Test Subjects

“The digital vaccination passport is a technical means to override personal freedoms, such as the right to say no to a vaccination...”

Creativity is her spiritual language SHARL G SMITH

As the performance unfolded, the dancers engaged in a live-action bead-weaving ceremony, carefully threading themselves into intricate patterns. This act of weaving was not merely decorative but symbolic of the interwoven: histories, spiritualities, and cultural identities that have been marginalized and stigmatized by Christian colonialism. The dancers’ movements are choreographed to reflect the rhythms of African drumming and the lyrical flow of African diasporic music, underscoring the deep connection between these spiritual practices and the modern expressions of music and dance.

As the performance progressed, the energy intensified, culminating in a powerful moment where the dancers, in unison, honoured the spiritual and cultural legacies that continue to influence and shape the African diaspora. The performance concluded with a quiet yet profound stillness, as the dancers moved gently, a gesture that spoke to the sacredness of the traditions they’ve embodied and the ongoing journey of decolonization.

Our Woman Empowered, a renowned artist deeply rooted in the exploration of decolonization through art, stood at the center of the stage, surrounded by large, vibrantly coloured beads. The dancers, dressed in flowing garments that echoed the traditional attire of West African and Jamaican spiritual ceremonies, moved with grace and intention. Their movements were both fluid and deliberate, as they represented the stories and energies carried by the beads.

Sharl G. Smith is an artist based out of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Through a process called bead-stitching, she has produced pieces created by hand-stitching glass beads together, a process that she does one bead at a time.

Sharl was born and raised in Jamaica, W.I. and moved to New York City in 1998 to attend university where she obtained a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2003. Sharl continued to live in various parts of the US, working as a designer and architectural professional for 12 years before moving to Canada. Here is where her evolution truly began, and she has been working as a full-time artist since 2015.

Sharl’s art practice is informed by her architectural background and especially her training in a Zen Buddhist design/build firm in California which specialized in hand-crafted architecture through Japanese Joinery. Shark will tell you that her time there has left a lasting impression on her and has instilled a deep reverence for craftsmanship, minimalism and the ‘process as practice.’

She is the founder of “Sun Drops Studio” a creative endeavour that seeks to explore the possibilities of these amazing and intensely colourful little points of light. Sharl is fascinated with seed

beads and is inspired by the sculptural and creative potential of this extremely tiny medium. She also finds the modular nature of the beads combined with her tension-based construction technique an appropriate medium to explore themes of social systems, emotions, nature and the spaces between.

I had an opportunity to sit down and speak with this awe-inspiring artist, and for the next 45 minutes, I remained captivated…

“Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created? What makes it special to you,” I began?

“There was a piece called “Unsilencing,” Sharl shares. “That was the year I started doing the art that I wanted to do. This was in 2022. I worked on it for a year and a half. There are things you want to do, and you don’t know if it is worthwhile. At that time, I was using traditional sea beads. I was nervous because I was leaving behind the retail focus of beadwork, and diving into other creative work. I didn’t know if anyone would be interested.”

It was during this time that Sharl had her first child, and it was an extremely difficult time for her. “It was like do or die. My mental health was dialed up. I couldn’t pretend anymore that I was struggling with these issues. It was through my artwork that in a public way, I could talk about my depression. It opened this can of worms for me.”

“I was always creative even in elementary school. I was doing very intricate things at five years old. I remember building a house with toothpicks at five years old. I have memories of my art assignments being the best one. Some of the times my work was so good that I was accused of cheating, and in high school I was completely humiliated in front of the class. I had written a story, and my teacher called me out, and told me in front of the class that I had not written it. For a long time, I struggled with being seen, and when I brought this up, I was told to get over it.”

“Although I was a naturally gifted artist, I studied architecture, because it was a creative field that could pay the bills. I was guided in that direction and did very well in university. When I went into the field, it was more constructive drawings, not really creative, but mind you, I have a technical mind. I was just not happy.”

“During the housing crisis, there was a dip in my health, and my father died. It was in 2010 that I took a break. In 2012 I read a book called “The Artist’s Way.” I turned to beadwork as therapy, and it is all because of this book. It is creative rehab for creatives. I realized at that time that I was creative. That was why I was not happy as an architect.”

“I was moved by your performance at the AGO. How do you choose the themes and subjects of your beadwork? What stories are you tell

ing through your art?”

“I am happy Simone that you were able to see the performance at the AGO. It really tapped into the spiritual part of my life. I have never felt the need to talk about it, but it is really what moves me.”

“Beadwork is really slow and methodical. Over the years, I have spent many hours in the studio alone. I think about things a lot, if I am not watching Star Trek, or documentaries. I am constantly thinking about philosophical questions. If we are supposed to be here and we are here to love, why is the world in the great space of trauma? What does it mean to love thy enemy? Why are we all here?”

“As I am beading, doing my work and creating these pieces, so much occurs to me. When I am connecting these beads to thread, there is a simplicity to it. It is slow, and you have to be precise. I can’t help but think about social relationships, and cultural relationships. There are a lot of things we want fixed really fast, but it does not work like that. There is a lot of complexity to that. It is like architecture. There are a lot of foundational things before the world can change.”

“I have become focused on feminist care ethics, centering principles of care, understanding how care works, and how this would look in society. This put a spark under me a couple years ago. It is about valuing femininity, and also valuing parts of society that are extremely important. I have a special needs child, and the care that goes into that, to raise this young man in a confident way. When I am doing my 50 hours of work every week, I think about these layers, what would be the bricks and mortar of that.”

“What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to explore bead-stitching or other intricate, time-consuming art forms Sharl?”

“Do the work! If you can’t afford to do it full time, find hours in your week and just do the work. It depends on what you believe spiritually. Creativity is a spiritual language. It needs to evolve, it needs to grow. If we model nature more, learn to trust the process, and treat evolution with care, life becomes simple. New things come to you while you are working. Be consistent.”

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

Recently, I tasked one of our sharpest journalists (Adrian Reece) with exploring the alarming rise in cancer among young people. What he uncovered was startling—a well-researched article that paints a grim picture of what’s happening, but this is more than just a story about numbers and trends. This article will shine a light on something much more sinister, something lurking beneath the surface that many of us have yet to fully grasp or take seriously. It’s time to confront this reality head-on. Forever chemicals are everywhere. They are in our food supply and are polluting our soil and drinking water. Even the most remote places in the world, like Antarctica and the Himalayas, are now contaminated with PFAS.

We have repeatedly warned about the dangers of PFAS, as these are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can affect hormones and metabolism, as well as interfere with: growth, fertility and development, which could put young children at risk. Studies have shown that PFAS may also contribute to cancer, including promoting its spread. This is because PFAS can cause changes in: epigenetics, immunosuppression, oxidative stress, inflam -

mation, or via hormone and metabolomic pathways. There’s also evidence suggesting that exposure to forever chemicals can trigger gastrointestinal inflammation and cause ulcerative colitis — a known precursor to colorectal cancer.

What’s worse is that not only are the potential health effects of PFAS becoming more apparent, but they’re also occurring at lower and lower doses and exposure levels.

“The Poison in Us All,” a documentary by Bloomberg Investigates the origins of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) or “forever chemicals,” and how they are putting our lives and the lives of future generations at risk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now recognizes more than 14,000 different chemical structures as PFAS. These synthetic, man-made chemicals have a unique biochemistry, in that they have many carbon-fluorine bonds, which are “Some of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry,” says Laurel Schaider, a senior scientist from the Silent Spring Institute. This is why PFAS don’t break down easily in the environment, and why they can bioaccumulate in people and wildlife. In fact, PFAS have half-lives of two to five years in the human body.

Rates of cancer diagnosis in children are increasing in Minnesota, which is where chemical company 3M’s global headquarters are located. As far back as the 1960s, the company has been dumping PFAS chemicals in the surrounding areas. Minnesota sued 3M for the damage that it has caused to the state’s natural resources, and in 2018, the company was ordered to pay $850 million for contaminating the state’s water supply for decades.

In 2010, the state of Minnesota sued 3M for the damage that it has caused to the state’s natural resources. During the investigation, a mass of the company’s internal documents was released. What they discovered was disturbing, as it was found that, as early as 1975, the company was aware that PFAS were showing up in human blood.

3M also conducted its own internal investigation and found that workers who were exposed to the chemicals also had PFAS building up in their bodies, and animal studies also revealed disturbing effects. What’s more, in 1997, 3M provided DuPont, another chemical company, with a material safety data sheet with a cancer warning label — then removed that label the same year.

How were PFAS discovered? Strangely enough, the origins of these chemicals can be attributed to one of the most controversial moments in U.S. history — the Manhattan Project. This was the top-secret program conducted in the 1940s, when the American government rushed to build an atomic bomb. Bloomberg News reporter Tiffany Kary explains:

“After the war, companies began experimenting with these chemicals. One company had a scientist who accidentally splashed some of it on their canvas shoes. They discovered the chemicals had stainproof and waterproof properties. That company was 3M.”

The unique chemical properties of PFAS — greaseproof, stain proof and water-resistant — made them useful for the manufacturing of various products and industrial applications. However, as time progressed and more scientific research

started to come out, the problems and potential dangers of these chemicals came to light.

The good news is you can make a conscious effort to avoid products with high levels of PFAS, which will minimize your exposure:

• Pretreated or stain-repellent treatments — opt out of these treatments on clothing, furniture and carpeting. Clothing advertised as “breathable” is typically treated with polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic fluoropolymer commonly known as Teflon.

• Products treated with flame retardant chemicals — This includes furniture, carpet, mattresses and baby items. Instead, opt for naturally less flammable materials such as leather, wool and cotton.

• Fast food and carry-out foods — The containers are typically treated with PFAS.

• Microwave popcorn — PFAS may be present in the inner coating of the bag and may migrate to the oil from the packaging during heating. Instead, use “old-fashioned” stovetop non-GMO popcorn.

• Nonstick cookware and other treated kitchen utensils — Healthier options include ceramic and enameled cast iron cookware, both of which are durable, easy to clean and completely inert, which means they won’t release any harmful chemicals into your home.

I encourage you to watch this eye-opening film as it will expose just how pervasive these deadly chemicals have become.

The

519’s Back-to-School Bash; Giving LGBTQ+ students a sense of community

BY RUSHANE FERRON

TORONTO CARIBBEAN REPORTER

On Sunday August 25th, 2024, Barbara Hall Park in Toronto will come alive with buzzing excitement as more than 1,200 students and their families are expected to gather for The 519’s annual Back-to-School Bash. The event, now in its eighth year, is dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students by providing school supplies and giving them a vibrant sense of community.

The Back-to-School Bash has grown into a staple event for The 519, a leading LGBTQ+ community centre in Toronto. The idea of what began as a small initiative has blossomed into a large-scale event, attracting families from across the city. The event’s continued success reflects a deep commitment by The 519 to ensuring 2SLGBTQ+ students feel supported and empowered as they head back to school.

According to Andrew Greaves, Manager of Community Programs and Services at The 519, “2SLGBTQ+ students experience isolation and discrimination, and The 519’s Army of Lovers is here to show them that they are not alone. Education is a powerful vehicle for social change and plays a significant role in improving the quality of life for queer students.” He continued: “We conducted a survey earlier this year to determine community needs and essential resources to have a great school year. This [Back-to-School Bash] committee has worked with our Philanthropy team to seek sponsorships and partners to support the financial success of the event and for the past few months, we’ve been reaching out to communities all over the city to raise awareness and invite them to the park.”

As a community centre and City of Toronto agency, The 519 prides itself in being a very diverse organization and inclusivity is at the heart of The 519’s mission. To that extent, The 519 has hosted information sessions for community members to understand what harassment is and how to

report harassment. It has also posted signage in its building and websites making it clear that it does not tolerate any form of disrespect, harassment, and discrimination.

The event will include entertaining activities such as: a performance by the Rainbow Circus, face painting, arts and crafts, and workshops on supporting queer youth. One of the most anticipated activities of the event will be the backpack giveaway, which will be distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis and while supplies last.

There will also be free haircuts, courtesy of the Royal School of Hairdressing and Barbering to ensure students return to school feeling confident. The 519 plans to sustain and expand the event in the coming years by involving community members in the planning process and maintaining strong partnerships with sponsors. “Every year, we aim to make this event bigger and better. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels supported and ready to take on the school year, no matter what challenges they may face,” said Greaves.

Financing such a large-scale event required significant effort. However, they are able to do it, thanks to the generous support of corporate sponsors like: Tangerine Bank, Colgate, and Taslan Security, as well as community partners such as: ASAAP (Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention), Malvern Family Resource Centre, LGBT Youthline, CultureLink Settlement and Community Services, and Toronto Metropolitan University.

The 519’s Back-to-School Bash serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As students head back to school, they do so with the knowledge that they are part of a loving and supportive community ready to stand by them every step of the way.

Photo Credit: The 519, a City of Toronto Agency

Toronto Caribbean Carnival celebrates culture, freedom and

exhibition

at the 57th Annual Grand Parade

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It was a day filled with many tantalizing costumes, dazzling performances and showstopping spectacle at the Grand Parade of the Toronto Caribbean Festival on Saturday,

Guests

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

August 3rd, 2024, at the Exhibition Stadium. The 57th annual festival did not disappoint the thousands of spectators who gathered inside the Exhibition ground and along Lakeshore Road.

There was a lot of: planning, preparation and organization that led up to the culminating event on the Exhibition grounds. There was a new route laid out for the eleven bands to travel before they head to the Lakeshore Road after being judged by the judges.

Prior to the Grand Parade, there were important announcements posted on the Toronto Caribbean Festival FB page. They remind patrons to, “Respect the Mas,

treated to

a

It was Friday, August 2nd, 2024, and you know what that means; Caribana (now known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival) season was upon us in Toronto, which means that the night life was on and poppin, and yours truly was down to Carnival Oasis a gifting lounge extravaganza hosted by The Well Connected, Geneus Creative, and Second Floor Events.

The high-end Caribbean-themed gifting lounge took place at a new, luxurious venue, yet it welcomed the same familiar faces along with some exciting newcomers. As always, the promoters curated an extraordinary experience that perfectly embodied the vibrant spirit of the Carnival season. Guests were treated to a lavish atmosphere filled with island-inspired décor, premium gifts, and a festive ambiance that celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean, mak-

purchase tickets online for VIP & Grande stand, free viewing is only from Marilyn Bell Park and the Goodman and entrance is by the Go Train and Princes’ Gate.”

The eleven bands appeared in the following order:

1. Toronto Revellers: @torontorevellers

2. Carnival Nationz: @carnivalnationz

3. Saldenah Carnival: @saldenahcarnival

4. Tribal Carnival: @tribalcarnival

5. Sunlime Mas: sunlimemas

6. Epic Carnival: e.p.i.c. carnival

7. Lavway Mas: @lavwaymas

8. Fantazia Carnival: @fantazia-carnival

9. Freedom Mas: @freedommasband

10. Costume Creators: @officialcostumecca

11. Lux Carnival: @luxcarnival

There was a message posted on Facebook by the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on Monday, August 5th, 2024. It reads, “Gratitude overload. A massive thank you to everyone who made this Toronto Carnival season so special. To everyone who came out, celebrated, and made it unforgettable. Your passion and energy brought it to life. Looking forward to more unforgettable moments next year and throughout the rest of the year.”

lavish atmosphere and a festive ambiance at Carnival Oasis Gifting Lounge

ing this year’s lounge a memorable highlight of the season.

As I stepped into the beautifully decorated gifting lounge, the room glowed with the warm, inviting light of marquee letters, each one carefully arranged by Marquee Letters Toronto Party and Event Props. The atmosphere was elegant yet vibrant, with every detail curated to perfection by Keisha Pinto Events.

As I walked in, my eyes were immediately drawn to the stunning decor. The marquee letters spelled out a welcoming message, casting a golden glow that set the perfect tone for the evening. The ambiance was nothing short of magical, and I could feel the excitement in the air.

I made my way through the lounge and collected my thoughtfully curated gift bag. The collection inside was a treasure trove of goodies that reflected the care and attention put into this event.

Next, I moved on to the cocktail station, where Turtle Bay Cocktails had a lineup of their finest mixes. I sipped on a perfectly balanced cocktail, savoring each note as it danced on my palate. The night was just beginning, but I could tell it was going to be an unforgettable one.

Throughout the evening, I had the chance to sample a variety of drinks, each

more refreshing than the last. Yup Beer offered a crisp, light brew, while Flair Cider brought a tart, fruity twist. Moi Radlers & Cocktails provided a delightful blend of flavors, and Hops and Robbers added a bold, hoppy experience to the mix.

On the menu were delectable treats that catered to every craving. Honey Soul Food served up hearty, comforting dishes that felt like a warm hug. Letterbox Doughnuts offered a sweet, fluffy indulgence, while Mother’s Bakery brought a taste of home with their classic baked goods. Taste Jamaica delighted with rich, flavorful bites that transported me straight to the islands.

To top it all off, Demetres Dessert and Ice Cream was the perfect sweet ending, paired beautifully with a cup of Marley Coffee. The combination was heavenly and left a lasting impression.

This year, the team at Carnival Oasis outdid themselves, collaborating with some incredible product sponsors to create a truly special experience. I had the opportunity to sample and gift myself with items from a range of brands, each one adding its own unique touch to the evening.

From the playful, intimate items by Pink Cherry, Rubicon Exotic, and Jems For All to the mindful beauty products from Muse, every gift felt like it was chosen with care.

Celebration of New Emancipation

paul@carib101.com

The Toronto Zoo and Trove|Toronto Wellness added a touch of nature and well-being, while Global Black’s Department Store provided practical, stylish finds.

The Taliaferro and Burt’s Bees offered natural, sustainable options, and Balloon Treats added a fun, whimsical element to the evening. Dluxe Photo Booths captured the night’s memories in style, while Joico Canada, Bodie Beauty Studio, and Maneuver Men’s Grooming kept everyone looking and feeling their best.

The Barbados Tourism Authority brought a taste of the Caribbean, Clore Beauty and Shea Moisture ensured everyone was pampered, and Phone Loops and Intelligent Change added thoughtful, functional touches to our daily lives. Deva Curl kept the curls popping and added a little sparkle to the night.

As the night wound down, and I took a final sip of my cocktail, the taste lingered on my lips as I glanced around the room, feeling truly pampered and appreciated. The evening was a perfect blend of luxury and warmth, leaving me with memories to cherish and gifts to enjoy long after the night was over.

Day Memorial Artwork brings City of Brampton and community together

Slavery Abolition Act was signed. The new cultural monument is titled, ”Fah Who Dis?” and it features two colourful sculptures symbolizing the vibrancy, resilience and cultural heritage of Black-identifying Canadians. It invites residents and visitors to learn, celebrate and reflect on their journey towards freedom and equality.

Jamera Dacosta

She engages in a wide view of areas such as: acrylic, oil pastel and digital art.

Jason O’Brien

His work draws from Black-Afrocentric themes such as: culture, literature, music, fashion, and of culture.

It was an historic day on Thursday, August 1st,2024, when the City of Brampton unveiled a new cultural monument at Emancipation Park, which is located near Dixie Rd and Highway 427. On hand were Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Regional Councilor Rowena Santos as well as many community members, residents and supporters.

The press release issued by the City of Brampton states that it has added to its collection of more than 50 public art installations having recently unveiled a new memorial artwork commemorating Emancipation Day. August 1st has been celebrated across the British Empire which includes Canada, because it was on that day, 1833 that the

Details about the unveiling of the new Emancipation Day memorial artwork were released in a press release issued by the City of Brampton on Friday, August 2nd,, 2024. There were four artists who were commissioned to participate in the multi-artist project. They were:

Kanisha Dabreo

A multidisciplinary artist, digital designer, Caribbean-Canadian and the founder of Artist Perception

Komi Olafimihan

He is a Toronto-based visual artist who is of Nigerian background and works in diverse fields such as: painting, digital illustration, mural art.

Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton states, “This new monument stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to learning from the past and building a future rooted in equity and inclusion. It honours the remarkable achievements of Black-identifying Canadians in our country’s history and the importance of staying together in solidarity. We are delighted to recognize Emancipation Day with such a significant and meaningful piece of art, and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to AstroSankofa and the artists for their incredible work and vision.”

Rowena Santos, Regional Councilor, Wards 1 & 5, Chair of Community Services states, “AstroBlackJoy is not just an art installation; it is a celebration of culture, resilience and the unyielding spirit of Black-identifying Canadians. This memorial invites us all

to reflect on our shared history and renew our commitment to combating racism and discrimination. It beautifully highlights the strength and diversity of our city, and I am deeply grateful to the artists for their dedication and creativity in bringing this project to life.”

Kelly Stahl, Director of Cultural Services, City of Brampton states, “We are thrilled to unveil AstroBlackJoy as a part of Brampton’s public art installation. This memorial embodies the collaborative spirit of our community and the incredible talent of our artists. It is a vibrant and thought-provoking piece that will inspire conversations and reflections on Emancipation Day and beyond.”

Kanisa Dabreo, Lead Artist of AstroBlackJoy states, “Creating AstroBlackJoy has been a deeply meaningful journey. This memorial is a tribute to the ancestors who fought for freedom and to the generations who continue to build on that legacy. It is a celebration of our culture, our history and our future. I am honoured to have collaborated with such talented artists and to contribute to Brampton’s public art collection.”

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The latest fear being spread across media is a growing outbreak of mpox in Africa, which may soon prompt the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern.

Yes! Here we go again… WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke at a news conference on Wednesday August 7th, 2024, and according to the Director, so far the multinational outbreak has been concentrated mostly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has reported more than 14,000 cases of mpox this year.

News about mpox first came out in 2023, when the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported about 12,600 suspected cases and 580 deaths from mpox between January and early December. Now, “the number of cases reported in the first six months of this year [2024] match the number reported in all of last year and

Could this Mpox be Disease X? I Guess

only time will tell

the virus has spread to previously unaffected provinces,” reports Director Tedros at the news conference. In addition, in the past month, 50 cases have been confirmed and more are suspected in: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, which neighbor the DRC, he said.

“In light of the spread of Mpox outside DRC, and the potential for further international spread within and outside Africa, I have decided to convene an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to advise me on whether the outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,” Director Tedros reported. “That committee will meet as soon as possible.”

The WHO has released funding to ramp up mpox response in affected countries and is working to improve access to the two available mpox vaccines. In addition, Science reported that a clinical trial preparing to launch in Africa will test the vaccines as a treatment to use after an mpox exposure.

I find it interesting that once again Africa is being used as a petri dish. Africa has been used as a testing ground for vaccines. This raises serious ethical concerns, as past instances of vaccine trials in Africa and India have resulted in devastating consequences. The use of vulnerable populations for experimental medical treatments without adequate oversight, or informed consent is a violation of human rights. This

clearly has not mattered, and it continues to happen on the world stage.

They are already sounding an international alarm when, “No cases of clade I mpox have been reported outside central and eastern Africa at this time,” the health alert states.

In the U.S., hundreds of cases of clade 2 mpox were reported earlier in the year, between January and April. A trickle of new cases is still being reported now, but the latest CDC data suggest the rate has been tapering off throughout the summer.

Now that we have dealt with the “mainstream news,” I want to provide some context, and bring us back to a narrative that we have already experienced. In January 2024 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a panel of health industry leaders discussed the importance of preplanning for the outbreak of a hypothetical “Disease X.”

What is Disease X you ask? Disease X is not a specific disease but is the name given to a potential novel infectious agent. The World Economic Forum claims that it represents an illness which is currently unknown but could pose a serious microbial threat to humans in the future. It is necessary to be prepared because there is a vast reservoir of viruses circulating among wildlife, which could become a source of a new infectious disease to which humans do not have immunity.

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) added Disease X to a list of pathogens that are a top priority for research, alongside known killers like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Ebola.

Labelling this potential threat as “Disease X” is meant to prioritize preparations for dealing with a disease that does not yet have vaccines, or drug treatments, and could give rise to a severe epidemic. In 2023, healthcare professionals warned that any new pandemic could be even deadlier – killing an estimated 50 million people worldwide.

So how are they preparing for our pending pandemic? Well according to the oligarchs, it involves international cooperation, including on research and development, as well as the development of country-level initiatives such as tentative response plans in the event of an outbreak of a new disease. Such plans could include mapping out how to increase hospital capacity, scale up supply of treatment and adopt new technologies to support medical workers.

Could this mpox be Disease X? I guess only time will tell. I will say this, we can expect that something is coming, and tests have shown that as a people, we need to do a better job of filtering information and ensuring that we take the time to research before we put anymore vaccines in our bodies.

I am young, i can’t get Cancer; Unfortunately, that is not the case

BY ADRIAN REECE TORONTO CARIBBEAN REPORTER

Cancer is a disease that has plagued generations. It is something that comes into contention with thoughts of your mortality as you get older. Now these concerns are coming to the forefront of thought at an earlier age. While the prevalence of cancers are decreasing in the older generations, the questions that pop up are related to the cause of these types of conditions. Along with the plethora of the kinds of cancers, we have to wonder which ones are increasing in young adults. Yale and Washington university professors attribute the rise in cancers to potential environmental and genetic factors. Particularly colorectal cancers in young adults. Scientists describe a stark change in diets and rising rates of obesity that are correlated with the cancer rates in young adults.

Environmental factors are a huge contributing factor in the indices of cancers in young adults. Carcinogenic substances in the atmosphere, industrial settings and regular encounters with contaminants seem to be greatly affecting adults under 50. This is the age group that spends most of their time in these environments due to being at working age. Young adults often work in industries like agriculture and construction which are places heavily laden with hazardous materials and substances. A progressive society enhances the exposure to cancer-causing substances. Building and creating infrastructure requires materials that are dangerous to be around for long periods of time.

The most controllable factor however is a person’s lifestyle. Within the scope of what you can control are: diet, exercise and what you keep in your immediate surroundings (the home). Young adults these

days have higher rates of obesity and consume processed foods at higher rates than previous generations. Many food companies include harmful ingredients in their foods to either cut costs, or due to accessibility, and it is the consumers who pay for it long term. Even products like detergent can have ingredients that can affect you in a myriad of ways. A diet of processed and fried foods, excessive sugar, as well as processed meats contain chemicals not in fresh meat and are carcinogenic according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Physical activity, or a lack thereof coupled with recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, and smoking continues to be one of the biggest controllable factors that contribute to the rise of cancers in the body. Alcohol use is linked to liver and breast cancers in women as well and is a big risk that people take the more they drink.

A fast lifestyle seems to be a detriment to health in the long run. Years of behaviours and poor diet culminate in diseases that a person shouldn’t have to worry about until they are in their golden years, however the mindset of YOLO (you only live once) causes youth to no longer think long term, but to do everything right now without any consideration for their future, and how they would like to live. While there are things outside of our control and things within our control, we can possibly minimize rates by being more conscious of our decisions and the things we put in our bodies.

Cliches like healthy eating and a balanced lifestyle will be more important than ever for this generation as our choices of foods become poorer and poorer.

Canadians Be Aware: Europe’s vaccination card could be visiting you soon

MICHAEL THOMAS

michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“The digital vaccination passport is a technical means to override personal freedoms, such as the right to say no to a vaccination,” Dutch attorney Meike Terhorst said. “It is a means to turn free human beings into ‘slaves.’ This digital vaccination passport has been planned many years in advance by the globalists.”

“What is he writing about this time again?” you might be asking. I am talking about a pilot program with a global plan to roll out injection cards universally. Let us get right into it.

Five European Union (EU) countries in September will pilot the newly developed European Injection Card or according to the architects of the European Vaccination Card (EVC), which their claim aims to empower individuals by consolidating all their vaccination data in one easily accessible location, (aka for the greater good).

The five players are: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Latvia, and Portugal who will test the new card in a variety of formats, including: printed cards, mailed copies, and digital versions for smartphones.

Take special note that the plans will be made public in 2026, extending the EVC system beyond the pilot phases and enabling broad adoption across all EU Member States.

Canadians, take notice and remember now is your chance to reject this evil, because you can trust and believe it will surface from your government to you in no time. They are counting on you being asleep, and not noticing the subtle changes.

Here are some more planners and players in this diabolical chess game. The EVC is based on the

World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN). The EU and WHO colaunched the GDHCN in June 2023 to promote a global interoperable digital vaccine passport, based on the EU’s digital health certificate launched during the plandemic.

Readers, by now you should begin to recognize the kingpins and key talking points above. WHO (aka World Health Organization’s), vaccine passports, Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN). As we dive deeper, the picture will be less blurred.

As we speak, the Canadian socalled mainstream media is singing a “Bird Flu” tune in our ears. Where is this melody going? Who is the arranger, and who is waiting to pick up the Grammy for the next song, “You Fool put on your mask and get injected” followed by the full album “Climate Change?”

Listen to how a renowned physician feels about this big swindle. Dr. David Bell, a public health physician, biotech consultant, and former director of Global Health Technologies at Intellectual Ventures Global Good Fund, said, “The proposed vaccination card reflects an increasing effort to utilize public health tools as a means to concentrate wealth and provide a means to control populations. It is very reminiscent of approaches in parts of Europe Pre-World War II, and essentially serves a similar purpose: to exclude individuals who do not follow government instructions from society.”

Dr. Bell went on to say, “The trial in Europe is an obvious next step after the recent widening of surveillance under the IHR (International Health Regulation) amendments, which greatly increase the likelihood of recurrent lockdowns to enable mandated vaccination as a way to force mass use, and profit-making, from vaccines.”

Dutch attorney Meike Terhorst from paragraph one summed up this situation best when he said, “All our powers are handed over to the globalists, the group of bankers and investors,”

To sum this up correctly let’s

visit the King James version of Revelation Chapter 13 verses 16 and 17. “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy, or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

If and when injection passports are accepted by the people, it is game over period!! Here is the breakdown. Your captured government will make sure that all institutions participate. Those who choose to do otherwise will become enemies of the state, remember Adams Barbeque in Ontario Canada? Nuff said.

Without presenting the injection card you will face a list of NO’s. No driver’s license, no passports, no government benefits, no housing, no purchasing of things like cars, no business permits, and no Toronto Caribbean Newspaper. You will become an outcast, and just like four years ago, you will be shamed and gaslighted by those who refused to think for themselves.

Canadians, think about it!! Forced compliance is the main objective here. I was going to touch on home ownership, but I think by now you have got the picture.

Catherine Austin Fitts, founder and publisher of the Solari Report and former U.S. assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development, said plans for the EVC represent “Another step toward asserting control of labor and travel, with a goal to control resources and assets.”

Do I need to remind you of your Uncle Justin and his Arrive Canada App? I think not.

Fitts said: “The goal is financial control. There is no legitimate public health purpose. The central bankers are hiding behind a health narrative — policies like lockdown are a way to manage inflation and resource demand when monetary policy is highly inflationary.”

Has anyone noticed recently how Canadian banks are questioning clients excessively on the amount of funds there are withdrawing, and for

what reason? This is all part and parcel of the hostage life that is planned for you.

Scammers like the WHO and other like-minded agencies are clear in their intent to link compliance with centralized health dictates with the ability of people to go about their daily lives. Even whilst going directly against post-WWII conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Nuremberg Declaration they have the backing of major international agencies and the corporate interests that have become enmeshed with them over the past two decades.

These injection passports plans were in the works even before the COVID Plandemic. Development of the EVC began in 2018, according to official EU documents.

Let’s go over this paragraph quote again just in case you think it is a joke, shall we? “The digital vaccination passport is a technical means to override personal freedoms, such as the right to say no to a vaccination,” Terhorst said. “It is a means to turn free human beings into ‘slaves.’ This digital vaccination passport has been planned many years in advance by the globalists.”

This plot would not be complete without players like the: Bill Gates Gavi Foundation, the Vaccine Alliance, World Economic Forum (WEF) Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution headed by the man who said, “You will own nothing, and you will be happy,” Klaus Schwab.

If you think your babies are exempt, think again. In 2019, the ID2020 Alliance, along with Gavi and the Government of Bangladesh, announced a new digital ID program, for which it was later announced that it aimed “to provide biometric-linked digital IDs to infants when they receive routine immunizations.” In layman’s terms, your children will be and in most cases are chipped at birth, and with each additional injection that you the parents take them to get. You were warned!

Flights Delayed; it’s because our pilots are not getting paid

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“What we really have is job offers that are not competitive right now. Pilots are choosing career paths that are better paid.”

Tim Perry, a working pilot for WestJet and the president of the Air Line Pilots Association Canada (2023)

You know those stories about nightmare flights? The ones where you think, “It couldn’t possibly be that bad?” Well, I lived it. On July 23rd, 2024, I was supposed to land in British Columbia at 11:00 am, bright and early, ready to take on the day, but what actually happened? I didn’t step foot in BC until 11:00 pm—yes, 12 hours later.

The day started with optimism, as most travel days do, but then the first cancellation hit. Okay, I thought, these things happen. I adjusted, rebooked, and got ready to move on. Then came the second cancellation, and that’s when the sinking feeling set in. Sigh! Instead of things improving, they spiraled. The flight got delayed—once, twice, three times. By the fourth delay, I was numb to the announcements, feeling like I was in some twisted game

where the rules kept changing, but the outcome remained the same - stuck in limbo.

After all that—the waiting, the frustration, the exhaustion—I finally arrived in BC, but here’s the kicker: no compensation. Not a single offer to make things right, even after I took the time to share my feedback with the airline.

During those endless hours at the airport, I had the chance to speak with other passengers. Misery loves company, after all. It was through those conversations that I learned the root of my current flight woes.

Pilots are saying enough is enough. They need to earn a living wage that will enable them to afford an apartment, support a family, and maybe even take an annual vacation.

Reportedly, one of the airlines that has been ranking dead last among North America’s 10 major airlines in on-time performance in 2023 is Air Canada. It just so happens that this was the airline that I flew with on July 23rd, 2024, and the same airline that some pilots are having issues with. The thing about it; the airline can afford to be fair. The company posted a $2.28-billion profit in 2023 ($1.71 billion in adjusted net income). For that, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau was rewarded with a $2.6-million bonus, and executives at Air Canada get compensated at rates on par with their counterparts working for legacy airlines in the U.S.

Is this the reason why so many of us are dealing with flight delays and unnecessary cancellations? Are our pilots not being paid enough?

In 2023, a job listing for a first officer at Calm Air had a salary range of $34,014 to $82,603 while the Perimeter Aviation collec-

tive agreement listed the base salary for a first officer with four to five years of experience as just over $35,700. A captain can make as little as $36,108 as their base salary.

To work in the U.S., Canadian pilots must have a high level of experience and be sponsored by an American employer. It’s not an easy feat, so other Canadian pilots opt to work with recruitment agencies that help them find employment in the Middle East or Asia.

You can only imagine (because we are all dealing with it) the escalating cost of living is making it impossible to work for the low wages paid by Canadian operators.

“There has to be a reasonable opportunity and a reasonable incentive to go up there,” said Eric Schletz, an Edmonton-area Class 1 flight instructor who has logged more than 5,000 hours total time at 702 (aerial work), 703 (air taxi), 704 (commuter), and flight training operations. He spoke with Lisa Gordon from “ISkies” and he told her that the way he sees it, the Canadian aviation industry is going through a painful, but necessary, reset. A number of factors are coming together to create today’s pilot shortage.

As a flight instructor, Eric also sees students struggling to afford their pilot training, and he believes the lack of funding is a contributor to the pilot shortage – people simply can’t afford their training anymore.

Of course, it’s about the total compensation package. People have to be incentivized and make logical decisions.

Let’s make the comparison of a pilot to being a lawyer. While lawyers see a return on their education relatively promptly, pilots can spend $100,000 on their training only to be

stuck on a dock, making poverty-level wages. There’s just no sense in that.

It cannot be denied, operators’ costs have risen steeply in recent years, but a pilot’s cost of living has increased, too. It is why a report in March 2024 exposed that 70% of Air Canada pilots are willing to walk away if pay doesn’t improve.

“It’s not justifiable that our American counterparts — flying the same airplanes, same airspace, same routes — that they’re making twice as much as us, if not more,” declares Charlene Hudy, first officer on the 737 Max and chair of the Air Canada pilots union.

For the past seven months, Charlene has been hammering this message at the negotiating table with Air Canada, demanding parity with American counterparts on behalf of the nearly 5,300 pilots on Air Canada’s roster. A decade ago, pilot salaries at Air Canada and United Airlines were nearly equal; today, the Americans earn twice as much.

The salary range for Canadian pilots is roughly $40,000 for a new hire to more than $200,000 for an experienced captain. If fair compensation isn’t on offer, this airline will experience a talent drain of epic proportions, It was, without a doubt, the longest day of my life. A day that should have been spent exploring, working, or relaxing was instead consumed by: delays, cancellations, and the stark realization that, sometimes, the customer experience isn’t a priority.

So, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s to prepare for the unexpected and, most importantly, to advocate for yourself. If you don’t, who will?

Come with me as I walk you through what i call the TD Jerkfest journey

MICHAEL THOMAS

michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

If you want to experience Caribbean and African culture, on-the-spot cooking, and musical artists with a touch of almost everything else, then Jerkfest is the place you must go.

Kicking off the entertainment was new-generation dancehall sensation Masicka. Dancehall artist Din Dong joined Reggae queen Marcia Griffiths, and Soca star Farmer Nappy on Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th, along with this year’s Show Your Flow contest winners.

This event could not have been named differently because of all the island jerk foods they had on sale in the park hot off the grill, and even if you were an ‘Italist” like me, there was something for you, like hot and fresh corn soup and fried breadfruit plus roasted

corn.

This event occurs religiously yearly at 256 Centennial Park Road in Etobicoke and never disappoints. Come with me as I walk you through what I call the TD Jerkfest journey.

I got there early to make sure I had no parking worries, and I succeeded in securing my spot. After clearing the necessary gate formalities with the powers that be, it was time to soak in the sights and sounds.

Guests were treated to more than one of the DJs who were well versed in keeping the crowd rocking while the mistress of ceremony who was none other than Miss Tanya Mullings got ready to call the numerous talented artists on stage.

I preferred to attend on Saturday because I know that Saturday usually has the largest attendance, and I believe I was right once more. From the moment she introduced the first act, you knew you were in for a musical treat. All the performers were excellent.

STEVEN KASZAB

This year’s musical lineup featured many female musical talents from near and far, there were a few new artists on tap as well as veteran performers like Miss Donna Makeda who tore the house down and was accompanied by her female dancers, and yes, the queen of Reggae was in attendance.

table global overpopulation seeks the question “Where do we go now?” Poor people ask, “What about us?”

Worldwide expenditures upon all things outer space have reached the trillions of dollars. Various governments claim these costs that could be invested in feeding and housing the world must be made for strategic, prestige and most importantly economic reasons. The military do as they always do, try to militarize every aspect of the human experience, seeing threats everywhere and spending a lot of money on problems that can be more easily and less costly solved. Yes, travel to outer space is uniquely desired, and both personally and nationally prestigious.

Every time an entrepreneur looks to the stars they don’t see adventure, exploration and discovery but monetary possibilities. It’s all about profits and possible financial wins not for a people, or nation, but for corporations and extremely wealthy individuals. What do I mean? Scientists have explored the idea that Mars is

Miss Marcia Griffiths, the undisputed queen of Reggae graced this year’s Jerkfest with an award-winning performance. She performed hit after hit and had the crowd in stitches from beginning to end. She closed off with the crowd joining her to dance her massive hit “Electric Slide,” after which TD Jerkfest promoters presented her with an award for her over 60 years in the music business.

I caught up with this giant of Reggae and music in general backstage after that monster performance and had a brief conversation with her. Amid all the loud music, here is a piece of this short exchange.

I asked Miss Griffiths, “If you had the whole of Canada in front of you at this moment what would you say to them?” Griffiths replied, “I have always seen Canada as my second home, I do not know why. When I am in Canada, I always look forward to communicating with the people, and so, I feel at home. This is one of my most satisfying moments, just being here.”

Now for a bit more about Jerkfest. “JerkFest has always been about more than just food and music, we love to give back to the community,” shared Anthony Plummer, Founder and Executive Director of Caribbean Promotions Arts and Culture Inc. “This year, we’re ex-

an excellent source for diamonds and other gems, as well as essential minerals. An international team of scientists have said that Mercury may have a layer of diamonds 10 miles (16km) thick near the boundary of the planet’s core. Gemstones, energy sources, precious minerals for our EV sector to name a few items these business folk are planning to harvest, actually buying up acreage on and in these planets already. Purchasing billions of dollars of property on these planets with the expectation of future financial windfalls. The Journal Nature Communications suggests a major economic upturn in intergalactic exploration is well on its way creating jobs for those educated in all things galactic.

The world has spent trillions of dollars that if spent on worldly needs would have solved many of the globe’s difficulties, but business has one priority and that is to make massive profits. Helping their neighbors, communities, and nations out of poverty, defeating addictions, and resolving many of our prob -

panding our customer appreciation efforts with the introduction of the JerkFest Cares Grocery Grab.”

From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, adults who donated three non-perishable food items to the Afri-Can Food Basket and Regeneration Marketplace could enter the park for $4.99, and children aged seven -12 could enter for $2.00.

That’s not all, donors were entered into a draw to win a $25 gift card to a grocery store and the JerkFest Grocery Grab grand prize presented by JerkFest Cares. Twenty-two winners received gift cards, while the grand prize winner experienced the excitement of a timed shopping spree in a grocery store to grab as many items as they can in one minute and 23 seconds with a spending limit of $1,300.

The TD International Jerk Food and Music Festival was supported by: The Government of Canada, Jamaica National Money Transfer, TicketPro, DoorDash, The City of Toronto, Ontario Trillium Foundation, FLOW 98.7, Greater Toronto Airport Authority, Raymond Foster Realtor, Government of Ontario, Residence Inn Marriott, Walkerswood Caribbean Foods, Courtyard Marriott, and OLG, which is a co-sponsor in partnership with the Government of Canada of local artists over 18 years old.

lems created by climate change are not priorities. Oh No! NASA remains in the management of the government while its funding, sourcing, and dependence upon the corporate world remains.

We do have some sidebar issues such as knowing when a large asteroid may hit the world and destroy it, or when and where the sun flares will disrupt global communications and possibly superheat the globe’s water ways. Thousands of inventions for space travel have been introduced to humanities global economy as well.

Human greed fuels the space sector with its financial lust to consume. Corporations are now looking to the stars to see where, what, how and when these precious minerals can be harvested. Having destroyed the earth’s resource base, they now look to the stars with the hope of forgetting the earth and creating a new beginning somewhere else.

Open AI unveils its long-awaited answer to search: SearchGPT

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

For all my fellow technology geeks, especially those captivated by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, this article is for you. Google has long reigned supreme as the search engine of choice, dominating the digital landscape with its unparalleled reach and influence. However, the tech world is buzzing with the emergence of new technologies that could potentially challenge Google’s dominance. These innovations, fueled

by advancements in AI, are poised to offer fresh and compelling alternatives, making the search engine space more competitive than ever before.

Last week, OpenAI unveiled its longawaited answer to Search: SearchGPT. The prototype will be rolling out slowly, being made available only to 10,000 test users at launch.

It is a cautious approach that comes as scrutiny into AI search startup Perplexity has been steadily rising. OpenAI was careful to say that SearchGPT will provide users with clear, relevant links to the information it provides.

Yes, SearchGPT has been heralded as OpenAI’s big challenge to Google, Jim Yu, the founder of SEO company BrightEdge, thinks Google’s dominance is too established to break.

One of the key metrics BrightEdge has been tracking for the past 15 years involves referral traffic from different search engines. Google’s share of that market has remained above 90%, even with Perplexity experiencing a 30% monthover-month growth in June.

Part of the reason behind Google’s dominance is muscle memory, but another reason, according to Jim Yu, is its breadth. “One of the things that people underestimate is the sheer number of use cases that Google covers,” he said. “The brilliance of keyword-driven search is it works for everything.”

The breadth of Google Search — its real-time integration with location services, maps and points of interest, for example — makes it a hard beast to challenge. Jim shares that the AI Search startups won’t be able to beat Google at its own game; they’ll have to come up with something new, and in doing so, they could definitely eat away at some of Google’s market share. “Google is still the dominant player. That hasn’t changed, but we see some movement in these different areas.”

“What we’re going to see is the growth of new types of use-cases that are conversational and driven from search,” Jim explains. Trip planning is a perfect example of one of those

use cases that could be won by an AI search engine. As it stands right now, planning a trip involves — at a minimum — dozens of Google searches, but in a conversational interface, hotels, airfare, car rentals and local area research could all take place in one search.

The challenge is that Google has its own AI for search — and it could very likely beat out the challengers on some of these new use cases.

The key for these startups, Jim shares, is “Identifying the areas where AI can really create a fundamentally different kind of search experience where it can win in a way that’s going to be very different from Google.”

“The bigger picture here is that the crown jewel of search for Google has a lot of moats protecting it,” Jim explains, “And so no, I don’t think it’s just going to topple, but I think you’re going to see new use cases, new consumer demand and new engines able to capture and innovate in a lot of those areas.”

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have proven once more that liars always have something to hide

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled that The National Institutes of Health (NIH) violated the U.S. Constitution when it used keyword filters on its Facebook and Instagram pages to block and censor comments criticizing the agency’s funding of animal testing.

Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is accused of lying to Congress about using his personal email for official business. Why would he do so, one might ask? Let’s try to unravel the web of deceit.

This controversy, arising from the “Beaglegate“ scandal which blew up in October 2021 comes amid new scrutiny of government-funded experiments conducted on animals.

Records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act and shared with the New York

Post include an email dated October 29th, 2021, in which Fauci told a Washington Post reporter, “I will send you an email via my Gmail account.”

According to news commentator Kim Iversen, the email, Iversen said, contradicts Fauci’s June 2024 testimony to Congress, during which he explicitly said, “Let me state for the record that to the best of my knowledge, I have never conducted official business using my personal email.” I read somewhere long ago that liars must possess a sharp memory, but I digress.

The NIH has plenty of reasons to try and block folks from commenting about animal cruelty on their social media sites, here is one reason. The experiments, according to other documents obtained by the White Coat Waste Project, involved injecting and force-feeding 44 beagle puppies between six and eight months old with an experimental drug before euthanizing them, The Epoch Times reported in December 2022.

To shed some more light on people like Fauci and their diabolical mindset, here is more. In June 2022, a major supplier of research animals to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) closed its Cumberland, Virginia, beagle breeding facility after being cited for over 70 animal welfare infractions. That same month, Fauci discontinued $1.8 million in research funding with dogs, turning instead to rodents for his drug development scheme.

If anyone is still confused about why

so-called governments are so relentless in the censoring of online content, all one needs to do is a bit of digging and the real criminals will surely be unearthed.

When questioned as to the reason for the blocking of comments on their social media pages, the NIH tried using this as an excuse, “It was just implementing reasonable content guidelines that included a prohibition against public comments that were “off-topic to the agency’s social media posts.”

Speaking of censoring, Canada has become the flagship store in that department. Has anyone noticed how our government has gone to great lengths to ensure Canadians can’t access, or post real news online, especially on social media? As the record would show, there are many things to hide here in Canada, and so it is in your best interest Canadians that our Prime Minister keeps you blindfolded. After all, if you find and post real news, then that is called misinformation and disinformation.

Back to the NIH censorship of social media comments and why they lost this bout. Nearly 50% of NIH’s research project funding pays for experiments using: dogs, rats, monkeys, mice, and other animals. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), one would think that it is only fair that concerned citizens from PETA investigated this traumatic matter involving animals.

PETA along with the Animal Defense Fund and The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University in 2021 sued the NIH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on behalf of PETA and two individual social media users whose comments were erased from NIH posts.

The lawsuit augured that NIH social media platforms are “public forums” and that the agency’s policy of automatically blocking comments containing keywords associated with animal rights advocacy, such as “torture” and “cruelty,” unconstitutionally excluded speech from public forums based on viewpoint.

In its conclusion, the US court ruled that the NIH’s keyword-blocking policy was “unreasonable under the First Amendment.” It said in its July 30th ruling that the right to praise, or criticize governmental agents “Lies at the heart of the First Amendment’s protections.”

This effectively reinforced what many members of the public knew and were saying all along; that many of these agencies are liars and do not have the public’s best interest at heart.

I am just wondering, could it be possible to get such a stern ruling against the present government here considering all the lies that they have told, and are still telling Canadians? Maybe not. The judge’s bank accounts might just get frozen, and it won’t be as a result of Canada’s arctic weather.

“This is not the end, but a hopeful beginning!”

A Roadmap for Transformative Change: Canada’s Black

Justice Strategy

On Saturday, June 27th, 2024, Honorable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada released the external Steering Group’s Report: A Roadmap for Transformative Change: Canada’s Black Justice Strategy.

It was three years ago in December 2021 that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada was mandated to develop Canada’s Black Justice Strategy. This involved the support of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the collaborative involvement of the: provinces, territories and Black communities.

It was intended to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination that has led to the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system, including victims of

crime. The development of this strategy was in alignment with Justice Pillar of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which commenced in 2015 and concluded in 2024.

An intersectional, anti-Black racism and anti-oppression lens was incorporated by the external Steering Group. This was necessary to ensure that the: multiple perspectives, social lived realities, backgrounds and views as well as regional areas of diverse Black communities were included. There were 114 recommendations that arose from the report, which were connected to eight overarching accountability measures while the others were grouped into: short, medium, or long-term actions for implementation under the following five pillars:

• Pillar 1: Social Determinants of Justice (Employment and Income; Housing; Education; Health and Mental Health; Child Welfare; and Immigration and Settlement)

• Pillar 2: Policing

• Pillar 3: Courts and Legislation

• Pillar 4: Corrections

• Pillar 5: Parole, Re-entry and Reintegration

There were nine experts and leaders from Black communities across Canada that made up the external Steering Group. They engaged in consultations and engagements with twelve Blackled community-based organizations, which were

established in February 2023. During Fall 2023, the feedback obtained was used to advise the Government of Canada. The press release notes that it identifies actions to transform the criminal justice system to ensure that all people in Canada receive equal treatment before and under the law.

Minister Verani states, “I welcome the report and am pleased to share it publicly, given its importance in guiding the work ahead, with our partners. I want to reiterate my appreciation of the external Steering group in particular to the authors of this substantial report. They have given us a history making report. They lay the groundwork for policies, programs and legislation that will help build a fairer, more effective justice system, confront systemic anti-Black racism and address the disparities that limit opportunities and increase marginalization and overrepresentation for Black people in our justice system.”

Dr. Akasi Owusu-Bempah, a steering group member who played an active part in the report highlighted the importance of taking steps to tackle systemic inequities in order to facilitate a more inclusive and equitable Canada. He states, “Justice is not a destination, but a journey we must all embark upon together. By recognizing and addressing the systemic inequities faced by Black communities, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable Canada. Canada’s

Black Justice Strategy serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a future where every individual is afforded the dignity, respect, and fairness they deserve.”

Zella Jones, another steering group member and states, “One of the foundational principles of this report was that it must be centered in the voices and experiences of Canada’s Black communities, and the rich but painful histories of Black population, and as a co-author of the report, it was the honour and privilege of my life to receive the stories entrusted to us by the members of participating organizations from coast to coast.”

“What came through most to me was not only the terrible injustices our people still live with as a legacy of enslavement and colonialism, but the great resilience of Black Canadians.” She credits the significance of this epoch-making event in the present moment. She elaborates, “This report both remembers our ancestors and builds a better future for our children. I thank the Government of Canada, the Minister of Justice, and the dedicated staff of the Department of Justice for all they did to support the creation of this report, which builds on a long tradition of activism and advocacy by African-Canadians. There is more work to do, of course; this is not the end, but a hopeful beginning.”

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

Toronto’s Caribbean community is a vibrant, intricate network woven from countless threads of talent, dedication, and innovation. While we strive to showcase the incredible work happening within our community, we know there are simply too many amazing stories to tell! That’s why we’re excited to launch our new Community Highlight Section, a dedicated space to amplify the voices and initiatives shaping the future of our vibrant community.

If you’ve got a story to tell, we want to hear it! Feel free to reach out to Trish Browning, our CEO, at trish@carib101. com or Simone Jennifer Smith, our Chief Correspondent, at simone@carib101.com. Let’s celebrate the amazing things our community is achieving together!

FLOW FEST

The rhythm of drumming and syncopated sounds returns to The Rose Mainstage for the 3rd annual FLOW FEST, Brampton’s International Drumming Festival. Back in a big way, Grammy Award-winning, Brampton-raised musician, composer and educator, Larnell Lewis, and award-winning musician, composer and educator, Joy Lapps collaborate as Artistic Directors to bring you an evening you will not forget.

An event for the senses, experience everything from DJs and roaming musical ensembles to visual art and food. Be immersed in a percussive party celebrating culture, music, and drums from around the world as you dance and play the night away. The evening will be hosted by Asha Lapps and Ryan Chung and features performances by Weedie Braimah and Hands of Time; Esie Mensah Creations featuring Esie Mensah, Yohance Prsons and Taejah Mark; DJ Joshua Lucas; The Recipee; Majoko Duo; and the Flow Fest Percussion Ensemble.

Location: The Rose Brampton, 1 Theatre Lane

Show Date: September 21, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM

Community Highlights: A dedicated space to amplify our voices

New Book Release: “Carnivals and Cultural Festivals of the Caribbean: A Vibrant Journey”

Discover the vibrant and colourful world of Caribbean culture with the newly released book, “Carnivals and Cultural Festivals of the Caribbean: A Vibrant Journey.”

This captivating volume is the first in a series dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and lively traditions of the Caribbean, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and appreciating this dynamic region.

From Trinidad and Tobago’s world-famous Carnival to the unique Creole Festival in Dominica, the book provides detailed descriptions, historical insights, and stunning visuals that bring these celebrations to life.

Anthony Berot is a photographer and passionate advocate for Caribbean culture and heritage. With years of experience in documenting and celebrating the rich traditions of the Caribbean, Anthony brings a unique perspective and deep appreciation for the vibrant festivals that define the region. “This book is the first of a series dedicated to my grandsons (Kai Berot, Kane Berot) and all children born of Caribbean heritage. May you find joy in the rhythms, pride in the traditions, and strength in the stories of your ancestors. Embrace the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean, and let it illuminate your path with the colours of your rich heritage.”

VP Records Co-Founder Pat Chin Opens the Doors to New Retail Store

On Saturday, August 3rd, VP Records, in conjunction with the highly anticipated Jamaica Arts & Music Summer (JAMS) Festival, hosted a special event at its flagship retail store at 170-19 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, NY.

This vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community turned out to be a memorable day for Reggae enthusiasts and local residents alike. In an effort to expand the Reggae genre and develop an outreach with local and community musicians, VP Records co-founder Pat Chin opened the doors to the retail store with live music, exclusive offers, and more. The festivities included an all-day 10% discount on in-store products, and a DJ set by Bajan Assassin from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Virgin Islands’ Creatives Celebrated at Inaugural Toast Gala, Adam O Delivers Heartfelt Speech

August 8th, 2024, was a night filled with celebration as Kickin It held its inaugural gala, ‘Toast’, that brought together Virgin Islands culture, creativity and community. A highlight of the evening was a deeply moving speech from Trailblazer honoree Adam O.

Adam O, a beloved figure in the Virgin Islands music scene, has enchanted audiences from around the world with his unique blend of Soca, Kompa, Zouk, and R&B. The singer-songwriter and former Marine Corps veteran touched hearts as he accepted his award stating, “Being from the Virgin Islands, being a creative from the Virgin Islands, being anything whether it’s music to art, we don’t really get the support as a doctor, a lawyer, or a basketball player. That’s just real. Because people don’t understand what we do and it really boils down one word, that is support. That’s all we really need.” He then expressed his gratitude to Kickin It and Founder Kyra, for the continued support and recognition given, stating the award was the first that he has received being an artist and meant more than any other award given. “You don’t know how much this means to me. I don’t think you know what it is you did tonight,” Adam expressed.

Six-time Boxing Champion Just Isaac Releases Second Novel “TRAFFIC FIGHT”

Just Isaac (JI) is a six-time boxing champion (Including 2-time Golden Glove Champion), actor, recording artist & motivational speaker.

Coming off the successful release of his debut novel “Think Fearlessly,” JI is releasing his second novel “Traffic Fight” available now. In the heart-pounding novel, two sisters find themselves thrust into a world of darkness and danger when they become victims of human trafficking. But these sisters are no ordinary captives— they are trained fighters, skilled in combat. One excels in boxing, while the other has mastered various disciplines within martial arts. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of the sex trade, they must rely on their strength, determination, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood to survive. Traffic Fight is not just a tale of survival—it’s a message of hope and resilience.

Join the sisters on their journey as they defy the odds, face formidable adversaries, and discover the true meaning of strength in the face of adversity. Traffic Fight is a compelling and unforgettable

exploration of love, bravery, and the fight for justice in a world plagued by darkness.

Empowering Youth: Financial Literacy as a Pathway to Stability at REST Centres At REST Centres, we believe that understanding and managing finances is a cornerstone of achieving stability and independence, especially for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Our financial literacy program is designed to provide essential skills and knowledge, empowering youth to take control of their financial futures. Through this program, we aim to bridge the gap created by social inequity, stigma, and systemic prejudice, helping BIPOC experiencing housing insecurity shape new realities for themselves and others.

“I just want to learn how to be more financially stable,” said an anonymous REST client. For many youths, understanding how to spend money responsibly is the first step toward financial stability. Our program teaches participants how to create and stick to a budget, track their expenses, and identify areas where they can save money. By learning these skills, youth gain the confidence to make informed financial decisions and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to debt and financial hardship.

Award Winning Certified Gold Selling R&B Icon Dru Extends SOUL Nostalgic Residency

Due to incredible fan demand, Juno Award Winning and Certified Gold selling International R&B Icon Dru has extended his Soul Nostalgic Residency, a live Vegas style dinner and show once a month, at Acqua Supper Club.

This intimate setting accommodates over 350 seated (dining) and 1000+ standing guests, promising an unparalleled experience. Immerse yourself in an enchanting night where elegance meets soul, as the stage transforms into a Time Machine, guiding you through an era of unforgettable songs. Prepare to groove, sing along, and reminisce on R&B/Soul throwbacks, featuring hits from legends and modern-day classics led by DRU.

Secure your tickets ( soulnostalgic.com), make table reservations now for a night filled with soulful melodies and a Vegas-style extravaganza you won’t forget and see why Dru is dubbed “The Prince Of R&B.”

Should the other breast be removed after cancer surgery?

W. GIFFORDJONES MD

DIANA GIFFORD-JONES

TC HEALTH COLUMNIST

Some patients you never forget. One woman told me she had a breast cancer, and one breast removed, but her surgeon refused to remove the remaining breast. I told her then that her doctor might be right. There was little research, or clinical data to help in determining if this was a prudent decision. Her surgeon had said, “I can never sleep again if I keep worrying whether or not the cancer will occur in the other breast.” After repeated medical appointments with her, it became evident the continuing anxiety would affect

her overall health. So, was I wrong, or right 50 years later?

Dr. Steven Narod of Women’s College Hospital in Toronto is also a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Toronto. He and his colleagues, using U.S. data, have reached a conclusion. They say that there is no advantage in having the other breast removed by either a lumpectomy, or a mastectomy. In other words, there is no increase in the survival rate.

This study was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association and involved 661,000 women who had cancer in one breast. What happened to those women who decided to keep their other breast? The chance of cancer occurring in it was seven percent over a period of 20 years.

There was one other fact. Women who had a gene variant such as: BRAC1, or BRAC2 had increased risk of recurrence. For the one in 500 American women who have this gene variant, both breasts should be removed. Nonetheless, it is a difficult fact to accept that removing both breasts is not a

sure way to remove the risk of a recurrence of breast cancer in the future.

Why does this dilemma continue and why can’t early diagnosis by routine mammograms solve this puzzle? Afterall, they say over and over that mammography of the breast detects cancer, but does it?

This column has explained the details, initially many years ago, and again from time to time, but somehow the nuances seem to be lost in what one commonly hears about mammography. Cancers of the breast do not appear all of a sudden. Early malignancies begin as cellular particles that are totally unseen by present day mammography. According to the experts, cancer cannot be diagnosed until the growth reaches a certain size. How long this takes is debatable, but experts report that it generally takes several years. This is when mammography becomes very valuable, but by this time the cancer has had a chance to spread to the other breast, or elsewhere in the body.

What a major difference to the Pap’s test to diagnose cervical malignancy. This

test cannot only diagnose cancer cells using high powered microscopes, but it can also diagnose precancerous cells long before they change into cancer cells that can kill. It is important to repeat that mammography if a “lump diagnosis” and that the Pap’s test is a “microscopic cellular diagnosis”. In other words, it’s the difference between night and day.

What we need is a cellular diagnosis of breast cancer to save more lives, but to date, it doesn’t exist, and women will continue to die of this malignancy.

Saying mammography diagnoses early cancer malignancy is stretching the truth. This has given false hope to women for years.

Some women with breast cancer will still want to have a double mastectomy. From this study it does not appear to increase the survival rate, but one wonders how the data would look if it factored in mental health considerations and other measures of wellbeing.

City of Toronto seeks feedback as it develops its New Year

paul@carib101.com

It was on December 5th, 2017, that the Toronto City Council approved Canada’s first action plan to combat systemic anti-Black racism. It was titled, “Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism.” This was a fiveyear, multi-million-dollar investment that resulted in the establishment of a permanent unit located at the City of Toronto. The promotional material from CABR described the Unit as “dedicated to driving systemic and cultural change to disrupt discrimination and barriers disproportionately faced by Black residents, while also increasing access to opportunities.”

It was in December 2022 that the report “Honouring Our Promise: Ending AntiBlack Racism” was released by Turner Consulting Group. According to the report they were hired to conduct the research and consultations in order to understand the issues impacting: Black infants, children, and youth in Toronto and their access to mental health services.

On Monday, June 24th, 2024, Delta Family Resource Centre hosted two town hall meetings at the Rexdale Community Hub lo -

Action Plan to confront anti-Black racism

cated in North Etobicoke. It was advertised as, “Members of Toronto’s diverse Black communities are invited to express their individual and group aspirations for the next ten years of action.” There two questions were posed:

• What are the key issues in Toronto’s Black communities and how would you address them?

• What would you like to see change?

There were ten themes that were identified as a result of: community research, government reports and statistical data that were compiled and analyzed between 2018 and 2024 as well as acknowledgement of current areas of city and community work by the CABR. These themes are:

• Community Health & Wellbeing

• Community Funding Access to Services

• Employment, Income & Business Supports

• Arts & Culture

• Community Safety, Policing & The Justice System

• Child & Family Welfare

• Youth Development

• Community Space & Neighbourhood Development

• Black Leadership, Civic Engagement & Culture Change

• Housing

On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, there was a Black community town hall held at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and CABR. It was introduced by Misha and facilitated by Elaine Robinson.

“We welcome you to share your thoughts and opinions on the barriers impacting our community and effective solutions to these issues. The focus is on Survey on Black Leadership, Civic Engagement & Culture Change.”

There were six questions that were directed at the audience.

What are the biggest challenges Black communities are facing in this area?

One respondent said social media images and policing. People in the community cooperating with those who want to take down our own. One respondent mentioned it is important to clarify the term “community.” It is vital to focus on differences in colour and culture. Elaine said she grew up in Scarborough and in other TCHC. She noted that it is important to add “ cultural communities.”

One respondent says it is important to educate yourself about different communities to learn about the diaspora (e.g. Pan’-African view). One person mentioned the importance of class solidarity. Another responded that organizing ourselves is primary first before education, which ensures that people buy into these views. One virtual participant mentioned institutional, systemic and structural racism in terms of how it impacts policies and programs. What powers does the city have in dismantling anti-Black racism and why is the focus on just confronting it?

What things could the City of Toronto do to address the challenges in this area?

No more strategies. We know what needs to be done. We need scalable funding and equitable, dedicated agency enshrined in law

with sustainable funding. The city of Toronto needs to understand the communities that we live in and go to and those that come to us. The need for students in schools have to work

What are your ideas for how the recommendation(s) listed should be implemented or strengthened?

Transparency regarding how the survey was done and accountability from stakeholders. There is a need to empower the community. They need to be intersectional, multisectoral, data- driven, governance and work grounded in the spirit.

I would like to see the Black communities involved.

We have to live long term. We need to build relationships proactively. Another respondent talks about the importance of critical thinking.

Other leaders and participants who can help ensure improved outcomes include.

How would we know the recommendations are a success? What changes would Black communities experience?

There will be a “What We Heard Report” as a result of the community discussions. Individuals will be invited to City Hall for a report and subsequently there will be a deputation to City Hall. There will be deputations in early December 2024 to the City of Toronto Council after which the 10-Year Action Plan will be presented to it in January 2025.

How do you deal with a child who is resisting going to school? A look at school refusal

SIMONE SMITH

simone@carib101.com

You are pacing back and forth in the living room. The clock on the wall shows 8:15 AM. In the background, the faint sound of a school bus driving away can be heard. You exhale deeply, clearly frustrated yet concerned.

“Come on, Jason… We’re late again.” Jason, 10, stands at the top of the stairs, clutching his backpack. His face is a mixture of fear and defiance.

“I’m not going. I hate it there.” You turn towards him, trying to stay calm. “Jason, you need to go to school. We’ve talked about this. Missing school won’t make things better….”

What some parents might be dealing with, and they have no idea they are dealing with is something that psychologists have termed school refusal. School refusal occurs when a student experiences distress

mental health disorders, including:

• Social anxiety disorder

• Generalized anxiety

• Depression

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

According to the American Family Physician, school refusal occurs in approximately 5% of all school-age children. Children affected by this issue may end up chronically absent from school and fall behind on assignments and tests. This issue can occur at any age, but children in certain age groups are more likely to resist going to school. As you can imagine, children aged five to six starting school for the first time have higher rates of school reluctance.

Pre-teens often tend to have a higher susceptibility to school avoidance as well. School refusal in this age group is often due to concerns about fitting in. Students in this age group may find interests away from school (such as video games or hanging out with friends) more appealing than the pressures of school.

School refusal occurs equally among boys and girls. However, sexuality can affect school avoidance and chronic absenteeism. A study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that students who identify as LGBTQ+ reported more unexcused absences than their heterosexual classmates.

School refusal can lead to multiple absences during the academic year. There have been severe cases where students miss

weeks, or months due to their fears. Often, when a child misses school for an extended period, they’ll feel more reluctant to return. Although each child is different, some of the most common causes of school refusal include the following:

• Children may feel stressed by certain situations while in a school setting. They may report feeling bad at school and can’t clearly identify what’s bothering them.

• Some children experience intense separation anxiety. The strength of their feelings can make it hard to leave home every morning and attend school.

• Any external stress could affect whether a child wants to go to school, or not. For instance, children can experience stress when starting at a new school after a family move.

• Kids may fear that something negative may happen to them on school grounds. Fear can stem from a previous incident, such as bullying, or threats made by peers.

• Due to such trauma, children may have a negative association with the environment and wish to avoid going.

• A child may avoid school to seek attention from caregivers or loved ones. This behavior can be a way for the child to communicate feelings of insecurity, loneliness, or a desire for more nurturing interactions from trusted adults in their life.

Parents, although you may assume a child’s unwillingness to attend school is a phase, don’t ignore the problem. Early intervention will help prevent school avoidance from getting more serious. Listen to your child and encourage them to talk about their specific concerns about attending school. Do they complain about a particular teacher? Did they recently lose a friend? Attempt to identify any triggers that could cause them to feel anxious during the school day. Remember to share this information with your child’s doctors.

Here is how a dialogue with your little one could go, “Sweetheart, I know it’s hard. School can be tough, especially when you feel like you don’t fit in. But avoiding it won’t solve the problem.”

Jason remains silent, his eyes welling up with tears.

“Do you want to talk about what’s been going on? Maybe we can figure it out together. I’m here for you, always.

“I just… I feel so different from everyone. It’s like I don’t belong.”

“You do belong, Jason. I promise. Sometimes, it just takes a little time to find the right people who see how special you are, but you won’t find them if you stay home.”

“How about this? We’ll go together today, and if things get too tough, you call me, and I’ll be there. We can also talk to your teacher and see if there’s anything we can do to make things better, but let’s not give up, okay?”

As a parent, you would be surprised how far some comforting words can go.

Is Ontario for sale? Sure feels like it is. what do you think?

STEVEN KASZAB

steven@carib101.com

TC COLUMNIST

the citizens of Ontario that they would do everything possible to make the system better.

Let’s see what has been going on behind closed doors since Doug Ford became Ontario’s Grand Poohbah.

The LCBO is under siege by the very people who manage it. This profitable organization has been re-imagined as an entity owned not by the public, but by some private concern. One way or another the conservatives will get all alcoholic beverages sold at: corner stores, pharmacies, and perhaps down the road from you. The very reason the LCBO existed will be gone and this outstanding organization will be torn apart and

Annual

sold to various corporate sharks. If you think the prices will drop, or the variety of booze will increase, shake your head. Corporations stock only what is popular, period.

The introduction of various private clinics carrying out specialized services was to decrease pressure placed upon our hospitals and surgical teams. That was what they claimed anyways. I spoke to a nurse at a clinic that specializes in diabetic illness. She works three days at the clinic, the rest of the week at the hospital. She makes much more at the clinic than she gets at the hospital. She’d love a full-time schedule at the clinic. Doctors do the same thing as the nurses, but they own

part of the clinic. Doug Ford loves entrepreneurs. Privatized hospitals and healthcare will surely be on its way soon. If the Ford conservatives win another majority come the next election it is a certainty.

Placements of housing starts and the road we drive on continues to expand in an unruly fashion. In order to initiate housing starts it seems most regulations have been dropped or shoved aside for now. So much for better management of our government procurement, services and protecting the environment. Is Ontario for sale? Sure feels like it is. What do you think?

Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride celebrates legacy of Louis March

Empire. It is also a celebration of the power and potential of the peoples of African descent. This Freedom Train Ride has been occurring since 2013 providing an actual underground experience via its subway system to represent the underground railroad journey. Former enslaved people undertook an incredible and dangerous journey in their migration to Canada and this symbolic train ride helps to keep history alive by connecting the past to the present and ultimately linking to the future.

It was an inspiring, enriching and exciting evening on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, at the Underground Freedom Train Ride 2024. This year marked the eleventh occurrence of the symbolic event that rings in freedom at midnight. The event is held in collaboration with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Blackhurst Cultural Centre.

The ride is symbolic of the role of the Underground Railroad within Canada’s history. This train ride is a recognition of the historic date of Emancipation Day on August 1st when slavery was abolished in the British

August 1st, 2014, is of tremendous importance for African Canadians. It signifies the 190th anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act which became effective on August 1st,1834 and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Negro Improvement association (UNIA) which was launched by Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

The evening’s event commenced with drumming and performances by the Verity Community Choir. Many of the songs were Negro spirituals that echoed powerfully through the chambers of the Union Station

(TD West Carriageway). Libation was offered by Minister Aina-Nia Ayodele which was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Itah Sadu, Managing Director of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. Dr. Itah has been instrumental and has played a pivotal role in the running of this Freedom Train Ride for the past eleven years. Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto and Shakira Nariane, TTC Chief People & Community Officer delivered special greetings to the hundreds of people who gathered before the train departed The 2024 conductor of the Freedom Train was Amah Harris, who spoke briefly before the departure of the train at 11 p.m. from Union Station. There was festive drumming during the subway ride, performance by Tiki Mercury Clarke and an inspirational poem by Lillian Allen, Poet Laureate of Toronto. It was truly emotionally moving as the packed subway train was filled with many passengers who wore T-shirts with Elder Louis March written on the front and back.

The train arrived at Downsview Park Station just before 12 am at which the pas-

sengers assembled at the TTC parkette to celebrate the Emancipation Day festivities. There was the enchanting beating of drums, spirited music and empowering speeches. The highlight of the celebration of August 1st, 2024, which would have been the 69th birthday of Louis March, founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement (ZGVM) (who passed away on Saturday, July 20th, 2022), was the two drones which lit up the sky in his honour. They spelled out his name, “Louis March”, in red and green with hearts and love after which a red Maple Leaf appeared. This was followed by the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Anyone interested in learning about Emancipation events which occurred across Canada can check the website :https://teachingafricancanadianhistoryweebly.com/blog compiled by Dr. Natasha Henry, Professor of History at York University. She specializes in the development of learning material that focused on the African diasporic experience.

Canadian Ned Blair is a man on a mission to change the world. He was born to father, John Leyland Blair and mother, Olive Loretta Hamilton in Guyana. He migrated to Canada in 1972, but never forgot his roots and his connections to Guyana. He is particularly grateful for the influence of his father who was a non-commissioned officer with the Guyana Police Force. Ned saw his father go through many transfers as he moved up the ranks of the force. During this time, Ned along with his brother were able to excel as track and field runners, while they attended schools in Georgetown, Hopetown, New Amsterdam and Linden.

I interviewed Ned on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, regarding the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award that he would be receiving from the Jamaica Canadian Association (JCA). I came up with a list of questions that I felt would do justice to the extensive volunteering work that he has done over the years.

The greatest influence on Ned was his father who was one of the foremost First Aid Instructors in Guyana. With respect to the positive paternal impact, Ned states, “Having been sent abroad for training and his patience and competence in imparting knowledge to all who came to our house influenced me. I developed a sense of service and while at school, I headed a student outreach group that ran some successful projects.”

In addition, there was an athlete who trained near his house in Guyana and eventually became a track coach and influenced Ned greatly to pursue becoming a sprinter. There was another neighbor who was in charge of the Guyana Volunteer Force who Ned saw regularly dressed in his full regalia that left a positive impression that he wanted to follow, but unfortunately, he was too young.

He received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding community service from Jim Karygiannnis, federal member of Parliament. The presentation occurred at the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) annual dinner

NED BLAIR

A man on a mission to change the world

at the Cypriot Community Centre in Toronto. Details about the presentation of the award was reported by Ron Cheong in an article, which can be seen on the website.

MP Jim Karygiannis was excited to make the presentation to Ned Blair at the annual dinner. He states, “I am pleased to award you the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne. In granting you this honor thank you for your dedicated service to your peers, to your community and to Canada. The contributions made to our nation are most commendable and deserve our praise and admiration. I wish to convey to you the heartiest congratulations from your fellow Canadians to which I add my own.”

Some of Ned Blair’s awards include the following:

• President Award from the Organization of Black Tradesmen and Tradeswomen of Ontario (1993)

• The Harry Jerome Award for Community Service (1999)

• The Anthurium Award for creating awareness for Cancer in the Black Community (2001)

• Guyana Award for Outstanding Service for Guyanese and Canadian Community (2004)

• Planet Africa Award for Volunteering (2008)

Ned has been instrumental in the formation of several community organizations such as: the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organizations and the Guyana Independence Committee, which are presently involved in activities in Guyana. In addition, as a member of the Kaiteur Lions Club, he was able to engage in many initiatives that have been helpful to Guyana. In addition, Ned has worked with the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRF) that has been instrumental in bringing critically ill children from Guyana to Sick Kids Hospital where they have been able to obtain vi-

tal surgical operations.

Ned has overcome many challenges in his life and has demonstrated resilience, courage and fortitude. In 1999 after surviving surgery for prostate cancer, he formed the African Caribbean Cancer Forum, which involved a partnership with: the Canadian Cancer Society, the Princess Margaret Hospital and Sunnybrook Cancer Center. One of the initiatives was an annual cancer seminar at North York Civic Center to increase awareness about this disease, and to promote the importance of early testing and treatment options.

The Walnut Foundation has done a great job over the years engaging Black men in the Greater Toronto Area about their increased risk. Ned states, “There is a higher incidence of the disease among Black men, and I have always counseled men of the urgency of PSA testing, and that early treatment saves lives.”

Ned has volunteered his: time, talents and treasure with a wide range of community organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. They include: Caribana, Ontario Black History Society, Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), Weston Police Community, Black Police Consultative Committee, Lions Club, Tringo, Canfar, ACT, GBA, ACCF and many others. He has been active with the National Ethnic Press and Media Council (NEPMCC) for many years, where he served as VicePresident.

Ned was very active with the Organization of Black Tradesmen and Tradeswomen of Ontario (OBTTO), where he has served as President. This organization has played a pivotal role in making it possible for many Black youths to access apprenticeship training opportunities in the trades. They have partnered with unions that enable these youths to get entry into trades such as: carpentry, tool and die and motor mechanic.

Ned was very appreciative after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jamaica Canadian Association at their Independence Gala on Saturday, August 4th, 2024. He states,

“It is gratifying to learn that communities are aware of my involvement over the 50+ years that I have been giving. There is personal satisfaction, but never have I done it for the reward. The greater award is not the receipt of the honor, but to see the faces of friends from the podium when I receive it.”

Ned is very community-centric in his approach to life. He states, “My driving force is to improve the community we live in, to believe in fair justice, to fight prejudice, to create a community that is committed to self-improvement that would carry over to the next generation.” With respect to his future goals, he looks forward to, “Having the energy and drive to carry on, and to continue serving communities and making a difference to lives.”

Ned lists some of the things that he would like to do in the Black community. Some of the lessons that he would like to teach the next generation include:

• Plan your future

• Stay focused

• Seek our role models

• Stay in school

• Obey your parents

• Don’t allow yourself to be strayed by friends

• Be mannerly always

He notes, “There needs to be more interactive communication and collaboration among countries, consulates, organizations, churches and neighbourhoods.”

Written by Paul Junor Toronto Caribbean News

Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography

AFRO-CARIBBEAN FARMERS MARKET

JULY

1 1 A M - 3 P M

REGGAE LANE LITTLE JAMAICA

Not everyone needs to have the knowledge of today’s biochemist. What’s important to know is that there have been extraordinary advances in what scientists now understand about the way the human body works. Their discoveries show it’s the little things that matter.

Fifty years ago, the focus was at the level of the cell, understanding its properties and functions. In labs, experiments involved poking and prodding cells to see how they behaved in response.

Today, advances in technology make it possible to study the building blocks of cells and how they function. Scientists, and

A lesson in the body’s building blocks

now computers, are sequencing DNA at lightening pace. They can study proteins, for example, one at a time, manipulating genetic codes in search of breakthroughs in disease treatments.

Among the little things that matters are myriads of chemical and electrical interactions involving: lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. One marvels at this microscopic complexity!

One remarkable and very small worker is proline, an amino acid that functions as a building block for proteins. Think of it as an odd piece of Lego requiring combinations with other Lego to make a strong and purposeful structure. While it’s not as wellknown as some other amino acids, proline is indispensable for the structure and function of: collagen, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin.

Supplementing with L-proline can be beneficial for individuals with joint problems, as it promotes the repair and regeneration of damaged cartilage and connective tissues. It also aids in reducing joint pain and improving mobility.

What does the “L” in front of proline mean

when you see it as an ingredient in a supplement? The letter L stands for “levorotatory,” which is a chemistry term indicating the amino acid is in its free form, or not already bonded with a protein molecule. It’s the Lego block on its own, before it sticks together with other building blocks.

L-proline promotes good health because it aids in the formation of new collagen and tissue. This means it has an important role in helping heal wounds such as those occurring from surgery, injury, or skin conditions like pressure ulcers.

Collagen formation is essential in the maintenance and renewal of cells in other important parts of the body too. Notably, L-proline helps prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of arterial plaque. This buildup can: restrict blood flow, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and contribute to high blood pressure.

How does it do it? L-proline works by reducing the capacity for fats to settle down in arterial walls, thereby preventing the progression of atherosclerosis. It also promotes the relaxation of blood vessels, which can help lower blood pressure.

Combining L-proline with other hearthealthy nutrients, like vitamin C and lysine, can further enhance its cardiovascular benefits. The combination is a powerful set of antioxidants. Together, they neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles. Choosing a supplement that contains L-proline is part of maintaining skin and arteria elasticity in the context of naturally deteriorating capacity to self-manufacture our own Lego blocks, as we do so easily as younger people. There’s no proven way to stop aging, but ensuring cells are unnecessarily calling it quits is worth every effort. It’s fascinating to stop and think about existential questions. Everything we are, including our consciousness, is the result of chemical and electrical interactions most of us take for granted. Don’t pause for long. Get active and fuel your body well, so that more healthy building is underway than neglectful destruction.

SPICY GRILLED HALLOUMI CHEESE

Planning to host a barbecue?

Try this simple and original starter before grilling the main course.

Ingredients

Servings: 4

• 1 cup + 1 tablespoon water

• 1 cup rice vinegar

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

• 1 or 2 teaspoon(s) red pepper flakes

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 450-gram block halloumi cheese

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• A few small fresh red chillies, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the cup of water, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, ginger, red pepper flakes and garlic to a gentle boil. Make sure all the sugar has dissolved, and then let it cool completely.

2. Slice the cheese in half lengthways. Then, cut each half in half to make four large sticks.

3. Place the cheese in a bowl and cover with the marinade. Let marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

4. Drain the cheese, making sure to keep the marinade.

5. Bring the marinade to a boil in a small saucepan. Dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water. Gradually pour into the marinade and simmer gently until the mixture thickens.

6. Thread the cheese pieces

onto wooden skewers. Grill on all sides on the barbecue or in a pan on the stovetop.

7. Pour the marinade over the cheese skewers, garnish with chopped red chillis and serve warm.

Notice of Commencement of Transit and Rail Project Assessment Project

Conversion of Scarborough Rapid Transit Right of Way to Busway

Toronto Transit Commission

Project Overview

LEMON AND NECTARINE ICED TEA

This refreshing iced tea is easy to make. Enjoy it by the pool or when having a barbecue.

Ingredients

Servings: 6 to 8

• 1 litre water

• 80 millilitres honey

• 2 lemons, sliced into rounds

• 2 nectarines (or peaches), cut into quarters

• 3 tea bags (ideally lemon or orange pekoe)

• Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish

Directions

1. Bring the water, honey, lemon and nectarine slices to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir well.

2. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for 4 or 5 minutes.

3. Pour the tea into a pitcher and let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge for at least an hour.

4. Divide the fruit between several small clear glasses, add ice cubes, pour over the tea and garnish with mint.

The Toronto Transit Commission is undertaking a Transit and Rail Project Assessment Process to convert the existing north-south segment of the Line 3 Scarborough right-of-way into a busway corridor, between Ellesmere Station and Kennedy Station. The Project will also include the removal of the existing Line 3 track and systems and replace it with a paved surface for buses to operate. The new busway corridor will replace the decommissioned Line 3 and provide a fast and efficient connection between Scarborough Centre Station and Kennedy Station (the current terminus of Line 2). The conversion will include three stops: Tara Avenue/ Moorgate Avenue, Lawrence East Station, and Ellesmere Station.

Study Area

The Study Area, totaling 105 hectares, encompasses the section of the Line 3 Scarborough right-of-way extending south approximately 4 kilometers from Ellesmere Road to Eglinton Avenue East, and extending west from Midwest Road to Nantucket Boulevard as depicted in the Study Area map.

The Process

The Transit and Rail Project Assessment Process is a proponent driven, selfassessment process that provides a defined framework to complete the accelerated assessment of potential environmental effects and decision-making within the up to 120-day regulated assessment timeline.

As part of the Transit and Rail Project Assessment Process, an Environmental Project Report is being prepared as prescribed in Ontario Regulation 231/08, under the Environmental Assessment Act, which will be made available on the project website (visit www.ttc.ca/line3) on August 15, 2024. Interested persons will have an opportunity to review the final Environmental Project Report during a regulated 30-day period, followed by a regulated 35-day review period by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. All information produced as part of this Project is available at www.ttc.ca/line3.

Consultation

A Public Information Centre is planned for September 24, 2024, to share the study process, identify potential impacts and associated mitigation measures, receive feedback on the Project, and to outline the next steps.

Advanced notice for the Public Information Centre will be available on the Project Website, Toronto Transit Commission Social Media streams, and published in local newspapers. For more information on how to subscribe to the Project Information List, visit www.ttc.ca/line3.

All personal information included in project inquiries – such as name, address, telephone number and property location – is collected, maintained and disclosed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for the purpose of transparency and consultation. The information is collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act and is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public as described in Section 37 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public unless you request that your personal information remain confidential. For more information, contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Freedom of Information and Privacy Coordinator.

For Project Information: Arjun Sahota

Senior Community Liaison Officer Arjun.Sahota@ttc.ca (647) 706 – 6487 Toronto Transit Commission Head Office, 1900 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON., M4S 1Z2 First Published: August 15, 2024

Online beggars are getting out of hand; Influencers are using followers to fund their lifestyles

SYDNEE WALCOTT

sydnee@carib101.com

VARIETY CORNER

It is well-known that being big on social media can lead to many great opportunities, including: brand deals, collaboration opportunities, television and movie deals, and the biggest one, getting paid a lot of

With a social media career being unstable, it has led to some making the resourceful choice of getting a post-secondary education, starting a business, or obtaining a part-time job outside of social media to help them get by and give them something to fall back on in case social media does not work out for them in the long run.

While some have opted to take the honest route and earn their money through hard work by finding something to fall back on, others are relying on their followers and viewers to help them get by, and it’s off-putting for many.

For as long as I can remember, many well-known influencers have scammed fans through false giveaways, setting up fake fundraiser pages for help,

orchestrating MLMs or pyramid schemes, or simply begging for money on their pages. Impressionable people will send money either under the expectation of possibly winning a prize, or helping a favourite get by, not knowing that their favourite influencers are stealing their hard-earned money to fund their lavish lifestyle.

Lately, many are using TikTok to beg their fans to send money by setting up a GoFundMe campaign or holding livestream donations. Many are refusing to help these people because of all the scams that have occurred in the past, and I don’t blame them for that. As mentioned earlier, most of us work hard for our money, and we don’t want to see the funds we need to look after ourselves and our loved ones - being used by people to fund their life -

styles.

These beggars are some of the same people who look down on a nine to five job. A nine to five may not be exciting compared to a social media career, but at least you’ll be guaranteed stability. You’ll have a consistent income along with other benefits.

What’s also off-putting about the situation is how some of these influencers will attempt to shift the blame onto their fans as the reason why they are going through financial issues. Your viewers, who supported you, are not responsible for your poor financial choices.

While there is no harm in saying that you need help, you can’t solely rely on others to do everything. You also have to put in some work.

The power of the bird; Why these feathered aeronautical creatures are more important than you think

STEVEN KASZAB

steven@carib101.com

INSIGHT TO SOCIETY

creatures that you see every day. Birds are most important to humanity, performing an essential service that has kept humanity in existence since recorded time.

The Chinese found out just how essential birds are to their way of life during the time of Chairman Mao’s Cultural Revolution. Revolutionary Council Members were told that birds were eating more than their share of oats and grains within the communal farm network. Their response was quick and not thought out well. Every rural resident was required to kill several birds each day. A task in itself. The clever Chinese killed entire populations of birds. Well, the following five years presented China with the worst famines in their history. What do birds eat? Bugs and rodents. China’s fields, homes and neighborhoods were overwhelmed with these pests. Nature’s cycle of life was attacked by unknowing/unthinking Chinese officials who brought upon themselves: droughts, famine and social unrest. The power of a bird.

Ever found a dead, or dying bird near a window? It is a very common occurrence. In the US 44% of all bird deaths are caused by residential buildings. Globally each year billions of birds are killed through the collision happening between a window, building structure, or automobile. More birds die than there are human beings on this planet (UN Department of Environment and Nature). The only threat equaling these collisions are the killing of birds by feral cats.

Engineers and scientists have been working on various methods of changing the bird’s trajectory from structures it may collide with. Glass and polymer products present unending possibilities. Imagine looking out of a window in a glass tower downtown. Looking out you see clear vision, but a bird flying towards the glass pan may see something else. Japanese scientists have been experimenting with colors and shapes that could present to a bird an unwanted image that would detract them from a collision.

German scientists have invented a glass pan that projects the image of a hawk whenever a bird comes within several years of the glass. What colours alarm a bird, which patterns and reflective lights drive a bird away and which attract the bird’s attention?

Various nations have initiated and established many different wildlife and nature programs to protect our wildlife neighbours. Like Saint Francis of Assisi, humanity is stretching out its hands to those we are unintentionally threatening. Humanity can take it upon themselves to preserve and save creatures of the sky. Why not those in the ocean, mountains and plains? A little creativity and determination are needed with a willingness to create and maintain life instead of ignoring or destroying it. Long live: hummingbirds, sparrows, all feathered and clawed birds. Their songs and presence bring us joy and satisfaction.

Bye-bye, bloating!

Cramps, gas, burping and gastric reflux are just a few unpleasant and embarrassing symptoms of difficult digestion. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to prevent one of the most common and uncomfortable issues: bloating. Follow this guide to learn more.

Symptoms and solutions

Bloating happens when too much gas builds up in your stomach, intestines or colon. This leads to swelling, pain, spasms and the need to get rid of the gas through burping or passing wind. This can be really embarrassing, especially around other people! To help avoid this, follow these tips:

• Avoid eating heavy meals rich in fat and sugar.

• Eat slowly and chew each mouthful thoroughly.

• Don’t smoke or chew gum. This causes you to swallow air.

• Limit drinks that contain gas, like beer, sparkling wine and soft drinks.

• Consult a healthcare professional if you have a food intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance).

• Eat fibre, exercise and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation.

• Listen to your satiety signals to avoid overeating.

• Learn to manage stress better.

• Find out about products that can help you digest your food more easily (e.g. simethicone, activated charcoal and enzymes).

If you often feel bloated and it hurts a lot, have a fever, see blood in your stool or notice your legs swelling, see a doctor right away.

Vision and Voice: A modern day look at the philosophy and opinions of Marcus Garvey - Part II

“Death is the end of all life in the individual or the thing; if physical, the crumbling of the body into dust from whence it came. He, who lives not uprightly, dies completely in the crumbling of the physical body, but he who lives well, transforms himself from that which is mortal, to immortal.” ~ The Honourable Marcus Garvey

Our ancestors, the architects of our existence, are repositories of invaluable wisdom forged through lifetimes of experiences. Yet, in the relentless march of time, we often overlook the profound insights they offer. Their knowledge, like precious pearls, lies scattered throughout our family history, waiting to be discovered and cherished. It is only in moments of profound loss, such as the passing of Uncle Louis, that we are jolted into recognizing the significance of

honouring our elders and heeding their counsel. Their wisdom, a light in life’s stormy seas, becomes undeniably apparent when they are no longer with us, leaving an aching void where their guidance once resided.

This week, I continue my series on the philosophy and opinions of Marcus Garvey. My mission is to remind our community of what we as a people are capable of if we put into practice the wisdom of those who came before us.

“Ambition is the desire to go forward and improve one’s condition. It is a burning flame that lights up the life of the individual and makes him see himself in another state. To be ambitious is to be great in mind and soul; to want that which is worthwhile and strive for it; and to go on without looking back, reaching to that which gives satisfaction. To be humanly ambitious is to take in the world which is the province of man; to be divinely ambitious is to offend God by rivaling him in His infinite majesty.”

What is the true compass guiding the Caribbean community? Where do we collectively aspire to steer our region? Are we content with our current trajectory, or does a yearning for something more profound reside within us? The Caribbean di-

How to choose your child’s name

aspora, a testament to our resilience and ambition, is spread far and wide. Yet, our collective impact on the world stage falls short of our potential. How can we transform this narrative? It is imperative to interrogate the factors hindering our progress and to forge a unified vision that propels us forward, ensuring that our voices resonate with the same power and influence as other global cultures.

“The only protection against injustice in man is power: physical, financial and scientific.”

The injustices faced by the African diaspora are a constant topic of discussion, but the path to true change remains elusive. While political affiliation can offer a platform for advocacy, its effectiveness in dismantling systemic oppression is often limited. The Black Panther Party’s approach of creating an independent political force within the community is a compelling, and prolific historical example. Their ability to mobilize and galvanize support, coupled with their focus on community empowerment, demonstrated the potential of selfdetermination.

Whether or not a similar path could be successfully replicated today is a complex question, hinging on factors such

As an expectant parent, one of the most exciting and daunting decisions you’ll need to make is what to name your baby. Here are a few tips that may help.

Avoid trends

Pop culture references likely won’t stand the test of time, and wildly misspelled na¬mes can lead to bullying and embarrassment for your child. Additionally, find out what names are popular right now so your child won’t be one of the six kids in their class with the same name.

Look to your lineage

If you prefer vintage names, consider paying tribute to someone of significance from your family tree. Alternatively, a traditional option from your cultural background can serve as a nod to your heritage.

Consider the meaning

Looking into the meanings behind different names may inspire your choice and give it more significance. Additionally, if you already have a few options in mind,

as the current socio-political landscape and the level of grassroots mobilization. Ultimately, the pursuit of power, whether through existing structures, or new formations, remains a critical aspect of addressing the enduring challenges faced by the African diaspora, and we as a people.

“A race without authority and power, is a race without respect.”

It is time for a paradigm shift, where we move beyond the illusion of individual powerlessness and into a collective consciousness of agency. By recognizing our interconnectedness, we unlock a wellspring of strength that transcends the limitations of isolation. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of our existence, crafting a reality where our minds are sovereign territories. No longer bound by the constraints of solitary struggle, we embark on a journey towards a future defined by shared purpose, mutual support, and the collective power to shape our destiny.

“Wake up Ethiopia! Wake up Africa! Let us work towards the one glorious end of a free, redeemed and mighty nation. Let Africa be a bright star among the constellation of nations.”

it’s a good idea to find out whether any of them reference something unappealing.

Brainstorm nicknames

A cute possible nickname might help sway your choice, but you should also think about whether a name can be shortened to a nickname you dislike or that might be used by tormenters on the playground.

Say it out loud

A name might look good on paper, but can you imagine using it to address a toddler, teenager or adult? You should also consider how it pairs with your child’s last name. Ask a few friends or relatives to say it out loud so you can hear how others might pronounce it.

If you’re torn between two options, consider waiting to meet your baby before you make a decision. This way you’ll be able to choose the name that suits them best.

Creating the future of cannabis with nano emulsions

SEAN SEURATTAN

sean@carib101.com

THE HEIGHTENED CHEF

Currently there are nano technol ogies that allow THC and/or CBD to become even more available through waterbased beverages. This in turn changes how your body receives cannabis. Once entering your stomach, it can be absorbed directly through your stomach lining into your bloodstream. This allows for a much faster onset of effects (15 - 20 mins) and a much shorter duration (30 - 90 mins). The effects of an infused beverage are more in line with alcohol in this manner minus all the negative side effects.

New Brunswick licensed producer Organigram has recently announced the results of a clinical study on their new nano emulsion technology. As one of the currently largest studies of its kind, it stands to revolutionize the ingestible cannabis market. “We are thrilled with the study findings,” said Borna Zlamalik, SVP of Innovation and R&D, in a press release. “The patent-pending nano emulsion technology, FAST™, promises to unlock the power of the ingested cannabinoids and allow consumers to navigate and control their dosage experience more accurately – a key consumer pain point in the ingestible product space. These technological advances underscore Organigram’s commitment to consumers and to developing science-driven innovations.”

“As a responsible licensed producer, our aim is to thoroughly educate consumers about the effects of this technology, empowering them to enjoy a controlled and predictable ingestible experi-

ence,” added Mr. Zlamalik. While historically smoking cannabis has been the consumption method used by most, there is no way around the fact that inhaling smoke is offensive to many and harmful to everyone. The only real benefits are the ease with which this can be done and speed of this method affecting the body. Cannabis smoke, or vapor enters the body through the lungs and then immediately enters the bloodstream, interacting with your endocannabinoid system to produce its known effects. In most cases, this process takes place rapidly within minutes of consumption. This is NOT the case with ingestion. Ingesting cannabis through food and drink opens the door to a great many more consumers who find smoke intolerable. In many cases, infused food and beverage can also remove undesired tastes and smells associated with cannabis while still providing the helpful benefits. Of critical importance is the fact that each person processes cannabis differently based on his or her metabolism and endocannabinoid systems. This process also changes based on whether cannabis is ingested as food, or drink. The main difference between infused food and drink is the speed of onset effects and their duration within your body.

The key to using infused food in order to get the desired effects is to understand how it enters and leaves your body. All food must be digested for cannabis to have its effect. Simply put, food goes from your stomach into your lower intestine and then into your bloodstream. The length of this process can be anywhere from 30 - 90 minutes depending on your metabolism. Regardless, this is a much longer process than inhalation and must be taken into consideration for responsible use. Once in your bloodstream as this form, effects can last hours (1-4 hours) before your body naturally removes the THC.

No matter which way you choose to ingest cannabis, this is the natural and logical progression of consumption. An individual can consume without affecting anyone in their vicinity. Also, they have much more control over how much they consume. Without the downfalls of inhaling smoke, cannabis reveals a whole new universe of benefits and enjoyment to people.

Home maintenance: when to hire a pro

While there’s a certain satisfaction in fixing things yourself, some home repairs are best left to the professionals. Here are five situations when calling an expert can save you time, money and maybe even your sanity:

1. Electrical repairs and upgrades. Electrical work can be dangerous. Faulty wiring poses a severe fire hazard — even minor mistakes can lead to expensive damage. Licensed electricians have the knowledge and tools to handle all electrical issues safely and efficiently.

2. Plumbing repairs. Professional plumbers have the expertise to diagnose leaky pipes, sewer backups and low water pressure and have access to specialized equipment to get the job done right.

3. Roofing repairs. Fixing a leaking or damaged roof requires proper safety precautions and knowledge of different roofing materials. Leave it to a licensed roofer to ensure your roof is secure and keeps the elements at bay.

4. HVAC maintenance and repairs. Heating and air conditioning systems are complex and require skilled maintenance, repair and installation technicians. A qualified HVAC professional can ensure your system runs optimally.

5. Major appliance repairs. Fixing refrigerators, ovens and washing machines can be tricky and require specialized tools and parts. Hiring a certified appliance repair technician can save you time and frustration and keep your warranty valid.

Hiring qualified professionals in your community can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

DIY backsplash installation: upgrade your kitchen in a weekend

Dreaming of a fresh kitchen look? A backsplash can instantly transform your space without a significant renovation. Here are five simple DIY tips to get you started on a weekend backsplash installation:

1. Plan your layout. Measure your backsplash area and sketch a layout on paper. Consider tile size, pattern and how you’ll handle cuts around outlets and cabinets.

2. Prep the surface. Ensure the wall is clean, dry and smooth. Patch holes and cracks with spackle and sand for a level surface.

3. Mark and apply tile adhesive. Use a level to mark a straight line as your starting point. Apply tile adhesive to a manageable section of the wall. Use a notched trowel to create ridges for optimal adhesion.

4. Set and space your tiles. Starting from your marked line, carefully press each tile into the adhesive, ensuring they’re level and evenly spaced. Use tile spacers for consistency.

5. Grout and seal. Apply grout once the adhesive dries completely (at least 12 hours). Use a damp sponge to remove ex-

cess grout and buff the tiles clean. Then, apply a sealer for extra protection after the grout cures (usually 24 to 48 hours).

With some planning and tools from your local hardware store, you can achieve a professional-looking backsplash that personalizes your kitchen.

How to manage humidity in your basement

Excessive humidity in basements can lead to mould growth, musty odours and property damage. Prevention and remediation techniques are crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment. Here are some tips:

1. Ensure proper ventilation by installing exhaust fans or regularly opening windows to allow air circulation and reduce humidity levels.

2. Seal cracks and leaks in the foundation walls, floors, windows and doors to prevent moisture from seeping into the basement.

3. Use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels during hot, muggy weather or in areas with high water tables.

4. Add insulation to the basement walls and floors to prevent condensation and reduce moisture entering from the surrounding soil.

5. Keep gutters and downspouts clean and debris-free to ensure they drain away from the foundation.

6. Remove mould using a mixture of water and detergent. Hire a professional mould remediation service for extensive cases.

7. Waterproof the basement walls and floors with sealants or coatings.

8. Improve drainage by installing a sump pump to redirect groundwater from the basement.

9. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer and take actions to maintain optimal levels (ideally between 30 and 50 per cent).

Contact a professional HVAC company or home renovation contractor for advice and help.

5 things to consider when buying a rural property

Investing in a rural property can be an exciting venture, offering stillness, space and a closer connection to nature. However, before making such a significant decision, it’s crucial to consider the following factors to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Accessibility. Think about how easy it will be to get to and from your property, especially during bad weather. For example, make sure that the property is on a well-serviced road or prepare yourself for difficulties if the property is located on a dirt road that may become impassable during heavy rain or snowfall.

2. Community dynamics. Find out how close you are to amenities such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, schools and recreational activities. You should also consider the sense of community and social opportunities available in the area.

3. Environmental considerations. Assess environmental factors like soil quality, wa-

ter sources and the risk of natural disasters like floods or wildfires. Consult with local experts or agencies to better understand these factors.

4. Infrastructure and utilities. Check for availability and costs associated with utilities like water, electricity and internet connectivity. Septic systems and wells are also common in rural areas, so inquire about their condition and maintenance requirements.

5. Zoning and land use regulations. Research local zoning laws and land use regulations to ensure that your intended use of the property aligns with zoning restrictions. Also, inquire about any future development plans in the area.

With these simple points in mind, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a rural property and ensure it meets all your needs and expectations for a fulfilling countryside lifestyle.

How remote work has changed the real estate market

How people work has changed drastically over the past few years, and remote work is becoming increasingly popular. As more and more people opt for this setup, their priorities in property selection have also shifted.

Buyer preferences

In the past, many people prioritized being close to urban centres and office hubs when choosing a place to live. However, with remote work arrangements, buyers now prioritize factors such as more space, better amenities and proximity to nature.

This shift in preference has resulted in fluctuating real estate values across different areas. For instance, suburban and rural areas are witnessing heightened demand, while metropolitan areas are experiencing adjustments.

COMMERCIAL SURPLUS

It’s also worth noting that remote work has had a significant impact on commercial real estate. Many companies are downsizing their office spaces, resulting in a surplus of city commercial properties. This surplus has led to lower commercial property values in these areas.

The age of digital tools

The remote work trend has also fostered a trend of virtual property tours and transactions. With virtual tools, buyers can view properties and make offers without visiting the property. They can even close deals from the comfort of their homes. This has made the property-buying process more convenient and time-efficient for buyers.

Reach out to a professional in your area to help you navigate these changes and help you buy or sell your property.

Is a micro-apartment right for you?

Have you heard about micro-apartments and are wondering if they’re the right fit for you? Micro-apartments are compact living spaces designed to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.

Small space

Typically ranging from 100 to 400

square feet, micro-apartments can be perfect for minimalists or those looking to declutter their lives. With clever design features like multifunctional furniture and built-in storage solutions, you can make the most of every inch. However, a micro-apartment might feel cramped if you need some elbow room or love to entertain.

Budget

A significant advantage of micro-apartments is their lower price tag than traditional apartments. They’re attractive for budget-conscious individuals, especially those just starting their careers or saving for long-term financial goals. However,

it’s essential to consider your longterm objectives and whether the savings outweigh any sacrifices in space or amenities.

Lifestyle

Do you love cozy nights at home, or are you always on the go? Micro-apartments are great for people who don’t spend much time cooped up inside but may not be the best if you’re a homebody who needs space to spread out.

If you’re a minimalist on a budget who values location and convenience over space, a micro-apartment could be the perfect fit for you. Talk to a real estate agent in your area to help you find your new abode.

My landlord sold the house I have been living in for ten years and said I have to move in two months. What should I do?

Understanding the legal aspects of your situation is crucial. If the new buyer intends to rent the property, they cannot terminate your tenancy contract and evict you. This legal protection is designed to ensure your security as a tenant. Remember that if the new buyer or a family member is not moving in, you have the right to stay, giving you control over your living situation.

give up your premises without written notice. However, if your landlord gives you a written notice, on the appropriate forms, as required by the rental tribunal, and you disagree, be aware that your landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to evict you.

Your landlord must give you two months’ notice from the end of the term. For example, if you are in a month-tomonth tenancy and your landlord gives you notice on the August 10th, then the term starts on September 1st, and the 60day notice will take you to October 31st. If you have a lease, the landlord cannot evict you until the lease expires. For example, if the lease expires on December 31st, your landlord can give you notice on November 1st that they need the property, and you must leave by December 31st.

have to move, and your landlord must file an application with the rental tribunal for a hearing no more than 30 days after the termination date that the landlord gives you. For example, imagine that the termination date is on September 30th. In that case, the landlord must apply to the rental tribunal for a hearing before October 31st, failing which, the landlord would have to start over from the beginning.

the rental tribunal will send you a notice of hearing with the time and place. Most hearings are conducted via Zoom. Both sides will have a chance to tell their stories at that time. The judge will decide, and you will know the outcome a few weeks later.

The rental tribunal has a backlog of cases, and it could take months to get a hearing. If your landlord sold the property with a specific closing date, and you do not move, the buyer can sue the landlord. I suggest meeting with your landlord and working out an arrangement that both of you can live with. JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

The tribunal would need a copy of the N12 and the certificate of service from your landlord showing how and when you received the notice. Once this is done,

To terminate your lease, your landlord must give you a minimum of one month’s rent to compensate you, and the rent must be paid on or before the termination date in the notice. This compensation is your right as a tenant and can help alleviate the financial burden of moving. The landlord will send you an N12 form from Tribunals Ontario, a notice saying the interested party needs the rental unit. If your landlord has multiple rental properties, they can offer you another one acceptable to you, providing you with an alternative if you’re not willing to move.

Purchasers usually sign an affidavit stating that they want the home to live in, and you can ask your landlord for that as proof. You have the right to refuse to leave if your landlord informs you that you must

The delivery of the notice to you is also worth noting. For example, if your landlord gives you the notice by hand on August 1st, the termination date should be on September 30th. If your landlord mails the notice on August 1st, the landlord must add five days extra, but the termination date must be on the last day of the rental period. In this example, the last day of the rental period is September 30th, plus five days, which takes us into October, and since it is not the end of the rental period, the termination date becomes October 31st.

Once you receive the notice from your landlord, you can end the tenancy earlier by giving the landlord ten days notice. If you disagree with the notice, you do not

YOUR HOROSCOPE

for the week of August 11 to August 17, 2024

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS AND PISCES

ARIES: If a relaxing holiday wasn’t in the cards this summer, you’ll consider going on a refreshing getaway to recharge your batteries. This will be extremely rejuvenating.

TAURUS: You’ll feel the need to please everyone. However, you’ll realize that this is impossible. Follow your heart and trust your intuition. An extra dose of self-confidence would be beneficial.

GEMINI: After a long vacation, returning to work may leave you feeling exhausted. Your partner and loved ones will require more attention. However, you must take time to rest to get through the week.

CANCER: You’ll be rewarded with success. This will clarify an unclear story. You’ll receive heartfelt appreciation that will reinforce your position of importance.

LEO: You’ll devote time to your family and enjoy the peace and quiet of your own home. Your relationship with your partner will be a priority. You’ll demonstrate your creativity, even in simple activities such as cooking a meal.

VIRGO: You could be in the mood to buy a new car. You’ll spend a lot of time negotiating and listening to endless speeches and presentations. At work, you could discover that you have hidden sales talents.

LIBRA: You’ll have a strong urge to spoil yourself, get a new wardrobe or change your hairstyle. You must be social and hang out with your friends. At work, overtime will be on the agenda.

SCORPIO: You don’t always listen to advice from others, especially if it’s long-winded. Trust your instincts. They’ll guide you in the right direction if you take the time to listen carefully. You’ll have a guardian angel watching over you.

SAGITTARIUS: You may need to step back before a critical turning point in your life. You must think carefully about your passions and how to manage stress.

CAPRICORN: Your active social life could lead to overspending. Even though you’re generally thrifty, you could find it challenging to manage your budget and pay off your debts.

AQUARIUS: You’ll go to great lengths to impress strangers and family members. Your children will be a source of great pride. You’ll seize opportunities of abundance that come your way.

PISCES: At work, a training course will bring about opportunities for advancement, bringing you closer to a career in line with your values. You’ll redefine your ambitions with a newfound conviction.

CROSSWORDS

HOW TO PLAY :

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

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

PUZZLE NO. 111

PUZZLE NO. 821

COOK : Someone to cook once a week at their home large order of Roti, curry chicken and curry potatoes. Cost to be discussed. Email postiexyz@yahoo.ca FOR SALE: Shirt jacks for sale,All sizes all colors. Call 416-474-3454

FOR SALE: Snow tire on rims for small SUV in Good ConditionP205-75-15 905-454-3085.

FOR SALE: Time Share in Tornberry, 1.5 from Toronto. Studio size call 416-474-3454.

WINTER TIRES FOR SALE: 4 winter tires on rims fit a Chevy Equnox ( 235.55.R17 ) $500 or best offer call 416-875-5177

FOR SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS

FILM FESTIVAL: Submit your film to the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival TODAY! Give your film a chance to be a part of Ann Arbor’s 200th celebration. Go to a2bff.org

CARETAKER: For Weekend Sat and Sun, Must have experience with elderly and canadian reference. Bathurst and Steeles 10:30am to 8:30pm. Call 437-818-5208

ASSOCIATE

Laparkan is looking for a Warehouse Associate in Shipping and Receiving.

No experience necessary. Will train on the Job.

Send Resume to hrca@laparkan.com or call 416-292-4370

FOR RENT: Furnished 1 Bedroom Basement For Rent. Close to TTC Bus and Subway Stations. Schools, Shopping Centres, and all other Amenities. Sharing Kitchen & Washroom with one other person. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Just South of Markham Road & Kingston Road. $1,250.00/month incl. utilities. Available Now. (416)459-6155.

FOR RENT: 2 bedroom basement appt for rent. Edenbrook and Mayfied, Brampton Available 1st may, separate entrance, $2200 per month including utilities. Call 647-700-7260.

right of refusal.

How to choose a remote starter Check out your options!

If you’re hoping to stay warm during winter or make your life a bit easier, a remote starter could be a helpful tool. Are you considering purchasing one but are unsure about the different options available? Here’s a short guide to help you make the best decision.

Types of starters

Here’s an overview of the three main types of remote starters:

• One-way starters are the least expensive type of starter. They transmit information from a remote control to the car. Their range is often limited, but some models can extend to several hundred metres.

• Two-way starters are slightly more expensive than one-way models but have a better range. They also allow you to control other vehicle functions, like cabin temperature and door locks.

• Smart starters centralize all operations on a smartphone app. If you can access a cellular network, they have a virtually unlimited range. You can also share control with several users.

Things to consider

Do you park on the street or in a garage?

If you’re often away from your vehicle, consider getting a two-way model that allows you to start it remotely and turn on the heater. Are you the type of person who easily misplaces personal belongings? You could get a smart starter that you share with a loved one so they can unlock the doors remotely if you forget your keys or phone in the car.

You can add various options to your remote starter to better suit your needs. To find the model that’s right for you, contact an auto parts retailer in your area.

Speed bumps and other

traffic calming measures; Advice to avoid damaging your car

Traffic calming measures, such as speed humps and bumps, are common throughout North America, particularly in parking lots, school zones, playgrounds and other low-speed areas.

If you’re not careful, you could damage certain parts of your car, such as the chassis, bumper, fuel tank or exhaust system. Slow down when you see a speed bump — after all, that’s precisely what they’re there for!

Make sure you:

• Anticipate the obstacle and gradually decelerate. Cross the speed bump slowly to reduce the impact on your

vehicle and passengers.

• Don’t apply the brakes abruptly once you reach the speed bump. This can damage your car’s brakes and shock absorbers.

• Drive over the speed bump head-on with both front wheels at the same height (don’t try to partially avoid it on one side). This will distribute the car’s weight evenly and prevent your tires and shock absorber springs from warping.

Follow these tips to tackle speed bumps safely!