Soros-funded Open Society Foundations.

When you hear fact checkers use buzzwords like: “Conspiracy theory”, “debunked”, “quackery” and “antivaccine” know that it is time to dig deeper for the truth. If you are a person who relies solely on the internet for their information, you are at serious risk of being controlled; you can fight back by doing your own research, trusting your cognitive dissonance and using your common sense.

A life based upon short vacations, unending taxes and escalating lived costs will become the new normal STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Luma Energy of Puerto Rico is attempting to increase their prices by 17-24%, citing overall increased energy costs. The cost of energy in the EU has escalated to a point where the average family will not be able to bear the cost of fuel for the family vehicle or heating their homes.

We have seen how large corporations have mismanaged their often-proprietary sectors of energy services. Texas is a perfect example, where corporations charge an arm and a leg for the energy that would cool Texans in the summer, and heat them in the winter, but should an incident occur, a breakdown of the system perhaps, and Texans find themselves trying to live without air conditioning or heat. People died in

these situations, but the power infrastructure ownership takes no blame for their inaction, mismanagement and ultimate profiteering. Seems the corporations that control all forms of the energy portfolio will willingly take your money, but not give you the custom service you have paid for each time.

Living in New York City, I have witnessed how landlords, and power corporations will cut the power to individual apartments and homes because the bill was not paid. Illegal yes, but hey that’s why corporations have many lawyers right? The energy portfolio will be the issue that brings many of us to our knees in the near future.

The cost for petroleum is rising daily, acting much like the value of stocks and bonds on Wall Street. The average person, their family and neighbour’s will suffer the sting of these rising costs. Going to work, heating your home, buying inflationary priced foods will bring many of us into the stress filled void known as “Debtsville”. A place where we can survive only by using our credit cards to purchase those products and services that keeps us safe and warm.

Problem arises however, as the interest rates applied to these credit cards

have and will escalate, driving up our debt further. Now we will have to consider where to prioritize our limited spending, going far beyond ordinary budgeting. Need to work, so we have to drive to our place of employment. Since North American transport systems were built upon the use of vehicles, we will have to drive. Can we afford to use air conditioning in these super hot summers?

Will our grandparents, seniors one and all decide to not use air conditioning or heating their apartments, possibly putting their health and lives in jeopardy.

Corporations who control all North American energy infrastructure can and will continue to drive up the cost of all things related to energy. Why? They can.

Governments can complain about it, showing us they care about outlived conditions, but they cannot really force the issue.

What are they going to do after all, privatize our energy sector? They lack the courage and know how to do just such a thing. The Federal Government has shown they cannot even deal with the building of a gas pipeline without losing billions of taxpayer’s revenue.

Perhaps Ontario Hydro Corporations will inflate their prices soon. The move to electric

vehicles has paved the way to future hydro price increases. After all, someone needs to build and maintain an electrical power grid that can actually work and sustain the population’s power needs.

We need to open our eyes and minds to what is happening all around us. Who is making excessive profits in this economy, and who is losing their economic grasp of reality. Yes, we are taking two steps forward and then being forced three steps backwards. Our lives are based upon low credit, and easily assumed costs are going, going and soon to be gone. A life based upon short vacations, unending taxes and escalating lived costs will become the new normal.

An inflationary, debt ridden economy stands before us encouraging us to spend, borrow and work, looking forward to many days of non-personal advancement.

Who are we really living for folks? Canadians work for almost half a year paying off their tax burden including: federal, provincial income and sales taxes. Then corporations seem to be ready to take the rest of your money. Who are you living and working for?

Really.

First Black female Brampton Councillor Williams elected as Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton Centre PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There is no doubt that there will be a great loss at Brampton City Council now that Councillor Williams was elected to the Ontario Legislature on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022. She made history when she was elected as the first Black female Councillor in October 2018 in the history of Brampton.

She has been living in Bramalea

since 1981 and represents Wards 7 and 8.

She is a certified Multi-Systemic Therapist, behavioural consultant and counsellor and worked for 19 years with several organizations such as: the Associated Youth Service of Peel, the Youth Substance Abuse program, Peel Children’s Centre, the Reach Out Centre for Kids in Peel, and the Halton Region.

She is a married mother of five children and knows first-hand the challenges and trials of parenting. Charmaine’s beliefs, values, and courage to advocate for people are shaped by her professional and personal experiences. In an article by Matt Dionne (for Mississauga News) it was revealed that she would be running for the PC party. “If elected, Williams intends to focus her efforts in ensuring families have access to the social and recreational services they want and

need, and advocating for integrated transportation across Brampton and the GTA.” Williams was nominated to be the PC candidate for Brampton Centre in the provincial election. In her acceptance, Williams tweeted, “I am honoured to be nominated as your Brampton Centre candidate. I’m committed to working for the City Brampton and soon, the people of Ontario” The Ontario PC Party tweeted in response, “Congratulations to Charmaine Williams on being nominated as our candidate for Brampton Centre in the next election.

Her passion for advocating for people and giving back to her community will make her a great representative for the riding.”

Councillor Wiliams defeated incumbent, Sara Singh of the NDP, Safdar Hussain of the Ontario Party, Karitsa Tye of the Green Party of Ontario, and Kathrin Matusiak

of the New Blue party. Williams emphasized the importance of “Safer streets, social and recreational services for families, and an integrated transportation network in the city.”

She states, “We’re the only party with a transportation plan that includes roads, highways, bridges, and transport, including Hwy. 413, the Bradford Bypass, Ontario Line, expanding GO train service, and restoring Northlander passenger rail.”

Williams is grateful to her family for her successful campaign.

Anyone interested in learning more about the work of Charmaine Williams can check: Facebook: Charmaine Williams Instagram: @charmomof5 Twitter: @Charmomof5

NEWS

PAGE 16

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Black Legal Action Centre & Canadian Civil Liberties Association speak out against Toronto Police Services; “YOU MUST DO BETTER!” SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“The data released today -- like the data released by the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 2020 and 2018, or the data released by the Toronto Star in 2012, or the numerous studies released before that – again confirms what Black people have known for decades. The police target Black people for arrest, for detention, for strip searches, for assault.”

Abby Deshman (Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association) Toronto is in desperate need of advocates of justice both inside and outside the systems and institutions that play an integral role in the lives of African-Caribbean across the city.

We need active members who are willing to break down barriers that preclude our full participation in society, and who are willing

to focus on working with our community and others with the goal of educating, empowering through knowledge and changing attitudes and behaviours that contribute to anti-Black racism.

Thankfully, we have two organizations that are out here doing just that: Black Legal Action Centre and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. I received a message that was deeply concerning, but to be honest not surprising. Most recently, Toronto Police Services released a report, and it shares the disturbing experiences of discrimination, harassment, and trauma at the hands of police and the criminal justice system.

African-Caribbeans, Indigenous, and other racialized individuals in Canada experience racial profiling and disproportionately harsh treatment by police and the criminal system including higher rates of use of force. There is data clearly evidencing systemic racism for years. In 2018, the Ontario Human Rights Commission documented the systemic racism in Toronto policing, reporting that although Black people made up 8.9% of Toronto’s population, they accounted over a third of police shootings, 61.5% of police use of force cases that resulted in civilian death, and 70% of police shootings that resulted in civilian death.

The report gave even more confirmation of what is already known. The data

released raised a number of questions. What will governments do to make the victims of continued police misconduct whole? How will they remedy their continued trauma, degradation, and humiliation? How will they ensure that they have true access to justice?

Moya Teku, Executive Director of the Black Legal Action Centre, made the following statement: “The police continue to fail to fulfil their purported mandate. They continue to fail to serve and protect Black people, and yet, year after year, all levels of government continue to pour money into police services.

They do this instead of funding Black communities.

The solution is not to provide the police with more money for body scanners, or training. It is to de-task the police and to redirect funding into those services that will actually protect and serve and increase the public safety of Black people. The police have shown that they are not up to the task.”

Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, Special Advisor on Anti-Black Racism for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, also spoke to what the report said: “Some may find these findings shocking, but this is absolutely not news.

Communities have been speaking out for decades. This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the Toronto Star’s first race and

crime series. Ten years ago I demonstrated how police services across Canada were actively shielding the race-based data they did collect from the public.

Throughout this time the police have continued to paint community concern around these issues as anecdotal while actively suppressing the very data that they released today, and although they have now been forced to release this information, it still only provides a small window into the ways that Black and other racialized communities are disproportionately impacted by police actions.”

What has been established is that the current race-based data strategy is inadequate. It needs to be vastly expanded and expedited. It is time to stop giving the police a pass, and demand that they start acting in the interests of the communities they claim to serve.

Police need to step back, and make room for social service supports and civilian led crisis interventions. We need government at all levels to listen and take action, turning those conversations into a reality. It is time that we support organizations who speak out for us, especially during times when we are unable to speak for ourselves. Visit Black Legal Action Centre at https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/, and Canadian Civil Liberties Association at https://ccla.org/

Mastercard has announced a new program for its clients that will use fingerprint scanning and facial recognition STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Retailing is transforming quickly. Retailers are making every possible effort to make the retail experience as effortless as pos-

sible, while introducing their customers to their products, servicing them and then getting payment quickly.

Mastercard has announced a new program for its clients that will use fingerprint scanning and facial recognition in the future. The use of your card will no longer be necessary. Biometric payment, dubbed as Biometric Checkout Program, has been initiated in several retail spaces throughout the world. Sold as a very simple means of secured payment, all the customer needs to do is scan their faces through a smartphone app. This will become a substitute for the usual card used to buy products.

This technology can be seen already implemented by Apple.

The responses found from the research Master Card has done has shown that consumers love biometrics, making payment at a store as convenient as possible, Although it’s very convenient to use, since it is hassle free and card free, many people are concerned about their privacy and safety if they use this method of payment. Does this method collect all their confidential information in one go?

Mastercard has said the data collected will be encrypted so their safety will be guaran-

teed. Mastercard has partnered with other firms such as PopID, Fujitsu, PayFace and others for this feature.

For their part, Mastercard anticipates nearly 1.4 Billion customers will adopt this biometric payment system by 2025.

Security Authorities are concerned that this new method of payment can become hackable in the near future, and the images and information gathered used for more nefarious purposes. As new products and technology develop and is introduced, so too the many challenges to protect the citizen user at large.

Anne-Marie Woods inspires the Black community and Canada through the power of storytelling PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It is thirty years now that Anne-Marie Woods has been making a difference in the art and theatre world as a Black Canadian: playwright, poet, singer, dancer, director, and producer in Canada.

She was born in East Hackney, England and after surviving an abusive and traumatic childhood she has channelled her pain into powerful personal stories and narratives of survival, resilience, and empowerment.

She grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and after being kicked out of her home she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in 1993 from Dalhousie University, Profes-

sional Actor Training Program. She subsequently continued her artist studies at Freedom Theatre School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1996 where he completed a six-month internship-training program.

Her journey to playwriting started in high school where she wrote her first play titled, “Cindy’s Shoe” as a modern take on Cinderella’s play.

She won a rap competition in the 1980’s and was part of the acapella quartet, “Four the Moment,” which was formed in 1981. They released an album, “We’re Still Standing,” in 1987, which is listed as one of the Top 50 Black Canadian Albums. At 20 years old, she founded Active Youth, an outreach theatre youth program at George Dixon Community Centre in her hometown.

In addition, she was instrumental in the establishment of The Imani Women’s Artistic Project in 1996, which lasted until 1998.

Her play was featured at the Fringe Hit in Nova Scotia and at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem, North Carolina in 2001. Since her move to Toronto, Amani has established herself in the art community. She was the recipient of the

2013 BBPA Harry Jerome Award, the Bob Marley Day Award and an East Coast Music Award. She served as Creative Director and playwright in 2014 and 2015 for the Daniels Corporation Regent Park production, “The Journey.”

She produced “Scotia Journey,” and “The Three Friends,” which were performed in 2019. After ending a nine-month contract as Acting Educator for Outreach and Public Programming at the City of Toronto, she now serves as Educator in this position.

“I believe in pushing the boundaries of storytelling to be inclusive of the African diaspora and telling stories through voices that represent the Caribbean, Africa and African-Nova Scotians,” shares AnneMarie. As a cultural educator and curriculum developer, she believes in the power of authentically representing Black people.

She states, ”Being able to tell stories of the diaspora is an essential part of my work because I can help unlearn all of the falsehoods about our culture. Through playwriting and the stage I am able to challenge creative boundaries and hopefully reach

that one young mind who doesn’t know anything other than European history.”

Her non-conventional approach is truly innovative. “I have no confines or rules when it comes to my writing. My process and storylines often come from life experiences or cultural needs and fuse fiction, history, and reality.”

Amani is currently working on a script for, “Why Black Women Whisper,” which she produced in 2018. “It is a metaphor-a phrase that speaks to the pain of what Black women go through when they speak up. The poetic piece, performed entirely in spoken word, is about five Black women from different generations who struggle with life, love and their identity.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the work of Anne-Marie Woods can check: Website:imaniarysbzzomwordpress.com Youtube: youtube.com/AmaniLive Instagram: woods.annemarie Facebook: anne-marie-woods

Saturday June 25, 2022 Roots Community Services Proudly Presents

Our community wellness fair For Black, African, and Caribbean Communities Presented by Roots Community Services

Saturday, June 25, 2022 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sheridan College Hazel McCallion Campus B-Wing, Creative Commons 4180 Duke of York Blvd., Mississauga Hands on Robotics 3D Printing Investment Simulator Movie and Video Production Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Health and social service exhibitors with giveaways, presentations, and demos.

FREE admission and parking.

Mock Interviews Mental Health, Well-being and Self-care Practices Coping Skills Cultural Education

Basketball Tournaments Uncle Tom's Cabin Laser Tag Stratford Festival Bowling Job Fair

cacdcanada.org info@cacdcanada.org 905-277-8455

Hosted by The Juiceman, Jonathan Shaw

Visit rootscs.org/wellnessfair for more information and to register for email updates about the event.

Health and Social Service Exhibitors with Giveaways, Presentations, and Demos

PAGE 18

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Photo Credit: Envoy

I AM HAIR ZION COLLECTION “I am HAIR is here for you!”

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Girl! You got that good hair” You know, hair that is not too natty, not too coarse.

It has a soft wave in it because of the colonizers journey into Africa. Yeah, that disturbing dialogue that resonates in our community. When you go on Instagram, you see the repercussions of the mental genocide that the African Caribbean Community is currently enduring.

I want to focus on a specific issue that many young African-Caribbean women are battling with, and then I am going to introduce a monarch who has provided her services as a solution Social oppression, abuse, and racial discrimination have historically forced many Black women to hide their hair. Before the emancipation, hair wraps were used as a sign of oppression/social status.

Yes, the head wrap was initially utilized so that we would look less attractive to slave owners.

When we integrated, we were made to believe that the only way to fit in was to wear our hair straight, to look more like our employers. Even today, in certain places, industries, and workplaces, traditionally Black hairstyles, such as dreadlocks, are restricted and can be a cause for termination.

As the years have gone on, we have evolved and now, there is an expression of beauty through hairstyles that we choose to rock. From the “fro” to hair wraps to braids, African-Caribbean women use their hairstyles as a personal expression of who they are and to show the evolution of Black culture over time. We are now seeing more and more Black women embracing the natural beauty of their own hair.

I came across a brilliant sister who has spent the majority of her life educating, empowering, and helping women evolve past the idea that coily hair is hard to deal with, or that it is not beautiful.

Zayowah Leslie Willis, founder of I AM HAIR Zion Collection is an experienced Hairstylist/hair care specialist, and has been doing this for over 25 years.

Throughout her career, she has been a sa-

lon owner (15 years), and managed many salons in different cities. Her career has allowed her to grow and understand the complexities of all hair types.

Her 25-year experience as a hairstylist has exposed her to many different hair types and this procured knowledge is utilized in the service she provides to the community.

“I AM HAIR for you.” Her energy was vibrant, and I knew right away that this was going to be a great interview.

“Sis,” Zayowah, began, “It has been an experience. I have been a hairstylist for 25 plus years. I originally came to you about a brand launch that I am doing for I AM HAIR Zion, we can talk about that later, but this brand launch is not about me; it’s about the young people I am working with. It is my way of giving back to our young people; the need some encouragement.”

“I love the idea of that; how did you get into being a stylist?”

“The business found me. I started out as a nail technician. One day I walked into an Italian salon and found out that they didn’t have a nail tech, so I applied for the position.

Now, I did hair, but it was nothing that I did full time. It was just an accident.

One of the stylists was off and a lady came in for a weave. It was an emergency and she needed it for an event, so I did it. She came back and requested me, but I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes at work, so I started to do hair privately.

I started doing it in my home, and then I opened up Salon DeElegance located at 698 Wilson Ave.” “Tell me about the name of your first salon.”

“A friend of mine and I were vibing on names, and it just came to me. She said it suited who I was; there was suaveness to it, elegance. I opened it at 27 years old. The first three years was very trying.

I hung in there for 15 years. I had three children under the age of 10, but I had the commercial building so I lived upstairs and worked downstairs. My clientele was amazing. God sent me the right people that I needed. They were older clients, some of whom I still have to this day. They provided me with the wisdom I needed.”

Zayowah’s life took another direction when the owner of BSW approached her.

“The owner gravitated to me. At the time he was going to open the largest beauty supply stores in Scarborough. He

wanted to put a salon in it, and I was looking for a stable income. I ended up closing my business and I went to the Markham and Sheppard location, and I became the manager. This was when I had the opportunity to play with products. I started to get a feel of the product business. I started to travel and my vision got bigger.

I was there for six years, and I became overwhelmed with life. It was a lot, and my body gave out on me. As a result of the long hours, long days and nights, I developed Fibromyalgia. It was a busy life, and I didn’t have the support. When my legs gave out, I was home and couldn’t do much. I realized that it was time to pivot.

I started to do hair again, and began playing with products. I did this for six years.

I have experimented with many products and found myself at the same disadvantage. I decided that it was time to make a change, not for myself but for all Black women and men. We have beautiful, healthy hair and with the right ingredients we bring that beauty to life.”

“What sets your product apart from the thousands of products on the market?”

“My products are great because of their key properties; their ability to provide strength, intense hydration, rejuvenation, and revitalization to our hair. My products are the best option for our hair because of ingredients like: avocado butter, sea moss, and keratin. They all work together to create and maintain healthy looking hair. These are the types of essential ingredients we need and I AM HAIR provides you with just that.

It does what it really says it does.

You see the face behind who is making the products. You see the results in my children’s hair, my family and friend’s hair. I have received review after review.”

We chatted for a little after the official interview, and she shared her launch that is coming up.

“We Nah Rise & Boast,” is I AM HAIR Zion Collection Brand Launch. We are going to have giveaways, food, drinks, and performances showcasing some of the scintillating hair stylists in Toronto.

It is going to be held at the Jamaican Canadian Association located at 995 Arrow Road on July 24th, 2022. After two years of isolation, it is great to see that business owners are back in the swing of things and providing opportunities for the community to network and have fun.”

These items go in recycling

Plastic bottles & jugs (lids on)

Glass bottles & jars (lids on)

Paper, newspapers & magazines

Aluminum & steel cans & aluminum trays

Learn more at toronto.ca/RecycleRight

Our staff is familiar with the diverse traditions of the customers we serve. Let us help ensure that your unique preferences are accommodated. Talk to us today and we’ll explain all your funeral options and help you through your immediate or pre-arrangement needs.

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PAGE 20

FEATURE Photo Credit: Selina McCallum

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

ANDREW MCDONALD

The marketplace is ready for people of colour “I learned that when you go into a room, you can occupy your mind with how people see you, or you can say, ‘How do I present myself as the best in the room? ‘It helps to transform your mind from a place of insecurity to strength.”

He is up earlier than most, checking the European markets when they open at 3:00 am.

Then he reads the paper to catch up on the day’s finances, and goes back to sleep. Then he is up again at 5:30 am to get in his daily exercise.

Canadians, who identify as visible minorities, usually do not have the same access to investments and other sources of wealth as non-racialized people. Andrew McDonald has broadened the lens to look at wealth, rather than just looking at income. He has paid his dues by working hard to come up in an industry that minorities are not frequently seen in.

Andrew McDonald is lead portfolio manager and head of The McDonald Group at CIBC Wood Gundy. He joined the firm in 1996 as a sales assistant at Midland Walwyn, a predecessor firm.

Andrew will tell you that Joyce Eisen, a Vice President and Senior Advisor groomed his work ethic and perseverance. Joyce took Andrew under her tutelage to provide great career and personal mentorship.

Andrew specializes in creating personalized and holistic wealth strategies for private and institutional clients. Andrew is committed to building positive and impactful relationships, and advocates for a team approach to ensure every client’s need is addressed.

Andrew has an Honours BA from the University of Toronto, the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation, and derivatives and estate planning accreditations. He is passionate about sharing his career journey with students and members of the African-Caribbean community.

Andrew has spoken to students at the TDSB virtual school, and to MBA students at the Schulich School of Business and Rotman School of Management about the challenges and opportunities of wealth management. Andrew is especially proud of his efforts for the CIBC Miracle Day fundraiser for children, as well as the work that he is doing with Brothers Who Care. Through this platform, Andrew’s contribution and support has resulted in a meaningful impact on African-Caribbean youth, amplifying their voices, and rallying around causes that are most important to our community.

I have had the pleasure of working with Andrew in the last few months, so I was interested in hearing more about his extraordinary success.

“I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and I moved in with my grandmother at two years old. I had an interesting start in life; many people don’t know that I lived on a farm in St. Ann’s Jamaica” When I came to Canada I was only eight years old. No one explained how cold it was to me,” Andrew shares chuckling. “It was such a distant land for me, and like that my life changed.

My mom was married at the time, and I had a little brother, then my sister came. I eventually adapted.

“I remember in grade 4, I had a terrible rash. The doctor told me the rash was stress related. I learned something cool that day at the office,

and from then, I thought I wanted to be a dermatologist. That meant that I had to do some science courses and advanced math.

The later part of my teens was tumultuous.

I met this one lady at church who rented a room to me in my last two years of high school. When I got to University, I got into politics and was on the student council. After a few initial courses, it became clear that I was not getting into medical school. I had a passion for human physiology, but not anything else related to medical school. While on the school council, I was in charge of the finances, and I have to say that this was the catalyst to my love of finances.

I ended up switching my degree to Finance, and when I finished my degree, I got my introduction to the financial world when six months later, I landed a job at Midland Walwyn on Bay St, and I have been there ever since. When I came to Bay St, I think that people were surprised to see a person of colour. It was a different experience. One of the things that you have to understand about Bay St is that there is a lot of classism, more so than racism.

It was the first time I had experienced classism.

I worked my way up to Senior Wealth Advisor. It was very helpful to have a mentor, and was gifted with one by the name of Joyce Eisen. When I got the job, it was an entry-level job, and I was a floater, going from team to team helping out. Scotiabank eventually recruited me, and when I went to resign my floater position, my manager at the time gave me a better contact, which was Joyce Eisen.

I was obsessed with researching, and Joyce allowed me to build portfolios. She nurtured me, and would correct me when necessary. I would sleep at the office sometimes just to get work done.

She saw my work ethic, so she invested in me. She gave me the opportunity to become an associate with her. In 2005, I became a junior partner, and in 2010 she retired, and I took over her clients.

You don’t get where you are by yourself. It is wrong to omit even the small things that people do for you. To this day, she calls me to check on me.

It continues to show me the importance of building relationships.

I am grateful to be in Canada; the opportunities that it offers are like no other. I am very grateful for my professors at university, and now when I get an opportunity, I give back. I have an internship program where I do my best to bring in people of colour into the financial industry.

The marketplace is ready for people of colour. It is ready to accept you, as long as you are ready to put people first, and come ready to serve.”

Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

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PAGE 27

The debate surrounding medical assistance in dying continues W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

How ironic that Québec, the most Roman Catholic province in Canada, is proposing progressive legislation for Alzheimer’s patients.

It’s time for other Canadian provinces and American states to show similar humanity.

Québec’s Health Minister, Christian Dubé, has tabled Bill 38 that would allow patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease to receive an assisted death by allowing written consent to be given before they are mentally and physically incapable of doing so.

Under the proposed rules, a doctor would have to be certain that the pa-

tient was requesting death without pressure from any other people. Moreover, patients would be able to reverse this request at any time including at the time of the procedure.

To provide extra precaution, the patient must choose a trusted third party to act on their behalf at the appropriate time.

As long-time readers know, this column has been fighting for a more common-sense approach to MAID (medical assistance in dying) for years.

Current laws across North America ignore so much suffering. The Canadian law is so poorly conceived that it is hard to imagine how it has lasted so long without revision. It allows Alzheimer’s patients to ask for MAID while being mentally coherent and to sign the needed legal documents.

But as the disease progresses and patients lose capacity, the request becomes void.

Any reasonable person would acknowledge the inadequacy.

Alzheimer’s patients need an advanced directive or an advance request for MAID that will be legally valid after their

health has deteriorated.

Readers can understand the frustration for Alzheimer’s patients who wish to access MAID. But despite extensive efforts by the medical community and advocates, Canada’s elected Members of Parliament and Senators have not resolved the issue.

Those having read this column for years may recall the suggestions that the Government of Canada be replaced by: taxicab drivers, garbage collectors, or veterinarians! The people in these professions have ample common sense. They would change the law in 24 hours.

But it is not only politicians that have fought against access to MAID for Alzheimer’s patients. Ethicists, moralists, and religious people who believe that “Only God can decide on life and death” are also responsible. While 80% of the population agrees with proposed changes to the legislation, the minority conspire to block access by any and all.

Yet the concerns of this minority can be addressed. First, to be clear, MAID is only an option for those who actively re-

quest it. It cannot be imposed on anyone, but if those who are opposed would like to do so, they are free to sign an affidavit stating that they wish never to participate in MAID. Instead, they blow bullhorns. And those in need of assistance languish.

There is something lost in today’s digital society when decision makers lack connection to the people. Gone are the days when readers responded to a call for better legislation with thousands upon thousands of handwritten letters. It is impossible to forget reading those personal stories of anguish on stationary where tear marks lingered, and politicians had to respond when one such campaign, for the legalization of heroin to ease the pain of terminal cancer patients, resulted in 40,000 letters on the health minister’s desk.

Now it’s time for the rest of Canada to replicate this same Québecd legislation.

For Alzheimer’s patients wishing MAID, let’s facilitate the dignity of a peaceful end of life, just as the law now allows for others.

Detecting communication disorders in children Each year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association sponsors Better Hearing & Speech Month, an awareness campaign dedicated to educating the public about communication disorders.

A communication disorder can refer to any impairment of an individual’s ability to comprehend, detect and apply language and speech. In 2019, the theme of Better Speech and Hearing Month is Communication Across the Lifespan.

When it comes to communication disorders, early intervention is key. The ability to communicate effectively is central to children’s social, emotional and intellectual development. The earlier a communication disorder is diagnosed, the more likely it is that the treatment for it will be successful. If you have young children, here are some signs that may in­dicate the possibility of a hearing or speech disorder.

• By 12 months: your child doesn’t respond to their name and doesn’t use communicative ges-

tures like nodding or shaking their head. They also don’t communicate in any way when they need or want something.

• By 18 months: your child is still not speaking and doesn’t respond to simple words and commands like “stop” and “don’t touch.”

• By 24 months: your child says fewer than 100 words, doesn’t imitate actions or words and isn’t joining words together to make simple sentences.

• By three to four years old: your child doesn’t ask questions, use sentences or recount simple stories.

If you notice these symptoms and behaviors in your child, ask your doctor to test for communication disorders. Even children under the age of two can benefit from the intervention of a professional to ensure that they have the communication skills they need to succeed later in life.

We want to hear from you!

Take part in the Our Health Study.

We want to understand what life is like for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other sexually and gender diverse folks (2SLGBTQQIA+) across Canada and want to hear from you. How’s your mental and physical health? Your spiritual wellness?

Your romantic and/or sex life (if applicable)? How are you managing your chronic health condition? How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you, your chosen family, and people in your communities?

Visit bit.ly/ourhealth_tc or scan the QR code to access the study.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

HEALTH

PAGE 29

How to save money while creating the healthy life you need! weight is expensive, but I am here to tell you that it is not.

RACHEL MARY RILEY rachel@carib101.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

As we all know this pandemic has affected some of us to the extent that we were unable to afford food. Food used to be affordable including certain fruits. Is it because of the war? No. We always had wars. The thing is how can you navigate and budget yourselves to create the lifestyle, or even lose the weight you want? In this article, I will share with you major tips to budget and make note of how to save money while trying to lose and create the healthy life you need. Some people believe that losing

How to budget around healthy food: Budgeting is easy and it’s simple. Buying a dollar store notebook, using a budgeting app or using excel to make a list of things to get is key to saving money before heading to the grocery store or restaurant. Looking out for discounts and sales will save money.

Buying an annual Costco membership can also help you save money.

Sometimes getting these cravings or seeing unique dishes in certain restaurants is not worth it. Making it at home taste way better sometimes.

If you have land or a backyard, plant and garden your seeds so that you can enjoy fruits and greens of your labour.

It is even more fresh and tastes yummier that way. Eating less can help you both to save a lot and lose weight. Bulking and

freezing things will benefit the huge expense on food every day if you really think about it.

Change your mindset: Living healthy is not expensive, as it seems.

Buying junk food is. Just as you invest the time to buy a small jar of ice cream, you can use it to save money for a week of food and buy salad so you can prepare meals.

The ability and access to get food is not always free, but food will always be around depending on your budget (Never Food Go To Waste;Lose Weight On A Budget: 15 Smart Ways To Save Money While Living A Healthy Lifestyle, 2022).

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 31% per cent of food produced for consumption is wasted. Wasted food is the largest category of waste in landfills, despite the shocking statistics on families facing starvation.

The impact of food waste is much greater

considering the water, energy, and labour spent to produce food that ends up in the garbage disposal.

What do these statistics mean for your wallet? They mean that you are probably wasting money buying food that ends up in the garbage. Save money by buying food that you can repurpose throughout the week. Before you head out to buy new groceries, check your fridge and pantry for leftovers and get creative.

Hard-boiled eggs are a perfect snack and can later be a great addition to your salad. Leftover brown rice can make a thick, delicious stew. Leftover avocados can be the star ingredient of your homemade guacamole. Have a handful of overripe berries? Easy – make a healthy shake. There are many more ways to make leftovers taste delicious; you just have to know where to look for great recipes (Lose Weight On A Budget: 15 Smart Ways To Save Money While Living A Healthy Lifestyle, 2022).

PAGE 30

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The facts about qigong Rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, qigong (pronounced “chee-guhng”) combines slow movement, breathing techniques and meditation into a holistic practice thought to have a wide range of benefits. Here’s what you should know.

The principles Qigong involves practising slow, deliberate movements that are co-ordinated with deep rhythmic breathing and awareness of one’s body and mind. Visualization techniques and mantras may be included to provide a point of focus. The aim is to induce a sense of inner calm and deep relaxation.

Purported benefits Qigong is considered to be an effective therapy for a number of conditions by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, with some claiming it can help with things like insomnia, cancer and diabetes. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence that qigong provides any health benefits beyond those commonly associated with meditation.

An accessible form of meditation While it won’t cure cancer, qigong does offers tangible benefits. Meditation has been shown to provide effective stress relief, which can have a positive impact on one’s overall health. In addition, because it emphasizes gentle, slow movements, qigong provides a form of low-impact physical activity that’s accessible to people with mobility issues and conditions such as arthritis.

If you’re considering taking up qigong as a therapeutic approach, be sure to speak to your doctor first. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, low-impact form of exercise, then simply find a class or group nearby.

Spotting spoiled food: beyond the best-by date Is it safe to eat? While best-by dates are useful indicators, your senses are a much better way to gauge freshness. Here’s how to determine whether food is safe to eat.

• Dairy. Milk, yogurt, sour cream and other high-humidity dairy products should be chucked if they’ve separated, smell sour, have curdled or are showing even a hint of mould.

potatoes.

• Fruits and vegetables. Some fruits and veggies, like carrots and bell peppers, are too dense for mould to penetrate past the surface, so these are safe to eat once the affected spot is removed. Slimy, discoloured and thoroughly mouldy fruits and veggies should be thrown out.

• Cheese. Hard and semi-soft cheeses like Parmesan and cheddar are fairly resistant to mould. If there’s only a little bit on the surface, you can cut off one inch around the affected area and eat the rest. Mouldy soft cheeses should be discarded.

• Eggs. Conduct a water test to determine freshness. If the egg sinks, it’s good. If it floats, toss it.

• Bread. Since mould spores can penetrate the porous surface of bread, a mouldy loaf should be thrown out.

• Meat and fish. Minor discolouration is nothing to worry about. However, a slimy texture or an unusual smell are indicators of spoilage. The same is true of fresh fish, which should never smell fishy. Deli meats with a slimy coating should also be discarded.

• Potatoes. Throw out any potato with green flesh. This is due to an accumulation of solanine, a toxic chemical naturally produced by potatoes. If the green colouration doesn’t extend below the skin, the potato is safe to eat once peeled. Make sure to remove eyes and sprouts and to throw out soft, mouldy

• Canned food. Throw out rusted or bulging cans, as well as those that have been punctured.

Remember, best-by dates are indicators of freshness, not safety. However, if in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

5 great reasons to eat mushrooms Here are five great reasons why the health-conscious diner should make room on their plate for mushrooms.

1. Vitamin B Most edible mushrooms are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B9. These help our bodies metabolize food and contribute to red blood cell formation. These nutrients are also thought to play a role in brain health.

2. Vitamin D Mushrooms are one of the few vegan sources of vitamin D, which is crucial for teeth and bone health. However, mush­ rooms only produce vitamin D if exposed to sunlight. Look for those grown out­doors or that have been irradiated with UV light.

3. Dietary fibre Most mushrooms are made up of at least 50 per cent carbohydrates by weight. However, most of these carbs are insoluble dietary fibre, which plays a crucial role in digestion and helps control cholesterol.

tions of beta-glucans, a type of fibre that’s been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels. The stem of the shiitake is a particularly good source of beta-glucans.

5. Weight management While mushrooms shouldn’t be thought of as a weight loss superfood, they do tend to increase satiety. This means you’ll feel fuller quicker. In conjunction with their low fat and calorie content, this makes them a handy food for weight management.

Mushrooms may also help prevent certain cancers, as well as protect from some types of neurodegenerative diseases. While more research is needed to substantiate these claims, one thing is for sure: eating more mushrooms is a delicious way to stay healthy.

4. Heart health Potassium is found in large quantities in mushrooms and is a key player in regulating blood pressure. In addition, they contain high concentra-

How to get rid of dust mites Have you recently been diagnosed with a dust mite allergy? Here’s how to evict them from your home.

Bedroom Dust mites nest in fabrics and are often present in large numbers in the bedroom, particularly in bedding.

Bedding should be cleaned weekly and tumble dried on high heat for at least one hour. Curtains should be cleaned regularly, and the room should be vacuumed two to three times a week.

In addition, avoiding rugs and using dust mite-proof encasements for mattresses, pil­ lows and duvets will drastically reduce allergen exposure.

Other rooms Furniture with wooden, leather or vinyl surfaces will reduce the dust mite popu-

lation, or at least ensure they don’t nest there. Note that vacuuming isn’t enough to get rid of them. Use a wet cloth to remove dust from the surfaces around the house. Finally, try to keep the relative humidity below 50 per cent, as dust mites thrive in humid environments.

Controlling the dust mite population in your home will drastically reduce the intensity of any allergy symptoms. For additional ad­vice, consult a health care professional.

WHAT ARE DUST MITES? Dust mites are microscopic members of the arachnid family that feed on dead skin and other particles. Their excrement is the cause of our allergic reactions.

LIFE

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 31

The problem of boundaries in the digital age DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Dr. John Townsend defines digital boundaries as the property lines designed to optimize the positives and minimize the negatives of the digital world. When you have reasonable property lines, the digital world becomes your servant and not your master.

It’s often the other way around for many of us these days.

The ease of communication, access and interaction has changed drastically from the days of pagers to the advent of cell phones. As technology evolves, human interaction and the ability to connect become more seamless. Right there on your phone is an app called Instagram, Face-

book, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, and Snapchat, to name a few, each app with certain number of followers who can reach out to you in a blink from virtually anywhere across the globe.

Interestingly, some of these people may even share a different time zone with you, so in other words, round the clock, someone is up, ready to chat, while probably you are preparing to go to bed or in the middle of an important task. A notification comes from one of the pages you follow on YouTube informing you of a breaking news. While watching that, you receive an email alert of the just-released Netflix show they think you will be interested in, and while thinking whether you should quickly check it out, Twitter notifies you of what Elon Musk had just twitted.

Here’s the point, without good digital hygiene and intentionally set boundaries, our lives and space become so intrusive that we barely get anything worthwhile done.

Social media are not the only channels of intrusion into our lives, the internet at large is. Search for a product

on Google; the next time you open your browser, chances are, the product will be advertised to you. Install Adblockers on your browser, but now you have restricted access to certain websites. Yes, we are not oblivious to the many benefits of the internet, technology, and social media, but the reality is, by design, the digital age is highly intrusive to our personal and individual life.

We need to put boundaries and measures in place to help curb or minimize this level of intrusion.

In their book, Boundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend wrote, “Technology and social media aren’t inherently bad. In fact, there are many ways they can enhance your life and relationships.

But just as it is with so many other areas of life, it’s important to make sure you are controlling your digital life, so it doesn’t control you.”

Remember, boundaries exist to define a property line. They define what is yours and what is not yours. They are like fences, but with a gate. You can open or close the gate to let people in or keep them

out as you choose. The challenge comes in deciding what your “gate” policy is going to be for your digital life. How will you decide when to open the gate and when to keep it tightly shut? These are often challenging decisions to make.

Turning off app notifications may be a good place to start. However, this does not completely eradicate intrusions; it does minimize them. Putting phones away during important times with family or friends is also a good digital etiquette. In addition, limiting your social media engagement to certain time blocks (for example, fifteen minutes once or twice a day) is another way of setting your boundaries.

The whole point is to be in control in a way that serves you, your relationship, your life, your mission, or whatever your objectives may be. In certain instances, you may also need to directly communicate with your most interactive friends on social media when it is appropriate for them to reach out to you.

Trudeau has “Let My People Go,” but be prepared for what comes next!

DEVON THOMPSON devon@carib101.com

POLITICALLY SPEAKING

Afterward, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’”

That line comes to mind whenever I think of an oppressive regime enslaving or infringing on the rights of a group of people within its borders. What happened to the people of Israel in Egypt and my very own African ancestors in the Americas is certainly not comparable to what I’m about to discuss; but I think it’s important that we all understand that without a strong dissenting community, Justin Trudeau could easily become Canada’s very own Pharaoh.

Pharaoh Trudeau has finally (temporarily) dropped the Federal Vaccine Mandates, which held between three and seven million Canadians hostage. Many people wonder where that 7 million figure comes from; it comes from the total amount who received a single dose, no dose at all, and children who have not received any doses of the Covid vaccine. Many refuse to count

the additional four million because the government had not implemented a travel vaccine mandate for children under a certain age. Political commentators who support Trudeau do not understand that many of these children have parents who have also not taken a Covid vaccine; so, banning the parents from flying has the effect of banning the children as well.

On June 20th, 2022, seven million Canadians will be able to travel on a plane both domestically and internationally; this is a good thing and we should all be happy that Trudeau has released many from his travel ban, but there’s a catch; the federal vaccine travel mandates are only being “suspended” and the Government will be changing the definition of fully vaccinated from two doses to “up to date.” Using the word “suspended” in its announcement, the Government has stated that these mandates will return should they deem it necessary, and have clearly stated that when it returns, it will be with the updated definitions of “fully vaccinated.”

What does this mean? Well, it means that the Pharaoh is not done yet.

Here’s what the Canadian Government wants: • • •

For those with no doses to get their first two For those with two doses to get a third shot (booster) For those with a booster shot to get another booster shot

•

For those with another booster shot to stay up to date with their shots

So, we are expecting yearly, bi-annually, or possibly quarter COVID-19 shots for the whole population of Canada. How can they get this done though when the previous phases of the mandates never worked?

Based on the fact that 48% of Canadians are now boosted, we can safely assume that close to 52% of Canadians took their first two doses not because they believed in the “health benefits,” but because they did not want to lose their jobs and did not want the government to ban them from traveling. Canadians who only took one dose are a curious case; maybe they were injured, caught wind of the potential side effects of the second dose, or worse; but one thing is for sure, we have no idea what happened to them. Then we have Justin Trudeau’s sworn enemies, the stubborn “misogynists, racist and anti-science” ones who did not take a single dose and parked in front of his seat of power for four weeks.

Phase 1 of trying to get everyone fully vaccinated was provinces doing their very best to make their citizens’ lives difficult. Banning kids from going to the park, banning vaccine-free parents from bringing their children to indoor playgrounds, firing vaccine-free employees, and banning vaccine-free Canadians from grocery stores and restaurants. It was effective, frustrated, and coerced many into getting

their first two doses.

Phase 2 of trying to get everyone fully vaccinated occurred when the provinces’ restrictive measures were no longer effective at moving the vaccine needle.

Justin Trudeau implemented a vaccine travel ban, which also included firing/suspending federal workers who refused a vaccine. You can thank this phase for long airport line-ups, delayed flights, and delays in getting your new passport. This was also very effective; many more were frustrated and coerced into getting their first two doses.

What will be phase 3 of trying to get everyone fully vaccinated? Phase 2 caused a lot of problems for Trudeau, resulting in him enacting the Emergencies Act, shutting down banking accounts of dissenters, and closing the businesses of trucking companies who were in Ottawa at the Freedom Convoy. Now, he had little choice but to drop phase 2 because even the 48% triple and quadruple vaccinated were being impacted by the federal mandates.

I have a simplistic idea of what phase 3 will look like; if you are not up to date with your Covid vaccines, if you even miss a single dose, your travel and work “privileges” could be revoked. If anything is clear, it’s this; we are still in Trudeau’s crosshairs, and the red sea is thousands of miles away. The Pharaoh may be licking his wounds, but when it heals, be prepared for what comes next.

PAGE 32

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

My entire life had changed, and now I would have to get used to the fallout; reliving my past trauma SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

David grabbed my arm and pulled me back inside.

“What are you doing Simone? Are you crazy?”

I sat back sobbing in the seat. I couldn’t feel anything but the hot tears rolling down my face. I looked back at the door, and realized what I had nearly done.

“Simone!” David’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked over at him as he intently looked on the road.

“Don’t do anything like that again. Do you hear me Simone!”

I looked out the front window

and said nothing. There was a numbness that had started in my toes and was working its way up my body. This was not at all what I expected to happen. I thought when I came out, David would have greeted me with love; telling me how happy he was that I was home. Hugging me, kissing me, telling me everything was going to be okay. What a disappointment.

I didn’t say anything the rest of the drive to his house. We just sat there, in silence.

We pulled up to his apartment and he turned off the car.

“Let’s go inside and talk,” David said. I was still too numb to say anything so I just shook my head. All I could think about now was taking a nice warm shower, and lying down. I had to shower the last month off me. I knew he wanted to talk, but after the cussing I had just received, I wasn’t in the mood to talk.

David helped to grab my bags out of the car and we headed in. As we went up the elevator, he began to speak to me again.

Finding good people in today's marketplace: A Challenge STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

INSIGHT TO SOCIETY

Between changing public health guidelines, gathering restrictions and unforeseen layoffs, the pandemic has upended our marketplace, creating a massive labour shortage. Many thousands of previously employed individuals have left their particular economic sector, be that food service, manufacturing, tourism. Many have realized they can be their own managers, running smaller private businesses, while others look to entirely different sectors to satisfy their ambitions and dreams.

Skilled staff shortages in America can put $484 billion of manufacturing GDP at risk by 2028 (USA) alone. The pandemic has broken most linkages between employer and employee, presenting a set of factors that are less attractive for people to be in the jobs they once held. While employers are looking within their organizations and those previously vetted for needed talent, they cannot find the needed staff to pursue growth. Employers must provide incentives for possible candidates with appropriate wages, benefits and full time positions.

Everyone’s on a recruiting blitz; many corporations have tripled their human resource budgets, reaching out not only for experienced employees, but newbie’s straight from local colleges and universities. Business has begun to invest directly into these schools of higher education, nurturing potentially future employees, assisting their training and purpose. Even to the point of supporting foreign students as applicants to longterm residency in Canada. There is a growing attempt to build partnerships between business, government and higher

education. Business sectors have approached federal and provincial governments demanding changes to the foreign student programs that will allow foreign students to work in Canada and also work towards full time residency.

The tourism and hospitality industry have suffered a basic employee brain drain, where experienced employees have moved on and away from this industry to another. Approximately 250,000 people have left this industry, creating a huge drag upon its future survival. This employee vacancy can be filled

by Canada's youth, but only if the industry increases its pay schedules. The youth of Canada know what they want, and that is a well-paying job.

The Quebec government announced it would target 17 countries to find 3,000 foreign workers to help the province's economic recovery. Business planners seek clarity and collaboration from all sectors, but particularly from government agencies. The past has shown that governmental agencies often lacked transparency and a history of communication.

All sectors need to get comfortable with compromise. Flexibility both in terms of planning and logistics will help smooth over difficulties during this labour shortage. Every sector needs to manage expectations since everyone is playing catch-up. Every business, venture and governmental agency is working on short term, immediate business, often at survival levels, attempting to acquire much needed revenues.

Planning for next year (2023) is on the back burner presently. Many believe our economy and all sectors of it are going to work towards reaching past levels over a 2-3 year term.

The most important lesson learnt through the Covid pandemic relates to empathy. If you do not care for those employed by you, respecting each one in turn, your business, agency or venture will not survive a crisis like what we are experiencing today.

“I am happy you are home Simone, it has just been so much the last few weeks. I just don’t know how I feel about everything.”

I stood there beside him saying nothing. I had so much to say, but I didn’t know where to start. We got off the elevator and headed to the apartment.

We went in and he put my bags on the ground. I turned and headed towards the bathroom and closed the door.

I looked in the mirror, and it was like I was seeing myself for the first time. I thought that I had done a good job with my hair, but now it looked dry and frayed.

My face seemed thinner, drawn, and the make-up was not doing me any justice.

The clothes were hanging off my body, and I realized how much weight I had lost.

I slowly took off my clothes and turned on the shower. Aaahhh! I put my fingers under the faucet; it was nice to feel warm water instead of the icy cold water that I had put up with for the last few weeks.

I switched on the shower and stepped in. I just stood there for a moment, letting the water stream over my body. In that moment nothing else mat-

tered but me, and the water that was washing away my tears.

I felt much better after my shower, and when I came out of the bathroom, David was sitting on the couch waiting for me.

“I ordered us some food. I wasn’t sure what you would want, so I ordered from that restaurant that you like.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I am not hungry, but what I don’t eat tonight, I can definitely eat tomorrow.”

“Alex called to see how you were doing,” David continued. “She wanted to come by, but I told her that you were tired.

She has had Laquitta for the last couple weeks, so we are going to have to pick her up tomorrow.”

“That’s fine,” I said. “I just want to lie down if that is okay.”

“Sure Sim. I made the bed. I will be in later.”

I felt like a zombie as I made my way to the room. Everything was different now; my entire life had changed, and now I would have to get used to the fallout.

What a day, I thought to myself as I drifted off into a troubled sleep.

LIFE

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

Creating an oasis in the Canadian desert of cannabis consumption spaces SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com

THE HEIGHTENED CHEF I remember my first cannabis experience. I was with a couple friends, all in our young teens and we had procured some ganja through an older sister’s boyfriend. Completely oblivious to the art of rolling, we cobbled together something loosely resembling a spliff. Luckily, there was a forest nearby that we escaped to in order to avoid prying eyes and noses. We found a secluded spot near a creek that would provide sanctuary to our first hallowed (yet at the time, illegal) experience. We puffed and laughed as each of us struggled to contain the smoke’s first touch to our lungs. Soon the effects took hold and we marvelled at a new world around us. A bond had been created between us that lasted decades.

Only much later did I realize the strength of cannabis is not in the high, but in the whom, as in, whom you’re with while consuming?

Cannabis has medicinal qualities that already make it invaluable, but it goes far beyond this. Cannabis has a social effect that cannot be quantified. It creates a communal chemistry between consumers not easily replicated. The desire to connect with others who are similarly elevated and share our experiences supersedes all boundaries that might separate us. Cannabis connects diverse groups that might not normally interact, but find bonds through safe, responsible shared consumption.

This brings us to the point of this article; spaces where adults can freely share and safely consume cannabis in Canada are sorely lacking. In fact, they are non-existent. While the Cannabis Act was long overdue, its drafting seemed rushed by corporate interests anxious to open the flood gates to the world’s newest industry. Absent from its content is any information or even indication of public consumption spaces. Currently in federal law the only place to consume without restriction is at

home. Anything beyond this is largely left to provinces and in some cases even municipalities. Most places in Ontario have adopted policies that fall in line with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act started in 2006 and amended in 2017 to include cannabis and vaping. This essentially limits consumers to outdoor areas.

Being forced to go outside or go home in order to consume cannabis is a tragedy that desperately needs correcting.

Many situations like living conditions or weather can cause both of these options to become unviable. Harm reduction is an issue for novice users who are forced to consume in unsupervised and unmonitored spaces. Creating further division between the legacy and legal market consumers is counterproductive to the nation’s strategy to eliminate criminal elements from the industry. Economically, our entire society needs a boost after emerging from a two year long pandemic hibernation, especially in the hospitality sector, which is where consumption spaces would exist.

On that same note and most importantly, the human connection that comes from shared experiences free of

judgment or stigma is missing from the community that thrives on it.

Understandably, public health and safety must remain top priorities in decisions about legislation; however, there are more than enough considerations above to at least begin a thoughtful, equitable process towards opening cannabis consumption spaces.

At great risk to themselves, brave trailblazers like The Heightened Chef, HotBox Café and Vapour Central have created the mould for what shared consumption spaces can look like and support the communities that would use them. Years later, we only now see larger corporate stakeholders beginning to follow suit by funding consumption events like the Kind Summer Fair or the Cannabis Carnival scheduled for Toronto in upcoming weeks. Even this is still a far cry from where the state of cannabis consumption spaces should be. Try to imagine a world where you could purchase alcohol but there were no bars, pubs or restaurants where you could enjoy it.

Use your voice and your vote to ensure this is NOT the world where cannabis remains.

How to identify and eliminate red spider mites While most pests are easy to spot in your garden, some are difficult to see with the naked eye. One example is the red spider mite. This pest is less than half a millimetre long and only makes itself known when your plants start to suffer. Here’s how to spot red spider mites and eliminate them.

Appearance and behaviour Unlike the name suggests, red spider mites come in various colours, including brown, orange and green. They suck the nutrients and chlorophyll direc­tly from your plant, which causes the lea­ves to turn yellow and dry out. If left un­che­cked, this can cause the plant to die. More­ over, red spider mites don’t act alone. In fact, a single plant can be attacked by hundreds or thousands of mites.

The easiest way to spot red spider mites is to use a magnifying glass.

You can also try pressing the plant’s foliage to a sheet of white paper. If the paper becomes covered in tiny, moving specks, your plant is proba­bly infested.

Control and elimination Red spider mites thrive in hot, dry weather. Therefore, regularly watering helps prevent them from multiplying. Additionally, you can

use a powerful spray nozzle to blast red spider mites off the lea­ ves of your plants.

However, if one plant is infested, you may want to dig it up to prevent it from contaminating nearby vegetation.

Finally, if you suffer from re­peated red spider mite infestations, you can encourage or purchase predatory insects to take care of the problem. You can also use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to keep these pests under control.

4 edging materials for your garden Borders help define the different parts of your landscape and sim­plify maintenance.

Here are four edging materials to make your yard look great.

1. Aluminum edging is sleek, durable and flexible. Moreover, it can with­stand the changing of the seasons without warping.

2. Concrete edging is available in a variety of styles and sizes. You can also choose from several shades to perfectly match your landscape. Although dura­ ble, con­ crete borders are semi-permanent, ma­king it difficult to change the shape of your flowerbeds on a whim.

3. Plastic edging is af­fordable and can be made into virtually any shape. How­ ever, it’s not as durable as other edging options and may need to be readjusted from one season to another. Additionally, some plastic borders can’t survive the winter and must be replaced every year.

4. Wood edging is timeless and easy to in­ stall. If you want to change the look of your landscape without moving anything, you can easily repaint wood borders.

Don’t hesitate to contact a landscaping pro­fessional for expert advice and installation.

PAGE 34

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Why you should clean your cat’s ears Cats are known for being great self-groomers. If your cat has short hair, you may think you don’t need to do anything to keep it clean.

However, ensuring their ears are clean is vital to their overall health.

Here’s why it’s essential to clean your cat’s ears regularly.

Neglecting the cat’s vulnerable ears can lead to poor health consequen­ ces. Routine ear cleaning helps get rid of ear­wax, debris, bacteria, yeast and parasites that can lead to a host of pro­ blems, including:

• Ear infections • Ear mite infestations • Hematomas • Hearing loss If its ears are compromised, your cat’s quality of life suffers. Your little pet may experience pain, loss of balance or disorientation.

Therefore, you should inspect and clean your cat’s ears at least once a month. Purchase an ear cleaning solution specially designed for cats and carefully follow the instructions on the label.

If you suspect your cat has an ear problem, consult your veterinarian immediately.

How to prevent food poisoning in birds

“I’m not happy in a tiny tank” If it could talk, your betta fish could teach you some amazing things.

Ever since you adopted me, I’ve noticed you distance is about 15 cm. And be careful: my admiring my shimmering colours and flutte- aquarium must have a lid to prevent me from ring fins. On the other hand, I jumping out onto the floor. don’t think I’m wrong in saying that you don’t know everyNext, I would like to tell you that thing you need to know about I like to eat floating pellets made me. I’m happy to tell you these for my species. But I also enjoy (I’m sending you important facts about my spevariety, like occasional freezea few bubbles cies. dried or frozen larvae or worto say “Hi”)! ms. Yummy!

First, you should know that although betta fish are often pla­ced in small Finally, I’ll remind you that although my nickglass jars (because we’re tough and pretty, I name is the Siamese fighting fish, I’m quite guess), we need ample space to feel our best. peaceful. I only get defensive if you encroach If you want me to live on my territory. a long and happy life of up to eight or even 10 years, I need a large rectangular or square I look forward to continuing to dazzle you for aquarium with at least 15 litres of 25 C water. years to come.

BLOOP BLOOP

You may have noticed I like to go back and forth between the surface of the water and the bottom of my tank. I’ll be thrilled if the

Bubbles XX

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for birds to get food poisoning. In many cases, it can be fatal. Here’s how you can prevent your feathered friend from getting sick.

Finally, many birds use cage accessories like toys and perches to sharpen their beaks or relieve boredom. Make sure these items consist of safe materials.

PREVENTION Many human foods are dangerous to birds. Giving your bird a sip of coffee, a piece of chocolate or a potato chip can be harmful. Certain plants like onions and avocados may seem harmless but should not be in your bird’s diet. You should only feed your bird foods recommen­ded by your veterinarian. Remove uneaten food from your pet’s cage regularly to prevent mould and bacteria growth.

SYMPTOMS Despite your best efforts, your bird may swallow a harmful substance.

Here are some of the symptoms as­ sociated with food poisoning:

Do you let your bird fly freely around the house? If so, never leave any po­ tentially harmful food within reach.

Your home may be full of hazards, in­ cluding cleaning products and toxic houseplants.

• • • • • • •

Loss of appetite Shivering Convulsions Fluffed up feathers Lethargy Vomiting or diarrhea Rapid, laboured breathing

If your bird’s behaviour changes suddenly, consult your veterinarian immediately.

REAL ESTATE

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 35

Real estate vocab JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

“Bad news Wari, your blood pressure is high!” exclaimed Dr. Saied. Yash and Wari thought that buying a home would be an easy task. Dr. Saied, their family physician, looked at her questionably. “What made your blood pressure climb, Wari?” queried Dr. Saied.

“My friend said that Yash and I needed a stress test to buy a house. I am all stressed out about that. Why do we need a stress test to buy a house?” Wari burst out.

“You came prepared, running shoes and all,” intoned Dr. Saied. “Lenders require buyers to have a financial stress test and not one for their health. A financial stress test is designed to tell how much a buyer can afford and if the interest rate increases, whether they can fetch their heavier financial burden. It’s nothing to do with your heart. My dad is a realtor and growing up, I learnt many things from him.”

Dr. Saied retold a story his dad had told him about a gentleman named Patrick who wanted to borrow money. His dad explained that he could only lend Patrick if there was enough equity in Patrick’s home.

“Equity is the chunk of money remaining after deducting the amount owed on the mortgage from the current sale price of the home. It’s really how much skin Patrick has in the game. My dad lent Patrick money as a second mortgage which is a mortgage taken out on a home that already has a first mortgage. If Patrick couldn’t pay the mortgages, the first lender or mortgagee could sell the property and if there was money left over, then my dad would get paid. My dad said that it is risky but the higher the risk, the higher the reward. Interest rates on second mortgages are much higher than first mortgages.”

“More skin, less risk I understand, but how do you know how much equity Patrick has in his home?” questioned Yash.

“He would need an appraisal on his property. An appraisal is a recent estimate of the value of the property. A licensed property appraiser would research the property through the multiple listing service (MLS).”

“What it that?” asked Wari. “It’s a real estate service that collects data on properties that are for sale and those that are sold from all the realtors who are members.”

Wari fumbled in her purse and extracted a page full of information about a property. “Dr. Saied, this paper mentioned that the home comes with ELFs and GDO and BDLM. I know what elves are but what are the others?”

Dr. Saied, laughed. “This piece of paper is called a listing. ELFs is the short form for electrical light fixtures, GDO-garage door opener, CAC- central air conditioning and BDLM- broadloom where laid.”

Dr. Saied asked the couple whether they were prequalified for a mortgage.

“As a teacher, I thought that you only get qualified after passing an exam.

Are you telling me that before I pass my exam, I am considered pre-qualified?” Wari joked.

“Pre-qualified in real estate means that the lender would look at your financial history and give you an estimate of how much money they are willing to lend you.

Pre-approval on the other hand imposes responsibilities where the buyer completes an application and all the necessary documentation for review.”

“Looks like we have to get prequalified, then qualified,” snickered Yash.

“Postmortem, mortuary and mortgage. It seems as if having a mortgage is a death sentence.”

“The word “mort” means death and “gage” connotes a pledge. A mortgage is a security, usually the property, given for a loan and must be paid back even if the borrower dies. The lender is the mortgagee and the borrower the mortgagor,” ex-

plained Dr. Saied.

“I saw a listing and it said that it’s an assignment sale. What is that?” questioned Yash.

“An assignment is when a seller of a property signs over the right and obligations to that property before the official closing. It’s called flipping,” Dr. Saied pointed out.

“Hamburgers and houses-you can flip them both,” joked Wari.

“You are a kind man doing lots of good deeds,” acknowledged Wari. “I heard that when we buy a home, the home must also have good deeds.”

“Yes, that’s true,” said Dr. Saied.

“In real estate, a house deed is the legal document transferring ownership from the seller to the buyer. When you have a mortgage, you have a transfer deed, because the lender has the deed for the property as security for the money they lent,” explained Dr. Saied.

“I guess we would have some easement after buying our home,” commented Yash.

Dr Saied rolled with laughter. “An ease-

ment gives someone else the legal right to use another person’s property. You have easements for utility companies. It can be a right of way to access another property that is land locked,” clarified Dr. Saied.

“We spent a lot of time with you today, simply, how much is your fee?” inquired Yash.

“There is no fee today, but in real estate there is something called fee simple,” Dr Saied noted. “Fee simple is when the owner’s rights to the property are indefinite and can be transferred whenever the owner chooses. It is the most common type of ownership. Most often, it is associated with freehold properties. Condominiums are usually bought with certain restrictions and are not considered fee simple.”

It was twilight before everyone left. Twilight in Yash and Wari’s mind. It was a quiet drive home.

“We are lucky to have Dr. Saied as our family doctor and even luckier that we were his last patient. His dad taught him well. I guess the stars are aligning, Wari.”

“Yes Yash, they are aligning.”

We’ve got your

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PAGE 36

HOME

3 golden rules for painting your house before selling it

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

3 reasons to buy an intergenerational home Intergenerational homes can take many forms, from a building where each per­ son has their own unit to a large resi­ dence with shared common spaces. The idea is to bring together more than one generation under the same roof. Here are three reasons why this concept has been gaining in popularity.

Repainting your home can increase its selling price. However, before you get out the rollers and brushes, here are three rules to keep in mind to optimize your investment.

1. Consider the entire property. Don’t forget to redo the outside of your home if the paint is peeling or faded. After all, this is what potential buyers will see first. You may also want to touch up the paint on your patio, fence and shed.

2. Use neutral shades. Although you may love your yellow kitchen be­ cause it gives your home a Tuscan feel, remember that everyone has diffe­ rent tastes. Play it safe and stick to neutral shades that appeal to most people.

3. Be prepared. Don’t rush your paint job. Make sure you have enough time to complete the work before your house goes on the market.

A sloppy paint job could deter potential buyers instead of drawing them in.

If you’re considering hiring painting professionals, do some research to gauge the quality of their work and consider how the additional cost could affect the return on your investment.

1. CARE FOR ELDERLY PARENTS Many people are increasingly questioning the standard model within western so­ ciety in which seniors live apart from their families. Stories of loneliness, neglect and even abuse have prompted more people to take their elderly parents or grandparents under their wings.

2. ASSIST WITH EVERYDAY LIFE Living with your parents or grandparents comes with responsibilities. However, it also offers significant benefits. Young fa­ milies can benefit from the experience of their elders, both in terms of practi­

cal knowledge and life lessons.

Grandparents can also participate in the family dynamic by babysitting and hel­ ping with daily chores.

3. EASE FAMILY FINANCES As real estate prices continue to rise, in­ tergenerational homes are an appealing option for young families who want to own their own place. In fact, cohabita­ tion can be financially beneficial for both parties. For example, the mortgage pay­ ments and other expenses like groceries and transportation can be shared.

Of course, opting for this type of shared living arrangement can also lead to con­ flict. It’s therefore essential to think it through and establish rules to govern daily life.

Are you interested in buying an interge­ nerational home? Contact a real estate broker to discuss the possibilities.

FUN

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 37

WEEK OF JUNE 19 TO JUNE 25, 2022

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: TAURUS, GEMINI AND CANCER

In your love life, a new flame will declare their commitment to you.

You may also consider the idea of living together or starting a family.

You’ll be very imaginative this week.

TAURUS

It’s time to spoil yourself. You’ll be influenced by your friends to go shopping. Make sure you take time to pamper yourself; you deserve to have a good time.

PUZZLE NO. 764 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 764

HOW TO PLAY :

GEMINI

Whether you’re single or in a relationship, someone at work will make romantic advances that leave an impression on you. You may also feel some pressure from those around you.

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

CANCER

The summer holidays are just around the corner. You’ll plan a trip for you and your family. Don’t forget to bring a GPS or an old map if you’re driving because you may not have any cell service.

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

You’ll be impressed by your children’s grades in school and won’t be able to refuse any of their requests. You should expect a family member to ask you for the moon, or at least for some thing beyond your understanding.

PUZZLE NO. 54 melody 39. Find out 40. Defaces 41. Farm measure 44. Strange 47. Housetop 48. Equal 49. “____ Hard” (Willis film) 52. Castle’s defense 53. Frail 54. Botch 55. Active 56. Antlered animals 57. Fourth letter

19. Clothes presser 21. Wall component 22. Mama’s mate 24. Trucker’s vehicle 25. Luau garland 27. On the briny 28. Marooned 29. Descendant 30. Historical ages 32. Hair tint

34. Like 37. Globetrot 39. Weighty 41. Tentacles 42. Chicken’s pen 43. Lion’s sound 45. Pipe problem 46. Pens’ contents 48. Female sheep 50. Rage 51. Before, to Shelley

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 54

ACROSS

1. Band’s need 4. Wise about 8. Pig’s dinner 12. Neither 13. Entryway 14. Time of day 15. “Tea for ____” 16. Finished 17. Monster

18. Flat, round objects 20. Overly inquisitive 21. Egg on 23. Land amid water 26. South-of-theborder food 27. Not windward

28. Feminine pronoun 31. Flips over 33. Man’s title 35. Family member 36. Legendary Himalayan creature 38. Elaborate

LIBRA

You’re thinking about starting your own business, which will eventually pay off. Although discreet and reserved, your soul mate will make themselves known. Be patient with your significant other, especially if they’re not very graceful.

SCORPIO

You must develop your selfesteem to make your way in the world.

This applies to your professional, romantic and personal spheres of life. It’s equally important to respect yourself.

SAGITTARIUS

The night before a big move, you’ll be pressed for time. Fortunately, you’ll manage to be efficient and arrange your agenda to avoid delays, scheduling conflicts and other inconveniences.

CAPRICORN

You’ll have to drive your young children to and from their friend’s houses during the summer holidays. You’ll get a loan or negotiate a reasonable price for a major purchase.

DOWN

1. Hill-dwelling insect 2. Trim grass 3. Created 4. Gambler’s concern 5. Cozy place 6. Throat part 7. Prospector’s quest 8. Gleamed 9. NBC’s peacock, e.g.

10. Not theirs 11. Hunted animal

VIRGO

If you’re questioning your romantic relationship, you’ll speak your mind to set the record straight. This honesty will allow you to deepen your love and take the next step forward together.

AQUARIUS

If your relationship lacks affection, you’ll be eager to raise the subject with your partner and set the record straight. This openness will help improve your relationship.

PISCES

You’ll have a takecharge attitude with your employer or significant other. You’ll take matters into your own hands to gain respect in all areas of your life.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

the free

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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

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

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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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MidToronto AUTO SALES

PAGE 40

FINANCE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, June 22, 2022

How to generate passive income with a real estate investment and geographic/proximity requirements.

CLEVE DeSOUZA cleve@carib101.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Probably one of the most common methods of generating passive income is through real estate investing. It is considered a multi-strategy investment, meaning that it has the potential to provide both passive income as well as long-term equity growth. This means you get paid now, and you also save for the future too.

Read on to find out more on how to get started!

Start with a strategy Seasoned real estate investors will tell you that the first step in creating passive income for yourself is to develop a solid investing strategy. Whether you do this on your own, or by partnering with a financial strategist, the key is to understand what your goals are, and how to best accomplish those goals.

Some people have more money to invest, but not so much time. Others are a little more budget restricted but have the time and skills to do a lot of projects themselves. Other considerations can include things like length of time you want to hold a property for, how much income you need it to generate for you, level of comfort with repairs and rehabs,

Decide on a property type When it comes to real estate investing in Toronto, there are so many options.

If your strategy is more focused on traditional residential tenants, with longer term rents, you could consider single family homes, duplexes, or triplexes. If you want to go a little bigger, apartment complexes might be an option as well.

Some people decide to ditch the traditional rental strategy and put their focus on properties that can be used for vacations or for short term corporate housing.

On the commercial side, you can choose between retail buildings or strip malls, industrial complexes, and mixeduse developments. Some people also dabble in special use properties, like golf courses, self storage facilities, wedding venues, or mobile home parks.

Begin your search and do your research Knowing what type of property, you want to pursue puts you in a position to begin your search. Start by looking online and doing some research, taking time to understand how things are priced and what nuances exist within that area of property. For example, if you are looking at commercial strip mall properties, it would be beneficial to understand the different types of commercial leases and what the most common rental terms are for similar properties in the area.

Once you feel confident that you know enough about the properties you are interested in, put your boots to the ground and go look at the properties

available. Ask lots of questions along the way, and do not get frustrated. It can take a little time to find a Toronto investment property that is perfect for you.

Navigate buying and managing You looked, you found, you got an accepted offer. Congratulations! Now, the fun starts. You will have some time before closing to perform due diligence on the property, and you should take full advantage of this. Things like appraisals, inspections, bids for remodels, and legal searches will keep you busy, as well as document gathering for any financing you are using.

After closing, revel in the moment and celebrate, but then get busy putting in place all the things needed for managing the property and your passive income. Maybe you will hire a property management firm, or perhaps you will do it yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, be thoughtful and have a plan for things like screening tenants, handling repairs, budgeting for upgrades, and pricing units.

Enjoy your passive income The process required to obtain real estate investment property in Toronto is a bit more complex than just buying a stock or investing in crypto, but it also has the potential to generate some amazing passive income over time. While you will always have to manage your property to some extent, you should be able to sit back and enjoy the financial rewards as well!

Do your teenagersknow how to manage money?

As part of a recent study on general education levels of teenagers around the world, the Organisation for Economic Coope­ ra­ tion and Development tested 29,000 15-year-olds on their financial literacy. The OECD asked teens from 18 different countries to answer a series of questions that would evaluate their grasp of basic money management skills, including understan­ding a bank statement, figuring out the long-term cost of a loan, and understanding how insurance works.

The results showed that when it comes to money matters, young North Americans fall mid-range compared to their peers from ot­her countries. This is

particularly troubling in light of the fact that young people are going into debt sooner and in greater numbers in order to pay for further education. About one student in seven who participated in the test was unable to make even simple decisions concerning expenditures.

A few tips for parents Here are four ways to improve your children’s knowledge of personal finances.

• Explain the difference between gross and net salaries, as well as paycheque deductions.

•

• •

Teach them to develop a heal­ thy relationship with mo­ ney through open and honest conversations about personal finances.

Encourage them to start managing their own money when they’re mature enough.

Suggest they manage the bud­ get of an upcoming activity or a fictitious project. You could ask them to budget the next trip to the grocery store, a fa­mily vacation, or ex­pen­ses related to a first apartment.

Three ways to improve your credit rating Do you have a low credit rating? You may have had a few hard knocks, but you can improve your credit standing with a bit of patience and discipline. It won’t change overnight, but it’s important to take control of things right now; your efforts will be well worth it if you want to have a more secure financial future. Here are three tips to get you pointed in the right direction.

1. Pay your bills on time Get into the habit of paying your bills before the due date. Even if you can only manage the minimum amount due on your credit card this month, make sure you pay it on time. You’re

much better off paying the minimum on time than the full balance late.

2. Don’t max out your cards Don’t push the set limits on your credit cards. Experts believe that you should keep your credit utilization ratio (what you use versus how much you have to use) below 30 percent. This rule applies to each individual card, and to the cumulative debt of all your cards.

3. Limit your applications for credit Each time you apply for a loan — a line of credit, personal loan, car loan, or credit card — your application appears on your credit rating. Multiple requests

can negatively affect your score, as creditors wonder if all your credit queries are hiding a serious financial problem.

Are you wondering if you should go to one of those companies that promise to improve your credit rating? Be careful; Industry Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs says that only your creditors themselves have the power to change the information that is recorded in your credit report. One thing you can do is order a copy of your credit report before you apply for a loan to ensure there are no errors. To do that, all you have to do is contact one of the Canadian credit bureaus, either Equifax (www.equifax.ca) or TransUnion (www.transunion.ca).

18

TM

ABOARD THE

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Sunday, July 3rd, 2022

12 Noon BOARDING TIME

at 176 Cherry Street Pier 36

12:30 PM SAILING Enjoy a Delicious Curry & Lunch Buffet

Music by:

ROYAL SOUND DJ SERVICES

Cash Bar Raffle & Door Prizes

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 22, 2022

4 tips for reversing with a trailer If you’ve never used a trailer before, you’ll need to be careful. Hitching one to your car can make driving a challenge, especially when you need to reverse. Here are four tips to make backing up with a trailer safe and easy.

1. Assess your surroundings Driving with a trailer reduces visibility. Before you start to reverse, it’s a good idea to get out of the car and make sure nothing is in your way. Identify any trees, fence posts and other obstructions that you’ll need to avoid when you back up.

2. Adjust your mirrors A trailer adds considerable length to your ve­hicle, so the regular position of your mirrors may be incorrect. Adjust the angle of your side and review mirrors to minimize blind spots.

3. Grip the bottom of the wheel If you turn while reversing, your car and

trailer will go in opposite directions with the hitch acting as a pivot point. To avoid confusion, hold the bottom of the steering wheel. This way your hands will move in the same direction as the trailer when you turn. If you rotate the wheel to the right, for example, your hands will move up the left side of the wheel and the trailer will reverse to the left.

4. Advance slowly Once you’re ready to reverse, proceed with caution. If you become disoriented or something in the environment changes, stop. Drive forward to straighten up your vehicle and trailer, then try again.

In order to successfully reverse while towing a trailer, you need patience and practice. To make things easier, ask a friend to guide you from outside of the car or invest in a backup camera so you can see where you’re going.

How a car’s design can affect your mood When it comes to choosing a car, design is an important consideration. It can impact your mood, mental state and ability to concentrate, which in turn can make you a better and safer driver. Here are three design elements with the power to influence your mind and emotions.

Light If there’s too much light in the car’s cabin, it can be a distraction. However, some types of light could help you focus on the road.

Warm light is thought to be soothing and comfortable, while cool light is said to make you more alert.

Colour It’s not surprising that a vast majority of cars on the road are either white, grey or black. For many people, these colours suggest wealth and cleanliness. On the other hand, bright and bold tones like red and yellow tend to be associated with youth and dynamism. Similarly, a neutral interior is more likely to have a calming effect on the driver than one that’s flashier.

Textures Soft, smooth surfaces are generally associated with positive emotions, whereas rough textures are more likely to evoke negative feelings. Additionally, if the material feels luxurious, it can evoke pride and make for a more comfortable ride.

Next time you’re shopping for a car, pay attention to these details. This way you’re sure to choose a vehicle that truly makes you happy.