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Volume 11 • Issue 13

Wednesday, August 3 2022

“We are receiving an increasing number of reports unfamiliar to health care professionals accustomed to local reactions after vaccines of unusual local reactions...”

FULL STORY - PAGE 8

PAGE 2

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

TIARA JADE CHUTKHAN “Why do you look Indian then?” “You’re not black” I hated comments like these…”

What I most enjoy about featuring our Woman Empowered this week is the fact that she is a young, inspiring writer who seems to have quickly found her place in the literary arts.

She sent me an email sharing with me, one of her proudest achievements; a book that she had published, “Two Times Removed: An Anthology of Indo-Caribbean Fiction,” and like many authors who share their books with me, I posted it on Toronto Caribbean Newspaper social media. We enjoy supporting the written arts, especially coming out of the Caribbean.

Well, I logged back into our social media pages, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the post on her book had been liked, and shared multiple times. I sat back, and took in what I was seeing. The community had spoken.

Through their actions, the community selected exactly whom they wanted to read about, so I willingly obliged…

I would like to re-introduce to the Caribbean diaspora, the talented, tenacious Tiara Jade Chutkhan.

As a young child, Tiara Jade never questioned her cultural background.

Her mom was from Trinidad, and her dad was from Guyana. Ultimately, she knew she was Caribbean. She enjoyed Soca and Reggae, roti and curry, you know, the mainstays of Caribbean culture. It was as simple as that; she never looked at herself as anything other than what she was.

Tiara Jade Chutkhan is a book blogger, writer and editor. Her love of literature led her to begin blogging and sharing her reads in 2019. Her blogging opened the door to reviewing books for HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon and Schuster and Dundurn Press.

Following the release of her first book, “Two Times Removed: An Anthology of Indo-Caribbean Fiction,” she had the opportunity to speak on “All in a Weekend,” (CBC Radio) and “In Town and Out,” (CBC Radio). It doesn’t stop there for this young powerhouse; in October 2021, she was featured on the debut episode of CBC’s “Rediscovering Culture” series.

Her work has been published in the Caribbean Camera, Brown Gyal Diary, Write Magazine, Caribbean Collective Magazine, and Brown Girl Magazine.

The question I ended up dreading the most – “What are you?”

“I always loved my culture as a whole, and I did my best to explain to kids that there were different types of people from the Caribbean. To be fair, besides my family, there were not a lot of Indo-Caribbean families in the Don Mills area, and there was not a lot of cultural diversity. People didn’t know what Indo-Caribbean meant.

All of my explanations would usually be countered with, “But you still look Indian.” It felt like no matter what, my heritage was never recognized.

Someone would always downplay it, and force me into a cultural box, so that it would make sense to them.”

“Brown is like Indian… So you’re basically black,” a classmate had said to her in high school, and it is comments like this that lit a fire under Tiara.

She started digging into (his/her) story, but before the dig happened, a young writer had been developing, not knowing exactly where it was going to take her…

“When I was a kid, I loved coming up with stories. I would make little books, staple papers together,” Tiara chuckles. “I started experimenting more in high school. I went as far as to take a creative writing course; for me writing was always very personal.”

Tiara went to Centennial College for journalism, and she quickly discovered that it was a different form of writing.

“News writing was not creative.

I enjoyed journalism, but I didn’t like the lack of freedom. There was a structured way of doing things, and this did not work for me. I liked doing human-interest stories, but I did not connect to the other aspects of journalism.

I wanted more freedom, and in the journalism program I knew I wouldn’t get it, so I left. There was very little cultural sensitivity, even though there were students in the class that were people of colour. Like I said, I could not connect.”

In early 2020 the pandemic hit, and magically things started happening for Tiara.

“I got involved in the Brown Gyal Diaries. I started writing pieces for them, and then became Editor in Chief. This is when I started to deep dive into my historical journey. I had to dig backwards to figure out how to navigate the future.”

The pandemi c gave Tiara the time to develop herself.

“I began reading a lot, and two very impactful books that I read were short stories: Trinidadian Noires, and Jahaji. I thought they were great books, but they were missing a modern voice. The writers were from my grandparent’s generation, and our parent’s generation.

I started thinking about my own generation living in the diaspora, and I didn’t see a voice that represented us.”

She met a group of writers who were all on the same journey, and Tiara was drawn to their work.

“My next thought was, what if we put our work together, looking at our life?

I put out a more formal call for submissions in July of 2020, and that is when the book was born.

The first book came out in May in 2021. The reaction was more than I expected. So many of us were looking into our pasts, figuring out our identities. People really enjoyed it, and found themselves represented.

People were calling it, Chicken Book for the Soul, the Indo-Caribbean version.”

It seemed like the more research she did, the more that she was able to put the pieces together for herself, and other members of the Indo-Caribbean Community.

“I want young people to have an understanding of their Indo-Caribbean heritage, and hopefully avoid the identity crisis that plagued me for so many years. It is why I had to put together the second book, “Two Times Removed Volume II: Indo-Caribbean Stories of Love, Resilience and Exploration.”

Tiara admits that while she is still exploring what it means to be Indo-Caribbean, she is able to find solace and pride in knowing that her roots are rich with (her/his) story.

Diving deep into her historical background Photographer: Photo Credit: Phillip Miller

Myles “Jay” Joseph

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 3

Scientists used to be proud to tell people they work at the CDC. Now they are embarrassed!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“It’s like a horror movie I’m being forced to watch, and I can’t close my eyes. People are getting bad advice and we can’t say anything.”

Senior Official with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration There is something happening in North America; you could say an awakening, but for those who are not spiritual, it could be called a shift in thought.

For the last two years, we have been told to “Trust our health officials,” and “Trust the science,” and for some people, these statements are no longer enough. In the middle of this public health crisis, it was found that half of Americans do not have high trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other major public health organizations when it comes to recommendations they make to improve health.

In one poll, 32% said they think the information provided by their state health officials is unreliable, which is of course a problem if agencies expect a large share of people to change their health behaviours

based on information provided by state health departments.

This shift is also being seen North of the border. There is a noticeable decline in how trusting Canadians are of their leaders and institutions as the pandemic drags on. A report from the Proof Strategies CanTrust Index (February, 2022) found that Canadians have become less trusting since the pandemic started around two years ago, especially when it comes to government and politicians.

Surveyors asked 1,536 Canadians about their trust in leaders, sources of information, and institutions, from January 4th, 2022, to January 16th, 2022. They found that the overall trust among Canadians is at 34% in 2022, down from 37% a year ago and 45% in 2018.

It make sense that the public is starting to doubt what they are being fed through mainstream media, but what is concerning is that the very same officials and institutions that have been involved in developing protocols are facing an exodus at alarming levels.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are complaining that they are plagued with low morale amongst their staff.

In an article written by: Marty Makary M.D., M.P.H., and Tracy Beth Høeg M.D., Ph.D., they revealed “At the NIH, doctors and scientists complain to us about low morale and lower staffing: The NIH’s Vaccine Research Center has had many of its senior scientists leave over the last year,

including the director, deputy director and chief medical officer.”

Apparently, the CDC has experienced a similar exodus. “There has been a large amount of turnover, and morale is low,” stated one high-level official at the CDC. “Things have become so political, so what are we there for?”

Another CDC scientist told them, “I used to be proud to tell people I work at the CDC. Now I’m embarrassed. CDC failed to balance the risks of COVID with other risks that come from closing schools. Learning loss, mental health exacerbations were obvious early on and those worsened as the guidance insisted on keeping schools virtual. CDC guidance worsened racial equity for generations to come. It failed this

generation of children.”

In September 2021, Marion Gruber, Director of the FDA’s Office of Vaccines Research & Review, and 32-year veteran of the agency announced that she would be leaving at the end of October 2021, and OVRR Deputy Director Phil Krause, who’s been at FDA for more than a decade, left in November.

Now the question we should all be asking ourselves is, why such a high turnover rate during such a critical time in our history? What is not being disclosed to the public? I would love to speak with anyone who has left these two agencies, because I have some questions. We as the public deserve to know what is being hidden from us. WE deserve answers.

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 5

It looks like Ontario students will be returning to full-time, in-person school in the fall PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On Monday, July 25th, 2022, in a news release titled, “Ontario Launches Its Plan to Catch Up,” subtitled, “Plan Starts with Students Back in Classrooms, On time.” Details can be seen on the Ontario government website: news.ontario.ca.

Ontario Minister of Education states, “Our government is looking ahead as we remain squarely focused on ensuring students receive the best stable learning experience possible, and that starts with them being in class, on time, with all of the experiences students deserve. We have a plan for students to catch up, including the largest tutoring program in Ontario’s history, a modernized skills-focused curriculum to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and enhanced mental health support.”

The five key components of the plan are: •

• • • •

Getting kids back in classrooms in September, on time, with a full school experience that includes extra-curricular like clubs, band, and field trips New tutoring supports to fill gaps in learning Preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow Providing more money to build schools and improve education Helping students with historic funding for mental health supports

Further information on the full Plan to

Catch Up can be seen on ontario.ca/CatchUp. In preparing for the 2022-2023 school year, it states, “Our plan starts with a return to in-person learning, on time, and with all the experiences students need and deserve like: sports, clubs and field-trips.

Nothing is more important. Our plan also provides historic support to help keep students engaged and on track so they can reach their goals, including a new province-wide tutoring program - the largest of its kind in the country-and expanded summer learning.”

In the plan, the Ontario government touts the fact that it has invested $26.6 billion in funding for the 2022-23 school year with about $175 million going towards enhanced tutoring programs, and $304 million in time-limited funding to hire 3,000 front line staff.

Minister Leece, in a press conference in Ajax reiterated the importance of ensuring that two million Ontario students are exposed to in-person learning. He states, “It is so consequential to children’s mental and physical health.”

Karen Littlewood, President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation is supportive of the resumption of extracurricular activities but expressed reservations about COVID-19 risks in schools, given that mask mandates have been eliminated from schools. The opposition NDP released a statement that notes, “The Conservative government will not invest even one more dollar in Ontario’s kids.”

Marit Stiles, NDP education critic states, “Teachers and education workers are being laid off. Our kids’ class sizes are far too big and growing. Children still aren’t getting anywhere near enough support for their mental health, and teachers and education workers are leaving. What we needed to hear from Stephen Leece today is that the government is increasing the education budget- not that they’re holding the line.”

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

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

The idea that Smartphones are potentially harming our health is too much for some people MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Research has shown that there is a connection between radiation caused by cell phones, and brain tumors as well. This information has been made public by Hunter Lundy, a personal injury attorney who is now involved in a lawsuit against the cell phone industry.

Lundy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr, head up this legal team that is representing the family of the late Reverend Frank Aaron Walker who died on December 31st, 2020, at age 49, from a glioblastoma brain tumor, or what Lundy referred to as a “cell phone tumor.”

This lawsuit names some of the world’s cell phone giants like: Motorola, AT&T, ZTE Corporation, Cricket Communications, and the Telecommunications Industry Association as defendants.

As far back as 2007-2009 a casecontrolled study in the “National Library of Medicine” revealed that there was a connection between brain tumors and mobile/cordless phone use. The study also finds, “When used these phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) and the brain is the main target organ for the handheld phone.”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as far back as May 2011 classified RF-EMF as a group 2B, i.e. a ‘possible’ human carcinogen. The main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between especially long-term use of wireless phones and the development of malignant brain tumors.

As more and more people get more attached to their phones, another study on Taiwanese women has revealed a connection between women, breast cancer, and the smartphone.

The participants in this study were asked to respond to standard questionnaires to collect information on sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and smartphone use. “Those with smartphone addiction had a significantly higher 1.43-fold risk of breast cancer.”

A closer distance between the smartphone and the breasts when using the smartphone exhibited a significantly increased 1.59-fold risk. Participants who carried their smartphone near their chest or waist-abdomen area had significantly increased 5.03-fold and 4.06-fold risks of breast cancer, the study showed.

There was a synergistic effect

between smartphone addiction and smartphone use of 4.5 minutes before bedtime, which increased the breast cancer risk, overall, too much smartphone use greatly increased the risk of breast cancer, particularly for participants with smartphone addiction, a close distance between the breasts and smartphone, and the habit of using a smartphone just before retiring for bed.

Lundy in conversation with Kennedy revealed, “There are studies that show that men who put their cell phones in their pockets have low sperm counts.

We know today that there are studies on women showing that women who use jogging bras with pockets to put their phones in were showing tumors on the exact place where the phones were resting.

Until they step up to the plate and admit it, everybody should be held accountable,” he said, “Why should they get a break when they know the truth and there are consequences to their wrongful conduct.”

Joel Moskowitz a researcher in The School of Public Health at Berkeley has tried for a long time to sound the alarm that cell phones are bad for people’s health, but was ignored.

“People are addicted to their smartphones,” said Moskowitz. “We use them for everything now, and, in many ways, we need them to function in our daily lives. I think the idea that they’re potentially harming our health is too much for some people.”

Finally, according to Pew Research, 97% of Americans own cell phones, and most recently, on March 1st, 2021, a report was released by the former director of the National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which concluded that there is a “high probability” that radiofrequency radiation emitted by cell phones causes gliomas and acoustic neuromas, two types of brain tumors.

Sources • Hardell L, Carlberg M, Söderqvist F, Mild KH. Case-control study of the association between malignant brain tumors diagnosed between 2007 and 2009 and mobile and cordless phone use. Int J Oncol. 2013 Dec;43(6):183345. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2013.2111. Epub 2013 Sep 24. PMID: 24064953; PMCID: PMC3834325.

• Shih, Ya-Wen et al. “The Association Between Smartphone Use and Breast Cancer Risk Among Taiwanese Women: A Case-Control Study.”

Cancer management and research vol. 12 10799-10807. 29 Oct. 2020, doi:10.2147/CMAR.S267415

NEWS

PAGE 7

NEWS

PAGE 8

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Photo Credit: CTV News Vancouver Island

Hidden emails reveal that Dr. Bonnie Henry knew about vaccine reactions and did nothing about them Health Officer.

What has been written about her is wonderful, but unfortunately there are emails that have come to light that shed a dark light on her legacy.

The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper received damning emails that clearly show that Dr Henry not only was aware of adverse effects from the vaccination on the Indigenous community but has kept them quiet.

One of the first emails was sent on January 5th, 2021, at 6:36 pm. In the email she states, “I received a call or email (I don’t recall) on December 24th, saying that there was a person who had an allergic reaction at the clinic in the North. They received epinephrine and were observed in the ED for a few hours. Then there was a second one that happened that day…

On January 17th, 2021 another email was sent out stating, “I have copied Dr Monika Naus who is leading our AEFI reporting and causality team. We have been working nationally on how to report deaths temporally associated with VACCINATION, especially considering the population we are immunizing now…”

Another email was sent to Dr Henry on January 17th, 2021, to inform her of a death that had occurred; “Hello Bonnie. I wanted to give you a heads up on the death of a CSC inmate who received the Moderna vaccine.

They received the vaccine to ensure no wasted doses from vial provided to vaccinate other inmates at that institution. At this point, the CSC does not consider the death to be linked to the vaccine…”

On February 10th, 2021 another email was sent with some important information; “We are receiving an increasing number of reports unfamiliar to health

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Truly, I am saddened by what was forwarded to me last week, and like many of my other reports concerning the COVID-19 roll out, I deliver this information with a heavy heart.

I would like to introduce you to Dr. Bonnie Henry, a well-known doctor from Canada and the Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia (BC). She was delegated to the situation in 2018.

Dr Henry has broad information in worldwide pandemics, precaution medication, and general wellbeing, given her earlier work as the lead clinical chief for the BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC).

She was designated “One of the best general well being related figures on the planet” by The New York Times in 2020, and the Canadian public papers alluded to her as a “Quieting voice in an ocean of Covid frenzy.”

Dr Bonnie Henry is functioning as Provincial Health Officer for the Province of BC, and she is additionally an academic administrator at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of British Columbia today.

Henry is responsible for watching out for everybody’s wellbeing in British Columbia and executing measures for illness counteraction, control, and wellbeing advancement and security as a Provincial RY 10TH

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care professionals accustomed to local reactions after vaccines of unusual local reactions following the Moderna vaccine…

There may be an initial local reaction, which resolves over a few days, and then returns around 8-10 days after the vaccine receipt and maybe accompanied by an usual appearing area of ringed erythema.

As well as pruritus…”

The person then mentions that the FDA had sent them information on this happening to other participants. I find it interesting that these reactions are not mentioned in mainstream media, but I digress…

A report was sent to Dr Henry on March 11th, 2021, again noting information that has not been released to the public: “This is today’s report. You will see my note about AstraZeneca suspension.

Nothing concerning based on BC rates, but we are continuing to see anaphylaxis reported at higher rates then the Canadian average. It is clear that some people are being over treated eg., vomiting five minutes after receiving the vaccine…”

In a follow up email Dr Henry thanks the sender for sending the report and tells her to share it with another doctor. She also asks how she should share this information with the public. A member of her team tells her to be transparent because there might be members of the community who might be experiencing similar concerns and may not know how to report them. They advise her to tell the public to report any symptoms that they might be experiencing due to the vaccine. They reminded her that the public needs to be aware so that they can make an informed decision when choosing if they want to be vaccinated or not.

On March 25th, 2022 the BCCDC COVID-19 Oversite CMTE sent Dr Henry in-

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formation about some of their concerns: “We were presented with a summary of the European CSVT cases following AstraZeneca vaccination by Dunuta. As Chair of the CMTE, I want to share my high level of concern with the findings namely: • • • •

Severe nature of the AEFI (High case fatality and sequelae risk Young age of cases Unusual features, which make this a unique clinical phenotype Excess risk associated with AZ vaccination

I urge that decision makers review this information as soon as possible to consider whether to pause the use of the vaccine until further investigations are completed, to understand the risk to BC residents…

Dr Henry is cc’d in emails concerning devastating injuries in the Lytton community. A doctor from the Lytton community also reaches out to Dr Henry about what they have seen during the vaccine roll out, and they share their concerns, again noting severe adverse reactions.

The rest of the emails speak to adverse reactions that are seen in patients who have received the Pfizer vaccine. The patients report: strokes, blood clots, complete immobility of the body, hives…

This was shocking for me to read, and I am appalled that someone in Dr Henry’s position has not come forward with this information. It makes me think, what else is the government hiding from us?

Community, I urge you to pay attention to your body. If you notice anything, please go and see a trusted physician. Don’t keep this information to yourself. Who knows whose life you coming forward could save.

NEWS

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 9

Fame Holiday sells out Mississauga Celebration Square; introducing the launch of Fame Festival SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“I was speaking to Jamin Lewis Hines, more popularly known as Fame Holiday.

I had been watching this young man for months. There was something about his style, his energy. I had taken the time to listen to some of his music. From the high energy on his song, “Bring it Back,” to the Afro-Caribbean vibes on “Tonight,” the baby making vibes of the song “Intoxicated,” and his songs that were written to represent the struggle, Fame continues to show the world that not only is he the hottest artist on the rise…”

(Simone Jennifer Smith, March 10th, 2021) As I read these words back to myself, I couldn’t help but smile. Every time that I write about this young man, it is because he has done something so impressive, it

would be a shame if it was not documented for future generations to see.

I went back and reviewed all the times that I had featured the young man we know as Fame Holiday and was not surprised that we had been creatively documenting this young man’s rise (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=zipe8hlnOBA).

I remember on December 8th, 2021, Fame had invited me to “The Parkdale Drink,” located at 1292 Queen Street West. It was the perfect setting for his private release party. He had all the elements: local artists, theme designed invitations, FAME merchandise, a passionate promotional team, local media (Toronto Caribbean Newspaper of course), and fantastic food and drinks.

It is no wonder that this young man has amassed over a million streams with his projects. His work has got the eye of the media, and he has received rave reviews and critical acclaim from the likes of: Complex, CBC Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and Toronto’s biggest hip-hop station FLOW 93.5.

We thought we had seen Fame Holiday at his pinnacle when he released the “Showtime” album, but my last experience with Fame reminded me of what I had seen in this young man over three years

ago.

I want to interject here with a thought; talent must never be confused with skills. When identifying talent, you are looking for a person’s untapped potential. Any other skill that is needed can be taught. It is why I take every opportunity to encourage, build up, challenge, and speak positivity into the young people I encounter. It is probably one of the reasons why Fame is so willing to share the products of his hard work with me.

This time, Fame Holiday did something that has not been done in Mississauga. He teamed up with the city to curate his own music festival, and his hometown showed up in a huge way. In his discussion with the city, he expressed that there was a lack of opportunities for hip-hop and R&B artists.

“It all started for me at the beginning of the year,” Fame shares. “I went to a concert at Rose Theater, and I saw that Brampton was making it happen. I was like, ‘why are we not doing anything like this in Mississauga?’ I know for a fact that Mississauga artists do not have outlets to showcase their music.

I won an award for my video last year from the City of Mississauga, so I knew whom to reach out to with this idea that I

had in mind. My initial goal was to be the person who arranges hip-hop, and R&B events in the city. Let me cater to that audience. It worked out perfectly, because they had been devising ways to reach out to that audience, but they were unsure of how to do that.

They gave me a date, and told me this was my chance. I knew I had to go big or go home, so I thought to myself, let me market this as my festival,” and that he did.

On Friday, July 22nd, Holiday performed to a sold-out crowd at the Celebration Square alongside: Romeyo Wilson, Bugatti Bons, Ameerah, N.R.M.N, Sea Sick, and other impressive young talents.

It was supposed to be called “Rock the Coliseum,” but we instead decided to call it Fame Fest. What is amazing is now we are in talks for the bigger stage next year.”

I know that how things usually go with local talent is they have to leave where they are from, become a success abroad, and then they are given notoriety in their home cities. I choose not to overlook our young, home grown talent. Fame continues to show our city that he must never be counted out; there is still so much to do.

Accusations of abuse of Aboriginal patients found within the Canadian Mental Health system STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Members of the Aboriginal and 1st Nations community who require or need mental health services are often restrained and secluded at a much higher rate than the general population. Investigations have been carried out by our government’s health agency, into the accusations made by many 1st Nation community members’ families that their family members have experienced

undue mistreatment at a time when they were vulnerable, in need of empathy and assistance.

Canada’s Mental Awareness Council reported that more than 7.5% of Aboriginal people admitted to Canada’s Health Facilities were subjected to seclusion, while 1st Nations make up just 3.5% of the total people admitted. Aboriginal and 1st Nations patients were also restrained 6.8% higher than the general population. There is a 14% health gap between Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people.

This could answer the question as to why 1st Nations people might be apprehensive to seek both medical and mental health assistance. While these mental health services and acute medical units are supposed to make people feel safe, this small sector of the population actually and deliberately avoid these services for fear of poten-

tial mistreatment. Are they being harmed by and traumatized by these practices?

Aboriginal adult patients were often isolated more than once during their stays, while isolation of other patients happened less often. There is a lack of information regarding what type of seclusion or restraint was applied. Also information regarding the treatment of adult and youthful Aboriginals in the Emergency Centers (ER) was lacking. The key to understanding people’s experiences in the system is for us to have more data, and making that data easily available. This data is seemingly nonexistent.

Understanding who is using the health system, how and why is essential. To understand 1st Nations patient’s relationship with “the system” requires purposeful data collection.

• • • • •

What is their relationship with the system?

Is a seclusion room culturally safe for 1st Nation’s patients, or other cultures?

Are Aboriginal Medical Centres better suited to these population groups?

Do healing centres need to be more complementing of their social and emotional wellbeing?

Does a hospital visit cause cultural and emotional trauma?

Cultural safety is a huge barrier to delivering appropriate healthcare to many. To go to a hospital/mental health centre at your greatest time of need and be: judged, secluded and possibly restrained is an experience no one should have to go through. The practice of seclusion and restraints should be used appropriately, only when necessary, and phased out of the system over time.

The Black Battalion: 1916-1920, Canada’s best kept military secret PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The apology by the Canadian government to the descendants of the No.2 Construction battalion over 102 years after they were disbanded without recognition was historic. It took place on Saturday, July 9th, 2022, in Truro, Nova Scotia. The work of this battalion has been documented in the book by Calvin W. Ruck titled, “The Black Battalion: 1916- 1920, Canada’s Best Kept Military Secret.”

Information about the apology can be seen on the Government of Canada’s website: pm.gc.ca. The No.2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was

created on July 5th, 1916, in Pictou, Nova Scotia, during the First World War. After being relocated to Truro, Nova Scotia on September 9th, 1916, over 600 men from across Canada as well as the United States and the West Indies were initially accepted into it.

The men of No. 2 Construction Battalion were denied serving in the front-line units due to the colour of their skin. On June 1st, 2022. No.2 Construction Battalion was awarded the ‘France and Flanders,’ 1917-1’ Battle Honour, a distinguished military honour recognizing and paying tribute to their brave service in the Great War. Prior to the official apology by the federal government, a community-led National Apology Advisory Committee (NAAC) along with the Canadian Armed Forces engaged in six community consultations across Canada. 690 descendants of former members of No.2 Construction Battalion serve as volunteers, as well as community leaders and historians.

There were eight recommendations that resulted from the work of the NAAC

which were accepted by the government.

One of the significant recommendations was that Canada come together as a country to honour the No.2 Construction Battalion due to the fact that it is Black history of national significance.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in his speech, “For the blatant anti-Black hate and systemic racism that denied these men dignity in life and death, we are sorry.

Only when the truths of the past are acknowledged can we begin to dress the wounds they created and build a better, more inclusive Canada for all.” He concludes, “The story of the No.2 Construction Battalion, and the stories of bravery, honour, and sacrifice of many other trailblazing Canadians, will play an important role in ensuring this horrible treatment never occurs again.”

Honourable Anita Anand (Minister of National Defence) states, “The members of the No.2 Construction Battalion were discriminated against before, during, and after their service in the Great War. We are deeply sorry to all of the Battalion’s descendants and

to the members of the Battalion who are no longer with us today. I hope that today’s apology will help recognize every Black Canadian who bravely served this country in times of war, and in the pursuit of peace. May today contribute to building a Canada that lives up to the ideals that the members of the Battalion fought so bravely to protect. We have more roads to travel, but we will keep walking that road together until we get this right.”

In many ways, this first and only allBlack battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history has left a lasting and indelible influence on Canada. Russel Grosse, Executive Director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia states, “The brave men of No.2 Construction Battalion served with pride and valour, despite the harsh adversity they faced. These Black Canadians, having a longstanding presence in our country, felt the patriotic call at war time, but sadly faced obstacles due to the colour of their skin. Today, we remember and honour their important legacy, as this is a step toward racial equality in our country.”

PAGE 10

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Denise Jones receives Honour Posthumously as a Brampton Arts Walk of Fame inductee at the JAMBANA: One World Festival PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It is fitting that Denise Jones who was known throughout the Caribbean community, Canada, and the world be inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame. Denise, who died in 2020 was posthumously inducted on Sunday, July 31st, 2022, in Garden Square at the JAMBANA: One Word Festival in Brampton.

The headline artist for the festival was Lt. Stitchie of dancehall fame. In addition,

there were performances by Nana McLean, Steele, Blessed, Ammoye, Kirk Diamond and Soul Sessions. Master T and Tanya Mullings of FLOW 98.7 hosted the event. Grand Master Rosa and Joshua Lucas presented the music.

Dance Caribe performed Soca and Reggae dances and Ms. Letna showcased her acting skills.

A press release from the City of Brampton on July 4th, 2022, states, “Denise Jones spent her life championing Afro-Caribbean culture in Canada and around the world through her company, Jones & Jones Production, Canada’s first black-led talent and management agency. Jones was a champion for Black creators, entertainers and artists, particularly Reggae music, in all forms and was the founding Chair of the Reggae category for the JUNO Awards.”

Along with her husband, Allan Jones, she was the founder of the JAMBANA: One Word Festival, which is recognized as the

second largest cultural event in Canada. The website: jambana.com states, “In May, Denise was posthumously awarded with the Walt Grealis Special Award by the Juno Award.

This award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly impacted the growth and development of the Canadian music industry.”

There has been recognition of the great work that Denise did during the time she was involved in management, organization, and planning events to promote African-Canadian artists. Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton states, “Denise Jones was a longtime Brampton resident, and one of the most influential change-makers in the world of Canadian music, dedicating her life and career to championing reggae, Black entertainment, Jamaican Canadian culture, and being a fierce advocate for Black and Caribbean arts.”

In addition, Rowena Santos, Chair,

Community Services for the City of Brampton notes, “We honour Denise Jones for breaking down barriers in the music industry, and thank her family for accepting the Brampton Art Walk of Fame award on her behalf. Her legacy will live on.”

In a press release from Jones & Jones Productions, Jerimi Jones, son and event producer for JAMBANA: One World Festival states, “We never really got a chance to do a public celebration of my mom in 2020 due to the pandemic. This is the first time we’ve gotten the chance to do so, and there’s no better place than at the festival she poured so much into. On behalf of the Jones family, I just want to say a big thank you to the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame for this recognition. It really means a lot to us, and we are proud to accept this award on behalf of my Mom. We hope everyone can join us at JAMBANA as we celebrate her life and our nation’s diversity.”

If it doesn’t feel right, check it out! Study finds that COVID-19 vaccines have the potential to disrupt women’s menstrual cycles SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Our decades of experience with vaccines also show that if there are going to be side effects, we pick them up within the first month or two.”

Elizabeth Finkel (Cosmos, The Science of Everything) In the next few years, we are going to bare witness to the abhorrent effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. I want to warn readers to be mindful of the media wordplay, governmental officials who tell you to “Trust the Science” and anyone who serves to profit from the massive vaccination rollout that we have seen in the last two years.

More and more stories are drawing attention to the fact that vaccination side effects can be more varied than what is being discussed in mainstream media.

“Side effects—while temporarily

uncomfortable—are a standard part of vaccination,” says Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine and a member of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory committee. “They show that the body is responding to the shot and mounting an immune response.”

What is not being reported is the fact that women are experiencing heavy, debilitating menstrual periods. Unfortunately, like many of the other side effects, many women are not taking into consideration that the vaccine is responsible for what they are experiencing.

In October 2021, five institutions were awarded one-year grants totalling $1.67 million to explore potential links between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual changes.

Researchers at Boston University, Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan State University, and Oregon Health and Science University investigated whether such changes may be linked to the COVID-19 vaccine itself, or if they are coincidental, the mechanism underlying any vaccine-related changes, and how long any changes last.

The studies used blood, tissue, and saliva samples collected before and after vaccination to analyse any immune or hor-

mone changes. Other studies used established resources such as large cohort studies and menstrual cycle tracking apps to collect and analyse data from racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse populations. Two studies focused on specific populations, including adolescents and people with endometriosis.

Some results have come back from the various studies that have been conducted. One study surveyed over 35,000 women who were fully vaccinated, with the majority of the cohort receiving a Pfizer jab followed

by Moderna.

In the sample, 42% of people with regular menstrual cycles bleed more heavily than usual, while 44% reported no change after being vaccinated,” summarized researchers.

In sum, 42.1% of women reported experiencing a heavier menstrual flow after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, 14.3% reported a mix of lighter or no change, and 43.6% reported no change in flow.

The new study, “Investigating Trends in Those who Experience Menstrual Bleeding Changes After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination,” was published in the journal Science Advances. Another study that was funded by the NIH found that COVID-19 vaccines had the potential to lengthen women’s menstrual cycles, as well.

To learn whether there was a connection between vaccination and changes in menstruation, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) recently released a notice of special interest for researchers to compare the menstruation experiences of vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

According to the NIH, as more people are vaccinated for COVID-19, it is possible to gain a better understanding of short and long-term effects of the vaccines. I want readers to STOP here and read that again.

Fact-checkers have claimed that this is not experimental, but I want you to block the noise, and note that they are trying to gain a better understanding about a vaccine that they claim was safe and effective.

NIH goes on to say that scientific evidence could also help unvaccinated people understand what, if any, menstruation-related side effects to expect from a COVID-19 vaccine. If the vaccine were tested effectively, there would not be a need to better understand anything.

For my female readers, please start paying attention to your period, monitor your symptoms, and if you notice anything that does not seem right, find yourself a trusted physician to find out what is really happening to your body.

Minister Stephen Leece holds Cultural Media Conference to address issues surrounding Ontario’s Plan to maximize students’ learning opportunities PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On Tuesday, July 26th, 2022, Ontario Education Minister, Stephen Leece held an important cultural media roundtable to address issues that arose from the release of a new plan for the upcoming school year.

His Parliamentary Assistants, Patrice Barnes along with Matthew Rae, introduced Minister Leece to the roundtable. MPP Barnes was nominated as the PC candidate in Ajax and elected to the Legislative Assembly of

Ontario at the June 2nd, 2022, provincial election. She is a former school trustee with the Durham District School Board, a wife, mother, and community leader. She is an extremely organized individual with a handson approach, which enables her to juggle many different jobs.

Minister Leece started the roundtable by describing details of Ontario’s “Plan to Catch Up.” He highlighted the significant points, such as the fact that the Ontario government has invested heavily in public education with respect to the $26.6 billion that was allotted during the last budget. Of this amount, $175 million is earmarked toward enhancing tutoring support programs, which will involve school boards and community partners working together to ensure that students’ basic reading, writing, and math skills are developed.

“With almost 50,000 children benefiting from Ontario’s tutoring investments every week, and summer learning programs

underway province-wide, Ontario’s plan is getting students back on track. With an emphasis on getting back to basics, our government is focused on strengthening life and job skills in the classroom, so that students graduate as financially literate, technologically savvy, emotionally intelligent leaders for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Minister Leece reiterates that the goal of the revised elementary mathematics curriculum is to ensure that students pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. He is convinced that this will be the wave of the future in education, and he wants Ontario students to thrive in these careers that will create financially successful jobs.

During the roundtable, questions were raised about the state of the negotiation between the teachers’ unions, and the government with respect to the expiration of contracts. Minister Leece assured the attendees that the Ontario government believes it is

a priority to put the interests of the students first and that hopefully the contracts will be settled in time to avert future job actions.

The Ontario government would like to ensure that students resume normal activities that were suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic such as: clubs, bands, and field trips.

Teachers’ unions have raised concerns about the cutback in public education with respect to the reduction in funding that will impact class sizes, programs, and services.

The government disagrees and believes its investment is “historic funding.”

Overall, the Ontario government is convinced that getting students back in the classroom, providing new tutoring supports, emphasizing life and job skills, investing to build modern schools, and expanding mental health support is the way to go.

NEWS

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 11

Studies are now showing that beside tooth decay, bad teeth can cause a lot of health problems SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“As the years went by, I stopped looking inside my mouth. When I brushed, I wrapped my lips around the toothbrush, so I wouldn’t get a glimpse of the terror within. Of course, I stopped smiling. And I covered my mouth with my hand when I laughed. The horror show in my mouth became my shameful secret, and I went to great lengths to hide it from everyone.”

Anonymous You would be surprised at how common stories like the one above are. Sometimes people don’t have the means to go to a dentist on a regular basis, and because of this they live with years of pain and embarrassment. The thing is not taking care of your mouth could cause more problems than just losing teeth.

Tooth decay is the most common

health problem caused by bad teeth. It occurs when food particles are trapped in between and on top of your teeth, where it will eventually turn into plaque. Bacteria feed off this plaque and create acid, which eats through the enamel of your tooth.

Another disturbing health problem is heart disease. Plaque inside of your arteries causes heart disease, and science is showing that if you have any type of build-up in your mouth it can travel to your heart. This build-up will cause trouble for your heart and it may even lead to a heart attack.

Your immune system needs to stay healthy and strong in order for your body to fight off disease and infection. Unfortunately, bad teeth can decrease your immunity because of the bacteria that has been spreading throughout your mouth.

Finally, plaque on your teeth may contain a lot of zinc and copper, which is bad, because these metals will accumulate in your brain. This accumulation can cause dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some scary stuff right! I guess this means that we are going to have to find ways to prevent any of these things from happening.

When is the best time to brush your

teeth?

You might be surprised to hear that the best time to brush your teeth is not immediately after eating – especially if you’ve had very acidic or sugary food or drink. This is because sugar and acid weaken tooth enamel, and you may damage your teeth by brushing them when they have just been exposed. Instead, rinse your mouth with water straight after eating and brush your teeth 30-60 minutes later.

Should you floss before or after brushing?

The NHS and the Oral Health Foundation both recommend flossing before brushing teeth since this helps clean the surfaces between the teeth, making the fluoride in toothpaste more effective. However, there is also a case for flossing after you brush, as this helps spread fluoride between the teeth. Either way, the important thing is that you floss regularly.

Should you brush your tongue?

Brushing your tongue helps to combat bad breath, and lower the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is not as effective as using a tongue scraper, though. The special design of tongue scrapers also makes them less

likely to trigger your gag reflex.

What are some good tooth care practices?

Angle the brush at 45 degrees, and when brushing the sides of your teeth, tilt your brush 45 degrees so that the bristles can reach inside the small gap between your teeth and gums. If plaque builds up in this pocket, it can lead to gum disease.

The easiest way to explain this is to push your soft toothbrush very gently downwards into your gum pockets, then move upwards to clean spaces in-between your teeth and your teeth. Do this for each tooth and gum pocket and you won’t believe what comes out of those pockets.

Many of us have the bad habit of brushing hard across the teeth, neglecting to clean the gum level and that is the worst way to clean your teeth. Also being in front of a mirror while you brush your teeth instead of doing a walk or standing outside, will condition you to concentrate on cleaning each tooth instead of brushing hard while you think over some situation in your life.

Healthcare extends past the body, and mental. We want you to take care of every part of your body so that you can live your best life, all day, every day!

Cautious optimism expressed by Black community advocates in response to new anti-racism policy of the Peel District School Board PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The release of the new anti-racism policy by the Peel District School Board (PDSB), which was approved by its Board of Trustees on June 22nd, 2022, is greeted with caution.

It was revealed that Bruce Rodrigues approved it, Supervisor of the PDSB and an operational procedure is currently underway. Yonnette Dey, System Superintendent of Equity, Community Leadership and Engagement acknowledges at the

June 22nd, Board meeting that the voices of Indigenous, Black and racialized communities were central in the formulation of the new policy. She states that it includes, “Accountability measures that foster inclusive, safe learning cultures, and working environments across PDSB” Idris Orughu, Executive Director of Advocacy for Peel acknowledges that there has been pushback against some of the ministry directives. He states, “We need people who believe in the work and say, ‘We want to do this not only because we have been mandated to do it, but because it is the right thing to do’.”

The PDSB plans to: • •

Collect data to inform issues like bullying and suspensions Advance inclusive learning with a culturally responsive curriculum

• • •

Provide intensive training to teachers and promote racially responsive leadership Actively ensure diversity and inclusion in its hiring, teacher training, promotion and leadership Have racially sensitive learning materials and establish a transparent complaint resolution process

Kearie Daniel, Executive Director of the advocacy group, Parents of Black Children (PoBC) expressed support for the brave Black students who talked boldly and took concrete steps to ensure that change in the PDSB occurred. She notes in a statement, “The Peel District School Board has a duty and obligation to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students. Their new policy against anti-Black racism is a step in the right direction that simply means they have work to do. Their actions moving forward

determine the relevance and strength of their policy.”

She further highlights the role of the BIPOC communities with respect to their role in fighting against systemic oppression. Gail Bannister-Clarke, President of Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local (PETL) wrote in a statement, “It is due to the advocacy of Black, Indigenous and racialized community groups that we are taking tangible steps to dismantle systems of oppression. We are thankful for their tireless work.

We are committed to partnering with the board to disrupt the oppressive systems that continue to exist in education and are uncompromising in our efforts to ensure safer learning and working spaces for all students and staff.”

Harinder Malhi, states that she’s “Pleased to see the PDSB has taken the first step in building inclusive learning spaces for our diverse communities.”

PAGE 12

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Culture, costume and Carnival — Becoming a Queen Documentary Is A Caribbean Treasure for the community to remember history in the making SELINA McCALLUM salina@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

When people are on the road for Caribana, they see the glitter and glamour of the beautifully, overwhelming costumes, but the hard work that goes into designing, building, and performing can sometimes go unnoticed.

New award-winning documentary film written, directed, and produced

by Chris Strikes follows the rise and legacy of Canada’s most decorated Caribbean Carnival Queen, Joella Crichton, as she aims to win a historic tenth title in her last ever competition. The documentary also explores expressions of cultural identity, Caribbean artistry, and a community’s struggle against a lack of understanding of Carnival in the larger society.

Strikes started documenting Crichton, her sister, and their mother in 2017.

“So, I filmed Joella and Mischka, and other performers performance at the 2017, King and Queen. And this was at a time where like, I had jokingly proposed the idea to Joella that, you know, we should tell her story because I thought that there was something special there, especially when you’re in her mom, Lou Ann’s, house and you see all the carnival memorabilia all over the walls. So, I was filming in 2017 with the sort of idea that like, we’d probably do this docu-

mentary,” said Strikes.

Crichton grew up in Scarborough, Ontario. She was a shy high school student who blossomed into a genuine star. She reminisces on her childhood as she felt a sort of belonging when preparing for mas.

“Being at the mas camp as a kid and being around other people who were the same culture as me and connecting with them, I really find that as an important aspect of childhood, especially for people whose parents are immigrants. Because it gives you a sense of belonging, and it gives you a sense of understanding of who you are outside of Canadian life,” said Crichton “I’ve talked to people like during this film, and it’s brought back a lot of my feelings about, just at school, feeling Canadian, and then at home, feeling Caribbean.”

Strikes built on the backstory from Joella’s childhood and family background, but also the history of Carnival.

“It was important for me to not only tell Joella’s story, but also just tell like the history and the cultural significance of Carnival. I wanted this film to be accessible to a wider audience.” said Strikes. “Those historical elements were important for me, and even there’s people within the culture, who may not know the history that deep. For example, a friend of mine knows quite a bit about Carnival history, but she didn’t know that it went back as far as Egypt.”

The Caribbean tradition of parading through the street was founded in celebration of freedom and emancipation from slavery. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival or Caribana is one of the largest street festivals in North America and it attracts thousands of tourists every year leaving about half a million dollars to the economy of Toronto city.

Crichton helps keep the history alive in the minds of young people by teaching classes about Emancipation Day and the abolishment of slavery.

“People have to share and teach.

I think it is up to people like me to make sure that all of our Caribbean descendants here in Canada have a background in the culture. If it’s being lost, that’s really hard to say, because, for example, I was at the junior Carnival, and I see lots of kids there.

And they’re participating with their families, I think people are still participating in it but do those people all know, the history and the background.” said Crichton. “And that I feel is where maybe we need to focus so that people don’t lose the significance of the parade. So, I think the participation is continuing, but I don’t know if the importance of emancipation and freedom and the understanding of slavery and why this is so huge for Caribbean people is. I don’t know if that is remaining.”

The film also emphasizes and celebrates the intricate details that go into preparing for the competition and building the elaborate costumes; the history of the competition and Carnival in Toronto; Black and Caribbean-Canadian identity; and the fact that Caribbean communities do not hold the same narrow and exclusive standards of beauty as Europe and North America do.

“Everybody was just so confident, no matter what flag they’re waving, no matter where they came from, no matter what shade of skin color they had, no matter how big, how small, young, old, or mature, if you want to use that terminology. It’s just always so beautiful to me and I recognize Carnival as this safe space,” said the Director of Becoming a Queen.

This year, the parade celebrated its

55th anniversary after the pandemic forced cancellations in both 2020 and 2021. Strikes said that they finished filming before the pandemic hit, so the pandemic only gave him more time to edit the film and release it as the world was also opening up again.

Another event that came out of the pandemic was corporations and brands wanting to partner and support Black organizations, communities, and businesses due to the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020.

Adidas recently partnered with one of the most successful mas bands, Carnival Nationz. Crichton was in one of their promo videos that was advertised all over social media.

“They reached out to me, because of my history as Queen, which I thought was really cool. That was the most Black people I’ve worked with, and I had to mention it to them. I really appreciated that the girls who did my makeup, the girls who did my hair, the person who fit me for everything was Caribbean descent. It was really lovely to work with that much Black people on a set, and they wanted to focus on that.” said Crichton.

“I hope to see more of that from Adidas and other big-name brands and corporations as well, too. That would help to give a voice to the things that we’re talking about, like Carnival being fine art, Carnival being a safe space, and Carnival being diverse and for everybody. If these big brands can come on board and help us to communicate these messages, not just to our audience, but the wider audience as well, I think that’s really huge,” said Strikes.

Becoming a Queen is available to watch now on AppleTV, Google Play, and Youtube Premium. Visit Becoming A Queen for more information.

NEWS

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 13

The Incredible return of the King and Queen Show at Lamport Stadium The Ghost Keeper of the White Elephant.

The evening had entertainment to the max, besides the Mas costumes there were some of the best Calypso singers Toronto had to offer. Former Monarch and President of the Calypso Association Henry Gomez Aka King Cosmos brought his latest mega-hit “55” to the stage, and he was well received.

The audiences were thrilled by Soca giant and the longest reigning Monarch Joel Davis Aka Connector, he also showcased one of his monster- hits celebrating Caribana’s 55th anniversary with the spirited performance that he is always known for. Iwer George and Voice were on the entertainment list and as expected they pleased the crowd.

There was one thing missing from this event and this was the presence of the junior winners under 10 who had not been invited. Word has reached Toronto Caribbean Newspaper that they were left out abruptly and there are many questions and concerns surrounding this action.

The Festival Management Committee’s response according to our source was that due to the run of the show and schedule they had decided to do things differently, If however, this move is because of scheduling could it have been done differently to soften the blow to these children?

Will the children portion be reinstated next year? These are some of the questions that are being asked right now.

That being said, it was a fantas-

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

After almost three years of absence, the King and Queen of the band show and competition made a spectacular return to Lamport Stadium on July 28th, 2022 and there was no shortage of pageantry in this event.

The evening opened with the politicians and media personalities making their grand appearances, and even the weather was in sync with an evening of fun and festivity. I am usually at the Lamport Stadium location annually, but for a different reason, in the Caribbean, we call it “Ah lime.” That is where I would meet and greet all my friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in a long while.

Here are some of the names of the themes and mass costumes that were on display at this grand event.

In the Queen department there was: Nevaeh, Heavenly Carnival Queen, Streets on Fire, Atlanna Queen of Atlantis and a plethora of beautiful Queen’s decked out in sequins, diamonds, and feathers.

In the King’s department, the notable acts were: Safari, Streets on Fire, and

Photo Credit: Michael Thomas

tic evening on many counts. The evening whined down with the crowd dancing to the music of the house DJ, and awaiting the decision of the judges, which came just around midnight.

The 2022 Queen of the Carnival • Band Name: Tribal Carnival • Theme for Band: Tribal Carnival Kingdoms • Band Leader #1: Celena Seusahai • QUEEN Participant’s Name: Celena Seusahai • QUEEN Costume Portrayal Title: Atlanna Queen of Atlantis • QUEEN Costume Designer: Dexter Seusahai

The King of Carnival 2022 Band Leader #1: Marcus Eustace Band Leader #2: Bryce Augiton Band Name: Carnival Nationz Theme for Band: Queens and Goddesses • KING Participant’s Name: Shane Reid Mungal • KING Costume Title: D’Wedding: A Love Story • KING Costume Designer: Shane Reid Mungal TCN would like to wish all the participants and winners a happy and safe carnival.

Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance; Ways to prepare your home for blackouts! fully no injuries were reported.

The outage originally affected over 30,000 Hydro One customers, but Hydro One was on the ball and they had technicians work to resolve the issue, restoring power to at least 6,000 customers.

Hydro One tweeted, “We have determined that the outage was caused by a fire at one of our stations. The fire has been put out, and crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to assess damage and restore power.”

Reports state that the power was fully restored by 7:00 p.m. that evening.

What that major power outage underscored are the unique costs and challenges of being without power during the hottest days of the year. Power outages can be inconvenient and dangerous if you are not prepared. Yes, it could be an event like a fire, but it has been found that weatherrelated events cause almost 80% of all power outages, making it by far the most common reason for an outage. Regular weather occurrences, such as snow and ice, hail, lightning, winds, HEAT; humidity and

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

I swear, it is impossible to know everything that is happening in our country, much less what is happening around the world, and this makes me thankful for the members of our community who keep me up to date on living conditions that impact us or could impact us.

I am not sure if anyone heard about the major blackout that struck Prince Edward County and the Napanee on Saturday July 23rd, 2022. Apparently a fire at the Lennox power plant caused the outage.

Firefighters arrived at the plant after reports of an explosion and fire, and thankRY 10TH

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Disconnect all unnecessary appliances (i.e. toaster ovens, televisions, computers, etc.) in the event of power loss to prevent a surge once hydro is restored.

Drip faucets to prevent household pipes from freezing or bursting while the electricity is off.

Home generators can be a lifesaver during a blackout but must be installed and operated with care. Generators should only be connected outside the home to ensure proper ventilation from harmful fumes.

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flooding (whether from rain or rising tides) can all cause outages.

Now, it’s hard to predict when or if another blackout will strike, but we thought it would be a good idea to prepare the community in case of such an emergency.

We received some excellent and helpful advice from Michael Lopes, Operations Manager, Reliance Home Comfort for safeguarding your home against an unexpected power outage:

natalya@le

ndmorefina

ncial.ca

416-837-54 | www.lendm

60

orefinancia

l.ca

•

Stay far away from any downed or damaged power lines. Report any hydro-related issues to your utility company right away.

Power outages are unpredictable and can sometimes drag on for days. Every home should have a fully stocked emergency kit, with 72-hours’ worth of supplies. Here are some key items to include: • • • • • •

Non-perishable food (don’t forget about your furry friends!) and can opener Minimum of 2L of water per day, per family member Essential toiletries Flashlights and extra batteries Toilet paper and garbage bags Basic first aid kit

In life, I have always found the five P’s to be helpful in any and all situations: Prior Preparation, Prevents Poor Performance.

Something to keep in mind

PAGE 14

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

“Having sight but no vision!” When is the right time to hang up the car keys?

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER

Helen Keller, the disability rights advocate who lost her sight and hearing at 19 months of age, famously warned of “having sight but no vision.” Hers was a metaphor on living, but what happens to our eyesight as we age? And how common is it to have sight, but poor vision?

More specifically, how do we know when we need to make changes in our lives, because we are not seeing as well as we used to? Driving, for example, is an intensive visual undertaking, but glare sensitivity and reductions in visual field are

significant predictors of involvement in a crash. No amount of wisdom will help in the seconds before an accident you did not see coming.

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of driving accidents involving seniors. It’s also the main reason for being classified as legally blind for those over 55 years of age. The macula is a pin-sized area in the retina at the back of the eye that transmits images to the brain. Like a rifle bullet, it can zero in on small-sized distant objects. When the macula develops degenerative changes, night-time driving becomes especially hazardous.

Other changes occur in the eye as we age. Like other parts of the body, the eyelids begin to droop providing less peripheral vision.

The pigmented iris that makes us brown or blue-eyed involves tiny muscles that fail to increase the size of the pupil to let more light strike the retina. This loss of vision is not detectable during the day, but driving a car with droopy eyelids and small

pupils has the same effect as wearing sunglasses while driving at night.

Older drivers are also unable to adapt as quickly to changes in intensity of light. On occasion we’ve all complained, “Why didn’t that idiot turn off the high beams?” In this situation an aging iris contracts more slowly to the blazing light. But once the car has passed, it’s also slow in dilating to provide light for the dark road ahead. A light pigment called rhodopsin, that helps eyes adjust to night vision, also decreases as we age.

Today, most people are aware of the risk of developing cataracts in the lens in later years. The less transparent lens decreases the amount of light striking the retina and worsens night driving.

The final problem for the aging eye is photoreceptors in the retina. These cells transmit the image of an upcoming car to the brain. Older adults have lost onethird of these cells.

What can you do to decrease the hazards of driving at night? Mother urged

us to eat our carrots to maintain good vision and she was partly right. Carrots are rich in vitamin A needed to regenerate rhodopsin.

There’s no sure way to stop macular degeneration. Some authorities advise people to take a daily supplement containing lutein, a macular pigment that helps to slow down this disease. Others say eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables makes sense.

Cataract surgery can improve night vision.

A sure way to survive night driving is to be realistic about your ability to see well in the dark. Good sense dictates that as visual acuity decreases, it’s prudent not to drive after sunset.

Helen Keller embodied the triumph of perseverance over tragedy. She had youth and a good teacher on her side.

There is honour, too, in accepting when you have sight but poor vision.

The truth be told: The pandemic is still with us STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

I was going to visit an ill friend this past Saturday, but St. Michaels 9th floor was isolated with a COVID-19 outbreak. This also happened on the first floor of La Verendrye Hospital (Riverside) in Fort Francis as well the West Wing of Rainycrest was added to a large list of COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the nation.

The usual precautions are taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but are not limited to: • General visitors will be restricted to

• • •

the bottom floors of hospitals Palliative patients can have up to four visitors, two at a time, plus one essential caregiver Exposed staff will be separated from non-exposed medical staff N95 masks are essential for staff and visitors in all designated areas.

Emergency units in many hospitals are closing down for periods of a few days to a week and beyond throughout the nation, especially in medical centres, and hospitals in rural and small town locations. Lack of staff and personal staff fatigue are reasons for this continual action. Staff are often taking vacations, or just not returning to their employers. Lack of professional assistance, better pay and overall lacking working conditions seems to persist through our medical facilities.

Bill 124 has brought about controversy within the Ministry of Health amongst

various public sector unions and hospital staff members. Limiting pay increases to 1% annually, the medical and nursing staff of Ontario hospitals are calling for both legal and labour action. They have been staffing our hospitals all this while, and the pandemic continues to spread its viral tentacles with no end in sight.

All the weaknesses our health system had before the pandemic came continue to show themselves. Various governments seem unwilling to spend the needed funds to not only fight this virus, but also to strengthen the health system we rely upon.

For many of our national and regional governments the health portfolio has been and continues to be seen as a money pit, sucking up funds that many administrations could use elsewhere. Paying our experienced staff will keep them here where they are needed, not just now but in the near future too. Many hospitals are re-

ceiving newbie staff, without the necessary experience essential. Experienced medical staff members have become very much like essential managers who show their new associates how it gets done. Many of our governments are at fault, putting budgetary concerns before the welfare of our neighbours.

This is a global issue. Statistics place the need for new nurses within the region of the Caribbean at 7,500+, and in Latin-Central America at a further 18,330+.

Imagine how many skilled medical professionals passed away due to the pandemic.

All our hospitals are full, and medical professionals, namely family doctors, are still unprepared to deal with this pandemic, sending many of their patients to emergency centres. It is unfortunate to say, but many administrations pretend the worst of the pandemic is behind us.

New online campaign #CanWeTalkAboutIt launches to break the culture of silence around COVID-19 vaccine injuries PAUL JUNOR

•

paul@carib101.com

Agnieszka Wilson, one of the founders of the campaign, told The Defender that it was after taking the Tdap vaccine that she found out about issues related to vaccine injuries. She discovered a culture of silence pertaining to vaccine injuries. She states, “If you take a headache pill and you see that there’s a side effect that makes your skin blue, then you obviously might say ‘Okay, it might be from that, right? When it comes to vaccines you can’t really talk about these things.”

This silence triggered her to find out about vaccine injuries, and the silence pertaining to vaccine injuries led her to be an activist. She launched the New York Medical Freedom Coalition during her time in America, and after her return to Sweden, she initiated the “Aga Wilson Show,” which focused on interviewing doctors and scientists.

TC REPORTER

Revelations about COVID-19 vaccine injuries have sparked calls for investigations.

Details about a new global online campaign were reported in an article by Dr. Michael Nevradakis for The Defender and can be seen at: https://childrenshealthdefenswe.org/ The live online, “Let’s Talk” webcast, “ brings together the vaccine-injured with medical experts willing to speak out about the risks of COVID-19 vaccines. The campaign expects to bring awareness to the vaccine injured by asking those affected to: •

a band-aid to symbolize they got the vaccine Share their posts, with a short description of the injuries they experienced, on their social media networks with the #CanWeTalkAboutIt hashtag

Submit a black-and-white photo, with their right sleeve rolled up, wearing

Subsequently, she discovered that there were increasing reports about the risk of injuries pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccines. She states further, “We all heard and knew that the rollout of COVID vaccines was starting, and we were going to see a lot of damage done by these vaccines. People were really scared, and especially scared of being associated with organizations that were stamped as anti-vax organizations.”

Her discovery that individuals were being silenced by the media prompted her to focus on bringing awareness to the effects of these vaccines. Her interactions with experts and conversations with individuals who experienced vaccine injuries made her realize how they were excluded. It was the perceived silence between doctors and scientists regarding the side effects, silence, and media’s non-involvement that catalysed her to initiate the #CanWeTalkAboutIt campaign. She states further, “I always work globally; I thought now we need to do something globally.

We need to do a campaign that is going to start breaking the silence around this issue because people need to know. We don’t

want any more people to take the shot, especially after what I’m seeing in all of these groups.”

The article mentioned the work of Brianne Dressen, who started the non-profit organization React 19 after being injured by the AstraZeneca vaccine. It offers financial, physical and emotional support for those suffering from long-term COVID-19 vaccine adverse events globally. Dressen is driven to help the injured by aligning with campaign and support groups. She is perturbed by the silencing on social media when keywords are used which results in censoring.

She carefully crafts her messaging in order to be sensitive. For Wilson, there are a couple of primary objectives which include: to provide the vaccine-injured with visibility and voice, and to give the public the ability to make an informed decision regarding the COVID-19 vaccines.

The issue of informed consent is vital to Dressen. She states, “Informed consent is not being given in this situation, and the doctors are also not doing their job when it comes to swearing the oath ‘ do no harm.’

So we want people to be aware.”

NEWS

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 15

Ontario Public Education System is still dealing with the aftermath of educational policies that were adapted to deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

In order to determine the effects of the Peel District School Board’s plans to adopt hybrid learning and modified semesters/quadmesters in the fall of 2021, the District 19 Teachers’ Bargaining Unit (TBU) initiated a public relations campaign to resist these changes.

There are discussions about the pros and cons of hybrid learning, in which educators teach both an in-person class and an online class at the same time. On the basis of feedback from Peel educators, their news was anonymously released on the TBU social media platforms with the full cooperation of these educators.

In a report by Ryan Harper, President of the District 19 Peel TBU posted on June 16th, 2022 (website: ossupdate. ca), results were presented regarding the analysis of data collected by TBU and analyzed by Dr Carol Campbell, a Professor of Leadership, Higher, and Adult Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Dr Campbell went further and engaged in a research study titled, “Secondary School Teachers’ Experiences of Implementing Hybrid Learning and Quadmester Schedules,” in Peel.

The key findings of the report are: • It is an ineffective and inefficient approach to teaching and learning • It is challenging to conduct appropriate online student assessments • There has been increased workload and lack of adequate support to effectively implement the hybrid model • There were differences in student engagement between in-person and online learners (with online learners

• • •

being more negatively impacted) There has been a loss of shared student community There has been increasing inequities in students’ experiences and in meeting their learning needs There were inequities in students’ access to, and use of, technology

There was additional information gleaned from the study with respect to the impact of the quadmesters schedule on teachers and students such as: • Challenges of class time length and quadmester schedule for students’ learning experiences • Difficulties of two and a half hour classes for teachers’ work • Difficulties of one-week on, oneweek off schedule for teachers’ relationships and support for students • It has exacerbated student inequities and undermined high quality funded education • The proposal that quadmesters protect students in cohorting is a myth

and has had implications for health and safety There were more significant results revealed from the study with respect to the health concerns that resulted from disruption in the nature of schooling such as: • Deteriorating mental health for students and educators • Negative physical health impacts for teachers’ having to teach from front of class during hybrid learning and over two and a half hour classes • Feeling unsafe at school • Increasing sick leave with implications for covering classes In addition, there were other deleterious effects noted, such as the influence on the professional and personal lives of educators as well as a dramatic jump in teachers deciding to leave the profession. Hopefully, the Ministry of Education will take note of the findings of this report as it plans for the future.

The Catholic Church will probably not admit to anything that will directly affect their reputation STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Ring the bells that can still ring.

Forget your perfect offering.

There’s a crack, a crack in everything.

That’s how light (truth) gets in.”

Leonard Cohen Pope Francis will be coming to Canada this summer. We are told the purpose of this visit is to show penance for the treatment of Canada’s Aboriginal Community within the Residential School system, many of which were managed by the Catholic Church, The

Anglican Church and various governments.

Is Pope Francis coming to Canada to act as a fixer of the situation, an apologist for the church, or as an honest Ambassador of Christ’s compassion? Will His Holiness admit to the church’s historic wrongdoing, and also the systematic church led actions to deny the Aboriginal Communities and Canadian Governments demands for full transparency? Will Pope Francis straight out admit to the historically destructive contrarian actions committed against the Aboriginal community?

The church has been acting just as it did when historic accusations of sexual improprieties against church members by the clergy and religious have happened.

They: • •

Receive information of impropriety, and then do nothing about it Say they are investigating the accusations, and play the waiting game (di-

•

• •

version) When forced to admit possible improprieties offer insufficient solutions to problem (see if they can get away with it) Clergy will go to special classes for adaptive training, (sex addiction... whatever) Offer a small sum of funds as restitution while admitting nothing

Pope Francis will not fall upon his sword of morality. He will probably not admit to anything that will directly affect the church, admitting to only bad things that happened in the past. The $30 million offered by the church will probably not be paid, but offers will be given.

Why is Pope Francis coming to Canada? He has been told to do so by the church hierarchy as a face-to-face meeting, a diversion from what the church should be doing. The Canadian Catholic Church

is worth over $2.5 billion dollars, and it is quite possible that the Aboriginal community, or the Canadian Government will lay multiple lawsuits against the Church. This can happen, and if it does there is a chance for Aboriginal communities all over the world to follow suit.

Members of the church have behaved badly in Africa, Australia and also elsewhere. If these religious pilgrims arrive without a cheque in hand, and pound their breasts loudly in penance, while not having a plan of restitution, it will not go well.

The Church takes care of itself and its foot soldiers (clergy) just like any other “boys club.” The Aboriginal community may expect the Papacy to act in accordance to their wishes, by providing clarity, transparency and being accountable for all historic wrongs. Will this be enough for the Aboriginal community?

Patrick Brown announces plans to seek re-election as Brampton Mayor city over the past four years and I am looking forward to the next four years.”

PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There were many questions with respect to whether or not Patrick Brown would seek re-election as Mayor of Brampton for a second term. These questions were answered on Monday, July 18th, 2022, when he made the announcement at Brampton City Hall that he would be running for mayor. He submitted his candidacy papers at the city clerk’s office. He told the crowd, “It has been the greatest privilege to serve the

There have been speculations about the fate of Patrick Brown after he was booted from the Conservative leadership race at the beginning of July. The Conservative Party of Canada’s leadership election organizing committee disqualified him after they became aware of allegations of wrongdoing. It was alleged that individuals who were part of Brown’s campaign flouted financing rules in the Canada Elections Act. In a statement from Ian Brodie, Chair of the committee he notes, “The information provided to date by the Patrick Brown campaign did not satisfy concerns about their compliance with our Rules and Procedures and/or the Canada Elections Act. The Chief Returning Officer has there-

fore recommended to LEOC that LEOC disqualify Patrick Brown, and earlier tonight LEOC agreed to do so.”

Brown has refuted the allegations of wrongdoing and has decided to appeal the decision. He states, “Unfortunately the Conservative Party did not want to have a free and fair election. We’re pursuing legal options to make sure what was done is exposed.” Brown believes that the party wanted to thwart his leadership attempt and fabricated the allegations against him.

He states, “There was a reason (to remove me) that was manufactured.”

It will not be an easy ride for Mayor Brown in his mayoral bid. About half of Brampton City Council opposed them.

Many councillors who tried to jump the gun by appointing a replacement for Councillor Williams who was recently elected as MPP for Brampton Centre were found to have

flouted the Municipal Act. Mayor Brown is happy with the ruling and argues that his enemies were attempting to take control of Brampton while he was involved in the thwarted leadership bid. Furthermore, some councillors have asked the RCMP to learn more about the consequences of Brown’s decisions with respect to its financial implications given that there are currently several on-going audits. Mayor Brown affirms that his present priority is to be an advocate for the citizens of Brampton and not seek to re-enter the Conservative leadership race.

He states, “I will be loud and I will be heard to make sure Brampton residents are never short changed.”

There are many other plans that Mayor Brown would like to fulfil if he is reelected as Mayor in October 2022.

PAGE 16

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Nicki series coming soon, Ne-Yo’s wife blasts him for infidelity, NBA icon Bill Russell dies at 88 & hot new shows that you NEED to see!

JANIECE CAMPBELL janiece@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Nicki Minaj shares a trailer for her upcoming documentary!

Trinidadian-born rapper, Nicki Minaj, is giving fans a sneak peek at her upcoming six-part documentary series entitled Nicki.

Nicki shared the two-minute trailer for the series, alongside a caption: “I took some time to perfect this very intimate, delicate, electrifying, inspiring body of work,” she writes. “As I decide on a home for this project, I can’t help but reflect on what I’m including in this doc.

Some things are so personal, it’s scary. It’s like NOTHING you’ve seen before & I need it to be handled with care. Love you so much. Thank you for the continued support.”

The trailer begins with a video of the rapper in New York, when she was young and unknown, and is then followed by clips of her dive into early fame. “You don’t get a manual on how to be a famous rapper,” she says in the clip. “You just learn it as you go.” Produced by Canadian company, Bron Studios, the series bills itself as “a story so raw.”

For now, there is no sight of a release date but she teased on Instagram that the doc would be “coming out sooner than you think.”

Ne-Yo asks for privacy amid cheating accusations from wife Ne-Yo is fighting to keep a very publicized

allegation under wraps.

His wife, Crystal Renay, took it to social media to announce that she will not be staying with her husband after claiming he has been unfaithful to her for eight years.

Crystal shared a personal update about her marriage on Instagram that reads: “8 years of lies and deception. 8 years of unknowingly sharing my life and husband with numerous of women who sell their bodies to him unprotected … every last one of them! To say I’m heartbroken and disgusted is an understatement.

To ask me to stay and accept it is absolutely insane. The mentality of a narcissist… I am not a victim. I’m choosing to stand tall with my head held high. If someone can’t love you the way you deserve then it’s up to you to love yourself. With no hate in my heart, I wish him nothing but the best.”

Social media users went into a frenzy after noticing that Ne-Yo seemingly “liked” her post.

The following day, Ne-Yo released a statement of his own: “For the sake of our children, my family and I will work through our challenges behind closed doors. Personal matters are not meant to be addressed and dissected in public forums. I simply ask that you please respect me and my family’s privacy at this time.”

About a month ago in an interview with Billboard, Ne-Yo spoke on his marital issues and how over the course of the pandemic, he and his wife considered getting a divorce. These problems seemed to blow over since he claimed that they renewed their vows this year.

The pair also welcomed their third child together just a little over a year ago, in June 2021.

NBA legend, Bill Russell, passes away at

88 years old The NBA has lost a great alum, who revolutionized the game of basketball at a time where the country was heavily racially divided.

Leaving behind the legacy of a true champion, he was an essential part of the Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 years. Russell also earned his last two NBA titles as a playercoach — the first Black coach in any major U.S. sport. A Hall of Famer, five-time Most Valuable Player and 12-time All-Star, Russell was voted the greatest player in the NBA history by basketball writers in 1980.

He remains the sport’s most decorated champion, as he also won two college titles and an Olympic gold medal.

Russell died with his wife by his side. A statement was released shortly after.

“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded,” the family statement said. “And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”

A cause of death has not been revealed, though it’s known that he was battling a long-term illness.

What’s on TV? Upcoming Netflix shows that should be added to your list!

Feeling like you’ve watched everything on TV? Well, there are quite a few shows and movies coming soon to your big screen that you should tap into!

•

•

•

•

Good Burger (premieres August 1st) is a classic 1997 comedy starring the hilarious duo Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. The film centres around the two taking on the roles of dim-witted teenagers who are forced to save the fast-food restaurant they work at from going out of business.

Clusterf**k: Woodstock ’99 (premieres August 3rd) is a three-part documentary series detailing the chaotic events from Woodstock ‘99. Viewers will get the chance to see unseen home movie footage, commercial archive, and artist interviews that retell the story of the festival that promised to celebrate the legacy of the 1969 event but instead tarnished it with violence, vandalism and allegations of sexual assault.

I Just Killed My Dad (premieres August 9th) is a shocking true crime documentary that explores the never before told story of Anthony Templet, who at 17 years old, killed his father and never denied it. This three-episode series examines the psyche of Anthony leading up to the shooting and the journey of his mental and emotional aftermath.

Never Have I Ever (premieres August 12th) is a comedy series starring Mississauga native, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. The story revolves around a firstgeneration Indian-American teenager in the midst of a traumatic year who wants to improve her social status at school. However, friends, family, and feelings don’t make it easy on her.

Canada’s economy has hardly grown, and America’s economy is rocking upon the cliff of recessionary blues STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

We the citizens of the world should be quaking in our boots today. Why? Our governments are highly leveraged, and in so much debt that simple interest rate increases could bring some governments into insolvency.

Ontario is the most indebted Provincial Government in Canada. California and Hawaii residents are the most indebted in their nation, but also those most active at paying down their debt. Our governments and neighbours have borrowed seemingly unlimited funds, only to realize that with the potential increase of interest rates, a credit crash will soon follow.

“Why is the Bank of Canada pat-

ting itself on the back and handing out millions in bonuses and pay raises while Canadians are struggling to pay for groceries and gas?” asked Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the CTF. “If its objective is to keep inflation low, then it doesn’t make sense for Canada’s central bank to hand out bonuses and pay raises while the cost-of-living soars.”

In April of 2020 America’s Public Debt was 24.97 trillion dollars, paying 0.6% interest. Washington will increase the interest rates through its fight to bring inflation downward. It may be successful, but the national debt levels are going to increase too, to a whopping trillion dollars a day in the near future. That will cause the government in Washington and many State capitals to increase taxes. A vicious cycle will be set and unyielding for a decade or two.

Governments have difficulty admitting to their error and therefore will continue their practice of inflation, and increased taxes. In 2020, the Bank of Canada gave pay raises to 1,728 employees, costing $5.3 million. In 2021, it gave pay raises

to 1,857 employees, costing $5.2 million.

It did not cut the pay of any employees in 2020 or 2021.

In addition to pay raises, the Bank of Canada gave bonuses to 1,632 employees in 2020, costing $16.2 million. In 2021, it gave bonuses to 1,752 employees, costing $18.4 million. The Bank of Canada told the CTF that it hands out bonuses for “successfully meeting or exceeding expectations.”

The federal Crown corporation’s mandate is to keep inflation around 2%, meanwhile consumer prices increased by 8.1% in June 2022; the largest annual increase since 1983. Year-over-year consumer price increases were above 3% for nine consecutive months in 2021.

The central bank printed more than $300 billion during the pandemic by purchasing financial assets such as government debt.

The massive amount of money borrowed by our governments and given/ lent to the citizens of our fair land, present corporations with the desire to get a piece of that action. Canada’s Government

handed out an unprecedented 240 billion dollars to its citizens and business establishments, while America shared over four trillion dollars too. The corporate elites look at this money and salivate at the opportunities available to them to get a large portion of this money. All the while, the economy is slowly going to hell. Canada’s economy has hardly grown, and America’s economy is rocking upon the cliff of recessionary blues. Mexico’s economy was hit badly by the pandemic, and continues to struggle along.

The EU is witnessing a situation not felt since the post war era: stagnation, excessive public funds spent, a war on its borders and multi-millions of refugees and immigrants of opportunity within their borders. Huge financial stress placed upon a politically divided confederation.

Even the I.M.F. (International Monetary Fund) hesitates at loaning billions to economies not growing, but still spending.

Pay off your debts. Save some funds for a rainy day. Less reliance upon public coffers is the ticket.

5210 Finch Ave East, Unit # 1, Scarborough, ON. M1S 4Z6 (INSIDE GOLDEN BAKERY) MIDDLEFIELD & FINCH

PAGE 18

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Photo Credit: Envoy

IMMORTAL ACE TATTOOS

Endeavouring deeper into the creative universe SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Everyone likes to have choices in the things they do, but unfortunately, parents sometimes think they need to do all the planning in their child’s life. They forget that children need choices, and although there are some children who will just go along with whatever an adult tells them to do, others will become resentful, because they aren’t given the chance to choose: partners, careers, or lifestyles for themselves.

Our business feature this week speaks lovingly about his mother who allowed him to make decisions in his life.

She knew that giving her son a choice would help him feel empowered, and in more control over what he did. She loosened her ideals, and allowed her son to grow up. She knew that if she allowed him to make choices, and they had a positive effect on his life, this would be a skill that he would use for the rest of his life. Thankfully, when she allowed him to make a career choice that is not acceptable in their culture, she gave birth to a young creative who would stop at nothing to make her proud.

The tattoo is no longer quite the symbol of rebellion and subculture it once was. Tattoos are most interesting to the art world because of their “outsider status.” They can be compared to “self-taught art, prison art, and art of the insane.” Michael Kimmelman (The New York Times Art Critic, 1995) The world of tattoo artistry has evolved over the last 20 years. There was a time that we associated tattoo parlours with seedy, dark alley pit stops. Jump to the year 2022, and popular tattoo artists such as Nikko Hurtado have millions of Instagram followers. The Bureau of Labour Statistics estimated that the need for tattoo artists was going to grow by

12% between 2008 and 2018. The tattoo industry is becoming more popular.

According to 2011 Pew Research Centre data, 36% of those in the 18 to 25-yearold bracket have a tattoo.

This genre of artistry cannot be outsourced. A tattoo artist uses ink to permanently change the pigment of the outer layer of a customer’s skin. The reason for getting a tattoo is different for each person, but a common frame of thought is that it is a form of creative expression. People choose tattoos that hold symbolic value, and being part of that process is one of the joys that come with this artistic expression.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust from everyday life.” Picasso His passion for visual arts began far before his conception. My natural ability for craft was forged via his mother, a seasoned painter and master of embroidery. It did not take long for Harsimran Gill (aka. ACE) to inherit her creative abilities that were displayed to him as a child.

“I always was into arts, probably because my mom was an art teacher. I took art animation, but it didn’t click for me, plus, I am extraverted and I like to socialize, and being in animation would take me away from being my social self.

One thing that I have always wanted is for people to know me; in animation, no one would know me.”

Via trial and error with different art forms, ACE niched down into illustration. This designation was confirmed upon receiving his first tattoo. Each stroke of the needle solidified his destiny.

“I remember my first tattoo, done

by Immortal Tattoos in India. After that first tattoo, the artist became my mentor.

I realized that tattooing was going to be my thing. As an artist, you leave a permanent mark that people will remember you for. I wanted people to know me in the industry. People will remember me regardless if the experience was good or bad.

Immortalizing my work on the body of clients liberates me and instills a lifelong relationship that translates into something bigger than just tattoos.

These pieces act as a museum with no

boundaries, traveling the world with their hosts. Through a tale of a craft being passed on from generations, we see these scriptures travel from Chandigarh (INDIA) to Brampton (CANADA), to the rest of the world.”

ACE was born in India, Punjab, and moved to Canada in 2016. He knew at that point that he wanted to be a tattoo artist, but there was one hiccup, mom!

“When I realized that I wanted to be a tattoo artist. My mom said ‘No!’ I asked my mom why? She didn’t really have an excuse. I kept bothering my mom everyday about this decision that I was making in my life, and she talked with her friends. Of course, her friends advised her to stop me from making this decision.

I decided that I would try a different approach with my mom; instead of changing her mind, I worked on changing her mind-set. I told my mom about my mentor. I showed my mom what my mentor had accomplished: no drugs, educated, and successful.

Slowly, she came around, but she made me promise that I wouldn’t get a tattoo. When I started getting them, I only had one tattoo. This was difficult because I saw artwork that I liked all the time. Eventually I gave into the art and I broke my promise. I had to hide them at first so no one could see. One day, she saw a peek of a tattoo, so I just ended up showing her. Naturally it upset her, but mom saw my success and the people who I was working with: doctors, lawyers, and engineers. She saw that I was different.”

ACE’s goal is to educate people.

For him, it is not just about the money, it is about the art first.

“Don’t chase money,” ACE reminded me. “Focus on the art, and the money will come.

Drawn from the delicate balance between the universe and emotions, I find inspiration. Paying homage to heritage key, and so my style honours my Indian roots. I am proud to continue a fulfilling career that endeavours deeper into the creative universe.”

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

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Serving Ajax, Pickering and Scarborough since 1993

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Duffin Meadows Cemetery is a business name of Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.

PAGE 20

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Photo Credit: Suicidal Shotz

KES FROM KES THE BAND Focused on spreading good vibes!

“We are navigating through a world where we need to connect. Enemies can love the same song, this is how I know we are all connected.”

Kees Dieffenthaller Of the many musical acts that call Trinidad & Tobago home, none embody the culture of the island more than KES (aka KES THE BAND) the eclectic outfit behind some of modern Caribbean music’s most indelible anthems.

When we hear the name Kes, some do not take into account that although the band is named after the lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller, there is a cornucopia of talent that has launched this band into stardom. The band includes: • • • • • • •

Kees Dieffenthaller (Vocals) Hans Dieffenthaller (Drums) Jon Dieffenthaller (Guitar) Riad Boochoon (Bass) Ricardo Rameshwar (Keyboards) Mario Callender (Keyboards) Robert Persaud (DJ & Samples)

Their native melting pop (Trinidad & Tobago) continues to inspire them and together they have created a unique blend of: Soca, Calypso, Reggae, and pop to bring the sounds of the Caribbean to the world stage.

Celebrated for their instant Soca classics (“Wotless,” and “Savannah Grass”) and laid-back island pop jams (“Tuesday on the Rocks,” and “Hello”), the band has brought Trinidad to the world, sharing stages with the likes of: Will Smith, Major Lazer and John Legend, and collaborating with artists from Wizkid to Snoop Dogg.

I had a chance to sit down and shoot

the breeze with lead singer Kees, and he shared with me the birth of Kes the Band.

“My life has always been full of music,” Kees begins opening up nostalgically.

“We grew up in San Fernando, and in those days you were either playing in the yard, or watching T.V. One of my friends had a satellite, so we had access to American channels.

Hans is the mastermind who sparked the idea of his little brothers forming a band. He built his own drums with buckets, and made a hi-hat with PVC. Jon had a bass guitar he got at a second-hand shop, and he used a nail for pickups. I always sang, so I assumed that role. I was still very young, so they would throw me in from time to time.”

Eventually, the boys’ father helped them purchase proper instruments and build a stage in their backyard, as younger brother Kees looked on. It was only after making the decision to compete and win a local talent competition that Kees, then a blossoming R&B singer, joined the group. As the universe would have it, they won with a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It was official; KES THE BAND had come to life, and the world was about to be introduced to a musical manifesto.

“I will never forget how it all started; Simone, picture a Caribbean setting with sugar cane, green grass, and us playing rock. Yes, it may sound a little out of place, but it was what set us apart.

Music became a way of life. The real magic happened when we were introduced to Soca.”

In 2005, the band played its first show as KES THE BAND, opening for Sugar Ray and Beenie Man at Port of Spain’s Club Zen. From jump, the group defied the conventions of Soca. Their first single “Lion” was a Reggae-inspired track with an acoustic guitar melody released during the summertime, which is outside of the traditional window for releasing Soca music.

“We have had to deal with a lot of politics,” Kees confesses. “The band released several albums in the late 2000’s, but we remained an underground favourite until 2011, when conditions aligned for our first, season-defining Carnival smash “Wotless.” The name of the song came from a local phrase to describe “bad” (or worthless) behaviour. We wanted this track to celebrate the carefree spirit of Carnival, and usher in a new era of Soca expression.”

‘Wotless’ really established us in the Caribbean diaspora,” KES recalls.

“We started to tour the islands, and it started to creep its way into different places.”

As their fame grew, internationally the band began to grow a fan base. It is no wonder that KES made their live TV debut with an appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert performing “Savannah Grass” via Zoom alongside Jon Batiste and the Stay Human Band.

The band was also interviewed on The Breakfast Club and featured in Conde Nast Traveler and Essence.

“Resistance is good for strength, and I am glad that my career wasn’t handed to me,” Kees says proudly. “We had to work for it. In this business, you have to

face a great amount of adversity.

This is the first time that we are playing as a band in three years. One place that I have to big up is Toronto. We used to come here every year, so it feels really good to be back. We are so thankful to deejays like Dr Jay who played our music out here, even when we were not getting played at home. We will always celebrate Toronto. When I do a show here, it is an emotional experience for me.

Being on stage is a naked place. Seeing human exchange energy was what I missed. I love seeing people drop their walls and connect. Remembering our humanity, that is the stuff that is real.

I feel a lot more intentional in the work that I am doing, and I always take time to enjoy the moments. We lost a band member this year, and even though he is not with us physically, he is with us all the way.”

You may have missed Kes the Band when they were here last week, but if you are a fan, and you have the means to travel, you can find Kes the Band touring details at kestheband.com/ tour-1/ Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

9

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

HEALTH

PAGE 27

How dangerous is fainting, how common a problem is it?

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

People have been swooning for joy since at least the 13th Century when the earliest recorded use of the word can be found. By the 20th Century, losing consciousness for love and rapture was a necessary attribute of a Southern belle. Even today, swooning has a positive connotation, defined as, “A few steps beyond being happy, but not so over the top that you scare children.”

If you change the language describing the same loss of consciousness and “blacking out like a light” is not so glamorous. Watching a parent faint most certainly gives the kids a fright.

The question is, how dangerous is fainting, how common a problem is it?

There have been some famous faints: most recently, the 74-year-old American guitarist, Carlos Santana, passed out temporarily on stage in Michigan. Hillary Clinton had an episode during her Presidential campaign in 2016. In presidential circles POTUS14, Franklin Pierce, was known as “Fainting Frank”. Both Bush Sr. and Jr. had unglamorous occasions. And Obama and Trump interrupted speeches to help nearby fainters.

Fainting, otherwise known medically as syncope, is defined as a loss of consciousness followed by spontaneous recovery. It’s caused by a decreased flow of blood to the brain. People may feel nauseous or dizzy. Being in the hot sun or not being hydrated are risk factors.

Doing something as simple as standing up can cause you to faint. Blood pressure drops, which reduces circulation to the brain. For the elderly, it becomes harder for their bodies to regulate blood pressure when moving from a lying or sitting position to standing.

Among even the young and healthy, fainting might be caused by hunger, anxiety, emotional swings, or alcohol

and drug use.

According to various estimates, about 20-30% of the population has fainted at some point in life.

In most cases, getting some rest is the easy prescription, but as with most things medical, prevention is the most prudent course.

While the short loss of consciousness itself may not cause harm, seniors are prone to bad injuries when they fall from a faint. It can be disastrous if a faint occurs while driving.

To understand whether a fainting episode is a one-time event from a missed cue to slow down, or a more serious problem involving heart trouble, doctors need to evaluate the patient. An important clue is the speed of recovery. If recovery is not swift, it’s essential to get quick medical care.

Doctors will want a full patient history. An important set of considerations will be the list of medications a person is taking.

People taking beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, which lower blood pressure, may be more susceptible to trouble

on hot days, or when exerting themselves.

Antihistamines are powerful allergy medications, but they can also be a factor in fainting episodes. These drugs interact with the nervous system and therefore have many side effects. A change in dose should always be discussed with a doctor, and people who self-medicate by boosting their dosage are playing games with their health.

Other considerations will be recent bouts with ill health, including COVID, pneumonia, or any other common respiratory infection. Getting back to good health is job number one before pushing the pace at work or in leisure.

It’s not easy to predict a faint, or even to see it coming in the moments before it happens, but if you detect a person turning pale and their eyes glazing over, or if you notice someone’s speech slowing down or difficulty in collecting their thoughts, get to their side and sit them down safely. Lower their head and raise their feet to restore blood flow. If recovery is slow, get medical help.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

HEALTH

PAGE 29

Stop, Rest and Recover; the purpose of rest days RACHEL MARY RILEY rachel@carib101.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

How many of you believe that if you’re a workaholic or workout freak you can never experience burnout and God forbid get sick? The world on a whole has pressured many of us to live life a certain way, always working, always on the go, never stopping and some of us are extremely health conscious and fit crazy, which can be a good and a bad thing.

I say this to say that yes, you can experience burn out and get sick regardless of your status. There is power and

transformation when you decide to take a day off and sleep, do nothing, skip your workout and rest. It is healing for your body and soul, as well as helps your muscles recover after an intense workout.

The reality of most workaholics; especially us Caribbean folks Some of us are from a family filled with workaholics, especially those in a survival and orphan mentality mind-set. We forget our loved ones, family, friends and ourselves and never stop to reflect, heal and recover. I am not saying that you shouldn’t work, but work with purpose. It is called work, life and balance. It will save you in the long run.

Most people die prematurely, because they never took the time to stop, rest and recover. They die without coming into their destiny and purpose. Relationships fail, because no one takes the time to heal and rest. They don’t rest because they have to work (aka hustle) to show off to the

world, and the people that have written them off. I speak the truth in love to help someone who will read this article and be impacted by it. It is okay to work, but it is not okay to overwork regardless of any reason.

Woman that want to lose weight and always working out Ladies, I understand that you want to be fit and look cute for the summer to show off. I understand that there are times you want to wear a certain outfit, and it doesn’t fit right. If you are in the yo-yo experience of losing weight and putting it back on, it can be really uncomfortable. I am letting you know my dear, I understand. I’ve been there. I am currently going through it. However, I know, I will come out ten times stronger and wiser with being consistent and fit.

One thing that came to me the other day is that our bodies change a lot.

We go through so many things in life that will pack the weight on. Nevertheless, it

starts with a mind-set shift. Don’t beat yourself up if you skip a day. Stay consistent, but not overly consistent that you stop breathing.

Taking days to rest Just as God rested on the 7th day, take the time honey to rest, heal and recover. It will benefit you, your family, friends and your destiny. If you take two or three days in the week to sleep in, that’s okay. Sleep helps to restore your soul and muscles. You will have mental clarity, and it helps to function. While sleeping, put on instrumental music, biblical or knowledgeable audio softly in your background. Listen to your body more than social media, and rest, or do not do anything for half a day. You will experience weight loss when you are: consistent with resting, meal planning, exercise, moderated work, and a good life-work balance.

PAGE 30

LIFE

4 facts about erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is a taboo subject that’s often treated with a mocking attitude. However, because it’s not always taken seriously, there’s a wealth of incorrect information circulating about this com­ mon condition. Here are four facts to help you sort the truth from the fibs.

1. Difficulty having an erection isn’t necessarily a dysfunction. Fatigue, alcohol abuse and stress can all cause temporary erectile difficulties. It may also be a simple matter of not wanting a sexual relationship. Don’t be concerned about the occasional glitch.

2. Erectile dysfunction isn’t just about the erection. It also includes the inability to maintain an erec­ tion to satisfactorily complete sexual inter­ course.

3. It can happen at any age. Although erectile dys­ function primarily occurs as part of the aging pro­ cess, it can affect men of all ages.

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Overview of the main types of diabetes Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, enables the glucose circulating in the blood to reach the various cells in the body. Diabetic people produce too little or no insulin, or their bodies don’t react to insulin normally. Here’s more information about the three main types of diabetes.

Type 1 Occurring between infancy and early adulthood, this form of diabetes is cha­ racterized by a complete lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use it properly. The glucose is then unable to penetrate the body’s cells, and its accumulation in the blood leads to hyper­glycemia. Daily care is necessary to ensure the af­fected per­ son’s survival.

4. Erectile dysfunction can have many causes. Emo­ tions, hormones, the nervous system and the blood vessels can impact erection. Some reasons for erectile dysfunction include diabe­tes, cardio­ vascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and testosterone deficiency. That’s why it’s essen­ tial to discuss your condition with your doctor to find out if you have any underlying conditions.

Type 2 This form of diabetes, occurring prima­ rily in adulthood, is increasing in fre­ quency and accounts for about 90 per cent of diabetic cases. People with type 2 diabetes either produce insufficient insu­ lin, or their bodies don’t use it effectively.

As sugar levels rise in the blood, lifestyle modifications related to diet and exercise can help, and medical treat­ ments may be prescribed.

If you think you may have erectile dysfunction, see a healthcare professional. Remember that talking about it is the first step to correcting the problem.

Gestational Gestational diabetes affects some women and babies during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Es­

sentially symptomless, this form of diabetes usually di­ sappears after childbirth but may increase the risk of de­ veloping type 2 diabetes later in life.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information and advice on your condition.

When and how should you exfoliate your skin?

Exfoliation effectively eliminates dead cells and impurities that accumulate on your skin. When done correctly, it en­ ables cellular renewal and helps your skincare products penetrate more deeply. To get healthy glowing skin, find out when and how you should exfoliate.

ral rule of thumb for exfoliating these areas:

When?

How often you should exfoliate your skin varies primarily according to the areas you’re treating, whether the face or the body. The delicacy and irritability of your skin should also be factored into the decision. Here’s a gene­

• Body. Do a complete body exfoliation once a week. It’s best to do this in the shower as the heat helps open the pores and enables you to get the best results.

• Face. Exfoliate your face two or three times per week at most. Afterward, thoroughly cleanse your skin and ap­ ply a moisturizer.

Exfoliating at night gives your skin’s cells all night to re­ generate. It also allows time for any redness to ease.

How? If you choose a product contai­ ning microparticles or an exfolia­ ting accessory like a loofah, use small circular movements to exfoliate the desired area. If you use a chemical treatment with acidic ingredients, leave it on your skin for a few minutes be­ fore rinsing.

Whichever method you choose, remember that products inten­ ded for the body shouldn’t be used on the delicate skin of the face.

Ask your cosmetician or estheti­ cian for help choosing an exfolia­ ting product best suited to the needs of your skin type.

LIFE

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 31

Is experience really the best teacher?

DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Age and wisdom don’t always come together; sometimes, they come independently. In other words, to have grown in years does not automatically qualify people to be wise. Hmm. How true is that? Let’s take it as food for thought.

People who keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again are not learning from experience, and neither is experience their best teacher. If you learnt one lesson over a period of ten years, that does not equate to ten years of experience; it’s just a lesson repeatedly learned for ten years.

Contrary to popular belief that experience is the best teacher; over the years,

I have realized that experiences are just experiences; they may not necessarily be the best teachers. I often say to people, before you replicate the lessons from your past experiences, think of the circumstances and events that bring about the experience itself; because yesterday’s wisdom may be today’s foolishness. Everybody has some kind of experience; it’s what we do with that experience that matters.

We all begin our life like empty notebooks. Every day we have an opportunity to record new experiences on our page, and with the turning of each page, we gain more knowledge and understanding. Ideally, as we progress, our notebooks become filled with life lessons and observations. We make choices based on these lessons. However, other significant factors in life influence our decisions than just our individual experiences.

Reflection turns experience into insight; it is the application of those insights that makes an experience valuable.

Experience, be it negative or positive, only helps us if we reflect on it and make necessary changes. I love the saying of Friedrich

August von Hayek, “We shall not grow wiser before we learn that much that we have done was very foolish.”

The reality of life is you will experience more than you can ever understand.

Too much happens to us in life for us to understand it all. In other words, not all experiences are useful. Smart people learn from their experience. Wise people learn from others’ experiences. The moral is that you really don’t have to make all the mistakes yourself to learn the lesson of experience.

According to Francine and Byron Pirola, “Whether it’s our own or someone else’s experience, learning from experience is just an academic exercise if it doesn’t translate into a change in behavior. Whether the experience was positive or negative, success or failure, if we don’t reflect on it effectively, the experience will fail to teach, or worse, teach us the wrong things.”

One of the ironies of life experiences is that, while they may offer insight and lessons, they may also be a tool that holds people back in life. A painful past experience can be a lesson or an excuse why some will hold back in life and won’t move

forward. An experience can be a cocoon; we sometimes need to live outside our experiences to move ahead.

Experience may not be the best teacher. However, the lack of it may be costly. The great American novelist Mark Twain once remarked, “I know a man who grabbed a cat by the tail, and he learned 40% more about cats than the man who didn’t.” You have to hope that the price is not greater than the value of the experience you gain. Nonetheless, give yourself time to learn as much as you can, pay attention to happenings around you that are relevant to where you are going, extract the lesson from what you observe and apply it accordingly.

The young must stay curious but also observe and learn; they should read through stories, histories, and biographies of their heroes, to understand why they rise and why they fall (if they did fall).

Harry Golden remarked, “The arrogance of the young is a direct result of not having known enough consequences.”

So who are the real fascists in this country?

The answer is right in front of you!

DEVON THOMPSON devon@carib101.com

POLITICALLY SPEAKING

I’d like to share this excerpt from econlib. org.

“Fascism seeks economic power indirectly, through the domination of nominally private owners. Where Fascism nationalizes property implicitly, by requiring owners to use their property in the “national interest”—Fascism leaves the appearance of market relations while planning all economic activities. Fascism controls the monetary system and sets all prices and wages politically. In doing all this, fascism

denatured the marketplace. Entrepreneurship was abolished. State ministries, rather than consumers, determined what was produced and under what conditions.

To maintain high employment and minimize popular discontent, fascist governments also undertook massive public-works projects financed by steep taxes, borrowing, and fiat money creation.

While many of these projects were domestic—roads, buildings, stadiums—the largest project of all was militarism, with huge armies and arms production.”

I first want you to draw close attention to the last paragraph. You’ll find that Canada has been dabbling in fascism for a very long time. Unfortunately, we only realized this over the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The same system that we lived under for years, at the snap of a finger and the breaking of a vial containing SARS-COV-2, that system turned against us.

Fascism in simple terms is the gov-

ernment colluding with the free market to control the economy, and speech, infringing on human rights and shutting down the opposition. We’ve seen this happening live and directly with the federal government colluding with social media companies and mainstream media to censor and shut down any opposition to its COVID-19 narrative.

We saw the provinces shutting down small businesses in favour of big businesses. We see the federal government introducing legislation to monitor and control what we see on the internet. Now, the federal government is proposing climate change policies that may strip farmers of their lands resulting in the sale of that land potentially to Bill Gates type individuals that we do not want owning the means in which we are fed in this country.

One of the key aspects of fascism is hate. This is because fascism won’t work unless society is divided. So Justin Trudeau

did four things: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Told the vaccinated to hate the vaccine free Told Canada that non-vaccinated individuals were racists, so people of colour need to hate them Told Canada that non-vaccinated individuals were misogynists, so women need to hate them Told Canada that the vaccine free was anti-science, so doctors and medical professionals should ignore them, and possibly, not treat them if they are ill

What that did was create a group of people that society can hate, while the elites conduct their dirty work, and in most cases, convince the populace that the dirty work is necessary to deal with the “anti-vaxxers”.

So who are the real fascists in this country?

The answer is right in front of you.

PAGE 32

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

“Your dad is probably going to want to talk to you when he comes in. ” I knew I wasn’t ready for that!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

“You are still here!” I had been sitting on the couch for so long that I had fallen asleep.

When I opened my eyes, David was standing over me looking perplexed.

“Oh yeah! I totally forgot that I didn’t have keys to lock up, also I forgot that you drove me here, so I had to wait until you got back.”

I slowly got up and placed my feet on the ground. I didn’t want to look at him.

He seemed evasive and not very welcome to me being there.

“Now that you are here, I am going to leave. Thank you for letting me sleep

here last night. “ I gathered all of my stuff while he waited by the door. As we walked to the car, I tried my best to slow down my breathing. Even though I was home, I felt like I was dealing with a new type of trauma. In the space of one month, my entire life had changed, and I didn’t think I was ever going to feel normal again.

The drive back to Mississauga was quiet; there was music playing but the silence between us was deafening. When we got to my house, I started to gather my things, and remembered that I had left him a note.

“David, when you get in, go check by your desk. I left you something there.

I know that there is a lot that needs to be said, and I had to clear my thoughts.

“No problem Simone. We can talk later this week. I just need a little time.”

I got out and grabbed my stuff.

“See you later David.”

“Bye Simone!” I sighed and began

A family budget is a must Would you be able to give an accurate answer if you were asked what your total monthly income and expenses were? If not, you would probably benefit from keeping closer tabs on your household finances. By staying on top of what’s coming in and what’s going out you can be better prepared for a rainy day. It can also help you tuck money away for dream purchases and be more effective in reducing your debts.

By creating a monthly budget, you can keep better track of where your money is going and then decide where you would like it to be going.

To draw up a list of your income and your expenses you need a piece of paper, a pen, monthly bills going back a few payment cycles, and a bit of uninterrupted time. Draw a line down the middle of the paper and list your sources of income on one side and your expenses on the other.

Income is the easiest section to complete: write down all the money you receive in a month, including any salary, tips, government allowances, and child support pay-

ments.

The expenses section can be a bit more difficult. First of all, note all your fixed expenses, meaning all those that recur every month: rent or mortgage, electricity, telephone, cable TV, house and car insurance, child support payments, and any regular school fees. Next, list the other expenses that vary from month to month, such as groceries, car repairs, gas, clothing, and dental care. Lastly, list all discretionary expenses — the non-essentials — such as restaurants, movies, alcohol, lottery tickets, and the like.

This exercise will allow you to see exactly where your money is going and where you will have to cut back in order to save for emergencies or for long-term dreams. If you think you need help with that, you could always consult a financial advisor. In no time at all, you will see that you and your family can keep a tighter rein on your money and actually control where it goes.

Eating together helps build healthy families How many times a week does your entire family eat together? Not the five minutes it takes to polish off a bowl of cereal in the morning, but really sitting down together around the table. You are doing well if dinnertime in your home means everyone getting together most evenings over a tasty, home-cooked meal! Unfortunately, such family meals are rapidly becoming the exception, even if there is plenty of evidence that doing so is beneficial on many levels.

According to the experts, family meals are usually healthier and more balanced than those eaten in solitude or on the go. The chances are, a family menu includes more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, while a solo “heat and eat” dinner is more likely to include the saturated fats and salts commonly found in prepared, processed foods. In family homes where the television is switched off, the body

mass index of children is lower.

Studies show that there is a correlation between children and teenagers eating meals with the family and better academic results and a lower dropout rate.

Drug and alcohol usage and depression also seem to diminish among children who eat regularly with their families. That makes sense; after all, taking the time to share a meal, discussing the events of the day, and strengthening family ties is a great and relatively simple way to create a climate of wellbeing and balance in a child’s life.

Perhaps the best way to manage to sit down all together for at least one meal a day is to plan the week’s menus in advance. Doing so might not be effort-free, but it is a challenge well worth the trouble of taking up. It can improve family relationships, foster self-esteem, and set everybody up for good health.

the walk up my driveway.

When I got inside my parents home, I heard the television playing. As usual, my mom was watching CNN, and I could hear her bustling in kitchen. “Simone!”

“Yes, mom!” “What took you so long to come home? You know that we have a lot to talk about. Your father is not home. He went out to grab some things for me for dinner.”

I had dropped my stuff at the door, and only heard my mom’s voice. I walked into the kitchen where I found her reading her Bible. When she looked up, I noticed how tired she looked. Her face was drawn, and her eyes looked worried. She got up from the table and came over to give me a hug.

“How are you feeling?” “I don’t know mom, I really don’t know.” I wanted to tell her what was happening with David, but something told me to keep it to myself.

“Well, you are going to feel like that for awhile. I just want to remind you that you have to make sure that you follow

the courts orders so that you don’t get in any more trouble. This might mean that you can’t sleep over at David’s anymore.”

Well, that won’t be an issue, I thought to myself. He doesn’t want to see me anyways. “Yes,” I replied.” I realize that.

David and I had some things to talk about is all; I am tired mom, I don’t think I am going to eat tonight. I am going to go to bed and get some sleep.

“Hmmmm! Okay, if that is what you want to do. Your dad is probably going to want to talk to you when he comes in.”

“Well, if I am awake, then we can talk, if not, then I will talk to him in the morning. For now, I just need a moment to myself.”

With that, I turned around and went to grab my stuff that I had left at the top of the basement stairs. “Have a good night Mom!” “Goodnight Simone.” I slowly went down the stairs, and sat on the very last one. I put my head between my knees and started to sob.

LIFE

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

Walking the line; Discussing Cannabis between parents and children dren.

SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com

THE HEIGHTENED CHEF For every parent, their biggest fear will always be for the safety of their children. In the early stages of parenting this undeniably comes in the form of trying to protect them from immediate physical danger.

However, even as they grow beyond playing with sharp objects and wandering into traffic, the challenges are no less. Lacking the nuance to have delicate discussions about very adult topics can make the most confident parent cringe. This fear was long confined to the topics of sex and substance use. The latter was relatively easy to discuss as much of the conversation would revolve around avoiding it altogether. But as the world and society evolved, so must our views and how we pass them to our chil-

Cannabis is most deserving of a redefinition in terms of how it is explained for the first time and to those on the cusp of gaining access. Comparatively, alcohol has had a century to overcome stigma and achieve normalization whether one deems it worthy or not of its current societal standing. With little to no beneficial qualities, drinking alcohol has become so ubiquitous that it has transcended from being an extremely dangerous and harmful practice to just something grownups do for fun. Consuming cannabis should achieve this and much more in a considerably shorter time span. The medicinal qualities of cannabis alone put it into a different category requiring a more measured approach toward explanation.

As a parent myself, I chose not to shelter my kids from any potentially challenging topics of conversation. Undoubtedly the best way to reduce harm is through education. While they were young, I made a choice to define cannabis to my children as medicine even before it became recreationally legal. By starting the conversation here, it allowed them to ask many ques-

How to create flowerbeds around trees Keeping flowerbeds underneath trees can pose quite a challenge for gardeners — there is little light and water, poor soil, and too many roots. However, it is possible to adapt to these conditions and to find plants that can flourish in them.

Lack of light is the major drawback to crea­ ting flowerbeds around trees. The best so­ lu­ tion is pruning. Removing the lowest bran­ches will allow the sun to reach any plants. These few hours of sunshine are sufficient for many varieties.

Trees are ruthless when it comes to water.

Most rain water is intercepted by a tree’s leaves and never reaches the ground.

What’s more, tree roots absorb huge quantities of water from the ground, so it is crucial to dig very wide, deep holes when planting flowers at the base of a tree.

Be sure to add compost to the garden soil and water regularly during hot weather.

Fertilizers will also have to be added on a regular basis in order to ensure that your plants flourish.

Many perennials do well under trees. Look for asters, bergenia, lily of the valley, and hellebore. As for annuals, opt for foxglove, impatience, and lobelia. Nicely pruned boxwood is an attractive shrub that also gives good results.

tions that could be answered through scientific evidence rather than stigma and speculation. To my benefit, this created an environment that supported open and non-judgemental discussions about things even beyond cannabis. Parents today must be conscious about the vast amount of information (and unfortunately misinformation) our children have access to through social media and the rest of the internet.

Trying to keep things hidden was a common tactic used by the Baby Boomer generation but is no longer viable under today’s standards. In fact this behaviour was counterproductive as it often made cannabis even more appealing through sheer curiosity of taboo.

Now as my children approach the age where they can legally access cannabis on their own, another conversation must be had. Being to build upon our previous discussions was extremely helpful as the nature of the chat could logically progress from what cannabis was and what it did to how it is to be used in a more adult context.

Luckily, being immersed in cannabis culture for decades had given me a high level of knowledge and insight that I could use

to impart a meaningful and responsible philosophy to them. Providing a balanced view of the benefits and risks cannabis has and will give them the information they need to make safe, educated decisions. The toughest part of being a parent is to accept that you will not be able to direct your child at every turn. Solace must come from the fact that you have provided them a clear definition of right and wrong as well as the tools necessary to navigate between the two. Not only will they be able to make good decisions for themselves but also be able to respect those who have made different decisions.

Some families will have cannabis consuming parents with a non consuming child and some families will non consuming parents with a consuming child regardless of what both parents might be biased towards. Neither should be viewed as more or less than the other. The main thing is that as long as LOVE, KNOWLEDGE and PURPOSE are the guiding principles when educating kids about cannabis the outcome can only be good.

Lawn turf: a fast solution There are two ways to acquire a new lawn: seeding or laying lawn turf. In the first case, the work should be done in the spring or in September, and never during hot weather.

In the second case, the job can be done anytime throughout the growing season; no matter the weather, you’ll have a beautiful lawn in a few hours.

If you are opting for turf, plan to start work as soon as the turf is delivered, especially if the weather is hot. If not, the grass will start to yellow after 48 hours.

Steps to follow • Before starting work, en­sure one thing: the turf has to be laid on a layer of

good quality soil, not on fill soil. It is essential to provide at least 10 cm of good quality earth —two thirds garden soil to one third compost.

• Rake the surface of the soil to level it and compact it lightly with a roller, which can be rented from a garden centre.

• Now you’re ready to lay the lawn turf. Place the strips evenly on the soil, alternating the joints. By using a sharp cutting knife you will avoid tearing the strips.

• Once the turf is in place, go over it a last time with the roller to ensure that the roots have good contact with the soil.

Water the turf every two days, for up to two to three weeks.

Simplifying gardening Now that the warm weather has arrived, are you feeling the urge to do some yard work and create new flowerbeds, just like so many other gardening fans?

Sometimes this enthusiasm lasts throughout the growing season, but some­times it wanes as summer progresses.

Indeed, a lot of gardeners are much less energetic once July or August rolls around, and it isn’t unusual to see some yards loo­king a touch neglected. Fortunately, it is possible to create beautiful surroundings that require less care. Here are a few tips.

•

•

First of all, be sure to choose plants that grow well in your area and in your climate zone. A spectacular plant seen in the south may not necessarily give the same results in the north.

If you buy perennials, opt for slow growing va-

•

•

• •

rieties. That way, you won’t have to divide the plants every two years. A gardening professional can help you find some good cultivars.

Be savvy with plant combinations. For example, plant tulips around hostas. The tulips will appear in the spring, but when their flowers fade, the hosta leaves will hide the yellowing leaves of the tulips. No need to prune them!

Container gardening is an­other way to limit yard work. Weeding is done in a few mi­nutes, compared with an hour or more to hoe flower­ beds.

Mulch is a great way to limit the growth of weeds; it also helps the soil retain its moisture, which means less wa­tering.

Use quality tools. Just like in the kitchen, a dull, blunt blade can prolong the job at hand.

PAGE 34

LIFE

Does your dog need winter clothes?

All dogs need to spend plenty of time outdoors in order to get enough exercise, enjoy the fresh air, stimulate their senses and do their business. However, when the temperature drops, you may wonder if it’s safe for your pup to be out in the frigid air.

It’s important to note that, like humans, dogs can suffer from hypothermia. In fact, their ears, nose, tail and foot pads are susceptible to frostbite. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep your pup’s outings brief if the temperature drops well below freezing.

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

5 reasons green-cheeked conures make great pets Native to the forests and woodlands of South America, the green-cheeked conure has many attributes that make it a wonderful companion. Here are five reasons this colourful parrot has won the heart of so many bird lovers.

1. They’re small Adult green-cheeked conures are only about 25 centimetres long, but don’t let their size fool you. These small birds have the personality of a big parrot.

2. They’re intelligent These curious birds are fast learners and easy to train.

While they’re not big talkers, you can teach your co-

3. They’re playful Known for their acrobatics, conures love to climb, swing and flip. Keep in mind that these outgoing birds need at least two to four hours of exercise outside their cage every day.

4. They’re affectionate Green-cheeked conures thrive on human interaction and love spending time with their owners. They enjoy being pet and might even snuggle up against your neck or cheek.

5. They’re relatively quiet While they do chirp, the green-cheeked conure doesn’t chatter nearly as loud or as frequently as other parrot species.

When you do take your dog for a walk in the winter, you must make sure your canine companion is prepared for the weather. There are several factors that influence whether or not your dog should wear a winter coat and boots. You should consider:

With the proper care and diet, you can enjoy the company of a green-cheeked conure for up to 30 years. Visit a local pet shop or animal shelter to learn more about this delightful species.

• The temperature (is the cold tolerable or piercing?)

• The duration of the walk (will you be out for five minutes or an hour?)

• The planned activity (are you going for a hike or stroll around the block?)

• Your dog’s breed (short-haired and short-legged dogs tend to get colder faster) • Your pet’s age (puppies and older dogs are more vulnerable to cold weather) • Your dog’s health (sick, injured or recovering pets should stay inside to keep warm) If your dog needs to be bundled up for winter walks, visit a local pet shop to find boots and a quality coat that will keep them warm all season.

nure to step up, somersault, wave, roll over and much more.

Do your research Before you adopt or purchase a green-cheeked conure, make sure you can provide your feathered friend everything it needs for a happy and healthy life.

How much does it cost to own a cat?

Many people believe that cats are inexpensive pets to own. While they tend to be more affordable than dogs, you shouldn’t assume that the cost of caring for a cat is limited to food and litter. Here are a few things to think about before you adopt a feline friend.

Life expectancy If you want to adopt a pet, you should be prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for the animal for the rest of its life. Unless you opt for an older cat, you’ll likely enjoy the company of your pet for many years to come. In fact, it’s not uncommon for indoor cats to live about 15 years.

Costs to consider There are certain financial obligations that come with being a responsible pet owner. In fact, meeting your cat’s basic needs could end up costing more than $100 per month. In addition to food and litter, you need to budget for: • Annual veterinary exams • Vaccinations • Deworming medication • Dental care • Pet licence • Toys and bedding • Preventive screening tests • Grooming treatments You’ll also need to pay for boarding or a pet sitter if you go on a trip. Plus, you need to anticipate the cost of medication, surgery and hospitalization in the event of an illness or injury. For this rea-

son, you might want to invest in pet insurance.

In addition, cats require a stimulating environment and plenty of affection. So before you decide to adopt, make sure you have the resources needed to give your feline friend a proper home.

Foster a feline Across the country, millions of cats are abandoned. If you love cats but don’t have the resources for a long-term commitment, consider fostering. Contact a local animal shelter to learn more about the process.

REAL ESTATE

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 35

What you need to know about closing costs JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

Bibi rolled her chair closer to the desk.

“Congratulations. Having a baby is a pure bundle of joy. Each time I was pregnant, my partner and I made a significant purchase without even planning for it. It seems as though the soul sends its luggage ahead.

When buying a home, in addition to the down payment, you must pay closing costs.

That’s money needed to transfer the home into your name. Closing costs vary from one transaction to another,” Bibi affirmed.

Yari’s face lit up. “We can use some of the tip money Yash has under the bed.”

Yash remained zipped. Bibi leaned forward. “The first thing you would pay for is a home inspection. It is optional, but it is recommended. A home inspection can cost a few hundred dollars for condos and much more for homes.”

Yash lunged forward. “My brother’s wife’s sister’s daughter’s husband is a building inspector and promised to do it pro bono. A dollar saved is two dollars earned.”

Bibi leaned back in her chair and looked beadily at the couple. “Financing can be complex. If your down payment is 20% of the purchase price and more, your credit is clean, and your income is good, then it is inexpensive to finance. If your down payment is less than 20%, then, the mortgage must be insured by CMHC,” she explained.

“There is HST on the premium.”

“The Government sure has their hands in every pocket,” said Yash.

“Paying taxes is a good thing my Imam explained. When you pay taxes, the less fortunate can be taken care of. Think about health care for example, it costs a ton of money,” Bibi emphasized.

“That’s a good way to look at it,” Wari commented.

“Since your credit is clean and you have a solid down payment, we do not charge a fee. However, if you were selfemployed, and have blemished credit, we would need to borrow from a secondary lender and then it can become expensive.

A buyer can get caught paying for mortgage broker fees, lender fees and finder fees. In some situations, the buyer may need a first and second mortgage and the fees can escalate,” Bibi noted.

Yash sat up. “How much are your fees?”

“There are no fees because the lender will pay us a commission,” Bibi vocalized.

Yash took a deep breath. “That’s good news since we must save every penny.”

“Saving pennies? We have been doing that for a long time. I ate enough leftovers from the banquet hall. I guess we have to continue eating chicken chowmien,” Wari snickered.

“Lenders will need an appraisal done at the buyer’s expense prior to lending. That could cost a few hundred dollars, but land transfer tax is a big chunk of the closing cost,” Bibi confirmed.

Yash questioned. “What is land transfer tax?”

“A property is a fixed asset and cannot be moved unlike a television. As such, ownership can only be transferred and hence, land transfer tax,” explained Bibi.

Yash lit up. “Then we should buy a condo. There is no land to transfer.”

Bibi smiled. “In real estate, space in the air is considered as land and you pay land transfer tax. You paid based on the purchase price. The higher the price, the higher the land transfer tax. If you are buying in the 416-area code, then land transfer tax doubles. As of now, first time buyers are exempt to a maximum of $4,000 but to qualify as a first-time buyer, you must have had never owned a home anywhere in the

world.”

Wari smiled. “We are first time buyers and would buy in Peel. We would save on land transfer tax and my parents live there. My parents would help with the baby.”

“How about newly built homes?”

Yash inquired.

Bibi tapped her fingers. “For newly built homes, there are additional charges such as new home warranty, education lot levy, grading fees, tree planting fees and connection fees for water, gas and hydro meters. There are other hidden fees such as cost for a survey, builder’s mortgage discharge fees and deposit verification fees.

Upgrades are not included in the mortgage and must be paid separately.”

Wari leaned on Yash. “Let’s stick to a resale.”

“You would need a lawyer for closing. Lawyer fees vary from one attorney to another. In addition to lawyer fees, you must pay for disbursements,” Bibi pointed out.

Bibi leaned forward, hand on jaw.

“Disbursements are money a lawyer pays for certain services like checking the title of a property, obtaining title insurance and property tax certificate, courier, and photo copying charges. Always ask your lawyer for a statement of adjustment. It spells out how your money is being spent.”

“How much do we need to put aside for closing cost?” quizzed Yash.

“As a rule of thumb, put aside between 2% to 2.5 % of the purchase price,” Bibi suggested.

Wari smiled. “Thanks for explaining about closing costs. One last question—how many children do you have?”

“Five!” Bibi announced. Yash burst out laughing. “So, you have five homes?”

Bibi spoke softly. “Yes. We are blessed. We used the equity from one home to buy another. At retirement, the rental income would be substantial. The best investment on earth is indeed earth.”

The meeting ended. Yash kissed Wari on her forehead. “First baby, first home. I guess we are getting the luggage before our baby arrives.”

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PAGE 36

HOME

4 unique backsplash materials that aren’t tile Do you want to upgrade your kitchen backsplash but don’t want to splurge on expensive tile? Here are four unique backsplash materials to consider.

1. Pressed tin. Tin is a low-maintenance and durable material that’s well-suited to the demands of a kitchen. White pressed tin is understated and sleek, while dark or distressed tin can give your space a rustic feel.

2. Natural stone. Installing stone facings indoors has become trendy in recent years. For example, limestone and river rock can give your kitchen an earthy vibe.

3. Chalkboard paint. Do you want a func-

tional backsplash? Use chalkboard paint.

This paint is waterproof, quick-drying and can be applied to wood, metal, stone, glass or drywall. Plus, you can easily cover it up with a different backsplash material in the future.

4. Pegboard. Do you need a place for storing and hanging utensils, pots, pans and rags? If so, a pegboard backsplash could be right for you. This material is paintable, inexpensive and easy to install.

Soft shades look vintage, while dark hues create an industrial feel.

If you aren’t confident in your DIY skills, hire a contractor in your area to help install your new backsplash.

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

3 fun ways to use shiplap in your home Traditionally used for barns and sheds, ship­lap has made its way into the interior design world over the past decade. On top of being used for accent walls, you can also use shiplap in the following three ways around your home: 1. Headboard. You can easily create a rustic, Cape Cod-style headboard with shiplap.

2. Fireplace. Instead of brick, use shiplap around your fireplace. You can find shiplap made of fire-resistant fibre cement.

3. Door. You don’t have to buy an expensive pre-made barnstyle door for your home when you can make your own using shiplap.

How to choose the right material Wood shiplap has natural knots, which offers an authentic farmhouse look. However, it can be pricey. Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) shiplap, on the other hand, is inexpensive and smooth, making it ideal for painting. Moreover, PVC shiplap is waterproof and mould resistant. It’s also light and pre-finished, making it extremely easy to install.

Visit your local hardware store to pick up everything you need for your shiplap project.

FUN

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 37

WEEK OF JULY 31 TO AUGUST 6, 2022

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS AND CAPRICORN

This week you’ll do some letting go. If you return to work, your files may be in a bit of a mess upon your arrival. You’ll have to revise your organization and review your schedule in detail before you get down to business.

TAURUS

HOW TO PLAY :

There are plenty of people around you, and your social media is very active. You could end your vacation by planning a party to bring your loved ones together. Pleasure and lovely moments are on the horizon.

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

The backtoschool ads are out already. Even if you don’t have children, you’ll be responsible for an activity that has similar requirements, even if it’s just to nurture some of your loved ones.

PUZZLE NO. 767 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 767

GEMINI

CANCER

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

While you may have social activities planned, your boss or some other obligation will put a damper on your enthusiasm. They’ll say you must prioritize responsibilities over fun. You’ll find peace of mind for a celebration.

LEO

Vacation or not, you’ll be looking to make an escape soon. At least, you’ll take some time for a road trip, so you’ll make some lovely discoveries and get away from it all for a while.

PUZZLE NO. 57

ACROSS 1. Hooting bird 4. Forest-floor plant 8. Plays a role 12. Named before marriage 13. Scheme 14. Oxford or pump, e.g.

15. Timeless state

17. Covert suggestion 18. Aware of 19. Pounds 20. Microwave, e.g.

23. South American animals 25. Purpose 26. Brick house 27. Flawed

30. Blush 34. In the lead 36. “____ Got to Be Me” 37. Most unusual 39. Went in haste 40. Door hardware 41. Capture 44. Author Read

45. Aptly 49. Butterfly catchers 50. “____ the Night” 51. Potato bud 52. Small fly 53. Appear to be 54. Modern

31.

32.

33.

35.

37.

DOWN 1. ____ of a kind (unique) 2. Not dry 3. Mr. Marvin 4. “Huckleberry ____” 5. Amend copy 6. Related again 7. No 8. Chagrined 9. Beijing’s site 10. Pincers 11. Establishes 16. Ely or Howard 19. Baseballer Ruth 20. Klutz 21. Transportation term 22. Ostrichlike animal 24. Master 26. Pirates’ affirmatives 28. Biggest 29. “How do I love ____?”

40.

42.

38.

39.

43.

Party food Christmas ____ Comic Sparks Harmonize Become ready to pick Singer Baker Saratoga Springs, e.g. ____ Kong Religious ceremony Nature’s building block

45. Female relative 46. Franklin, to friends 47. Soap ingredient 48. Evergreen plant

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 57

VIRGO

You’ll feel on edge. Luckily, as the saying goes, sunshine comes after the rain. You’ll have occasion to celebrate your good fortune in one way or another. Smile at life, and you’ll find it smiles back at you.

LIBRA

You’ll feel a measure of irritation and need to take some time. You’ll have to make some adjustments to avoid mis communications in the future.

This will quickly help with mutual understanding.

SCORPIO

Work will take up a lot of space this week. You’ll become aware of the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. Harmony brings balance within all spheres of your life.

SAGITTARIUS

You may be surprised by some changes when you return to work from vacation. To your great surprise, you may be offered a new management role or a promotion due to a leader’s departure.

CAPRICORN

You’ll embark on some work at home.

Why not update your décor? You’ll dis cover new talents and be filled with pride to see what you can do with your very own hands.

AQUARIUS

You’ll find happiness in shopping. You’ll be on the search for bargains and will sniff out many treasures. You may also discover a valuable antique in the attic or basement of a family member.

PISCES

After a period of stress and intense activity, what can be more pleasant than a bit of relaxation? You’ll take some time to visit a spa and indulge in selfcare. Treat yourself and make the most of the present moment.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

the free

Classifieds Your destination to buy, sell and post!

LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FOR FREE! CALL 647-722-6298 *Some Restrictions May Apply - Subject To Space Availability

HELP WANTED • ITEMS FOR SALE • PERSONALS • ANNOUNCEMENTS • AND MUCH MORE! FOR SALE FOR SALE SHIRT JACKS: Shirt Jacks all sizes all colour call 416-474-3454 SCHOOL PLANT SALE: BEVERLEY HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY PLANT SALE Selling vegetables and flowers that are ready for planting in a new, loving home.

Our Grade 8 French Immersion class has been growing a variety of plants which are now looking for their new garden homes.

We are selling on Saturday, June 18 AND June 25, from 10 AM - 2 PM. All plants cost $5 or $10 each.

All proceeds from our sales will go towards this year’s Grade 8 Graduation.

Address: 26 Troutbrooke Drive, North York, ON M3M 1S5 Contact: Monica O, 416-395-3000

FORWANTED SALE HELP GENERAL HELPER: Looking for a helper to do general labour, garden cleaning, landscaping, and winter snow removal. Cash paid weekly. Located at Morningside & Lawrence in Scarborough. Please call: (416)269-5174

HIRING FOR CLEANING: Looking for experience people for general cleaning evenings and night.

Must speak English and can drive to areas in the GTA. Call or Text 647-239-4808. Seriou calls only HIRING LIVE OUT COOK AND HOUSEKEEPER: Looking for a live out house keep and cook.

Must be able to cook Caribbean Food.No caregiver needed.

Bathurst and Wilson. No Cash , T4 Issued call Anna 416-729-4772

HELP WANTED PART TIME DELIVERY DRIVERS: Approximately 4-6 hours commitment every second Wednesday.

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

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

FOR RENT: Furnished 1 BedBasement Apart For Rent! Separate Entrance, Private Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Morningside Avenue & Kingston Road. $1,550.00/ month including utilities. Please call (416)459-6155.

FOR SALE WORSHIP SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211 MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137

SALES REPS WANTED

We are in the process of expansion and constantly looking for the best of the best! Dedicated salespeople; people interested in opportunities to help others while also being able to help themselves. For more information, please contact Trish 647-722-6298 or trish@carib101.com

business

Classifieds Help support local business!

GET 3 MONTHS (6 EDITIONS) FOR $300! CALL 647-722-6298 *Subject To Ad Space Availability

SALONS • RESTAURANTS • REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • LEGAL • SHIPPING • AND MANY OTHER SERVICES!

HIGH QUALITY VEHICLES AT VERY GOOD PRICES

GET APPROVED

CREDIT PROBLEMS?

Call John 416-277-6919 john@midtorontoautosales.com

TEL: 705-291-1100

MidToronto AUTO SALES

PAGE 40

FINANCE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Insurance 101 - Four critical coverages for the Toronto real estate investor CLEVE DeSOUZA cleve@carib101.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Part of being a successful real estate investor in Toronto is learning to manage expenses and risks associated with your properties. Insurance coverage is a critical component to this and should be researched carefully to ensure that you have the proper policies and limits in place. Here are four critical insurance coverages that every real estate investor should consider.

Coverage #1 - Hazard insurance Just like placing a hazard or fire insurance policy on your own home is vitally important, be sure that any investment property that you own has proper coverage’s as well.

Most real estate investors will secure a landlord policy that covers the structure of the home or building, as well as any interior property that the landlord owns.

This usually protects against fire, storms, and theft Generally speaking, this type of policy doesn’t include any protection for

the tenant’s belongings, so be sure to communicate this so that proper content insurance can be obtained.

exterior, so be sure to discuss this water hazard separately if you are in an area that could have the potential for this issue.

Coverage #2 - Liability insurance Accidents happen and protecting yourself and your investment from lawsuits and damages that could arise from an accident is important. When choosing a liability policy, talk to an insurance professional about limits that make sense for your area and for the type of property you will be insuring.

This usually protects against medical bills and accident lawsuits Keep in mind that liability insurance doesn’t usually cover negligence, so be sure that any hazards that you are aware of or become aware of are remedied quickly and completely.

Coverage #4 - Income loss insurance Most real estate investors rely on the rents received from their investment property for something. Whether they use this money to pay mortgage payments on the property itself, or simply supplement their household income with it, it is important.

By carrying loss of income insurance, an investor is confident that if the property becomes uninhabitable for an extended period of time, it won’t create nearly as much of a financial hardship for them.

This usually protects against loss of rental income from extended vacancies While this type of insurance is quite important if the property becomes uninhabitable or unusable for a period of time, it typically doesn’t provide any payout if you evict a tenant, or if they move out under normal circumstances.

Coverage #3 - Water damage insurance Every real estate investment property has water flowing to and through it, and every real estate investor should consider insuring against water damage. Water damage can ruin a beautiful property quickly, and can even require major remediations for things like mold. If it is bad enough, tenants may have to move out while repairs are happening.

This usually protects against water and sewer line breaks or backups Water damage policies usually don’t protect against flooding from the

Final thoughts Insurance, no matter what type you are referring to, is not something that you should just obtain and then forget about indefinitely. Set a yearly reminder, at minimum, to review your policies and coverage limits with your insurance agent, or broker to ensure that what you had in place last year still makes sense and meets your needs.

Working in retirement: what impact does it have on your pension?

Would you like to continue working after retirement, either to increase your income, which you feel is insufficient, or to re­main physically and socially active?

Are you wondering if this decision will affect your pension?

First of all, you should be aware that you can receive your pension (either the Canada Pension Plan or the Quebec Pension Plan) even if you are still employed. However, you may be required to continue contributing to the plan. Similarly, if you meet the income requirements, you are also entitled to

your Old Age Security (OAS) pension.

How­ever, your OAS pension may decrease if you earned more than $72,809 in 2015 after your retirement.

If that is the case, it might be better for you to delay receiving your OAS pension until your income is lower in order to avoid paying all or part of the OAS recovery tax. If you are able to support yourself without benefitting immediately from the OAS, you can choose to defer this benefit until 60 months after the date of eligibility. This will in­crease the amount you re­ceive when

you finally make your application. For each month you delay your first payment, you will increase your pension by 0.6 per cent, up to a maximum of 36 per cent at the age of 70.

In short, depending on your financial needs, you can work while receiving your pension and take full advantage of your retirement. You can find more information on the Fi­nancial Consumer Agency of Canada’s website at www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca.

How to organize your finances when you lose your job When you lose your job, it is imperative to be well organized in order to avoid going into debt. Here are some steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.

•

Apply for employment insurance (EI) if you qualify based on the number of hours worked at your previous job.

This should be done as quickly as possible because you will not start receiving your benefits until several weeks after you have applied. Check whether you can make other claims, such as credit card balance insurance, and find out if you are entitled to severance pay

•

•

or vacation pay.

Carefully review your severance package, if one is offered, before signing it.

Seek legal advice if necessary and make sure you understand all the conditions and the impact of this package on your EI benefits. Seve­rance pay is taxable, so make sure you put aside some mo­ney to pay your in­come taxes; the au­tomatically de­duc­ted amount may be insufficient.

Set a budget, be­cause you may need to re­duce your expenses. This means separa­ ting essential expenses (rent, groceries, etc.) from the unessential

items (movies, coffees, restaurants, etc.), then cutting down on the latter.

Do not use your credit cards or lines of credit, as it could make your situation worse. If necessary, consult a credit counsellor or financial advisor.

Obviously, you’ll need to start looking for a new job. If you are considering early retirement, make sure you have the means. Service Canada offers various tools, including the Job Bank, to facilitate your search.

Visit the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada website at www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca for more information.

PAGE 42

AUTOMOTIVE

Buying or leasing a new car: what’s best?

If you’re shopping for a new car, you must decide whether to lease or buy. The choice can be difficult, as each option has pros and cons. Here’s what to consider.

Leasing The best thing about leasing is that you get to use the car during its best, troublefree years. You can also afford a higherpriced ride with the most up-to-date safety features, all covered under warranty.

However, continuously leasing means making monthly car payments with­out owning the asset. Moreover, con­ tracts typically have mileage limits with fees for exceeding them. Plus, if you can-

cel your agreement early or fail to keep your car in excellent con­dition, you’ll be penalized.

Buying The biggest advantage of buying is that you own the car, which means you can drive it as far as you want and sell it or trade it in at any time. However, the value of the car will de­preciate, and the monthly payments are usually higher than leasing rates.

Visit your local car dealership to discuss their leasing and buying terms.

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, August 3, 2022

5 car noises you should never ignore Visual checks are an essential part of vehicle care and maintenance. How­ever, you should also use your ears. Strange noises are clues about potential issues with your car. Here are five noises you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Squeaking or grinding. If you hear a grinding or squeaking noise every time you stop, your car’s brake pads, shoes or rotors may be worn out. If left unchecked, these issues can be hazardous.

2. Hissing. Your engine could be over­ heating if you hear a hissing sound coming from under the hood. This sound could also mean the exhaust system is plugged.

3. Chirping. A high-pitched chirping sound could indicate that you need to adjust or replace the engine’s timing or serpentine belt.

4. Rattling. If your steering wheel is rattling or your tires are shaking, it’s time to act. It may mean you’ve lost a lug nut, or your power steering fluid is low.

5. Rumbling. A loud rumbling noise while accelerating is often a sign there’s a hole in your muffler or exhaust system. This is dangerous because toxic fumes can leak into the cabin.

See a professional automotive technician if you hear strange noises coming from your car. Failing to act quickly could result in more costly repairs down the road.