“There has been tremendous interest worldwide in what is killing Canada’s fully vaccinated COVID-19 young doctors. Unfortunately, Canada’s healthcare leaders including CMA do not share this interest...”
TAYLOR NELSON
From a rough beginning to a life filled with purpose and achievement
“I was born in Mississauga, and at birth, I was in isolation at Credit Valley Hospital. Just my luck; I had a reaction to antibiotics, and my body resembled a burn victim, and to this day I have to stay as healthy as possible. They called it Steven Johnson Syndrome. I am very lucky that I was so young, because I don’t have a memory, but my parents tell me that it was terrifying.”
Even in the darkest times, a spark of determination burned within her. As our Woman Empowered grew, so did her resolve. She faced pain and isolation but refused to let it break her spirit. She will tell you that the path was never easy. Long nights, endless surgeries, and moments of doubt tested her resolve. Through sheer will and dedication, she began to shine. Her efforts caught the attention of those around her. Years of hard work and relentless dedication finally paid off. She has been able to achieve what once seemed impossible.
Taylor Nelson is a Canadian-born professional, driven by the potential for change and social justice. Her career has spanned: corporate, political, and creative sectors, but her heart lies in: community, human equity, and storytelling. This unique blend of experiences has honed her adaptability and diverse skill set.
With a Bachelor in Sociology and Social Studies of Medicine from McGill University, Taylor uses her: knowledge, expertise, and advocacy skills to speak for the voiceless in the medical care system. As a biracial woman, she aims to address the intersections of public health, policy, and human rights to reduce health disparities for the Black community.
Most recently, she was awarded an academic scholarship to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a Masters in Public Health. She is committed to broadening her knowledge and proficiencies as someone who has navigated many different corners of unrest with her own health. This program grants her the ability to find her place in changing it.
As a former Team Canada athlete and entrepreneur, Taylor understands the distinctive challenges of the athletic community. In her role as a Mental Health Coach for athletes recovering from injury, she is a beacon of hope, helping individuals reclaim their lost identity. Her work as a Fundraising Specialist for The Olive Branch of Hope, an organization devoted to
breast cancer support programs and initiatives for women of African-Caribbean ancestry, her role allows her to showcase her aptitudes in grant writing, project management, and partnership development.
Her diverse experiences in the creative industry, including her own: photography business, digital marketing, and communications management, all allow her to continue building her portfolio and share the stories of those who deserve to be heard. Whether with a pen, a camera, or a keyboard, Taylor is an empowered leader for those she crosses paths with, both personally and professionally.
Of course, I had to speak with this blossoming talent and find out more about her life. What she shared brought me a higher level of understanding and respect for the empowered woman.
“My parents met in Montreal Quebec,” Taylor began. “She was attending an all-Black high school and befriended all my father’s sisters. At the time he was with someone, and they both had ups and downs in their relationships and went through a lot. My dad took my mom out of an abusive relationship and brought her to British Columbia. My dad’s first son is 50, my oldest brother is 29, then came me.”
Taylor tells me that her younger life was blessed, beautiful, and great. She was what was considered privileged. “I have seen so many corners of the world, traveled, and they pushed me to get my education, stay on my toes, and when I got injured, my whole life shifted.”
“I have been an athlete my whole life. Being in a house full of men, it was normal to watch basketball, and other sports, but my main sports were karate and martial arts. It was in a sport where you don’t see a lot of women. I will never forget the day that I got injured; I remember I kicked really high and felt a pop. I thought it was a normal injury, and when I went to emergency, they told me pretty much to walk it off. This turned into a 13-year-long injury. It was a torn hip labrum.”
The hip labrum is a crescent-shaped piece of soft, elastic cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket. The main function of the hip labrum is to stabilize the hip joint. The joint hits and rubs against each other and causes discomfort. The tear had started, and it continued to
fragment. “I had a couple operations, but after my second surgery I realized that something was really wrong. I was on oxycontin, and Fentanyl, it was not normal for a teenager.”
“I will never forget the look that my surgeon gave me; I knew that my athletic life was over. It was hard to watch everyone around me doing what you loved so much, and not being able to participate. I went to a sports psychologist for a while, and I realized how important taking care of your mental health is. This is how I got so interested in sports psychology.”
“My pivot was focused on my future. I have been pushed by my family to have big dreams, push for a career, and to build myself. I started to prioritize my health and fuel my passion.”
“My original goal was to be a surgeon. I love science, and I was so empowered by the doctors in my life, but due to my injury, I was not able to dedicate the time to my studies that I would have liked, so during that process, I fell in love with law. I knew I could do this. Then I discovered the field of public health. It covers law, medical care, and medical systems. I got an academic scholarship to study at Emory University in Atlanta. It is the public health capital of the world. This aligns with my passions in such a unique way.”
One of my takeaways from my discussion with Taylor is that through perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle. She is doing exactly what she wants to do today because she never gave up, and neither should you. Taylor’s journey was never just about her. She knew the importance of giving back and inspiring others to reach their potential. Her life came full circle. From a rough beginning to a life filled with purpose and achievement, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.
Readers remember this; no matter how difficult the journey, the human spirit is capable of extraordinary things.
Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News
Those responsible for the harm caused by the COVID-19 vaccine must face justice
“If I had vaccinated the 6,000 patients I treated for C0VID, I would have made $1,500,000.”
Mary Talley Bowden MD
People must be held accountable for the suffering, pain, and death caused by the premature promotion and distribution of a vaccine that was insufficiently tested. It is unacceptable that certain governments incentivized doctors to vaccinate large numbers of individuals without ensuring the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.
In the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was hope for a rapid end to the pandemic, and our world governmental officials promised their citizens that an effective vaccine would be a surefire solution. From the beginning there were risks that came with a fast-tracked vaccine.
Vaccinations began on December 14th, 2021, and according to data collated by a COVID-19 Data Working Group — a volunteer group of academics and data analysts — at least 234,000 doses had been administered, mostly to front-line healthcare workers and long-term care residents and employees. To increase vaccination rates several countries mandated vaccination for eligible candidates as soon as vaccines were approved.
Researchers were already sounding warning alarms that testing timelines and ap -
provals could expose all of us to unnecessary dangers related to the vaccine. While preclinical trials to evaluate the potential safety and efficacy of vaccine candidates were likely to include tens of thousands of patients, it was still unclear whether that number would be large enough and a trial would last long enough to evaluate safety for a drug that would be administered to so many. When looking at the numbers it was found that one serious adverse event per thousand of a vaccine given to 100 million people meant harm to 100,000 otherwise healthy people.
Aside from questions of safety that attend any vaccine, there were good reasons to be especially cautious about the Covid19 vaccine. Some vaccines worsen the consequences of infection rather than protect, a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). ADE has been observed in previous attempts to develop coronavirus vaccines.
What some of us don’t know is what was happening to some communities across America. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid released an incentive program for doctors and health care professionals sharing the rhetoric that became commonplace during the pandemic; “Vaccinating against COVID-19 is one of the best and safest ways people can protect themselves and their families against the virus. As a participating practice in the COVID-19 Provider Vaccine Incentive Program, we recognize your hard work by offering incentives for helping patients make the choice to become vaccinated.”
The COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Incentive Program was open to doctors and healthcare providers if they were a participating Kentucky primary care provider with an Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid (Anthem) panel size of 25 or more members.
The results were calculated for two time periods: September 1st, 2021, Initial incentive
payment
If a doctor’s practice met the below thresholds for vaccination with at least one dose by September 1st, 2021, they received the initial incentive payment based on the following rates:
• 30% Anthem members vaccinated - $20 bonus per vaccinated member
• 40% Anthem members vaccinated - $45 bonus per vaccinated member
• 50% Anthem members vaccinated - $70 bonus per vaccinated member
• 60% Anthem members vaccinated$100 bonus per vaccinated member
• 75% Anthem members vaccinated - $125 bonus per vaccinated member
The final incentive payment was calculated if a doctor’s practice met the below thresholds for vaccination with at least one dose by December 1st, 2021. They would receive the final incentive payment based on the following rates:
• 30% Anthem members vaccinated - $100 bonus per newly vaccinated member
• 40% Anthem members vaccinated - $150 bonus per newly vaccinated member
• 50% Anthem members vaccinated - $175 bonus per newly vaccinated member
• 60% Anthem members vaccinated - $200 bonus per newly vaccinated member
• 75% Anthem members vaccinated - $250 bonus per newly vaccinated member
USA Today did a fact check on the same claim made by actress Cherie Johnson on December 2nd, 2021. “Blue Cross Blue Shield pays your doctor a $40,000 bonus for fully vaccinating 100 patients under the age of two. If your doctor manages to fully vaccinate 200 patients, that bonus jumps to $80,000.”
“It doesn’t provide incentives solely
based on the number of patients vaccinated, as the post suggests. Incentive programs vary by state and require doctors to meet goals related to a number of different practices and services. The purpose of any performancebased incentives, where they exist, is to reward implementation of well-established, evidence-based best practices in the care of our members,” a Blue Cross Blue Shield spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “While vaccinations may fall into that category, they would not be the sole performance measure.”
The spokesperson said incentives cover a broad collection of practices, and decisions on whether to vaccinate “Ultimately rested with the provider and the patient (and) parent.” When asked to address the figures in the post, the spokesperson emphasized that arrangements are made by local individual companies, and said Blue Cross Blue Shield does not control, or have access to the details of specific value-based contracts.
What we have had to deal with as world citizens is circular speech, also known as circular reasoning, or circular argument. It is a logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is assumed in the premise, creating a loop where no new information or evidence is provided. This type of reasoning fails to provide a valid argument because it relies on the conclusion to support itself. Our mainstream media, and political figures utilize circular reasoning to keep us confused, and unsure of what to think. A trick that has been utilized for years.
Those responsible for the harm caused by the COVID-19 vaccine must face justice for their reckless disregard for human life and the trust placed in them by the public. The integrity of our healthcare systems and the well-being of our communities depend on holding these perpetrators accountable.
There is much to look forward to
There was much anticipation, expectation, and excitement shown at the launch of the 57th annual Toronto Caribbean Festival, which was held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, at the Scarborough Town Centre. In attendance were civic officials, community members, Soca music lovers, and diehard aficionados. There were representations from the federal, provincial and municipal levels who came out to show their support for upcoming Toronto Caribbean Carnival festivities.
There is much to look forward to for the 2024 Toronto Caribbean Festival. The FMC has been running the festival since 2009 when it took over from the Caribana Cultural Committee. The FMC in addition to the cultural celebrations would do the following:
• Produce several programs to advance antiracism and promote intercultural understanding
• Provide educational programs including financial and business management, governing practices, and business law
• Provide opportunities for small businesses to grow and market their products
Jennifer Harlemer (Executive Chair of the Board of Directors for the FMC) described the importance of the TCC and the official launch. She mentions, “The TCC represents the vibrant spirit and rich cultural heritage of our community. Our launch event highlights the dedication and collaboration of the Carnival community, our sponsors, government partners, stakeholders and the many enthusiasts who support this festival. Together, we are presenting exceptional experiences for the 2024 Carnival season.”
Mischka Crichton (CEO of the FMC) outlines some of the new additions and major changes to the festival. She emphasizes the VIP Carnival experience that has been secured in partnership with Hotel X in Toronto. She notes, “The experience includes accommodation combined with access to key events like the King and Queen Showcase, Panorama, and the Grand Parade. Packages start at $307.00 a person and offer additional benefits such as a welcome reception, Carnival road trip options, complementary event tickets, VIP upgrades, and more.”
Jennifer Hirlehey of the FMC told the crowd, “We have been working very hard to make transformative changes to this year’s carnival to position it as both a premier cultural showcase and a powerful business development platform. The FMC has made significant improvements over the last year including stronger governance, increased board representation, and organizational changes for greater efficiency.”
She expressed gratitude for new sponsors as well as old sponsors and government offi -
cials who were in attendance. She elaborates, “We are incredibly grateful to welcome our sponsors for this year, including (Diageo, MLSE, Grace Foods and OSSTF). Their invaluable contributions are essential to the success of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, allowing us to host this vibrant celebration and showcase the rich heritage of Caribbean culture. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their continued commitment and partnership.”
Mischka, CEO of the FMC requests the participation of more individuals from the Caribbean community in the festival. She states, “As we prepare to showcase the very best of Caribbean culture and heritage, our success hinges on the support and participation of each and every one of you.”
Nadia Niccoli (Head of Marketing of Diageo Canada) expressed words of support on behalf of the sponsors. She mentioned, “We are excited to support the Toronto Caribbean Carnival this year. This festival not only celebrates the vibrant culture and rich traditions of the Caribbean, but also provides a unique platform for us to connect with a diverse and engaged audience. Supporting this event allows us to build our brand presence, engage with the community, and contribute to the cultural fabric of Toronto. We are proud to be part of such an impactful and joyous celebration.”
Speaking on behalf of the mas band leaders, Louis Saldenah states, “This year’s enhancements reflect our dedication to providing an unforgettable experience for all attendees’ improvements in parade flow and logistics will make a significant difference.”
Terrance Wilson of the OSA states, “We are enthusiastic about the new immersive experiences and the focus on elevating the cultural aspects of the festival. This will truly showcase the richness of our heritage. This increased commitment of the FMC to showcase steelpan is amazing.”
Chair Jennifer Hirlehey, CEO Mischka Crichton, and GM Adrian Charles were joined on stage by Soca queen Patrice Roberts as well as a rising young Soca star who is taking Toronto by storm. Some of the upcoming events are:
• Sunday, July 14th: King & Queen Showcase Scarborough Town Centre
• Saturday, July 20th: Carnival Parade 11 am - 8 pm, Malvern and Neilson Road
• Sunday, July 28th: OCPA Calypso Showcase 6:30 pm
• Thursday, August 1st: King & Queen Showcase Exhibition Place
• Friday, August 2nd: Friday Night Mas 6 pm12 am, Exhibition Place
• Saturday, August 3rd: Grande Parade 8 am - 8 pm, Exhibition Place/Hotel X Barrows Sunday, August 4th: OSA Pan In D Park 11 am - 8 pm, Neilson Park/ Malvern Saturday, August 17th: Belleville Caribbean Carnival Belleville, Ontario
• September 2024: TCC Gala Fall Series 2024: Carib-Okie
• Saturday, December 7th: Carnival Winter Market
• Saturday, December 7th: Parang Night
Anyone interested in learning about the Toronto Caribbean Carnival can check TorontoCarnival.ca
The Rates of Suicide Among African Youth in the Diaspora is
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
Despite ongoing efforts, we are still falling short in meeting the mental health needs of the African Caribbean community. This demographic faces unique challenges, including: cultural stigma, lack of representation among mental health professionals, and systemic barriers to accessing care. What does this mean? It means that mental health issues within our community are still unaddressed, or improperly managed, and this continued neglect not only exacerbates existing problems, but also hinders progress towards equitable mental health support. Last week, I came across some data that raises alarms about the need to improve and address mental health care for African Caribbean communities in North America, and urgent, targeted action is needed to bridge this gap and ensure that the African Caribbean community receives the care and support they deserve.
New federal data shows that the suicide rate among African American youth ages 10 to 19 surpassed that of their White peers for the first time in 2022, increasing 54% since 2018, compared to a
Increasing; What are we going to do about It?
17% decrease for White youth. An unfortunate fact is that the suicide rate among African American adolescents is increasing faster than other racial and ethnic groups. From 2007 to 2020, the suicide rate rose 144% among 10- to 17-year-olds who are African American.
The data that I found for this article was downloaded from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) WONDER database on February 5th, 2024. Data from 2018-2022 was downloaded from “Multiple Cause of Death (Provisional).” Data was downloaded for each year separately and disaggregated (separating into component parts or distinct elements) by: race, ethnicity, and single-year age groups. If the disaggregated data had fewer than 10 deaths in the category, that data was suppressed by the CDC and not included in this analysis.
In a 2019 report to Congress, there were some recommendations that were provided to address this crisis, including best and promising practices to improve how health care providers can better meet the needs of African American youth experiencing suicidality (the risk of suicide, usually indicated by suicidal ideation or intent). The three strategies include: increasing cultural awarenes among health care providers, increasing the use of suicide screening tools, and conducting more research to understand risk factors of suicide amongst African Americans.
Increasing Cultural Awareness
There needs to be more training when it
comes to implicit and unconscious biases and in identifying signs of depression and suicidal behaviors in different racial and ethnic groups. Research shows that Black youth may express symptoms of depression—a risk factor for suicide—differently than their White peers. Things that parents should be aware of are behaviors such as: anger, aggression, or irritability, as opposed to sadness or lack of interest in daily activities, which is how it manifests in White youth.
When mental health providers are not trained to provide culturally competent care, certain behaviors are too often misclassified and met with extreme, or inappropriate responses, including: inpatient (rather than outpatient) treatment, or disproportionate disciplinary actions. What does this produce? A deepened cultural mistrust of the very system that is supposed to help them.
Increasing the use of Suicide Risk screening Tools and Interventions
Again, a lot of people in the diaspora are not receiving the care they need to reduce their risk of suicide.
Research shows that only 32% of African American youth who committed suicide had a mental health care visit in the year before their death, yet nearly 78% interacted with the overall health care system. A question that comes to mind is, what is being discussed during these visits with their health care professional? Health care providers must understand that they are uniquely positioned to identify and support adolescents experi-
encing suicidality, yet among Black youth, symptoms of suicidality are still under- or misdiagnosed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a recommendation in 2022 that all pediatric providers screen patients 12 years old and older for suicide risk at least once a year. The recommendation continued to say that while screening is a vital first step, connecting at-risk individuals to appropriate, accessible followup care, and ensuring that they adhere to treatment is imperative to suicide prevention.
Understanding Suicide Risk Factors
As African American youth suicide rates continue to climb, additional research is needed to better understand the circumstances that increase, or can protect against suicide risk—specific to our communities. Authors of the 2019 report to Congress called for increased federal funding and resources for studies on risk factors. Since the report, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has allocated more research dollars to address the issue, and other advocacy organizations are stepping up to the plate with attention and resources.
Unfortunately, the rising rates of suicide behaviors in African American children and adolescents have continued and as a community, we have to work together to gain a better understanding of this trend, and how to design effective community interventions for our young people.
“Many Voices Tell A Story!” The 45th Annual Toronto International Storytelling Festival
since the Toronto International Storytelling Festival has promoted the power of storytelling in the Greater Toronto Area.
The theme for the 2024 festival was “Many Voices Tell A Story” and from Toronto to Mississauga to Oshawa there were several live performances and events held. The promotional material describes the festival as one that “Brings together phenomenal international and local performers, Toronto-based storytelling groups, and creative initiatives, and storytellers performing in a variety of community supported venues to reach out to new and seasoned listeners.”
One of the events that celebrated the power of stories took place at the Maria
A. Schuka Library, located near Eglinton Ave West and Dufferin St. It was titled, “Stories of Little Jamaica” and it celebrated the legacy and memories of the iconic Jamaican storyteller Miss Lou. It took place on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, and featured Jan Blake (international, award winning storyteller from Britain), Kesha Christie (local storyteller from Toronto) and Dr. Rita Cox (renowned storyteller and Canadian icon).
On Thursday, June 13th, 2024, there was an event titled “Tales from the Calabash Bowl” at the North York Central Library. It
was held as a partnership with the Toronto Public Library and featured TuuP who hailed from the United Kingdom.
On Friday, June 14th, 2024, there was the event titled, “Many Voices Tell A Story: A Pre-Club Carib 50th Anniversary Fiesta Week Concert,” which was held at the Caribbean Cultural Centre in Oshawa. It was a joint partnership between Sassy Seniors and Club Carib Oshawa. It featured the storytellers Jan Blake, TuuP, Juduth James, and Negus Medhin.
Governments and
doctors
need to be held accountable for enforcing a deadly drug on their citizens
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
“Everyone involved needs to be made an
What am I talking about here you might ask? I am talking about the massive numbers of sick and dead people we are having to deal with as a: community, a nation, a country, a continent, and a world, all since the rollout of the experimental COVID-19 injections worldwide.
Let’s start with the sudden deaths of Canadian doctors at an alarming rate, shall we? I am just wondering what caused the death of 54-year-old Dr. Philip Boll, a nephrologist at Trillium Health who died suddenly on March 24th, 2024.
As far back as October 15th, 2022, Dr. William Makis wrote a very concerning letter to CMA (aka Canadian Medical Association). In this letter, Makis expressed his alarm at the 32 “young” Canadian doctors who had died suddenly since the rollout of the COVID-19 injections.
“There has been tremendous interest worldwide in what is killing Canada’s fully vaccinated COVID-19 young doctors. Unfortunately, Canada’s healthcare leaders including CMA do not share this interest. Both of you failed, or refused to respond to my letter, you also failed, or refused to respond to the inquiries made by American philanthropist Steve Kirsch as well as inqui-
ries by journalists.”
“I am now providing you with an update about 80 young Canadian doctors who died suddenly or unexpectedly since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. Four more doctors have died since my previous letter and these unexpected deaths are accelerating, you cannot continue to ignore this,” Dr Makis concluded in his letter to the CMA.
It is important to note here that with all that is being presented to CMA, they continued to ignore this doctor’s warning.
“My team and I have assembled a database of 1,638 Canadian doctor deaths from 2019 to 2022, with 922 of them from CMA’s website,” shared Dr. Makis.
Canadians, have you ever heard our so-called mainstream media talk about this? Maybe it is their best-kept secret, or better still could it be mis and disinformation?
Remember Anthony Fauci, Theresa Tam, and all those people who were trying to ram science down the public’s throat, calling those who refused the COVID-19 injections anti vaxxers? Well, well, well. Let us go ringside to hear what a certified scientist has to say about all their socalled scientific made-up lies.
Dr. Ryan Cole is the CEO and Medical Director of Cole Diagnostics, one of the largest independent labs in the State of Idaho. Dr. Cole is a Mayo Clinic-trained Board-Certified Pathologist.
“We need to stop the insanity immediately. This is over. Game over. This is no longer good science. This is a poisonous attack on our population, and it needs to stop now!”
“Where’s the funding for real science? We’re spending billions on advertising the “clot shots” to children. When a
new unapproved drug hits the market, we need to use the French legal system: guilty until proven innocent, and we are doing just the opposite right now.”
Dr. Cole went on to educate many by calling out the outright lies these socalled scientists and politicians told the public.
“Why in the world would we put a toxin into the human body that is going to disrupt the blood vessels in your brain, allow the spike in there, and cause inflammation? This isn’t a vaccine. They keep lying to the public by calling this a vaccine. It’s an experiment on humanity.”
For those who are wondering why many of our loved ones keep dropping like flies around us daily, here is what Dr. Cole had to say. “These spike proteins cause damage in multiple organs, including the heart, which is what we are now seeing in children who are injured by the shots. Once you have heart damage the heart does not heal itself. The heart is damaged forever. We’re ruining kids’ hearts for life with these shots.”
He stated that he has seen a 10-to20-fold increase in uterine cancer in the last six months since the shots came out. Can anyone imagine what the ratio of cancer is? What about long-term studies on issues such as fertility, cancer, etc.?
There are none. “We don’t know,” Dr. Cole said.
Remember the damage that Dr. Cole explained the spike protein caused? If you think that this concoction is in only one of the COVID-19 vaccines, think again.
According to Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, this vile stuff is in every vaccine. J&J – Johnson and Johnson – uses adenovirus and transgene to create the spike protein.
AZ – AstraZeneca – uses adenovirus and transgene to create spike proteins
(puts vaccine patients at high risk of blood clots). Pfizer and Moderna – use mRNA to create the spike protein.
This information comes compliments of the “20 Mechanisms of Injuries (MOI) How COVID-19 Injections Can Make You Sick; Even Kill You,” by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny.
In men, the spike protein can bind to the ACE2 receptor on sperm. The risk of infertility is indicated. I wonder why all of a sudden, the breast cancer rates are rising. With spike protein that lodges itself in almost all of your vital organs and tissues, I believe we know the answer.
In the Pfizer study, there was a 16% decline in fertility of the rats that were experimented on, but doctors keep encouraging women to get the vaccine, and they do so even if these women are pregnant. I wonder why there has been a rise in miscarriages among young, injected women. Where is the hotshot investigative reporters, you might ask? This same media is now going for a second round of fear mongering. This time it is not COVID, but the BIRD FLU hoax. I can bet the new BIRD FLU injections are ready, safe, and effective. Now after being presented with all this professional medical evidence the question is, shouldn’t the public hold those who willfully misled, lied to them, and poisoned them accountable?
There must be retribution. Parking tickets have fines attached; folks go to jail every day for things like spousal abuse, so why should: Premiers, Mayors, Chief Medical Officers, Big Pharma, collusive media, and Prime Ministers walk free among us after poisoning and killing our friends and family members. WHY? Canadians ask yourself WHY?
The Silent Overtake: AI
continues to influence various industries, and yours could be next!
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
The humans who remained found themselves in a new reality, one where their skills were less valued, their roles diminished.
Robots now work where humans once stood, moving with precision and efficiency. Factories are automated, machines perform tasks with unerring accuracy. A digital tutor interacts with students, its screen displaying complex lessons. Classrooms have been transformed; digital instructors deliver personalized education with tireless patience.
Robotic assistants administer treatments, monitor patients, and update records. Hospitals embrace the change, AI systems diagnose illnesses, manage treatments, and provide care with unprecedented precision.
The office is dark, except for the glow of AI terminals, working tirelessly through the night. As the world sleeps, AI continues its relentless march, taking on more roles, handling more tasks, and slowly, inevitably,
but silently, inexorably, a new era is dawning. One where artificial intelligence has begun to take over the jobs humans once held.
In the not-so-distant past, the office was a hive of human activity. People thrived in their roles, contributing their skills and creativity to the machine of industry. We are heading into a time where the office, now quieter, has sleek, modern AI terminals replacing many of the desks.
Experts at Dolman Law Group have recently conducted a study to rank the legal jobs most likely to be impacted by AI. The study compared functions that can be performed by AI and calculated a score of AI impact on each profession. This score is determined based on the task complexity, the volume of data handled, regulatory and compliance requirements, and interpersonal interactions that the profession requires.
A spokesperson from Dolman Law Group commented on the study. “As AI continues to influence various industries, it is essential to distinguish between the benefits AI can offer and the challenges it may present. AI can enhance efficiency in managing repetitive tasks and accessing data quickly. However, the critical thinking, empathy, and nuanced understanding that lawyers provide remain indispensable, ensuring the profession’s human element is preserved”
“This study provides insights into the potential impact of AI on legal job opportunities. Currently, there are
over a million licensed and practicing attorneys in the US. It is crucial to balance maintaining job openings for individuals while embracing technological advancements in the legal field.”
So, which legal jobs are silently being overtaken by AI? If there are any law students out in our community, it is imperative that you review this list.
Document review attorney jobs top the list of legal professions that are most likely to be impacted by AI, with a score of 6.75 out of 10. The job requires handling vast amounts of data, but is not closely tied to interpersonal interactions, allowing advanced AI-technologies to pose a risk of replacing attorneys. Document review attorneys also have the smallest pool of open positions on the list.
Legal researchers are second on the list of legal jobs most at risk from AI, with a composite score of 5.5. Like document review attorneys, legal researchers require the least interpersonal interactions which significantly impacts the total score.
Mediators are third on the list of legal jobs that will be most affected by AI, scoring 4.75. Although the volume of data these professionals handle and the regulatory requirements are relatively low, the job requires handling complex tasks and actively engaging with other people.
Paralegal jobs are fourth, with a score of 4.25. The paralegal assistants draft legal documents, conduct research and prepare data for court. There are 9,482 available paralegal
jobs on Indeed.com, the highest number of open positions on the list, and AI replacement of these jobs can cut a significant part of the legal workforce.
Family lawyers and criminal defense lawyers are tied for fifth place with the score of 4.25. They share similar levels of task complexity, data analysis, and regulatory requirements, as well as interpersonal interactions, but there are 3.5 times more open positions for family lawyers than for criminal defense.
Intellectual property lawyers and litigators share sixth position with a 3.75 score. The litigators have the second-highest number of available jobs after mediators, totaling 4,367. Compliance officers are seventh on the list with a score of 3.5. They have a mid-level of task complexity and interpersonal interactions (5), but a high level of data that needs to be handled plus regulatory and compliance requirements (8).
Corporate lawyers are least likely to be affected by AI, closing the ranking with the eighth place, having a score of 3 and 1,099 available positions.
In this silent overtaking, questions arise. What becomes of humanity when machines do the work? What purpose remains when our roles are taken? As AI continues its advance, humanity stands at a crossroads, facing an uncertain future in the shadow of its own creation.
Unity of purpose is needed for society to end any social issue
curity prison in the USA, finding men who had done horrible things to others. One fellow was famous for having raped and abused over 150 girls, women and boys. The chap was not very intelligent, but as foxy as they came, ready to show his territorial ambition, using his fame to incite fear in others, including the prison guards. After conversation upon conversation, I realized this person should never leave the prison, never be free again, for his very nature, his only desire was to re-offend.
“It is like a dose of heroin, building up to the act, having forceful desire rushing through my veins.” Some people are mentally ill, and humanly evil too.
wonder why little John’s dad beats on his wife and family? Perhaps he is a horrible a*hole, or he was abused as a child. Most thugs, bullies and abusers know about victimhood, because they were victims themselves. Not an excuse mind you! When you look at a person, see their appearance, their facial and body expressions, but also know where they’re from, their culture and faith, their personal history. That is what a good policeman would do. Know who, where and why before judging.
sis and our justice system seems unable to end its growth and pervasiveness. Sending many abusers to prison only allows them to either continue their abuse there or be abused by fellow inmates.
I once ministered to a high se -
When we label an abuser and abuse, we take away something, something immediately important. Labeling these people creates division within our greater community. People think it is essential to point out natives were abused, but so to every ethnic group within our community. Our society has to realize that labels distort our perception of reality, dividing what we should surely be trying to unite.
If you do harm to another, a cycle of negativity will move from person to person, like a virus, something we should all be familiar with. Ever
I was sexually abused by a family member while I travelled to Europe. A child of eight, I did not know why and what he was doing, but knew it hurt and was weird to me. It took many years for me to de-internalize these feelings and try to understand them.
Victims see themselves differently than most other people. They can become defensive, socially hidden, forever angry, full of fear so strong that it can socially and personally paralyze someone.
The Washington Post article pointed out the victimhood of many thousands of Aboriginals. The result of such an article may be societal attention centering upon one particular group when in fact abuse needs to
be dealt with as a social whole. Some things are wrong, and some things are right. Abuse is unacceptably wrong. Trying to deal with this issue by throwing money at it as governments often do will not solve the fact that some people are horrible and should not be in a civilized society while they are in the state they are in. Putting them in prison, but not helping them break the hold of their inner demons is criminal and will propagate further violence. Society is challenged with the question of privacy and personal rights. If someone is mentally ill, a possible threat to another, or knows someone who is, but will not tell, what to do? There is a crime present, but family and social attitudes often protect the violators of the innocent. Mine did. Unity of purpose is needed for society to be able to end most any social issue, be it: homelessness, poverty, or abuse. Oh yah, rape is rape. Not saying it, takes away from the horrible violation that has happened. I understand why our establishment calls rape, abuse. Labels can be uncomfortable right. People hurt others, no matter their label. That is the problem we need to deal with, not whom, but what and why?
Mark Strong & Jemeni are bringing a fresh perspective to the Olympic conversation
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
Over 2,400 events throughout France, 663 in the capital alone. It’s hard to miss the buzz that’s gripped France. The Olympic fever has permeated its 3,473 streets, its 544 squares, its 373 avenues. The pulse of the Games beats through every corner of Paris, as the city eagerly awaits visitors from all five continents.
From July 26th, 2024 - August 11th, 2024, the Olympic games will offer a groundbreaking celebration of sport for the entire world, and two of Canada’s OGs are breaking down the best of the 2024 games in CBC’s newest addition to its Olympic coverage.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Olympics) is a daily digital show and podcast hosted by media personalities Mark Strong and Jemeni that offers a fresh perspective to the Olympic conversation with athlete and celebrity interviews, and the hottest, hilarious takes on the biggest storylines of the day.
Mark Strong has hosted commercial morning radio in Toronto spanning between 2000-2022. From Flow 93.5FM to G987FM and more recently
1065 Elmnt FM, his charismatic personality has reached audiences across the GTA for over two decades. Mark’s latest progression in the field has found him in the driver’s seat at the Toronto Raptors home games as in stadium host and hype man, a position he has held for the last 13 years. Also known as “Strizzzy”, he has also completed his first Tedx Talk in Toronto to add to his growing online presence.
Jemeni is award-winning: artist, writer, radio host, and media personality. She has also delved into acting as a way of telling her stories. She has appeared on: Drop the Beat, Da Kink in My Hair, Queer as Folk and worked with Ving Rhames and Chazz Palminteri on the remake of Kojack. She has also done successful runs on stage starring in the Vagina Monologues alongside Erin Brockovich and the late Dana Reeves.
Mark Strong & Jemeni are bringing a fresh perspective to the Olympic conversation as they chat with athletes, entertainers, and celebs to get their take on the games and bring you all the tea from Paris. Taking a lighthearted look at the Olympics, FOMO is a dedicated space where Olympic enthusiasts can catch what they missed, celebrate the wins, take in Canadian and International performances, and get in a good laugh along the way.
Naturally, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper had to catch up with the media besties and chop it up. They both had me laughing the entire inter-
view.
“How did the two of you meet and decide to collaborate on this project?”
“I was doing a hip hop show called “Dropping Dimes,” Jem began chuckling. “There was this one guy who would call, giggle, and hang up. A few years later I met Mark, and we immediately clicked. That was when I found out that he was that guy.”
Mark’s story was different. “I was doing a show, and I heard that Jem was doing a show, and every time I called into the show, no one answered the phone, so I didn’t think they were paying their bills,” he shared jokingly. “Honestly though, she was wearing a lot of hats, and I was impressed with her dedication. Plus, she is Grenadian, and I am Grenadian.”
I learned that one of the senior producers was a fan of their show, and he wanted Mark and Jem to be part of this new, exciting venture.
“What we bring is Mark and Jem. Flavour. Style. Charisma,” Mark tells me. “We are looking forward to inviting new people to take part in the excitement of the Olympics. We will bring entertainment value, you know, interviews, and some fun stuff.”
“We are definitely something a little different,” Jem shares. “I don’t remember seeing two Black hosts working on the Olympics. We are not sports people, but we will be bringing in perspectives that have not been witnessed in Olympic coverage.”
“What has been the biggest
challenge you’ve faced while working together on this show, and how did you overcome it?”
“It is always about doing our best, regardless of the novelty. We have to do the work for this. We don’t want to alienate anyone, especially people who are Olympic enthusiasts,” Jem tells me.
“Do you have any special segments or interactive elements planned to engage viewers?”
They both started laughing. “We are working on the elements right now, and we don’t want to give much away,” Mark says, “But we do have one idea that we think our listening community will enjoy. Random for the Man Dem. This is a segment where we will cover the stories that don’t make mainstream. Stories over stats.”
I had one final question for these two comedic mavericks. “How do you hope your audience will connect with the show? What kind of impact do you want to make?”
“For those who are in the related field, we hope we rejuvenate what we have given to the city and to the country,” Mark tells me.
“I hope that they feel seen,” Jem concludes. “It is something that we take pride in, especially when we did our morning radio show. If we can start your day with laughter, we have done our job”
We once again have representatives from the Toronto Caribbean community who are showing the world that Toronto is where it is at!
Solidarity With Refugees - For A World Where Refugees Are Welcomed
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
Hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers along with various refugee-led and serving organizations gathered at 163 Queen St E, on the 4th floor to mark World Refugee Day. The event was organized by Hope for Refugees International (HRI) in collaboration with partners including: The 519, FCJ Refugee Centre, Toronto People Living with AIDS Foundation (PWA), The Neighborhood Group Community Services (TNG), FIFE House, Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), African Descent Ontario, and Love Peace and Harmony Foundation. The event was to honour the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees in Canada and around the globe.
Canada has a long history of providing refuge to those fleeing conflict and persecution. However, the challenges for many refugees upon arrival in Canada often struggle with
finding: emergency shelters, affordable housing, encountering racial discrimination, and facing vulnerabilities due to unstable living conditions. Particularly, Black African LGBTQ+ refugees face significant obstacles in accessing essential healthcare services, including: sexual and reproductive health, mental health support, and HIV/AIDS care, due to discrimination and lack of culturally sensitive services.
The economic challenges such as: unemployment, underemployment, and poverty are prevalent among refugees, exacerbated by systemic barriers like racism and lack of essential information. Another layer of challenges refugees often encounter are: discrimination, homophobia, and hate speech, which are pervasive even within refugee and immigrant communities, with conservative cultural beliefs and religious values often leading to ostracism and isolation for LGBTQ+ refugees.
The event featured speeches from service providers who have expressed their solidarity with refugees, reflecting on their commitment to refugee issues. Refugees shared their inspirational stories of survival and resilience, celebrating their achievements and discussing the challenges they
face. The event was not short of talent, nor entertainment as black African refugees showcased their talents and creativity through painting, spoken word, rap, singing, dancing, drumming, and gymnastics. Organizations serving refugees also exhibited their services, providing opportunities for refugees to interact with service providers and understand the resources available to them.
Lilian Ainembabazi Tusiime (Executive Director of Hope for Refugees International), emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, “Solidarity With Refugees – For a World Where Refugees are Welcomed.” She called for a collective commitment to provide refuge and support for refugees and asylum seekers, particularly highlighting the resilience and contributions of LGBTQ+ refugees during Pride Month.
“Our objectives today are to celebrate the achievements of refugees, raise awareness about the challenges they face, mobilize support from key stakeholders, and advocate for increased collaboration and funding for refugee-serving organizations,” said Tusiime. She further highlighted the unprecedented global refugee crisis, noting that over 108.4 million people were displaced by: conflict, perse -
cution, and violence in 2022 alone.
Tusiime also stressed the importance of solidarity with refugees, advocating for policies and practices that support them in Canada. She called for safe spaces for: dialogue, sharing, learning, peer-to-peer support, and community building. She emphasized the crucial role of refugeeled grassroots organizations in reaching and providing necessary resources and support to the refugee community. The collaborative efforts between refugee-serving organizations and policymakers, involving refugees in decision-making processes, are vital to addressing their unique needs and vulnerabilities.
“Join us as we gather to raise our voices and demand change. Let us challenge the status quo and fight for a world where all refugees, regardless of their: race, gender, or sexual orientation, are treated with dignity and respect. Together, we can build a future where every individual can live authentically and thrive,” Tusiime urged.
The event underscored the importance of solidarity and support for refugees, calling on all Canadians to advocate for a more inclusive and supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers.
Silence in the workplace: Many of us are filtering our words to avoid controversy
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“Did you guys see the news about the protest last night?”
“Yeah, it’s pretty intense. But maybe we should focus on the agenda for today.”
“I agree. Let’s keep things professional.”
In today’s workplace, employees often find themselves walking a fine line between expressing their true selves and maintaining a professional demeanor. In many workplaces, employees choose to avoid controversial topics to maintain a harmonious environment and prevent potential conflicts. There seems to be a fear of repercussions, both social and professional, that often leads to self-censorship among employees. One in -
Why
dustry has conducted research on how selfcensorship has begun to impact employees. A majority of marketers say the rise of polarization has affected their work life. This has manifested in different ways, with the main consequence being self-censoring.
The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) released its new research on diversity, equity and inclusion in the Canadian marketing industry. The report, entitled DEI in the Marketing Sector: Polarization, Ageism and Mounting Frustration, reveals that polarization significantly impacts marketers’ work experiences, with 73% indicating they are less likely to talk about anything controversial while at work. This leads to reduced socializing and increased anxiety about interactions, especially among women and in workplaces lacking diversified senior leadership.
Polarization has an impact on marketers’ experience at work, including their ability to feel they can speak and socialize freely. They asked people to think about polarization in terms of politics and news items, as well as values or beliefs that force people to take sides on issues without the possibility of a middle ground. Three-quarters (73%) of marketers say the rise of polarization has af-
fected their work life.
Half of all respondents (51%) say that they were less likely to talk about anything that is controversial while in their workplace. Other effects of polarization include less socializing, or more anxiety about socializing, and less interaction with colleagues. These impacts are not nearly as pervasive as self-censoring, but they are twice as likely to occur in workplaces where senior leadership is not diversified, and much higher among women.
One-half (49%) of marketers say they hear or participate in discussions about polarizing topics at work at least sometimes, and half (49%) of marketers have seen people have a reaction as a result of a discussion about a polarizing topic. The most common reaction is saying nothing, and the other (30%) is being visibly upset. Only 5% reported that they had witnessed loud disruptive arguments. Those at organizations with welldiversified senior leadership were least likely to have witnessed any type of reaction, but it was still a significant number at 37%.
Their research also shared the steps that can be taken to ease workplace tensions around polarization issues. In fact, many marketers are already trying to do so. While
a very small number of people believe there is no place whatsoever for polarizing conversations at work, almost all (96%) marketing managers employ at least one strategy to ensure that those who have differing views on polarizing topics continue to feel welcome and respected at work.
Top strategies include encouraging respectful dialogue (76%), treating everyone with kindness, especially those you disagree with (74%), and creating a safe space for people to have uncomfortable conversations and move forward (63%).
Community, I now have some questions for you, and please feel free to comment. How has the broader environment of polarization affected your work life? To what extent does it change how you do your job? What are the benefits and downsides to people being more careful with their choice of words?
While avoiding controversial topics can maintain workplace harmony, it’s important to foster an environment where everyone feels safe to express their views respectfully. Creating a respectful and inclusive workplace starts with open dialogue and understanding. Let’s work together to ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
is Ontario ignoring demands for protection of agricultural workers?
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com TC
It has been several years now that the volunteer-driven collective, Justice for Migrant Workers, has been engaged in advocacy and activist work for agricultural workers. It is described as a collective that consists of current and former workers, labour, community activists, and scholars who advocate for: fairness, dignity, and respect for agricultural workers. On Thursday, June 20th, 2024, J4MW penned an important article to address concerns that it has regarding the heat stress that these agricultural workers are facing to mark the first day of summer.
The article states, “J4MW is demanding immediate emergency protections for the tens of thousands of agricultural workers employed in Ontario. Workers have been on the frontline of the ongoing heat wave and are enduring dangerous and deadly conditions while the province ignores their demand for workplace protections.”
J4MW is responding to ongoing calls that it has received with respect to the effect
of heat stress. The article elaborates, “Farm workers have been reaching out to our hotline raising concerns regarding the impact of the current heat dome on their well-being. Every year, workers and worker advocates sound the alarm about the dangers of work during heat waves.” J4MW is particularly concerned about the extreme heat conditions that workers in both greenhouse and outside field work endured during the week of June 17th - June 21st, 2024.
J4MW is specifically concerned that although the PC-led government of Doug Ford had promised in 2023 to implement a heat specific regulation to protect Ontario workers, it has failed to follow through. Justice for Migrant Workers(J4MW) has called on the provincial government to implement the following emergency measures such as:
• Shutting down farms and paying workers in extreme crisis events
• Paying workers when they are not employed as a result of climate-related issues such as: forest fires, extreme heat, major thunderstorms, and heavy rain Enacting heat stress proactive inspections
• Implementing clear trigger temperatures for extreme heat and humidity, including indoor temperatures (e.g., greenhouses)
• Preventive measures to avoid overheating including specific requirements for shade acclimatization for new and return-
ing workers, mandatory cool-down rest periods during high temperatures, along with access to preventative cool-down measures as needed
• Extend heat stress protections to be agricultural dwellings
• Implement extreme weather protections to address not only heat, but cold weather temperatures
J4MW is concerned that the provincial government has placed the onus on employers to take a leading role, and not on itself to implement safeguard measures. It states, “The Ford government claims employers have a responsibility to protect workers from heat stress. Yet, workers regularly report long working hours in 30+ degree weather, no access to shade, or adequate breaks, all while doing the backbreaking labour that Canadians don’t want to do.”
Overall, J4MW has expressed concerns about the need for provincial regulations to address its widespread concerns in several areas. The article notes, “It is imperative that this government materially address occupational health and safety hazards such as: heat stress, poor air quality, and chemical and pesticide exposure. Ontario provides no industry-specific regulations for agricultural workers, exacerbating an already crisis-level situation.”
J4MW has made additional demands on Ford such as:
• Strengthening anti-reprisal measures and proactive inspections
• Implementing paid breaks, and providing permanent sick days for agricultural workers
• Providing first aid, hydration stations, and on-site medical support (RN or RPNs)
• Permitting third party complaints at the Ontario Labour Relations Board
• Ending agricultural exclusions under the Employment Standards Act
• Incorporating race and gender analysis in both occupational health, safety, and employment standards
• Ensuring that agricultural harvesters are being paid holiday pay
• Expand the occupational health and safety act to include farm worker accommodations
The article concludes, “Ford has the necessary tools to address long standing issues raised by farm workers. These are not new issues. It’s time to act. Immediate and urgent measures are required to end the structural violence farm workers endure as a result of legal exclusions that exist within Ontario’s legislative framework.”
Furthermore, J4MW reminds the government of previous actions that it expects. It states that there are long standing demands for: permanent status on arrival for migrant workers, an end to unilateral repatriations and disbarment, and equal access to entitlements such as EI and CPP.
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Choosing the perfect honeymoon, or destination wedding can indeed be a daunting task, with a myriad of options to consider such as: budget, guest preferences, and the overall experience you envision. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.
However, amidst this sea of possibilities, Jamaica stands out as a stellar recommendation. Renowned for its: breath taking beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Jamaica has consistently been celebrated as an ideal destination for couples seeking romance and relaxation. Whether you dream of a serene beachside retreat, adventurous excursions, or cultural immersion, Jamaica offers a rich array of experiences to make your special occasion unforgettable.
In 2023, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fourth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named JTB: “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” for the 15th consecu-
tive year, “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” for the 17th consecutive year, and the “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination”
In addition, Jamaica was awarded six gold 2023 Travvy Awards, including: ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean,’ and ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ as well as two silver Travvy Awards for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and ‘Best Wedding Destination – Overall.’’
JTB also received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica the #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the World and the #19 Best Culinary Destination in the World for 2024. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best: accommodations, attractions, and service providers that continue to receive prominent global.
As a community, we have even more to be proud of this year. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has been voted Favourite Caribbean/Mexico Tourist Board of the Year by Canadian travel agents at the Baxter Media Agents’ Choice Awards in Toronto held on Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at the Carlu in Toronto. Destination Jamaica also picked up Favourite Wedding/Honeymoon Romance Destination of the Year, while JTB Canada’s Business Development Manager, Emilie Giguere, received a Favourite Supplier Repre -
sentative Award for her excellent effort and strong agent support.
Jamaica continues to make magic for travel advisors and clients looking for romance. For the third year in a row, the Jamaica Tourist Board was once again picked as the national favourite in this category, along with being the regional favourite in Ontario and Eastern Canada.
Director of Tourism, Donovan White expressed his pleasure in Jamaica securing another win at this year’s Agents’ Choice Awards. “Destination Jamaica continues to shine, because we believe and invest in the product and its offerings. We value the contribution of the travel advisors who play a critical role in selling the destination and our recognition at Baxter Media’s Agents’ Choice Awards truly highlights that the destination is ranked among the best for an authentic and unique experience.”
I had an opportunity to speak with Angella Bennett, Regional Director of Tourism for Canada, and with almost 30 years of travel industry experience, she brings an impressive level of knowledge and passion to her role. Leading the tourism board’s national team in Canada, she works closely with industry partners and travel agents across the country to build relationships, provide educational resources on the destination, and drive year-round tourism to Jamaica. During my talk with Angella, she shared with me how her passion has assisted in making Jamaica the destination place to be.
“Powerful women in the travel in -
dustry possess the unique ability to navigate unchartered territories with grace and determination. We inspire others to dream big and break barriers, particularly in an industry predominantly led by men. Working with a strong team is crucial as it fosters collaboration and growth. Recognizing people for their strengths helps us to maintain a work environment where everyone’s talents are valued and utilized to the fullest. I think a huge factor in the success of our team is Jamaica’s dedication to providing opportunities to grow and learn new skills.”
“Tourism plays a significant role in the prosperity of Jamaica, and I am deeply honoured to contribute to the growth and success of our country. Making people feel good is an art that goes beyond just words. It’s about creating an experience that touches the hearts and souls of others.”
“I think that’s one of the things that Destination Jamaica does so well. In this industry, it’s not just about what you say, but how you make people feel. The power to: uplift, inspire and leave a lasting impression lies in the ability to create genuine connections and provide exceptional service. As a team, we take pride in creating moments of joy and happiness for our guests, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime.”
“My team has such passion for Jamaica, belief in the country and the beauty of its people. Winning these awards is the icing on the cake – because we already love what we do.”
Ontario educators must be able to work in environments where they feel safe and respected
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It is almost ten years now since the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) filed a grievance with respect to two of its members who faced disciplinary actions by the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) after a principal gained access to their personal account. The fact that the account was password-protected, private and confidential has been an issue that has been of major concern. On Friday, June 21st, 2024, ETFO posted on its website the decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to upheld privacy rights of educators.
It is important to understand the
legal struggles that led up to the historic Supreme Court’s decision. In August 2018, the grievance that ETFO filed was dismissed by an arbitrator who reasoned that “There was a reasonable expectation of privacy for the log itself.” The fact that “The log was discovered on an open, unattended board-issued laptop in the workplace” minimized the expectation of privacy. It was subsequently ruled that the YRDSB did not infringe the rights of employees to privacy.
The support for the ruling by the Ontario Division Court in June 2020 that there are no privacy rights for public sector employees under the Charter did not go across well.
ETFO did not back down and persisted in its legal fight. In June 2022, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the Division Court’s ruling noting that it had erroneously interpreted the members’ Section 8 rights in their workplace. In this landmark ruling, the judges ruled unanimously that “There is no doubt that public sector teachers are protected from unreasonable search and seizure.” under Charter.
Following this decision, the Supreme Court of Canada accepted the school board’s application to hear this matter. The hearing occurred on October 18th, 2023. There were many unions, varied organizations and Attorney Generals from Canada that intervened and made submissions. They include:
• Attorney General of Canada
• Attorney General of Ontario
• Canadian Civil Liberties Association
• Center for Free Expression
• EGALE Canada
The press release by ETFO applauds the decision by the Supreme Court of Canada. It states, “ETFO celebrates the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision to uphold the fundamental rights of educators to workplace privacy. This monumental victory, achieved through ETFO’s steadfast advocacy, ensures that school boards as governmental entities, respect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in all that they do.”
ETFO outlined some of the posi-
tive aspects of this historic ruling. It notes, “It unequivocally reaffirms the ETFO’s position that educators have a right to the protections under Section 8 of the Charter against unreasonable search and secure privacy at work, a principle that is crucial for maintaining a safe and respectful working environment.”
ETFO highlights the significance of this ruling and its ramifications. It notes, “This decision is a significant triumph. It reinforces the principle that privacy rights exist in the workplace, and it ensures that workers can perform their duties without unwarranted intrusion. The decision highlights the importance of protecting personal information and ensuring that any surveillance or data collection by employers is addressed appropriately.”
“Privacy cannot be compromised; Ontario educators must be able to work in environments where they feel safe and respected, and where their rights are upheld. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the fight for educators’ rights in Ontario and sets a powerful path forward for workers’ privacy elsewhere.”
Under Surveillance. A story of our times
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“The rollout and normalization of AI surveillance in these public spaces, without much consultation and conversation, is quite a concerning step.”
(Jake Hurfurt, The Head of Research and Investigations at Big Brother Watch)
Imagine living every moment of your life under the unblinking gaze of a camera. Every smile, every frown, every tear – all analyzed, categorized, and stored. You might start to wonder: What does this camera see? What does it know about me? Does it know when I’m stressed? When I’m happy? When I’m scared? Every private moment, every intimate thought, reduced to data points for analysis. The ethical considerations are numerous.
Who owns this data? How is it used? And what about our right to privacy? Are we ever truly alone?
We live in a world where surveillance is ubiquitous. It’s in our homes, our workplaces, our public spaces, and over the past two years, Network Rail has been trialing the use of AI-enabled “smart” CCTV cameras across eight major train stations in the United Kingdom. I came across a new set of documents — obtained by Big
Brother Watch and first reported by Wired that detail the full scope of the trial.
This was first reported in February by James O’Malley. What is being reported is that this technology was broadly used to increase safety and security at train stations across the country. The software being applied to cameras throughout each test station was designed to recognize objects and activities; like if someone fell onto the tracks, or entered a restricted area, or got into a fight with another passenger. At that point station employees would receive an instant notification so they could step in. The idea was to leverage AI to run a safer, more efficient train station.
In one document, which outlines some of the use cases explored by the trial, Network Rail said that it expects no impact on individuals’ right to privacy: “The station is a public place where there is no expectation of privacy. Cameras will not be placed in sensitive areas.
Another document details feedback on the trial. In one section, the document explores a “passenger demographics” use case, which produced a statistical analysis of age range and male/female demographics. It also analyzed emotion in people (e.g., happy, sad and angry).
According to the document, there are two possible benefits to this:
• It can be used to measure customer satisfaction.
• “This data could be utilized to maximize advertising and retail revenue.”
This use case, according to the document, will “probably” be used sparingly and “is viewed with more caution.” Big Brother Watch reached out to Network Rail, but they did not respond to requests for comment. They did tell Wired in a statement that it takes security “Extremely seriously,” and works closely with the police “To ensure that we’re taking proportionate action, and we always comply with the relevant legislation regarding the use of surveillance technologies.”
The report did not share if these systems are currently in use, or at what scale.
The ethical considerations of using this kind of tech are numerous. Though the U.K. is no longer a part of the European Union, the EU’s recently enacted AI Act bans emotion recognition in the workplace and in schools. Several groups, including Access Now and the European Digital Rights group (EDRi), pushed for an all-out ban on emotion recognition, saying that it is based on “pseudoscience,” and incredibly invasive. The EDRi said that emotion recognition endangers “Our rights to: privacy, freedom of expression and the right against self-incrimination,” adding that this is of particular concern for neurodiverse people.
The balance between privacy and security is delicate. Too much surveillance, and we lose our sense of freedom. Too little, and we risk our safety. Is this the price we have to pay? It’s a question we all must consider. In a world where cameras are always watching, how do we protect our humanity? Only time will tell.
Retirement of the first Black female Director in the history of the Toronto District School Board
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The announcement of the retirement of the first Black female Director in the history of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) effective November 2024 was a surprise to many in the educational community. It was in August 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that Colleen RussellRawlins was appointed as Director of the largest school board in Canada. Since then, she has managed the TDSB through many challenges, issues, concerns, crisis and financial setbacks. The news of her impending retirement was made on Tuesday, May 31st, 2024, at a specially arranged meeting of the Trustees of the TDSB. Details were publicly disclosed in a news release issued on the board’s website.
The press states, “She is an accomplished educator with a career that spans more than three decades and includes senior leadership positions with the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, Peel District School Board and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) - two of Canada’s largest school boards.” The press release highlights some of Colleen’s accomplishments during her time at the TDSB which includes:
• Overseeing the expansion of access to French Immersion
• Improved access to childcare, early years, and literacy supports
• Implemented the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
• Launched the modernization plan for the board’s People and Culture Department
• Narrowed disproportionate outcomes for many underserved students
• Led the team in creating the TDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan which centers: student belonging, achievement, and revitalizing schools, workplaces, and processes so every student can thrive
Rachel Chernos, Chair of the TDSB describes in detail Colleen’s role. She writes, “Colleen accepted the role of TDSB’s Director of Education when COVID-19 was still a very real element of our daily lives and helped lead the school board through the very challenging time following the height of the pandemic.”
“Among other things, she has supported early years, professional learning in math and literacy, leadership development, the growth of the Centre of Excellence for Black Students and a modernization initiative that will create transformative change in a number of different areas of our organization. Most recently, Colleen’s leadership was instrumental in the formation of our recently released Multi-Year Strategic Plan. From her earliest days as an elementary teacher, to her achievements at the highest school board in Canada, Colleen has made tremendous change for students,
staff, families and communities across our city and beyond. I am truly thankful for her steady, caring and principled leadershipnot just as Director of Education, but as a leader in our system for so many years.”
Director Russell-Rawlin is appreciative of her time at TDSB. She writes, “It has been truly a privilege of a lifetime to serve our vibrant and dynamic communities and to witness the remarkable brilliance, achievements and impact of students, staff and education. I am filled with gratitude for the: support, collaboration and dedication that I have benefitted from and witnessed daily through each season of my career up to and including the Director of Education. My commitment to service remains unwavering. I look forward to continuing to contribute through new avenues, to a better world which includes all of us.”
There have been many responses and reactions to the impending retirement of Director Russell-Rawlins. In an article by Isabel Teotonia and Kristin Rushowy in the Tuesday, May 28th, 2024, publication of the Toronto Star, several aspects of her tenure are highlighted. The article states, “During her sometimes-controversial tenure, the board navigated pandemic-related restrictions, addressed growing violence amongst students, oversaw a new heavily criticized admissions process for specialized programs that the board was renowned for offering in the arts, athletics and sciences, and also grappled with the suicide of a former principal who said he had been harassed and bullied during antiracism training.”
Does it matter, how you breathe?
Breathe in, breathe out, isn’t that enough?
W.
GIFFORDJONES MD
DIANA GIFFORD-JONES
TC HEALTH COLUMNIST
An old Chinese adage goes, “If you know the art of deep breathing, you have the strength, wisdom, and courage of ten tigers.” When a Kung Fu master takes a meditative moment before delivering the kiss of the dragon, these powers are summoned, and woe be the opponent! Is this practice of deep breathing also responsible for the seemingly long lives of these great masters?
Breathing is something we do naturally and without thought, but ask people with: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer. There’s no taking the lungs for granted, and a great deal of thought goes into the process.
Does it matter, how you breathe? Breathe in, breathe out, isn’t that enough? It turns out, you may want to make some adjustments in how you do it, and you can have a little fun at the same time.
Over the course of one month, researchers compared the practice of mindful meditation with three different types of daily, five-minute breath work exercises. One group of study participants were instructed to breath using longer inhalations and shorter exhalations. Another group performed box breathing. This is tactical breathing, which is equal duration of inhalations, breath retentions, and exhalations. A third group probably had a laugh, or two as they undertook something called cyclic sighing, which emphasizes prolonged exhalations.
One can’t be sure, from reading the study, if indeed any of the study participants in the third group had a chuckle, or two while doing their 5-minutes of sighing. Since it was conducted remotely during the pandemic, researchers wouldn’t know either, but imagining the potential
humour only accentuates the study’s results.
Maybe five minutes of breathing with prolonged exhalations can be done in relative silence. After all, it’s called cyclic sighing. So, add the vocalization, and especially when two or more people do it together, the humour becomes more palpable.
All three groups achieved greater benefit from daily five-minutes of breath work than from the practice of mindful meditation. These benefits were measured in terms of: rate of respiration, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability. The cyclic sighing group had the highest benefit.
Here’s another fun fact about the study. Researchers found that study participants doing cycle sighing benefited more from the exercise the more days they did it compared with mindfulness meditation, an effect not observed in the other groups.
When might you want to try cyclic sighing? The study suggests everyday, but here’s another consideration. In mo -
ments of stress and anger, taking time out to breathe deeply has been shown to have positive benefits.
The physiological effect of deeper, slower breathing is a calming of the nervous system. In turn, calmer nerves mean: lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduced production of stress hormones, and less build up of lactic acid in muscles.
Add in a bit of laughter and what happens? It may, initially, speed up your heart rate, but the relaxation that follows brings that rate right down. It increases endorphins in the brain that improve mood. It stimulates circulation and aids muscle relaxation. Laughter can ease pain both by distraction and by stimulating the body to fight pain with its own natural painkillers.
Why not try it now, as you finish reading this article? Set a timer for five minutes and commence taking deep breaths in, followed by longer sighs of exhale. Anyone around will ask what on earth you are doing. You can have a good laugh in explaining and inviting them to join in.
Canada launches New Anti-Racism Strategy changing systems, changing lives
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The announcement by the federal government on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 was released on the Government of Canada website. It was in 2015 that it was first announced that they would make a concerted effort to ensure that diversity and inclusivity are the focus of their federal policies. The release in 2019 of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022: Building a Foundation for Change informs the Government of Canada’s actions to promote diversity. The release of the new Anti-Racism Strategy was made by the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities.
Canada’s first anti-racism strategy involves the investment of $70 million in community organizations throughout Canada to address issues related to anti-
racism and multiculturalism. The website notes, “The strategy served all people living in Canada by addressing racism and discrimination in their various forms with a strong focus on community-based projects.”
In Budget 2022, $85 million was allocated over four years to the Department of Canadian Heritage and a national action plan was subsequently developed to tackle hate. $70 million from the $85 million was allocated in the form of grants and contributions to BIPOC and religious minority communities. This was to ensure that they have access to resources that support their full participation in Canadian society, while also raising awareness of issues related to racism and hate in Canada.
The website outlines that it is part of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a better, fairer and more inclusive country for every generation by ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential. It aims to deliver concrete and measurable outcomes in key priority areas. These areas include:
• Promoting economic, social and cultural empowerment
• Advancing racial equity in immigration, health and housing systems
• Driving justice, law enforcement, intelligence, and public safety
• Using international engagement to inform advancement on racial equity and inclusion at home
There will be a $110.4 million investment in different sectors such as: employment, justice, law enforcement, housing and healthcare as part of the new Anti-Racism Strategy. In addition, there will be more than 70 federal initiatives that will be embedded with this strategy that will ensure that: federal policies, programs and services are adjusted to the diversity of Canada’s population.
The announcement of the second United Nation (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent was the basis of the establishment of this new strategy. There has been an investment of $872 million in the Black communities across Canada that has gone towards the: Supporting Black Canadian Initiative, the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund as well as other things directed toward the Black communities.
There were two endorsements of the new strategy in the press release. The Honorable Kamal Khera states, “Since the launch of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy,
the world has experienced several tragically impactful events, resulting in devastating consequences, including right here in Canada.”
“While diversity is a fact in Canada, inclusion is a choice. Through this new Anti-Racism Strategy, our government is taking decisive action to strengthen federal coordination in combating racism within our institutions and to support key initiatives undertaken by local community organizations across the country. In doing so, we are not just standing up against racism; we are standing up for all individuals who live in Canada. This strategy represents a roadmap for a brighter tomorrow, starting today, for all of us to be part of the solution.”
Sameer Zuberi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities) states, “Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy has been developed in concert with racialized communities. This transformative strategy will empower Canadians long impacted by systemic racism and discrimination. It was developed through extensive consultations. It’s an evergreen strategy. It will continue to adapt to the needs of racialized Canadians.”
Experience St. Lucia. embrace its heartbeat; a St. Lucian Adventure Part I
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
St. Lucia, a tropical paradise where turquoise waters meet lush rainforests. Many come for the resorts, but the real heartbeat of this island lies beyond these walls.
It was beyond the Windjammer gates that we discovered the true essence of St. Lucia. It’s a place where the spirit of the island is embodied in its people, their traditions, and their unwavering hospitality. To truly understand St. Lucia, one must immerse in its daily rhythms, from fishing at dawn to savouring sunsets over the sea.
On the northern tip of Saint Lucia, you will find Gros Islet, the final part of our stay in St. Lucia. It is one of St. Lucia’s most populous constituencies. Despite fishing still being the mainstay for many of its residents, Gros Islet has over the years earned the reputation of being one of the island’s most popular tourism destinations.
It is the location of Pigeon Island National Landmark, which opened in 1979, and was administered by the St. Lucia National Trust. It offers breathtaking views from its elevated terrain, including nearby Martinique. The Landmark is replete with remnants and stories of the island’s turbulent war years, including rusty ship anchors, bunkers and cannons. These amenities add to the ambience for Main Stage Jazz held there as part of the annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival.
When we arrived at Gros Islet, we eagerly checked into our charming Airbnb, and our anticipation grew with each passing minute. The cozy space instantly
Do
selves in the vibrant local culture, eager to explore the nearby markets, taste the regional cuisine, and experience everything this unique destination had to offer. Local vendors were selling fresh fruits, handcrafted jewelry, and colorful fabrics. I loved the fact that even though we were clearly strangers in their world, the locals greeted us with smiles and curiosity. We didn’t stay out very long the first night; we were curious, so we wandered the streets taking in everything around us. After grabbing a quick bite, we went home and got some rest; it was going to be an exciting few days.
We want to take this moment to thank the St. Lucia Tourist Board for curating our St. Lucian adventure. Our driver (Willet McLean) was scheduled to pick us up at 8:30 am, and that rising, my stand-in photographer Anandie Talfie and I were up bright and early prepared to take on the day. We grabbed breakfast at a local breakfast spot (yumm, channa on a bun, and coffee), and went to meet our driver. Today, we were going to embark on a journey to discover one of the island’s hidden gems: the St. Lucia Rum Distillery. Nestled in the heart of the island, this distillery has been crafting exquisite rum for generations. Let’s step inside and explore the magic behind St. Lucia’s finest spirits. St. Lucia Distillers (located in the Roseau Valley on the west coast of St. Lucia) produces world-class rums and liqueurs. The tour is for people who enjoy rum and want to gain a better understanding of all that goes into making this spirit. St. Lucia distillers are known for the art of blending, and they were pleased to share their knowledge with us.
A passionate team of distillers, blenders, engineers, technicians and administrative staff work together to produce some of the world’s best rums and rum products. St Lucia Distillers Group of Companies products have been recognized at the world’s most exacting competitions, and they have won over 200 medals and commendations. The company prides itself on its commitment to product development and has an offering of over 25 rums and rum products from premium rums and liqueurs to tradi-
Hermes, The House of Dior, Burberry and Bulgari lead the pack of high-end brands building stores all over the world. There is a class system within this retail sector and even those just mentioned are not at the top, just level three in fact. No matter the level, we most times will not be able to experience the thrill of not only viewing their stores but entering them. The first and second level stores have guards at the doors opening for the apparently known celeb, or rich folk, and generously turning those of us from the dirty washed classes away with a pleasant smile. I experienced this in Rome, as well as the Middle East. Want to enter, but your very clothing tells the fella out front you’re a working stiff, and not an elite at all.
Did you know that when a recession or economic downturn happens the rich get richer, and everyone else does not. It feels like the days of feudalism have returned does it not? We can vote politi-
tional pouring rums.
As we entered, the rich aroma of molasses and oak barrels filled the air. Here, we learned that skilled artisans blend age-old techniques with modern innovation to create rums that capture the essence of St. Lucia. Our tour guide shared some of her knowledge with us.
“Welcome,” she began. “Today, we’ll take you through the process of rum-making, from the harvesting of sugarcane to the aging of our finest blends. It all starts with the harvesting of locally grown sugarcane. The cane is crushed to extract the sweet juice, which is then fermented to produce a rich, flavorful mash. Next, the mash is distilled in these traditional copper stills, a process that purifies the liquid and concentrates its flavors. The distilled spirit is then aged in oak barrels, allowing it to develop its complex character and smooth finish. Each barrel tells a story of time and craftsmanship.”
No visit to the distillery is complete without a tasting session, and we had a chance to savour the unique profiles of St. Lucia’s rums, from light and crisp to dark and rich. I want to share with you some of the rums we had a chance to sample while there:
Admiral Rodney
Admiral Rodney is one of the world’s finest rums. Made from 100% continuous still rums, Admiral Rodney is St. Lucia Distillers flagship in terms of age and complexity. The rum commemorates the English Admiral Rodney who famously “broke the line” and vanquished the French fleet at the Battle of the Saints in 1782.
Bounty
Bounty is called “The Spirit of St. Lucia” and was established in 1972 as the principle rum brand of St. Lucia Distillers, a united venture created when the last two distilleries on the island: the Dennery Distillery and Roseau Bay Distillery, merged. BOUNTY rum captures and conveys the island’s most dynamic and festive qualities, which stem from the island’s traditional and cultural roots.
Chairman’s Reserve
cally and financially by deciding what to buy and when, but: employment, taxes, food costs, fuel and energy costs, and the very cost of living are controlled by the wealthy, who are not among us, but live in highly secure gated communities.
The rich show their arrogance and self-assurance in many ways. When Galen Weston faced a Parliamentary Committee about price gouging, he appeared in a $2,000+ outfit, smiling and pronouncing to all that everyone else’s figures, statistics were not correct, and that his corporation only made 1.5-3% profit. The rich appear to believe their own admissions, but his smile said it all. He achieved his goal of appearing, saying his piece and off he went. Trump like, in his disdain of the average person, the rich will quietly threaten us by saying they could easily go elsewhere and take their business along with them.
Upscale retail will continue to
Chairman’s Reserve was first blended in 1999 and was overseen by the then Chairman, Laurie Barnard who conceived a quality rum, which was blended using continuous and pot still rums coming on stream after ageing. Local demand has been phenomenal, and the brand has expanded internationally, where the versatility of the rum makes for great cocktails.
Denros
Denros St. Lucia Distillers overproof rum is a staunch favourite among rum drinkers in St. Lucia. It is used in punches, or straight by the more adventurous.
Marigot Bay Cream Liqueurs
Marigot Bay Cream Liqueurs are made from St. Lucian: rum, real cream, and natural flavours. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away is picturesque Marigot Bay, an intimate tropical oasis that captures the heart and beauty of the island, much like Marigot Bay Cream Liqueurs. Flavors include chocolate coffee, peanut, spiced, banana and coconut.
Midnight Ridea
Midnight Ridea is a sweet, fortified wine with a citrus apple taste and a smooth, but powerful finish.
Sting Powera
Sting Powera is a robust fortified wine with vitamins, iron, and Bois Bandé. Sting gives a potent and arousing rush allowing the drinker to be less inhibited.
Z Moss
Z Moss is a blend of St. Lucian natural: sea moss, coconut, and ginseng. Rich and creamy with a pleasant velvety mouthfeel, Z Moss is a natural but potent Caribbean experience.
As our visit came to an end, we left with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication behind every bottle of St. Lucia rum. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a taste of the island’s heritage. So, whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a trip to the St. Lucia Rum Distillery is a journey worth taking. Cheers to the spirit of St. Lucia! Next stop; lunch at Stonefield Villa Resort’s Mango Tree Restaurant.
lead the way for the retail sector, as to businesses that cater to the well off. Those who study the markets and economic growth will often use this scale as a leader in their studies, ignoring the plight of those of us less financially set. No wonder America’s economy is said to be growing, as to Canada’s, but is news of this growth economic propaganda? Ask the wealthy’s: butlers, servants, drivers, and nanny’s if they are better off? The average Johnny Canuck and American Joe struggle to make ends meet and the only entertainment available to them are shows about wealthy people and their lifestyles.
The wealthy often pretend to walk the path of those who have less, trying to acquire sympathy and acceptance from the public, while those with little cannot act rich for long.
A perfect blend of nostalgia, Hip Hop, and hard-hitting reality checks; Toronto welcomes Lloyd Banks
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most electrifying, side-splitting, and realest night of your lives! Give it up for Supreme Genes. We’ve got a night packed with hip hop, laughs, I am going to talk that shit, and of course, we’ve got the one and only Lloyd Banks in the house tonight!”
It was Sunday June 30th, 2024, and once again, hip hop history was cemented on the streets of Toronto.
Lord Fury and the team at Supreme Genes brought into the city, an artist that set the world on fire with his entry into hip hop.
Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a night that rewrote the definition of hype! The atmosphere was electric, DJ Mercilles was on point, Kinsman and Snackz killed it, and there was even a surprise visit from IBF Josh the Boss Wagner. The energy was through the roof at the
most anticipated hip hop event of the year. Hosted by none other than the charismatic Lord Fury who knows how to mix things up, the night was a rollercoaster of music, laughter, and nostalgia.
In a brilliant twist, our host added a dash of comic relief by bringing on stage Al Ruddick who channeled the iconic personas of Macho Man Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan. This wasn’t just an act; it was a time machine, taking us back to the golden era of wrestling with a hip hop twist. The actor’s commitment to character was nothing short of legendary. Whether he was delivering epic promos, or interacting with the crowd, he stayed in character, making the experience all the more immersive and unforgettable.
The night wasn’t just about fun and games. Enter Lord Fury, a force to be reckoned with in the Toronto hip hop scene. When he took the stage, the atmosphere shifted. With a fearless demeanour, he called out the street cliques and delivered a powerful message: the senseless violence and killings plaguing Toronto need to stop. His words cut through the noise, addressing the very crews
in attendance. Lord Fury didn’t care if his message ruffled feathers; he spoke his truth with unwavering conviction.
Then came to the stage Christopher Charles Lloyd (born April 30th, 1982), also known by his stage names: Lloyd Banks, the Punch Line King (P.L.K), and The Mixtape Champion, a rapper from New York City, Queens. Banks’ rap career was established in the early ‘90s with the formation of G-Unit: a rap group led by 50 Cent, which dominated the industry in the mid-2000s.
Throughout his career, Banks has collaborated with artists such as: Eminem, 50 Cent, Rakim, Raekwon, Jadakiss, and Kanye West. Banks has six studio albums and sixteen mixtapes under his belt as a solo artist, achieving platinum certifications by the RIAA.
That night Banks brought us back to his early 2000’s musical style, which exhibited braggadocious elements and revolved around ghetto struggle/gang themes; expressed with a heavy-hitting punchline delivery. As Banks matured as an artist and had children, his content and structural complexity evolved. Since 2021, Banks has released three studio
albums. Since leaving G-Unit in 2018, Banks established himself as an independent artist who continues to create music on his own terms, and on Sunday, Toronto was treated to a night of musical nostalgia that will never be forgotten.
It’s no wonder Lord Fury has cemented his reputation as a top-tier promoter in the city. His ability to curate events that not only showcase the best hip hop acts, but also spark important conversations is unparalleled. Each event he organizes is a testament to his dedication to the culture and his innovative approach to keeping the crowd engaged and coming back for more.
This night was a perfect blend of nostalgia, entertainment, and hardhitting reality checks. From the laughs brought on by the wrestling impersonations to the sobering truths delivered by Lord Fury, the event was a masterclass in balancing hype and substance. Toronto’s hip hop scene is thriving, and with promoters like Lord Fury at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada Announces 46th Annual Jalsa Salana Convention
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada is thrilled to announce its 46th annual Jalsa Salana convention, set to take place from July 5-7, 2024, in Bradford, Ontario. This spiritual gathering is expected to draw up to 25,000 attendees from across Canada and around the world.
Under the theme “Healing a Polarized World,” this year’s
convention aims to explore the profound wisdom within the Qur’an and its relevance to contemporary challenges. Participants will engage in spiritual reflection, enlightening discourses, and communal prayers, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities.
The three-day event will feature addresses by prominent
religious leaders, parliamentarians, and diplomats, offering insights on promoting peace, benevolence, and religious harmony.
Mayor James Leduc of Bradford has expressed full support for the event, anticipating significant economic benefits for the town. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, known for
its commitment to peace and rejection of extremism, has a longstanding tradition of organizing this convention, which originated in 1891 in India.
For registration and more information, please visit www. JalsaSalana.ca. Join us in Bradford for an unforgettable experience of spiritual growth, knowledge, and unity.
From humble beginnings to remarkable achievements, Odane Brooks has shown us the power of resilience, determination, and visionary leadership. In the previous chapters, we witnessed his rise against the odds, driven by an unwavering commitment to his community and his cause. Today, as we celebrate the finale of his inspiring journey, we recognize not just a leader, but a prospect of hope and a catalyst for change. Odane’s story is a testament to the fact that with passion and perseverance, we can all make a difference and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Odane’s career is driven by a profound passion for public service. He is committed to making a tangible difference in people’s lives through the development and implementation of policies that promote equity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. This passion fuels his dedication to public management and financial stewardship, as he believes that effective governance is key to building resilient and thriving communities. Through his work, he strives to create an environment where public services are efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people they serve.
His passion resulted in him winning the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon outstanding young Jamaicans who have demonstrated excellence and made significant contributions in various fields. Recipients of this award are selected based on criteria such as: academic achievements, leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and sports. It celebrates
A journey of leadership and advocacy; Odane Brooks stands tall as a shining light!
the achievements and contributions of young individuals aged 15 to 29 across Jamaica. Odane shared with me why he was honored to receive the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence for National Leadership.
“This award recognized my exceptional leadership qualities and my significant contributions at the national level. Through my dedication to community development and involvement in various leadership roles, I have demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on society. Winning this award not only acknowledges my achievements, but also serves as motivation to continue my efforts in serving my country and inspiring other young people to take on leadership roles and contribute to the development of Jamaica.”
Odane also shared his plans for his career and education, which involve pursuing a PhD with a special focus on innovation policies as an enabler for socio-economic development in Jamaica. “I believe that innovation is crucial for driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Jamaicans. By studying innovation policies, I aim to explore how Jamaica can harness its creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to address societal challenges and foster sustainable development.”
“A PhD in this field will provide me with the knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to the design and implementation of policies that support innovation and entrepreneurship in Jamaica. I am passionate about finding innovative solutions to complex problems and believe that my research can make a positive impact on the country’s de-
velopment trajectory. Ultimately, I see myself playing a key role in shaping Jamaica’s innovation, ecosystem and driving forward initiatives that promote inclusive growth and prosperity. Pursuing a PhD is the next step in my journey to becoming a leader in this field and making a meaningful difference in my country.”
He further noted that for aspiring entrepreneurs, or individuals looking to make a difference in their communities, the key lies in identifying their passion and aligning it with their values and interests.
“From there, it’s crucial to start with small steps towards their goals while maintaining ambitious dreams. Despite inevitable setbacks and obstacles, developing resilience is essential for overcoming challenges. Additionally, building a strong network of supportive: mentors, advisors, and peers can provide valuable guidance and encouragement along the way.”
“Embracing innovation as a means to find creative solutions to community challenges is also vital. Finally, staying committed to their purpose and remembering why you embarked on your journey in the first place will help you navigate through difficulties and make a meaningful impact in your communities, ultimately creating a better future for yourself and others.”
“Measuring the impact, or success of my projects or initiatives involves looking beyond traditional metrics and delving into the qualitative aspects of inspiration and empowerment. One way to gauge success is by assessing the extent to which the project has inspired others. This can
be observed through feedback, testimonials, and the visible enthusiasm and motivation of individuals who have been touched by the initiative.”
“Additionally, the demonstrated empowerment of others serves as a powerful indicator of impact. This can be seen in tangible outcomes such as: increased confidence, skills development, and enhanced opportunities for those involved. Furthermore, observing how individuals who have benefited from the project/ initiative pay it forward by inspiring and empowering others in their own communities is a testament to its lasting impact. Ultimately, the true measure of success lies in the ripple effect created by the project, as it continues to inspire and empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives and communities long after its implementation.”
Incredible! That is really all that can be said about this young man. It is incredible that we as a community are around to witness the rise of this entrepreneurial giant. We salute you, young man; continue to do the work needed to progress our community forward.
Written by Rushane Ferron Toronto Caribbean News
Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography
Surgical rule number one: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it
W. GIFFORD-
The most important lesson is often taught in the first class. This was the case at Harvard Medical School where a professor of surgery gave sound advice to students aspiring to hold the scalpel. He told them, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Another professor echoed this advice when he said, “There is no such thing as minor surgery.” How tragic when this simple message is ignored and the result is death.
It should not happen, but it did recently in Canada, twice. Two children died following tonsil and adenoid surgery, shocking the nation with a wake-up call to alert that common procedures are
not risk-free. What went wrong is being investigated.
It’s a nightmare occurrence for the doctors and families alike, and we must all learn anew. Surgery is never minor, and if it is not needed, don’t go for it.
The Otolaryngological Society considers tonsillectomy major surgery, but one can bet most families would not perceive it as such. Rather, it’s seen as a quick, easy procedure to remove troublesome tonsils, or adenoids.
Tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system. Repeated infections, or difficulty breathing lead to the decision for a surgery deemed safe. The main risk is bleeding up to 10 days after the operation.
Needless surgery caused the demise of comedian Joan Rivers. She joked about going under the knife to tuck this and that, but it would be one too many. She died from cardiac arrest during a cosmetic procedure.
The youngest victims are newborn babies having undergone circumci-
sion and dying due to hemorrhage. Yet, day after day, this procedure continues to be done. Why? Some people believe it should be performed for religious reasons. Others site medical reasons, that it decreases cancer of the penis, a very rare disease, or decreases urinary infections in the first year of life. Does this mean all breasts should be removed at birth for fear of cancer, or the nose to avoid infections?
Some critics say circumcision violates the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. After all, prior to newborn circumcision, no doctor, or parents gain the consent of the child.
Medical journals are full of surgical complications. They occur when too much skin is removed, when botched procedures make it hard to pass urine, or when mistakes lead to amputation of part of the penis. The foreskin is loaded with blood vessels and nerves that have a sexual function, not a surgical imperative.
Ultrasound is often used during a medical workup to help diagnose a prob-
lem. On occasion an ultrasound will find large stones in the gallbladder that have been present for years without causing trouble. On the other hand, small stones can enter the cystic duct that carries bile to the intestines. This results in severe abdominal pain and requires emergency surgery.
The best treatment for large silent stones is to leave them alone. If they start to cause pain, surgery would be needed, but the best treatment, in the absence of trouble, is to leave them for the crematorium. Why? Because during removal of the gallbladder there’s always a chance of injuring this small narrow duct. It happened to Athony Eden, one of England’s Prime Ministers, and is extremely difficult to repair, four subsequent surgeries in his case. Everyone knows heart surgery can be a life and death procedure. Don’t be fooled into thinking that common surgery is free of risk. Indifference becomes tragedy when something terrible happens.
YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL IS ON ITS WAY.
City of Toronto property taxes pay for vital City services like road maintenance and parks.
Please pay your bill by the due date.
The benefits of adding more chlorophyll to your diet Do LED face masks really work?
LED face masks are growing in popularity and have been advertised as miracle workers by celebrities on social media. Are the benefits real? Here’s what you need to know.
Based on science
LED stands for light-emitting diode. NASA scientists first developed this technology in the early 1990s for plant growth experiments in space. Later, it was used to boost astronauts’ wound healing. The technology used in modern LED face masks is based on this proven science.
Type of light
There are several types of LED face masks on the market. Each emits a different light spectrum to deliver specific benefits and target certain skin cells. For example:
• Blue light eliminates acne-causing bacteria
• Red light increases collagen and elastin production
• Green light targets irregular pigmentation and skin discolouration
You can also find LED masks with purple, yellow and cyan lights that combine many of the above benefits.
It takes a minimum of four to six weeks of consistent use for most people to notice a difference in their skin. Although LED masks don’t generally provide drastic results, they’ve been proven to boost the skin’s radiance noticeably.
At-home vs. in-office treatment
At-home masks are less effective than in-office treatments because they aren’t as high-powered. However, the convenience and affordability often make them an attractive option.
Talk to a dermatologist to determine if an LED mask is right for you.
Niacinamide: a gentle skin treatment
How much do you know about niacinamide? This gentle ingredient offers many benefits for your skin and your overall health. Also known as nicotinamide, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3, an essential nutrient that supports the health of your skin, kidneys and brain.
When you eat foods high in B3, like eggs, cereals, green vegetables, fish and milk, the niacinamide supports cell functioning and helps your body convert food into energy. As a topical treatment, niacinamide can benefit your skin in the following ways:
• It forms a protective barrier. Niacinamide helps your skin grow a lipid barrier, enabling it to retain more moisture. It can also safeguard your skin from oxidative stress caused by sunlight and pollution. In addition to supporting moisture retention, niacinamide can help regulate your se -
baceous glands, so they don’t produce too much oil.
• It evens out irregularities. If you have skin conditions like eczema or acne, niacinamide can help reduce inflammation that causes redness and lesions. Likewise, some studies have shown that niacinamide can help lighten dark spots.
• It reduces signs of aging. Niacinamide is instrumental in producing keratin, which helps keeps your skin healthy and firm. It can also help reduce signs of sun damage, like fine lines and wrinkles.
Experts recommend using a serum or moisturizer with two to 10 per cent niacinamide. Apply it as a final step after your cleanser, toner and anti-aging product. Talk to a skincare expert near you for guidance.
Chlorophyll is the natural compound that gives plants their green colour. It helps plants absorb energy and get nutrients through photosynthesis. So, what can chlorophyll do for humans? Here’s what you need to know.
Benefits
Some claim that chlorophyll is a powerful cure-all that can do everything from treating arthritis and preventing weight gain to detoxifying your blood and stimulating the immune system. However, to date, there is little evidence supporting these health claims.
But chlorophyll shows some promise. Research on rodents has shown that chlorophyll has antioxidant properties that can reduce the occurrence of cancerous tumours. Some studies have also proven that chlorophyll has anti-inflam-
matory effects and can be used to help treat skin conditions like acne.
How to add it to your diet
You can purchase liquid chlorophyll and chlorophyll tablets from your local health food store. However, eating more green foods like spinach, kale, green beans, and peas is cheaper. Getting your nutrition from a well-balanced diet is almost always more effective than supplementation.
Keep in mind that supplements aren’t regulated as strictly as medicines. Moreover, it’s also possible that chlorophyll could negatively interact with the medications you’re taking. Therefore, talking with your doctor before adding chlorophyll supplements to your daily routine is best.
4 things to consider for an enjoyable tenting experience
When making your list of camping essentials, like clothes, hygiene products and sleeping bags, be sure to consider these four things.
1. Rain. Even if the forecast calls for sunshine, nature is unpredictable. Bring a large tarp, absorbent rags, plastic bags, umbrellas and rain gear.
2. Temperature differences. The weather can turn quickly, and the mercury can drop overnight. Depending on where you pitch your tent, humidity and wind exposure can change how hot or cold it feels. So be sure to pack warm clothes.
3. Insects. Insect repellent is a must, but it’s
not always enough. To avoid being eaten alive, choose your location wisely. For example, when biting flies are at the hatching stage, avoid areas with coniferous trees. Also, remember to pitch your tent as far away as possible from toilets and standing water.
4. Breakage. Strong winds and sharp rocks, among other things, can damage your equipment. A repair kit with extra ropes and pegs is essential to correct any unfortunate incidents.
Visit your local shops to find everything you need to avoid a nasty surprise ruining your nature getaway.
Discover the joys of seasonal camping
Seasonal camping is popular across North America. Are you thinking about reserving a spot but still on the fence? Here are some reasons to give it a try.
• You can enjoy the perks of cottage life without having to maintain a house or large lot.
• You can relax and escape from daily life every weekend, or even every evening, if you find a spot near the city. There’s nothing like sitting around a campfire under the stars!
• You stay in one place for a long time, so you only have to move your stuff at the beginning and end of the season. This
is much less burdensome than planning short trips to different places, especially with young children.
• You get access to various family-friendly facilities like pools, tennis courts and docks. Affordable fun at its finest.
• You get to be part of a community with many opportunities to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. Children often make friends for life. You can also partake in activities like bingo nights, sports tournaments and bonfires.
Are you ready to take the plunge and make the most of your summer?
Tips for planning your camping meals
Hot dogs and hamburgers are classic camping foods. However, you can liven up your outdoor cooking menu without complicating your life. Here are a few tips to remember.
• Make a list of your meals and the dishes you need so you don’t forget any essentials like a saucepan, frying pan, cutlery, cooking utensils, can opener and measuring cups.
• Prepare dishes or ingredients in advance, like spaghetti sauce, a mixture of dry ingredients and spices, hard-boiled eggs, pasta salads and marinated meats to elevate your meals.
• Select easy dishes requiring minimal equipment, like one-pot recipes, sandwiches, sausages and bacon, cold cuts, cheese, raw vegetables and instant rice or oatmeal.
• Stock up on ingredients that can be stored at room temperature, like dried fruit, candy bars, peanut butter, bread, pasta, canned vegetables and tuna to free up space in your cooler.
Finally, eat perishable foods first and consider buying some local treats to keep things interesting.
Talented non-celebrity children also deserve a chance to shine, unfortunately nepotism is real
has been around since the beginning of time, it has become a concerning issue in recent times as we’re seeing more and more nepotism babies taking over the Hollywood scene.
While it’s great to network and make connections, which help us flourish within our careers, talent and potential are what we need to soar. However, there are times when talent and potential go unnoticed due to nepotism, and many are tired.
In recent years, many have taken to social media to share their honest opinions on nepotism. While nepotism
There’s no denying that some celebrities who benefit from nepotism have done a phenomenal job of honing their craft and putting in the work themselves instead of solely relying on their connections. These are the people who I applaud, because they’ve developed a good understanding of what hard work is all about. However, the ones who don’t put in the work, or just don’t have what it takes just yet, are taking on opportunities that someone who’s working their way up is more suitable. We saw that play out at the end of May during a concert to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Lion
King.
North West, the oldest daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, made her performance debut as Simba at a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, celebrating the film’s milestone anniversary. West received a standing ovation from the audience and members of her family who were in attendance. However, social media had mixed reactions, and for understandable reasons.
Many had mixed feelings about West’s performance and even commented that they wouldn’t be too happy if they paid money to see the performance they saw. It also sparked another debate over the casting process within the entertainment industry.
Many talented children who are non-famous worked hard to hone their craft and aren’t given a chance at
times in favour of celebrity children. If a child with ties to the industry wants to be part of it, there’s nothing wrong with that. Along with withholding opportunities from deserving people, nepotism perpetuates a narrowing talent pool. It can also cause television shows, films, and theater shows to experience issues regarding reviews and box office performances. While networking and having connections can be beneficial, talent and potential should stand out overall. It takes hard work to succeed. If a celebrity child has what it takes to bring a role to life, there’s nothing to give them the role. However, many talented non-celebrity children also deserve a chance to shine.
Citizens of Toronto are worried; they want our city to maintain its mosaic nature
BY ADRIAN REECE
The last few years in Toronto have seen an increase in immigration. The housing market has been heavily impacted by the need to house millions of new people flooding into the country and as a result we now face rising mortgage and rental costs.
There is an underlying shift that accompanies the new demographic entering the country. There is going to be a subtle shift in the cultural desires and entertainment that is most available and accessible in Toronto specifically. Media has shown how many people are now requesting a shift in sports played at bars and even Cineplex movie theatres. Mississauga saw an altercation between a patron and a Cineplex Odeon em-
which the patrons, visibly upset, let the staff know how they felt about the error in viewing.
Toronto is famous for being one of the most diverse cities in the world branching off from Canada’s reputation of welcoming immigrants from the four corners of the globe. Our Prime Minister Trudeau has not shied away from his desire to encourage immigration particularly from India which has now seen millions of Indians from every socio-economic level make Canada their home, from full-time students and families in need of a new beginning, to foreign investors who are simply looking to live in a different country.
As a result of the increase in immigration and the influence of Indian culture, we can expect to see an uptake in the amount of south Asian: entertainment, art, and even food that is accessible in the city. People who grew up in
While you’re driving you look all ways, using all mirrors available. At least that is what you are supposed to be doing. Added to the mix are hordes of people at cross walks, people walking out from behind parked cars along the road, and the crazy items mentioned above. You cannot license and insure a person who is walking can you. Wish we could. The most distinct and common accident on our local roads happen when some: child, senior, or adult sprints out onto the road from a sidewalk. Sometimes there is no time to stop. Injury and death happen, and lives are changed forever. May I suggest two solutions that will benefit all, as well as the drivers and riders of these motorized vehicles. If you go onto the road and have a motor in/on your vehicle it should be licensed and insured. Car drivers need not be the only
the city are used to a balanced variety of contributions sprinkled through the streets of Toronto. Spaces are now being flooded with a specific demographic. Citizens wonder if this is going to be a problem, and rightfully so because Toronto is a hub city. There shouldn’t be an overwhelming presence of one demographic anywhere here. We are more powerful and more interesting because of our balanced diversity. If we become a city of one demographic, then the beauty of Toronto will disappear into obscurity.
Religion and politics will be placed at the top of the things that change. With voters from a similar background, they would have the power to sway votes and political opinion to the needs of their comfort. While there is nothing wrong with banding together to get things done, this is a far cry from the power struggle that the city is accus-
tomed to. The needs of the people of this city are so varied, to see them skewed to one side and one demographic’s needs is a scary precedent that may very well be the case in a few years.
The multitude of factors affecting Toronto starts with selective immigration. Canada has historically let in people from every country, but when it starts to prioritize those from one country and make it a factor to get as many people as possible from one country into our cities, then Toronto begins to seem more like a subsidiary of that particular place. Slow colonization through means of habitation without firing a bullet.
Citizens of Toronto are worried; they want our city to maintain its mosaic nature, and our Prime Minister doesn’t share our fears, in fact he is the primary reason that we have them.
ones carrying the cost of using our roads. Driving/riding is a privilege that should be paid for, since you are using a publicly managed road policed and maintained by the locality. Half the motorized vehicles mentioned are made in China, which means there are no warranties, or guarantees they will perform to North American standards. Furthermore, those who drive, or ride on these need to be properly trained to use them. It’s all about safety for all.
The parking of vehicles on the side of roads during the day should be disallowed. Far too many people take chances trying to get to the other side of the road, and those drivers in vehicles are often unprepared for these spontaneous jump outs. Sure, there is not enough parking place for our cars, but that is not the local’s fault. You need to plan
your visit and parking options. Simple. I bought a home with a long driveway accepting up to six cars. Preplanning works but think about the latest fatality in a collision caused by a street jumper. Could be a child, a senior, or your neighbor perhaps.
These ideas ca be initiated in Canada. Why not? As of June 15th, 2024, Serbia has instituted a law requiring all electric scooters and travel devises that participate in traffic to be licensed, and their drivers to be trained in all aspects of the Traffic Safety Agency. How about it folks?
Public roads are not a place for bikes, or motorized vehicles other than cars and trucks. If these products should be allowed, they must be licensed and insured for personal injury and collision. You want to use the roads, pay up.
I realized that life, in all its unpredictability, is still beautiful
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
HUMAN SPECIALIST
“That's the impact of trauma. It creates invisible barriers that can make intimacy and trust feel unsafe.”
I had a plan. Graduate school, find a partner, get married, have children, live happily ever after. Life had other plans.
Trauma is a silent, insidious force that crept into every aspect of my life. It lingers in the shadows, shaping my: perceptions, behaviors, and relationships. On the surface, I may seem fine. I smile. I laugh. I go about my daily routines, but beneath the surface, trauma has worked its way into my heart and mind, influencing how I have
connected with others.
Trauma often begins early in life. These experiences leave deep imprints on our psyche, teaching us to protect ourselves by keeping others at a distance. This fear of vulnerability and the anticipation of pain create a cycle of emotional withdrawal. We push away those we care about, fearing they might cause us the same pain we've endured before.
Many people have experienced emotional or physical trauma, and despite our efforts to heal, we remain vulnerable to triggers that unearth those painful moments. These episodes of resurfacing trauma are often unpredictable, yet they are more likely to occur if we choose partners who resemble those responsible for our initial pain. This is what I really want people who read this article to take in. This is happening, and you don’t realize it.
Familiarity is a powerful draw, and the positive aspects of a relationship can easily obscure potential pitfalls. In any relationship, memories of past traumas can
resurface, making you feel as if you are reliving those experiences. You may mentally regress to the age you were when the trauma occurred, from which perspective you are more likely to experience the original: fear, immobilization, and hopelessness.
Sharing the details of my traumas has at times felt humiliating, particularly I believed I deserved the pain I endured. Consequently, I struggled to ask for the support I need from: family, friends and my past partners. I have never disclosed my past pain, and my partners felt defensive and failed to understand that the resurfacing trauma had nothing to do with them. This dynamic created significant challenges in romantic relationships, as unspoken trauma drove a wedge between myself and my partners, preventing the understanding and support that was crucial for healing and growth.
I realized my trauma was affecting my relationships when I kept pushing people away without understanding why. It's hard but talking about it here has helped
Are you a good sports parent?
Parents of young athletes are tireless supporters of the game, but sometimes they lose their cool. Insulting referees, using foul or aggressive language, making derogatory comments toward other players — some parents behave in a decidedly unsportsmanlike manner. Here are a few tips for keeping a level head and a positive attitude while you cheer on your kids.
It all starts the second you sign up your kids for a sport. They should be nothing but enthusiastic about joining the team. Just because you dream of raising a professional hockey player doesn’t mean you should force your child to play at all costs. It’s always best to let kids choose a sport or hobby that they enjoy. After all, the goal is to have fun.
It’s also important to know how to manage your young athletes’ ambitions when they become a source of anxiety or frustration. It’s only natural that your kids want to perform as best they can, and it’s just as natural to encourage them to keep trying. But remember: your number-one priority should be ensuring that the sport stays fun for everyone involved. Never let performance anxiety get in the way of a
good time.
In the stands
If you want to be a good supporter for your kids, it’s important to stay optimistic in all circumstances. Cheer when your children are doing well, and encourage them not to give up when their team is behind. Avoid expressing anger and frustration at all costs. This might cause your child to believe they’ve disappointed you. You don’t want your children to imitate you and express their anger on the field.
Instead of getting angry, lead by example and recognize the opposing team’s talent — if they won the game, it’s likely because they played well. Explain to your child that it’s normal to feel disappointed and that they’ll make up for it next time they get on the field.
Finally, keep in mind that they’re playing an amateur sport. The only expectation should be to have a good time.
me see that I'm not alone. We're all healing together. Healing from trauma is a journey. It requires patience, compassion, and the willingness to confront painful memories. I want readers to know that with support and understanding, we can rebuild our ability to connect and sustain meaningful relationships.
Trauma may shape us, but it doesn't have to define us. By facing it headon, we can reclaim our lives and our relationships, one step at a time.
My stories are a reminder that we are all capable of healing and growing. Trauma is powerful, but so is our resilience. Together, we can create a future where our past no longer holds us back.
My life didn't follow the script I wrote in my head. It was a different story. One of growth, of finding happiness in places I never thought to look, and in the end, I realized that life, in all its unpredictability, is still beautiful.
Stay positive and encourage your kids rather than criticize their performance.
Making better cannabis decisions by knowing your terpenes!
predominant terpenes found in cannabis.
As many as 15 different terpenes can be found in cannabis and their profiles can be categorized into seven types. These are: pine, fruit, floral, citrus, earth, spice and gas. Research shows that each of these has different effects on a consumer in concert
with the effects of THC. Cannabis will always have a combination of these terpenes even though some may be much more prominent than others. Regardless, this information will greatly assist your decision when trying to find a cannabis strain suited to your needs.
Perhaps the most common terpenes found in nature are the ones that would fall into the citrus category. The chemical known as Limonene gives off the strongest smell and taste of citrus. This is a well-recognized scent and is often the first profile detected by one’s nose. It is known to have effects such as relief from: pain, anxiety, stress and depression. It also has some anti-inflammatory benefits as well. Strains with a strong citrus profile are ones like Wedding Cake and almost anything from the lemon cultivar (ie. Lemon Sour Diesel or Lemon Drop).
The fruit terpenes are widely accepted as most people’s favourite. The sweet and slightly floral aroma comes mostly from the terpene Myrcene. At least some of this compound is found in almost every modern strain of cannabis. It is also found in mangoes with a high concentration. Known to be anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxant and a sedative, it can be predominant in strains like: Granddaddy
Purple, OG Kush, and Cherry Pie.
The gas terpene seems to be most desired currently and gives some strains a gassy, or diesel smell. While it may not be everyone’s favourite, it is often used to help determine potency. Humulene is the terpene responsible for this pungent aroma and can also be found in spices such as: clove, sage or black pepper. It can help with pain relief and fight bacterial infection. Strains found with high amounts are: Girl Scout Cookies, Sky-walker OG and almost any Pink strain.
If you’ve ever walked through a pine forest, you’ve definitely smelled the Pinene terpene. Its bright and sharp aroma can make some cannabis strains stand out from others. It can also be found in: rosemary, basil or parsley. It can aid with mental function and respiratory issues. Strains that are high in Pinene are: Jack Herer, Blue Dream and Romulan.
The earth aroma is caused by a terpene known as Camphene. It provides the musky earth or damp woodland smell that most cannabis is associated with. On its own it can be off putting, but when combined with others it provides a depth of smell and flavour that are unmatched. It is a powerful antioxidant and can be used topically to treat skin conditions like eczema
and psoriasis. Strains that are high in Camphene are: GhostOG, Mendocino and Strawberry Banana.
The floral terpenes are subtle but add noticeable notes that both your nose and palette will immediately detect. Mostly originating from the terpene Geraniol and like its name implies it can be found naturally in high amounts in geranium plants. It’s shown to have much potential as a neuro-protectant and antioxidant. It can be found in strains like: Amnesia Haze, Headband and Master Kush.
The spice terpene known as Caryophellene can also be found in: black pepper, cloves and cinnamon. Its spicy and peppery notes can be enticing to some but repellent to others. Uniquely, it is the only terpene that can actually affect your cannabinoid system adding to the effects of your high. It can also have analgesic and anti-anxiety properties. Strains strong with the spice terpene are: Silver Haze, Rock Star and White Widow.
Now that you have a better understanding of what makes your cannabis smell and taste the way it does, you can choose what strains are best for you. Your cannabis sommelier career begins here. Welcome to a brand new world!
4 tips to help your child become a homeowner
Homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult for younger generations. Does your child dream of buying a home but feel held back by high prices and interest rates? Would you like to help them? Here are four tips.
1. Consider your financial situation
Giving your child money toward their home purchase shouldn’t jeopardize your financial situation. Consult a financial planner before taking any steps to support your child. They’ll offer professional advice and help you determine what you need to do to maintain your lifestyle.
2. Establish an emergency fund
Although you want to do everything within your power for your child, it’s important to have a cash cushion to help you deal with the unexpected. Make sure you put enough money aside so you’re prepared to deal with unforeseen ex-
penses like healthcare, emergency home repairs or a change in marital status.
3. Prepare for the long term
It may take longer than expected for your child to pay you back. You may only get back a portion of what you lent them. Be prepared for any eventuality.
4. Consult a lawyer for legal documents
A lawyer can help you determine which legal documents you need and how to correctly fill them out. They’ll also inform you of any legal implications your monetary contribution could have if, for example, you suddenly pass away.
Before providing your child with financial assistance, ask yourself the right questions and contact a professional to guide you through the process.
How to make your property tour effective
Touring various properties is an essential part of the house-hunting process. It allows you to inspect the home’s condition, determine if it suits your needs, plan possible renovations or negotiate a better price. Maximize your visit with these tips.
Come prepared
Examine the online ad and take note of important details like the dimensions, asking price and year of construction. Identify elements that are missing or require clarification. Prepare a list of questions to ask the owner or real estate agent so you don’t forget anything important.
Keep an open mind
Achieving your dream home may not necessarily be a case of love at first sight. You’ll likely need to visit the property to get a feel for the home’s potential and de -
termine whether it’s right for you. Keep a positive attitude and ask yourself if a few repairs or upgrades could turn the space into the home you envision for yourself.
TAKE YOUR TIME
Take the time to tour the entire property, including the attic, shed and garage. Peek under the sinks and inside the electrical box. Find out if any renovations have been done over the years. Take notes so you can gather your thoughts at the end of the tour. You may also want to check whether any amenities like public transportation, grocery stores and schools are within walking distance.
Buying a home is a complex process. To make the experience easier, hire a professional to help you every step of the way.
Real estate: what do land surveyors do?
Land surveyors are highly trained professionals who measure plots of land to identify boundaries. They’re well-versed in municipal bylaws and can help you determine which ones could affect your property. When buying land, a surveyor can help you understand where your property boundaries lie and what’s included.
Important document
Although not always mandatory when buying a property, it’s a good idea to invest in a land survey before closing the deal. A land survey ensures you understand which plot you’re buying and protects your ownership rights if doubt should arise about who owns what portion of the land.
What’s included?
First, the surveyor examines the property’s legal description and analyzes the history of the deed and title. Next, the surveyor visits the property to measure where each boun-
dary lies and records all the buildings or other structures on the property.
Using this information, the surveyor creates a map showing the legal boundaries of the property. The map includes a description of the land and buildings, the street address and the locations of neighbouring properties.
Ideally, you should contact a land surveyor at least 20 days before signing the deed of sale. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to consult this expert as soon as possible.
Shifting tides: Landmark lawsuits reshape real estate commission landscape in North America.
brijpaul@carib101.com
A recent groundbreaking development shook up the real estate scene in the U.S., where The National Association Of Realtors (NAR) holds sway. NAR’s move, which settled a hefty class action lawsuit for US$418 million, alters the commission structure landscape and sets a precedent for a similar legal battle brewing in Canada. The Canadian lawsuit alleges that the current system is rigged to inflate real estate commissions.
Home sellers in the lawsuit contend that the real estate board’s multiple listing service intentionally safeguards realtor commissions through price manipulation. Furthermore, the existing setup incentivizes buyer realtors to prioritize homes offering higher commissions, leaving sellers who offer less disadvantaged.
As part of the settlement, NAR determined that a seller’s realtor advertising a property on the MLS need not automatically compensate the buyer’s realtor through the same system. This adjustment allows home sellers to directly negotiate terms with a buyer’s realtor outside of the MLS, provided the seller discloses this to the buyer’s realtor.
Garth Myers, representing Kalloghlian Myers LLP, has initiated a similar legal battle against the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Alleging collusion to control buyer brokerage service prices, Myers aims to alleviate the financial burden on home sellers. A successful outcome could reduce real estate transaction fees across Canada.
While CREA contends that Canada’s legal framework and factual circumstances differ from the U.S., the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) boasts a flexible commission structure. Many discount brokerages offer reduced commission rates, with sellers typically covering fees
split between their agent and the buyer’s agent. Conversely, British Columbia maintains a fixed commission structure, levying a 7% on the first hundred thousand and 3% after that.
Tom Davidoff, an associate professor at UBC’s School of Business, suggests that the similarities between commission structures in the U.S. and Canada could yield comparable outcomes. While potentially unfavorable for many realtors, this alignment could open up new buyer opportunities, potentially leading to more favourable deals.
Homeowners and buyers can gain a sense of empowerment by delving into the intricacies of residential real estate transactions. Understanding the legal battles and their potential impact can equip them with the knowledge to make more informed decisions, potentially mitigating the risks and disadvantages.
If a buyer must pay commission directly to their realtor, that can impact their downpayment. If this happens, the buyer must ask the seller for a rebate to pay the buyer’s agent, and this can be a disadvantage to the buyer in multiple offers because the seller may not cooperate, so the buyer may have to look at another house. In other instances, the seller will only agree to give a rebate if the buyer increases the offer price to compensate for the difference. There would be many problems because the actual negotiated price would not be accurate because of the rebate. Other companies, such as appraisers, mortgage and insurance rely on recent market updates to help their clients.
Despite the fluidity of the commission structure, realtors are steadfast in their commitment to prioritize their clients’ interests. The real estate industry, known for its resilience, will likely maintain a competitive market, which should reassure buyers and sellers that they can still find proficient realtors who can provide quality services.
Canada’s multifaceted real estate landscape affords buyers and sellers various options, including utilizing discount brokerages to mitigate commission costs. However, the allure of saving on commissions by bypassing proper representation
may backfire, leading to overpayment or unfavourable outcomes.
Commission, akin to the hidden cost in a new car’s price, is borne by the buyer but collected by the seller. Shifting the focus, I advocate for a consumerdriven approach where individuals engage with representatives based on their preferences and needs. In a free market, consumers should retain the autonomy
to navigate real estate transactions in a manner that best serves their interests.
The NAR landmark lawsuit is undoubtedly massive and has shaken the real estate industry across North America. In many instances, real estate is people’s most significant investment. Like in the airline industry, you can lose out on topnotch service for a discounted price.
Which flooring should I choose for my basement?
Finishing the basement is a crucial step in completing your home. However, before you can install your new television or exercise equipment, there are a few things you need to do, such as cover the floor. There are several materials to choose from, including ceramic, vinyl and engineered wood. Which should you go with? Here’s a comparison.
Ceramic
Although typically expensive, ceramic has its advantages. It’s moisture resistant, tolerant of temperature extremes and waterproof, making it ideal if you live in a flood zone. Ceramic is also very durable but can be a bit cold on the feet.
Vinyl
Flexible and easy to maintain, vinyl is highly moisture resistant. Additionally, you can easily install it yourself. Are you on a tight budget? Vinyl is an affordable option. The only drawback is that it wears out more quickly than other flooring options.
Engineered wood
Made of several layers of plywood with natural wood on top, engineered wood is less likely to warp than hardwood floors, which aren’t recommended for basements. Although often the most expensive solution, engineered wood offers a warm and distinguished finish.
Other materials are gaining popularity in basements. For example, cork provides excellent soundproofing, while laminate is available in various shades. Are you torn between several options? Consult a flooring professional. They’ll help you find the right flooring for your style and budget.
Add chrome to your decor!
Are you looking to change up your home decor? Chrome, a popular choice from several years ago for its futuristic allure, is again making its way into homes. However, this time, it’s a touch more subtle. One of the reasons for chrome’s renewed popularity is the brightness it brings to certain rooms when incorporated into light fixtures and chair and table legs. Here’s a look at a trend that’s as brilliant as it is versatile.
Creates a contrasting effect
A chrome finish provides a striking contrast when paired with a wide range of materials and textures in your home. For example, placing a chrome vase on a dark wood table or hanging a chrome light above a stoneware kitchen island can instantly elevate your living space.
Maximizes light
Do some areas of your home lack light? If so, consider chairs with chrome legs or a lamp with a chrome base. Chrome reflects light, helping dark or isolated rooms come alive.
It provides a sleek look
Chrome is an excellent choice for creating a sleek look in your bathroom. It’s neutral and easy to clean, making it ideal for items like shelving, towel bars, mirror frames and small baskets. These items add style to your bathroom and help keep it neat and organized.
Do you want to add a few shiny accents to your space? Are you looking to redefine your interior design completely? Try chrome for a long-lasting and elegant look!
Buying guide: dishwashers | Get ready to put away your sponges!
Have you recently renovated or revamped your kitchen? Are you finally starting the search for the ideal dishwasher? Use this short guide to help you make the best choice.
Dimensions
Before you go shopping, remember to measure the space available. Built-in dishwashers, which are easy to find, come in various sizes depending on the opening under your counter. Stand-alone models are enclosed on all sides and can be installed virtually anywhere.
Cleaning capacity
The capacity of your appliance is measured in place settings, which represent the number of items required for one person’s meal. Here are the different capacities:
• A narrow, eight to 10-place setting model is recommended for a single person or a couple without child-
• A standard, 12-place setting model is ideal for a family of two adults and two children.
• A 14-place setting model is recommended if you use a lot of dishes or frequently host guests.
Wash cycles
While less expensive models typically include standard cleaning options, pricier dishwashers offer an array of cycles ranging from quick and delicate to deep clean and beyond. However, having fewer options makes the appliance easier to operate.
When buying a dishwasher, remember that it’s a machine that must stand up to repeated use. Take all the time you need to assess your dishwashing habits. Talk to local retailers for personalized advice.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
for the week of June 30 to July 6, 2024
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: GEMINI, CANCER AND LEO
ARIES: Money problems could stress you out this week. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Remember that there aremore important things in life. Stay hopeful and focus on what brings you happiness.
TAURUS: You’re an energetic and ambitious person who loves a challenge. You’ll achieve something extraordinary at work or home that will lead you to success or bring you closer to your dreams.
GEMINI: This week, you may be troubled by something like a secret you don’t want to keep. Think it over carefully and seek the advice of your guardian angels.
CANCER: Limit how much coffee you drink to prevent anxiety and unrest. Stop trying to control things that are out of your control. You’ll have to manage your priorities and deal with unexpected situations at work.
LEO: You’ll soon face a professional challenge that will make good use of your skills and experience. You’ll have to adapt but will manage to achieve your goals and improve your financial situation.
VIRGO: A spiritual quest could bring you immense fulfillment and help you expand your horizons. You’ll align with your principles and beliefs and feel a profound sense of peace.
LIBRA: Don’t be ashamed to seek professional help when dealing with emotional problems or other worries. A professional can help you heal. You deserve to feel better and live life to the fullest.
SCORPIO: Your relationship may be going through a rough patch. Your partner must show you more affection. Don’t overlook small details during a negotiation at work, as they could change everything.
SAGITTARIUS: Many healthcare professionals believe that mental health is essential for physical well-being. If you have a chronic illness, try to find out if it stems from your life experiences or your subconscious.
CAPRICORN: You must boost your selfconfidence to achieve success. Learn to value yourself and exhibit infectious charisma to attract admiration and respect.
AQUARIUS: You’ll have a busy week. Between moving and taking on a project close to your heart, you’ll need the support of your significant other. An organized space makes for a clear mind. Make sure yours is clean and uncluttered.
PISCES: You’ll have the courage to speak your mind, even if it makes some people mad. With your charisma and eloquence, you can persuade and inspire people to support your ideas. Art is a powerful means of communication that can touch hearts and minds.
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Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
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PUZZLE NO. 108
PUZZLE NO. 818
FOR SALE: Shirt jacks for sale,All sizes all colors. Call 416-474-3454
FOR SALE: Snow tire on rims for small SUV in Good ConditionP205-75-15 905-454-3085.
FOR SALE: Time Share in Tornberry, 1.5 from Toronto. Studio size call 416-474-3454.
WINTER TIRES FOR SALE: 4 winter tires on rims fit a Chevy Equnox ( 235.55.R17 ) $500 or best offer call 416-875-5177
FOR SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS
FILM FESTIVAL: Submit your film to the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival TODAY! Give your film a chance to be a part of Ann Arbor’s 200th celebration. Go to a2bff.org
WANTED COOK : Someone to cook once a week at their home large order of Roti, curry chicken and curry potatoes. Cost to be discussed. Email postiexyz@yahoo.ca
CARETAKER: For Weekend Sat and Sun, Must have experience with elderly and canadian reference. Bathurst and Steeles 10:30am to 8:30pm. Call 437-818-5208
WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE
Laparkan is looking for a Warehouse Associate in Shipping and Receiving.
No experience necessary. Will train on the Job.
Send Resume to hrca@laparkan.com or call 416-292-4370
ROOM FOR RENT: Furnished 1 Bedroom Basement For Rent with a Washroom & Sharing Kitchen with a couple. Close to the Bus Stop and Kennedy Subway Station. Also near Schools and Shopping Centres. Located in Scarborough, South of Kennedy and Eglinton. $1550.00/ month including utilities. Available Now. Call (416)459-6155.
FOR RENT: 2 bedroom basement appt for rent. Edenbrook and Mayfied, Brampton Available 1st may, separate entrance, $2200 per month including utilities. Call 647-700-7260.
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
A
strategic alliance can be fruitful
To best promote their companies’ business development, managers establish contacts, expand their networks, and forge strong relationships with their customers. For optimum growth, business people may elect to form strategic alliances with other companies. These tactical partnerships, which now commonly exist on an international level, offer many advantages.
Strategic alliances are cooperative agreements that enable two companies to go above and beyond what they could do alone. Unlike mergers, where there is a common executive manage
ment and shareholders, strategic alliances are based on maintaining organizational autonomy. In other words, each company retains its independence while they collaborate together on a common project. To achieve their goals, they can unite their resources, expertise, and sometimes even some of their capital.
Equitable alliance
A strategic alliance is subject to one hard and fast rule — the alliance must be fair and both partners must benefit in some way. Business experts affirm that these benefits are numerous, including in
creased access to technology, the opening up of markets, the sharing of costs, risks, and expertise, and increased competitiveness. However, for such a partnership to be successful, it is necessary for everyone to do their homework carefully. Even though a strategic alliance can be profitable, it can also be doomed to failure if its foundations are poorly established.
Strategic alliances are not just beneficial for large companies. Even small and medium enterprises can form alliances that will enhance their potential.
The particularities of B2B marketing
The marketing strategy used by one business to attract the patronage of another tends to follow the model of retail business, also known as B2C. Specifically, there are three types of B2B marketing: mass marketing, recurring marketing, and business marketing.
1. Mass marketing, as its name implies, is aimed at all professionals. The strategies used are identical to those established for the retail industry; they use the same media (social media, websites, television, and radio). In this kind of marketing,
e commerce is simplified and loyalty rewards are widely used.
2. Recurring marketing occurs as part of a continuing relationship between two companies. It usually involves customized rather than standardized products or services. Even though it remains necessary to use digital channels to create strategy, B2B marketing uses a unique approach that takes into account the complexity of the procurement procedures.
3. Business marketing (or project marke
ting) is also known as intermittent B2B. This type of marketing may include conventional strategies, although it is strongly influenced by information technology.
Are travelling representatives, trade shows, and advertising in trade magazines beginning to disappear? Not necessarily. But B2B must now adapt its marketing to the Web, regardless of the intended market. That adaptation is not just a question of strategy; it is now, above all, a matter of survival.
B2B, marketing, and social networks
If you believe that social networks are only useful to companies that sell their products and services to individuals, think again. B2B experts are now choosing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other social networks to develop effective and innovative marketing strategies.
One might think it pointless for B2B players to invest in social networks, but it would be a mistake to arrive at that conclusion. The immediacy of the Internet is a positive and dynamic vehicle for your business; the social Web influences
the decisionmakers who will choose — or not — to do business with you. Take Facebook, for example. Your potential customers are bound to check if you have a presence there. Is your profile unique, and does it encourage people to “share” it? Do you publish content that demonstrates your expertise? Do your exchanges with subscribers reflect your listening skills? If so, you will be noticed. A social network can even become your marketing tool par excellence. That is particularly the case with LinkedIn, which allows for the establishment of a genuine
B2B network for SMEs. And you’re probably already aware that many professionals are enrolled on Twitter. Just follow the leads that interest you in order to build relationships and get yourself noticed.
Do you still doubt the merits of the social media in promoting your B2B capacities? Then take heed — B2B industry giants fully exploit this way of seducing customers. General Electric (GE) goes after a large audience by opting for accessibility. The result? To date, GE has 2.1 million subscribers on Facebook.
The art of standing out in B2B
Are salespeople who excel in business to business (B2B) different from other salespeople? Not really. However, as B2B is somewhat more complex than retail, salespeople who excel in this niche have to be able to juggle with more complex elements than those connected to retail sales.
To sell a pair of shoes to a customer, a vendor focuses on quality, comfort, and price. When wholesalers want to sell 200 pairs of shoes to retail chain buyers, they must go beyond those
simple selling arguments. Logistics also have to be discussed, including available colours and sizes, timely delivery, and wholesale price. Nothing can be left to chance. In contrast to retailers, whose job is to lure customers into their premises with good marketing, B2B salespeople have to target the companies with which they want to establish contact, even before attempting to sell anything.
Of course, negotiations are a key element in B2B. Clever salespeople can conclude exceptional business transac
tions if they have mastered the art of negotiating. But beyond commercial transactions, business to business success depends primarily on trust. Vendors who are successful in this area are listening to their customers and are able to come up with solutions that satisfy all the parties involved. They are not looking to sell at any price; rather, they want to establish a good and long lasting customersupplier relationship.
What’s a differential?
Located between the transmission and driveshaft of a car’s driving wheels, the differential is one of the most important components of a car’s engine. It performs the critical job of automatically dividing the power from the engine so the car’s wheels can spin at different speeds when you make a turn.
When you turn left, for example, the right wheels on your car have to travel further than those on the left. The differential’s gearing system automatically sends more power to the wheels with less traction (in this case, the right wheels), so that your turn is as
stable as possible. When it comes to vehicles with four-wheel-drive, there’s an additional differential that separates the front wheels from the rear wheels to improve handling when driving over uneven terrain.
Since the differential helps you stay safe while on the road, you should watch for any signs that there may be a problem. If you’re having difficulty manoeuvring your car around turns or hear loud squeaking or grinding noises coming from underneath your vehicle, you should visit a trusted mechanic immediately.
4 tips for safely sharing the road with motorcyclists
If you drive a car, it’s your responsibility to take proactive measures that’ll increase the safety of more vulnerable road users. Here are a few tips for safely sharing the road with motorcyclists.
1. Be aware
Get in the habit of frequently checking your mirrors and blind spots when driving. In addition, make sure the road is clear before opening your car doors. Keep in mind that motorcyclists are more likely to face serious or fatal consequences if they’re involved in a collision.
2. Use your turn signals
Using your turn signals is not optional; it’s the law. Your signals let other road users, including motorcyclists, know your intentions. This provi¬des them with enough time to adapt and respond accordingly.
3. Assess situations carefully
Keep your distance and only pass a motorcyclist if you’re 100 per cent certain you won’t cut them off. For example, once you see a motorcyclist’s headlight in your rearview mirror, you’re safe to return to your original lane. When assessing a situation, remember that motorcyclists are often closer than they appear in your car’s mirrors and can reach their top speed faster than motorists.
4. Anticipate behaviours
To better anticipate a motorcyclist’s manoeuvres, learn to recognize the hand signals and driving formations they use when travelling in groups.
Lastly, common courtesy on the road is a must. Be considerate, and drive safely.
