Sexual Misconduct Cover-Up

Page 1

VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 16 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 2021

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SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

COVER-UP

“The affair continued for four years, and then I ended it. She didn’t want to end the affair, but things had already gone to far. My relationship with my wife was done, and we were living estranged lives.”

FULL STORY - PAGE 8


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FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

KEARIE DANIEL

Unapologetically Speaking “And I am proud. I am proud that I can look at my children and tell them that no one, not even a teacher, will get away with saying something hurtful to them, with disrespecting them because of their race. That educators will face consequences if the humanity of Black children is not respected.” Kearie Daniel She is one of the founding members of Parents of Black Children, an advocacy group that began as a way to fight racism at the public and Catholic school boards in York Region, but has now expanded province-wide. She has helped to organize one of the largest marches for Black students because she strongly feels that bolder action is needed by the Ontario government to improve the school experience of Black children. Our Woman Empowered unapologetically speaks out about the fact that provincial actions have not gone far enough to address systemic issues for Black students within the education system. It is the main reason why Parents of Black Children group work to address and dismantle anti-Black racism and systemic barriers within the education system, aiming to ensure that Black children can access an equitable and peaceful education. As a mother, a writer, a podcaster, and an advocate, she understands the importance of providing a safe and supportive place for parents and Black students to share experiences, discuss issues, develop strategies and draw up recommendations to improve the experience of Black students within schools. It is why it was such an honour for me to sit down with our very busy Woman Empowered, the amazing, extraordinary powerhouse, Kearie Daniel. Kearie Daniels will tell you herself that she has come a long way. Despite some of the barriers that she has had to overcome, Kearie remains steadfast in her resolve. She has done some great work in her past as: an International Assignment Editor/Associate Producer for NBC News, an Assignment Editor at Global News, a current Freelance Writer for Today’s Parent, Chatelaine, and Flare, the Founder and Lead Consultant at KAMA Communications, and of course, a Founding Board Member at Parents of Black Children. When I first approached Kearie about writing a Woman Empowered Feature on her, her first reaction was to nominate someone else. It just goes to show you the type of person that she is. When she humbly accepted, I learned more about the woman behind the vision. “My parents are both from Barbados, I was born in England and came to Canada when I was six years old,” Kearie begins to share with me. “I lived in Jane and Finch, and when my mom was told that Catholic schools

were better. So we got baptised and sent me to Catholic School. I used to be the only Black child in the class, and my mom used to come there to make sure the teachers were not mistreating us. My parents decided to buy a house in the Jane and Finch area, even though people were telling my parents not to buy a home there. My parents did what was best for them, and for me, it was a great area to grow up in. It was a great community. I never understood why people would say it was a bad place to live.” Kearie reminisced with me about her experiences growing up. She shares her appreciation of being enriched with such diverse learning at such a young age. “There was a large South Asia community there when I was growing up. It was not just Black. It was very multicultural. It was beautiful to see the sights, smell the smells. It was home!” As an assured young woman, Kearie knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life, and despite what was being said to her, she remained steadfast. “I wanted to be a journalist. I enjoyed the idea of communication; that ability to share information. I was determined, so I began to apply for schools, some that were further away. My guidance counsellor in High School told me that I shouldn’t apply to schools so far away because my parents can’t afford it.” “How did you deal with that statement?” To me, the comment from her guidance counsellor seemed weighted. “I was very intentional, and I got into Carlton. The first year was a learning curve, and to stay in the journalism program, you had to have an 80%. I ended up with a 79.5%, and I could not continue the program. I was devastated that I didn’t get back into my second year, all because of 0.5%. I remember asking teachers for help, ways in which I could make up that 0.5%, and they didn’t help me at all.” Kearie ended up switching into the communications program. It led her to doing her Masters Program in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield in England. “It was the best thing that happened to me,” Kearie tells me. “I moved into communications, and it has been my career path for many years.” As with many mothers, a shift happened when Kearie had her first child. Now, she was looking at life as a parent, and things looked a little different. “When I had my son, we lived in Newmarket, and on the first day the teacher told me that she thought he was hyperactive. I looked at him, and I said, ‘It looks like he needs to use the bathroom, has he used the bathroom all day?’ The teacher responded with a less than discerning answer, and I re-

sponded, ‘Well, did you take him to the bathroom today?’ After that it was always something else. She told me he had a speech impediment, which was incorrect. She even had a speech pathologist come in to speak with him without our permission.” “Wow!” I responded. “It was like that?” “Yes, but there is more. One day he was in the back seat saying something that I couldn’t quite make out. As I strained my ears to hear him, I finally clued in that he was saying ‘Blackie, Blackie, Blackie…. That was one of the moments that made me realize that I needed to be more intentional about the spaces I put my child in, and I thought about Black mothers who were navigating these things on their own.” It was during this time that Kearie met Claudette Rutherford, who would play an important part in her life, in the near future and she started her podcast “Woke Mommy Chatter.” It was also during this time that she lost her job at Cancer Care Ontario. “I was let go, and it bothered me, I can’t lie. I remember that night when I came home, and I saw a posting for One Vision, One Voice. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted this job. I messaged Kike Ojo, and it was the only job I applied for after I was let go. I must say, it was the most life changing experience since I had my children. It gave me the opportunity to be mentored and tutored under Kike. It put a language to all the things I knew intuitively. My son was in grade two at the time.” Her son was beginning to disengage with school and spend a lot of time in the principal’s office or roaming the hall. The

teacher’s perception of him was so off, and she called for everything. “We were coming down on him, to the point that he became very anxious. We had to use weighted blankets at night to help him sleep. He didn’t feel safe going to school.” “I was supposed to attend a meeting with the school Superintendent, and I refused to go. I felt that if I had gone, I would have validated their reason to want to have one with me. Parents of Black Children came from the fact that I didn’t go to this meeting. That would never happen again.” Since then, Kearie has been responsible for turning the school boards on their heads. Parents of Black Children continue to advocate for the rights, and fair treatment of Black children, as well as helping parents navigate the convoluted school system here in Ontario. I said it at the beginning; she is a powerful woman. If you don’t believe me, go ahead and check out the 10-15 other articles written about this amazing soul. Keep it up Kearie, you have our support!

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NEWS

PAGE 3

The WHO said that “Immunity Certificates” are not supported by science, so why are we doing this again? SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“We have long been advising against using covid vaccination passports for international travel due to non-equitable availability and need for robust evidence for prevention of virus transmission post-vaccination. We have issued the latest interim guidance to all member states.” Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (WHO Chief Scientist) I swear, the last 20 months have been like being at a circus for the majority of the world, and the main act is due to be seen. What is most troubling is that despite the fact that there is a larger alternative media presence, mainstream media has still found a way to warp the minds of our citizens, and confuse many to no end. Just last week, BC Premier John Horgan announced the province will soon require proof of vaccination for people attending certain social and recreational settings and events in the coming months. “The Delta variant and an increase in cases, largely within the unvaccinated population, has led us to pause and reflect on what steps and what measures we can take through public health and through other initiatives to protect British Columbians and to protect businesses.” I am always curious as to where our politicians are getting their information. If Premier John Horgan had a proper research team, he would know that first of all, there is no test for the Delta Variant, and also the fact that the World Health Organization has documented that data from vaccination studies show some

vaccinated persons may still become infected and develop the disease, which in most instances is mild. Hence, travellers who are vaccinated are unlikely to develop severe Covid and, consequently, they do not impose increased strain on health systems at the countries of destination. Now, this is taken directly from a document put out by WHO on December 16th, 2020 titled, “Considerations for implementing a risk-based approach to international travel in the context of COVID-19” I would encourage readers to visit this link, download the document, and do a quick read of it. What I will do in this article is bring you some talking points, and things to think about. I really want my critical thinkers to take a moment and think about what is happening in our beautiful country. Why does it seem that our leadership is pushing forward an agenda that is not meant to bring people together, but to separate us? In the document it states that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Member States should take appropriate measures to reduce transmission of SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during international travel. They advise that international travel should always prioritize emergencies and humanitarian actions (such as emergency medical flights and medical evacuations); travel of essential personnel (such as emergency responders, providers of public health technical support, and critical personnel in the transport and security sectors such as seafarers): repatriations; and cargo transport for essential supplies such as food, medicines, and fuel. Countries are gradually resuming international travel, and it is appropriate that an introduction of risk mitigation measures aiming to reduce travel-associated exportation, importation and onward transmission of SARSCoV-2 is occurring. What is also says is that these measures should not unnecessarily interfere with international traffic and should be based on a thorough risk as-

sessment that is conducted systematically and routinely. They state clearly that international travellers should not be considered by nature as suspected COVID-19 cases or contacts, therefore, WHO does not recommend travellers as a priority group for testing. The use of “immunity certificates” or “vaccine passports for international travel in the context of COVID-19 is not currently supported by scientific evidence and is therefore not recommended by WHO. In their own words, the overall health and well-being of communities should be at the forefront of considerations when deciding on and implementing international travel-related measures. I want you to stop for a minute here and re-read that last paragraph, especially the part that says, “The use of “immunity certificates” or “vaccine passports for international travel in the context of COVID-19 is not currently supported by scientific evidence and is therefore not recommended by WHO.” Is the WHO not the Holy Grail of all that is health? Are they not the ones that our leaders have been turning to for guidance throughout this situation? If that is the case, why have they chosen to ignore this aspect of guidance? Our Canadian government is supposed to introduce, adjust, and discontinue risk mitigation measures based on a thorough risk assessment that is conducted systematically and regularly (ideally every two weeks). I found this interesting because there is little transparency when it comes to these assessments, and for many Canadian citizens, we are just told that the numbers are going up, and we have to wear a mask, distance ourselves, and eat inside, outside. The WHO provides overarching questions that may guide national and sub-national decision-making processes for implementing travel- related risk mitigation measures and providing advice to travellers. Some of the questions include: Will the number of cases to be imported from the country of departure likely have a significant impact on the cur-

rent transmission level in the country of destination? What is the probability of individuals from the country of departure being infected? What is the travel volume across all routes (air, land and sea)? Are the current response capacities in the country of destination sufficient to cope with the potential rise of imported cases from the country of departure including risk communication capacities to inform incoming travellers, in appropriate languages, about mechanisms for seeking care and public health and social distancing measures in place? Can the current public health and social measures implemented in the country of destination support the introduction of international travellers? How likely are travellers to be infected in the country of destination compared to their likelihood of getting infected in the country of departure? Does the country of destination have sufficient response capacity to treat travellers who may need medical care while traveling? Does the country of departure have sufficient capacity to enforce mandatory public health and social measures on return of travellers, if necessary? What is important here is that decisions on risk mitigation must be weighed against the impacts these measures have on societies, including on mental health and psychosocial well-being, human rights, food security, the economy and socioeconomic disparities, the continuity of health and public health programmes and public sentiment and adherence. Not one of these has been considered, even if our government is pretending that they are taking these things into consideration. Throwing money at a problem does not help it go away. We need to start holding our political leaders accountable, and the only way to do so is to educate ourselves.


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Ontario Government announces COVID-19 vaccination plans for education and health workers PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As schools get ready to open in September 2021 there have been many calls from diverse education stakeholders for the vaccination of education workers. One of the first organizations to call for the vaccination of some workers is the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). Dr. Adam Kassam, President of the OMA is supportive of some form of mandatory vaccination policy for healthcare and education workers. He states, “If the reports are to be believed, Ontario’s doctors applaud the government’s move to mandate vaccines for all healthcare workers. In fact, our organization has been calling for full vaccination for health-care workers so that they can protect themselves, their parents and their communities. We know that vaccines are the best way to control the spread of COVID-19 and are an essential component in protecting our patients, our friends and families.” Two Toronto District School Board (TDSB) trustees: James Li and Rachel Chermos Lin put forward a motion to require vaccination/testing for staff. The motion reads, “It is incumbent upon society to protect children under twelve who are ineligible to be vaccinated at this time and vulnerable populations who are at highest risk of developing complications from COVID-19.” The Ontario Public School Board Association (OPSBA), which represents thirty-one English public-school boards in Ontario and ten school authorities, sent an open letter to Premier Ford with respect to implementing a policy and strategy to ensure that vaccination is mandatory in schools. The letter states, “We support the growing number of medical professionals and public health experts calling for such a policy in the education sector. As I’m sure you’ll agree, ensuring that we provide the safest pos-

sible environment for our students, staff and school communities is a top priority for all of us. Swift and decisive action must be taken to ensure that our schools remain as safe and possible, and that we have the greatest chance of keeping our kids open for in-person learning which is vital to the mental health and development of our students.” The letter can be found at opsb.org/opsba. The Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC), which represents public elementary and secondary school principals and vice-principals, released a statement on “Mandatory Vaccinations for Schools.” It reads, “We recognize the data and advice from the medical and scientific communities that immunization is the most effective preventive intervention, and widespread uptake will dramatically reduce infection rates. While there are many steps that will be taken to make schools as safe as possible for students and staff in the coming school year, immunization for those who are eligible is a critical one that has been shown to drastically reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and associated risks.” Another advocacy group, People for Education is in favour of mandatory vaccination. Executive Director, Anne Kidder wrote a letter which “Recognizes that a vaccine mandate must respect human rights and collective agreement, but we believe strongly that a Task Force with leaders and representatives from health and education would provide the province with the best possible advice to ensure a vaccination policy that was both effective and implementable.” Ontario has mandated that education and health care workers receive the COVID-19 vaccines. Ontario’s top doctor, Dr. Kieran Moore at a press conference in Toronto, made the announcement. He issued a directive to ensure that hospitals and health-care facilities implement strict vaccination and testing policies for all related staff by September 7th, 2021. It does not enforce mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, but those who do not comply will need a medical exemption. The Ministry of Education will ensure that a vaccination plan is in place for schools, post-secondary institutions and high-risk settings.

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Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Sellers be aware penalizing can be a two-way street, you got rules, I got rules too MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Now more than ever people must learn to be vigilant and stand up for their rights, as more and more business owners take it upon themselves to enforce all kinds of rules even the city and province never asked them to enforce. Such is the nature of the ignorance plus brainwashing in Toronto that even patrons with sound medical exemptions are being removed from businesses all in the name of private property. If these businesses wanted to be that private, then why open to the general public in the first place. Fortinos at Lawrence Square and Canadian Tire at the Stockyard are two such businesses that do not recognize mask exemptions or to be precise, who consider themselves above their patron’s rights. After being marched out of these two establishments an idea came to mind that if implemented in numbers can and will be effective. Just as these establishments have what they called rules and protocols, so should you be the victim. Organizations like the NAACP have effectively used these measures against its oppressors with success since the 50s and 60s, and it is worth noting that one thing that any oppressor fears is organized unity. Lets just say that there are 3,000 people in a neighbourhood, if 1,500 were mask exempt but discriminated against because of their mask exemption, these 1,500 folks make up half of the neighbourhood’s buying power, and they in return should not shop at any place that refuses to recognize their exemption, period. This will definitely teach these arrogant businesses a strong financial lesson.

The issue here is not the mask, but the “fools” who think that all of a sudden, they have become very important and have the power to punish others who for a number of reasons just cannot wear these foolish face pampers. These folks should and would do well to remember that at any given moment they can choose to remove the face pampers and free themselves from this mental slavery, but it seems like their brains have been rented out permanently. Another fact that they are ignoring is that their family members and friends will suffer the same fate very soon. Today it might be the guy that you refuse to serve because he was not wearing a mask, but tomorrow it will be your mother who will not be able to eat because she refused to be injected with poison. If they are not careful these are the kind of foot soldiers that are willingly taking Canada into the prison camps of the so-called elite, but like Michael Bublé! once said in one of his songs, “They just don’t know it yet.” If and when this soup comes to a full boil “You Mister Store Owner\Mask Enforcer” will be eliminated as well, because you would have served your time and the slave masters will have absolutely no use for the likes of your kind anymore. Some folks use their eyes just for wearing fancy glasses, but that’s not all the eyes were meant for, by now, it has become so obvious that even the late Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder can see that a big part of this agenda is to wipe out the small businesses, leaving only the masters and the slaves. Life is a two-way street and whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap. You, Mister Storeowner\Mask Enforcer will not escape what is coming with your present attitude. To defeat this, it takes standing together in unity with one voice, one mission and a unified plan. Remember, if the public stops supporting you, you will be gone faster than the slave masters want you to.

NEWS

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NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Is there corruption within Athletics Ontario, or is this a situation that has gotten way out of hand? SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- I have to say, this story has everything in it: drama, hearsay, legal proceedings, accusations of racism and impartiality. I have been picking through this story for over a month, and finally, I think it is time to present the case to the community. Readers, I want you to do me a favour. Before making any judgements on the case, or on the person involved, remember to take a look at the bigger picture. Systemic racism is real here in Canada, and although it is covert at times, it is still something that as a people we have to deal with head on, hence why I am presenting to you the case of Coach Randy Brookes and Athletics Ontario. About a month or so ago, Coach Randy Brookes, a Certified Sprint and Performance Coach, Founder of Running for your Life, and Head Coach at the Gazelles Track and Field Club, reached out to me with a story that at first just seemed like an exaggerated soap opera, but when I began to see and hear the intricacies of the case, I realized that there was something much more ominous about it. In his initial email, he shared with me a revelation about the corruption that is happening within Athletics Ontario. The organization was established in 1889 and is one of the oldest affiliated bodies with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), fourth only to Great Britain (1880), New Zealand (1887), and the USA (1888) One of the issues is that it is a self governing body, and according to Coach Randy they answer to no one and in his case, their actions were fuelled by hate, systemic racism/discrimination and sexism. Coach Randy shared with me that Athletics Ontario has orchestrated a sexual misconduct cover-up plain and simple. The culprit Cathy Barry, committed a sexual crime against him and was arrested, criminally charged and restraining orders were placed against her. The crime that she committed, and admitted to doing is labelled as a “Major Breach Infraction for Athletics Ontario’s Sexual Harassment Policy,” but yet, they did nothing about it. The crime she committed would be considered a major breach of any harassment policy in all work places and there would be accountability for this crime. Who is Cathy Barry you ask? Well this is the part that might be triggering for some. I wanted to hear from Randy exactly what happened, so we set up a time to talk. “Cathy Barry (who was 44 at the time), joined my track and field organization, and by May of 2015, we started a relationship. She was married. I was married. About three months in, she hurt herself, so she couldn’t run anymore, but she started to work with me in other capacities. The affair continued for four years, and then I ended it. She didn’t want to end the affair, but things had already gone to far. My relationship with my wife was done, and we were living estranged lives.” Coach Randy did share some

of the letters with me, so that I could see some of the things that were being said to him. “As the relationship ends,” he shared, “I began to connect with another lady. The next thing that I hear is that she starts sending my new girl lewd photos. She even takes it as far as going over to my girlfriend house and asking her questions. She went to her job as well, and tried to get her fired.” According to Coach Randy, the harassment did not stop there. “She went ahead and opened up a competing track and field club, and begins telling people that I am having sex with my underage runners. The police arrested Kathy for the photos, and we had a restraining order placed on her. She told them that she was raped. They investigated and it was unfounded. All the while, there were allegations that were surfacing about me. She had sent texts and emails speaking about our relationship to Athletics Ontario, and then she turned in her report two weeks later.” Here is where the story begins to get interesting. Coach Randy was suspended for two years for fraternizing with someone that he was supposed to be coaching. Coach Randy provided documents that show that he put in an appeal, which was subsequently denied. The appeal documented January 2020 states, “It is concluded that the Appellant had abundant opportunities to present arguments, evidence, witness statements and character witnesses. The Appellant also had abundant opportunities to counter the arguments and evidence presented by the Complainant. Therefore, the Appellant was not denied the Principles of Natural Justice. Therefore, I find that the Hearing Panel provided the Appellant and the other parties with an adequate and reasonable amount of time and that the Appellant’s overall argument that AO failed to follow its policies and principles of Natural Justice has not been established in his request for appeal. The Athletics Canada Rules and Bylaws state that the “coach-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development of the athlete. Coaches must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it, consciously or unconsciously.” Of course, news of his suspension was starting to come out on social media, so naturally there was backlash. “Some of my partners cancelled their partnerships because they thought it was with kids. She leveraged the MeToo Movement. My partners came back when they realized that it was a lie, but the damage had already been done. I had to take a serious look at myself. Being unfaithful had cost me so much.” The issue; Randy strongly feels that his suspension was due to a corrupt investigation. He claims that he was never contacted in the investigation and neither were the witnesses. “The investigator ignored all of my exculpatory evidence. The investigator formed an opinion that I am not credible, but did not speak with me. How can someone say that a person is credible if they have not given him or her a chance to speak? I was not allowed to cross-examine any of

the witnesses or test any of the evidence against me. There are minimum standards that should be met in any investigation. Athletics Ontario failed in their investigation concerning me. I was also suspended by the MTA (Minor Track Association) as they just piggybacked the Athletic Ontario decision. Their suspension is also corrupt and negligent. ” “I find there to be considerable evidence, much of it in the public realm, of the harm that has evolved from (Brookes’s) decision to pursue and enter into a sexual relationship with a person who joined his club to obtain athletics coaching. Brookes knew or ought to have known that his conduct was prohibited and in that manner cannot now succeed in classifying that conduct as a minor infraction.” Dean Hustwick (President, Athletics Ontario Toronto Star, January 2020) This legal battle between Coach Randy and Athletics Ontario has been raging for about two years now, and each side continues to stick to their position. In a statement, the Athletics Ontario is very clear about why they have taken their stance, “In light of the evidence provided for both complaints, this hearing panel has decided the submitted complaints against Randy Brookes (Male Respondent) are valid. We feel that by participating in a sexual relationship with an adult athlete while acting as that athlete’s coach violates the AO Coaches Code of Conduct and Prohibited Behaviours, specifically the sexual harassment and sexual solicitation sections of the Harassment Policy. There was also evidence of manipulative behaviours by the Male Respondent against the Complainant throughout this time period, which are often referred to as grooming and gas lighting. The Male Respondent has admitted to being unaware of the sections within the Coaches’ Code that bans coach/athlete sexual relationships and did not seem to recognize fault in his behaviour. He also does not seem to recognize that his actions and continued participation in certain intimate relationships is bringing harm and disrepute to his athletes, club and Athletics Ontario. Therefore, this panel concludes that for a time period of no less than two (2) years beginning immediately upon the publication of this report, Randy Brookes shall be banned from participation in any role at any competition, practice, camp, event or activity that is organized, convened or sanctioned by AO or by a member of AO (including any affiliated club or association) and have his AO Coach Membership suspended.” So this is where Coach Randy is having difficulties. Although he does admit that having an affair with Cathy was not the right move, he does not feel that he has been treated fairly, and because of this, it felt right to take legal action. In an investigation by LESLIE J. SMITH Professional Corporation Barrister & Solicitor, the following was found, “Having regard to all the facts listed above, there is an appearance if not a fact that BROOKES’s allegations were not considered by SIMPSON, the Investigator, the Panel hearing the two subject complaints or Sarah Boyle hearing the SAMMUT v. BARRY matter. The failure of SIMPSON, the Investigator and the decision-makers to even cite BROOKES’s specific allegations against BARRY in their reports and decisions, would lead a reasonable person to conclude that

BROOKES’s allegations were not considered in the same manner as BARRY’s, or at all. In my view, AO failed to provide BROOKES with natural justice as required by the common law and as cited in section 3 of AOHPP referred to herein, for the reasons cited above. Unfortunately, the overall effect of AO’s failure (set out herein) to conduct a thorough, fair and comprehensive analysis of BROOKES’s allegations and evidence against BARRY and its failure to document same, would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the AO complaint process in the subject matters was biased against BROOKES, in favour of BARRY.” Up until this point, I have refrained from pointing out some facts: the first being that Cathy Barry is a Caucasian woman, the panel at Athletics Ontario is compromised of all Caucasian individuals, and the investigator assigned to Coach Randy’s case was also Caucasian. I bring this up now because I had a chance to speak with Zev Wise, a member of Coach Randy’s legal team, and he filled me in on a few things. “Randy has sued Athletic Ontario, and the Minor Track Association and for good reason,” Zev began. He was suspended for two years for a consensual relationship that he had with Cathy Barry. My position, this was a consensual affair; there was no harassment here. For a small portion of the relationship, there was a power imbalance. When it comes to the world of coaching, it does not say that they cannot have a relationship; the language that is used of Athletic Ontario is more subjective (harassment). They came down pretty hard on Randy. He was apologetic. He pleaded to say if the boundaries got blurred that is one thing, but there was no harassment. Athletics Ontario feels that because there was a power imbalance, it is means to call it harassment. They applied a personal moral standard, and their subjective concerns, but it is not the code. He feels wronged by the process; he doesn’t feel like he was given a fair shake. All three of the adjudicators are White, the woman is White, and he is Black. I can understand from his point of view why he feels that in some way, there is some discrimination here. If they were both White, would the decisions been the same. Would they have punished him as severely? They view the Black man as domineering, and the White girl as helpless. Cathy Barry is a very tough woman. She is scary tough. She is certainly his match. I don’t think two years is fair. We are talking about a four-year relationship. There are text messages between them, and in their correspondence with each other, they have erotica fantasy play between them. She was in to him. You can tell. She wanted this to be more than that. For him, it was not the same.” The Ontario Ombudsman is now getting involved. They are going to contact the Ministry of Sport to find out why they are not opening up an investigation into whether Athletics Ontario has carried out a sexual harassment cover-up. This is indeed a very messy situation, but the question that Randy’s legal team asked is quite pertinent; if Coach Randy were a White man in this situation, would the decisions be the same? Would they have punished him as severely? What do you think community?


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PAGE 10

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

100m race ignites online diaspora wars; let’s talk about xenophobia! JANIECE CAMPBELL janiece@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The Jamaican women naturally blazed to victory once again, taking home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the 100m run at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. Elaine Thompson-Herah took the top spot, achieving the second fastest time ever at 10.54 seconds, only coming within 0.05 seconds of Florence Griffith Joyner’s 100m record of 10.49 seconds. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price trailed behind her, clocking in at 10.73 seconds. Shericka Jackson came shortly after, with a time of 10.76 seconds. Last to cross the finish line was highly anticipated runner, Sha’Carri Richardson, a hopeful talent that many were excited to see as this was her first race after being barred from competing at Olympic events

due to failing a drug test. Crossing the finish line with a mediocre 11.14, she had a postrace message to her doubters: “Count me out if you want to. Talk all the s*** you want. ‘Cause I’m here to stay. I’m not done.” Shortly after her loss at the competition, Richardson liked an insensitive tweet that depicted Jamaicans as walking barefoot to their coconut stands for a living. Though she didn’t physically put out the tweet herself, the like seems to mean that she agrees with the message, or she found it funny. She also received an offer from a hotel owner in Jamaica for a free vacation, in which she seemingly rejects on her Instagram story, posting old pictures of a previous vacation there with the caption “been there, done that.” All of this apparent resentment sparked an online discourse among Black Americans, with many making xenophobic remarks about Caribbean people. Xenophobia Is defined as a dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries. Few African Americans in these conversations noted that Caribbean and African people are not considered Black people, as their interpretation of Black folks are a culture of

Americans who are descendants of slaves specifically in the US. Others say that the foreigners don’t typically classify themselves as Black, due to them identifying where they come from. For example, being from Jamaica, you would call yourself a Jamaican before you refer to yourself as being Black. But that doesn’t equate the erasure of race, especially when the Caribbean and African diaspora are multicultural to begin with. Nationality and race are two separate entities. Thoughts like these are harmful and xenophobic because it causes a divide between people who may have very alike experiences, just in a difference place. There’s no need to undermine each other because the outside world views us all the same, no matter where the boat dropped our ancestors off. An excerpt from Naima Autumn Rose’s “What are “Diaspora Wars”?” hits the nail on the head for this topic: “Whether we’ve been divided by willful immigration or involuntary enslavement, at the end of the day, we’re all Black. We may have separate cultures and values, but issues such as racism and White supremacy impact us all the same. In many ways, our divergent cultures are built with com-

ponents of one another. Standing for Black people, and empowering Black people, means standing for all Black people, even when they don’t share your culture or nationality. Acknowledging genuine hurt is important. When people claim that, say, they felt like their African culture was dismissed or made fun of by Black Americans, those feelings of hurt are valid. When African Americans are hurt when they’re told that they’re lacking a culture by those who know their African ancestry, those feelings are valid, too. But continuing this cycle of hurt online benefits no one. At their core, diaspora wars are caused by a lack of understanding and an unwillingness to listen to another group’s differences. We are not each other’s enemies, and we can unite with each other without being the same. White supremacy in America (and abroad) doesn’t care what nationality you are or what culture you have. Instead of fighting amongst ourselves and feeding into anti-Blackness, let’s work together to tackle issues that impact Black people worldwide.”

The rich are fleeing here hoping to escape a planned disaster MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The late Bob Marley once said, “There ain’t no hiding place from the father of creation.” That said, according to a study by Cambridge university researchers from June 2021, it seems like the rich have other plans to survive the fallout from the “plandemic” and the crash of civilization, as the world knows it. These master planners are also outlining the best places where things may not get so desolate and crazy. Australia and New Zealand came up very high on these escapees hiding list followed by Iceland, the UK, Canada and the U.S.A. According to the

researchers it is not a question of whether or not this is going to happen, but how do these people survive it. Some of the criteria that were taken into consideration are: can the country produce its own energy, raw materials and manufacturing, how many people can the country support, how isolated is the place from the rest of the ordinary Joes and Janes. Could this be the reason why all these tech-nerds are buying up properties in these regions of the globe? It takes folks who know the plan to be doing the things that they do. The bottom line is simple and factual, with everything that is going on right now, humanity cannot hold up under this pressure much longer, there is going to come a time when something has got to give and it is in all people’s best interest to be prepared. This research paper went to great lengths to give reasons as to why a collapse is possible, but never mentioned what could be the most important contributing factors for a potential collapse.

Rolling lock downs, false PCR testing which in turn yields millions of false positive results, destruction of the working class by eliminating their jobs through fear mongering, lockdowns and fines, lying mass media campaigns, censorships of truth speakers, forcing of employees to be injected, jailing of pastors, injection passports with its link to mass discrimination and crimes against humanity in general, all of which are very trendy in Canada at this moment. When one looks at the treatment that Australians and New Zealanders are getting from their governments all in the name of safety, then add the fact that these two countries are at the top of the elite’s hiding place it begs the question, could it be that the plan is to finish them off so that the rich guys can move into their bonkers? This article specifically speaks of depopulation as a means of controlling the so-called future disaster that will be expected. “It may be possible to control a ‘power down’ of global society as a preferable pathway to that of economic and en-

vironmental collapse. The ‘power down’ would comprise a concerted, global, longterm effort to reduce per capita energy and resource usage, equitably distribute resources and gradually decrease the global population including the possibility of ‘Building Lifeboats’ through community solidarity and preservation.” When words like “Decrease global population” are used in these context citizens should mark these comments as what is called “Red Flags” especially in a time when Bill Gates, Klaus Schwab, Anthony Fauci, George Soros and the rest of those who see ordinary humans as “nonentities” are using all force necessary to push humanity over the cliff of survival. According to the architects of this paper, humanity is moving too fast in the wrong direction, so in order to save the globe from climate destruction and environmental holocaust there must be major house cleaning. Is there going to be a collapse? That’s possible if the masses do not unite and push back against these liars.

Parent Update; School Boards in the Greater Toronto area adapt their back-to-school plan to reflect Ontario Ministry of Education Policies PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The announcement of Ontario’s back-toschool plan on Tuesday, August 3rd has given the Ontario school’s board guidelines to follow as they welcome students to inperson learning in September. The 29-page plan is missing significant details with respect to how cases and outbreaks will be handled in schools and vaccination policies for students and staff. The Ministry expects that most school boards will offer full-time in-person learning as well as remote learning for parents who

opt for this option. The plan asked school boards to anticipate the possibility of online learning. It states, “To be prepared for a potential closure, school boards should have plans in place so they can move to remote learning to ensure continuity of learning for students.” The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) gave parents until August 12th to sign up for in-person or online learning. On the basis of online selection form results that were released on August 17th, it revealed that 86% of parents/guardians in elementary and secondary schools selected in-person learning compared to 14%, which opted for virtual learning. TDSB’s Special Virtual COVID-19 Planning and Priorities meeting held on Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 provided the following information: • •

Thursday, September 9th will be the first day for all in-person and virtual classes. There will be in-person classes, dedicated virtual learning classes, and class-

rooms with simultaneous learning to maintain access to desired programming and connection to school communities. Classroom caps and system averages are being honoured. All classes will be staffed on the caps. When selection form results are finalized, approaches to differentiated staffing will be considered. There is one opportunity for students to switch between in-person and virtual learning for Semester 2 in February 2022 (timetables to submit requests to be determined). Team is working on resources for schools both in-person and virtual, for students on developing a sense of belonging and connection and focusing on student well being.

The TDSB taunts six benefits of hybrid learning that students will be able to obtain. Hybrid learning involves the teacher doing two

jobs; teaching on camera for students in the classroom and teaching students who are present at home. TDSB will not offer a separate virtual school but instead will be localized in which a teacher will be assigned to teach students from one or a few schools in the same vicinity. Halton District School Board (HDSB) will have a virtual secondary school, but virtual elementary will be joined to physical schools. York Catholic District School Board has offered remote learning for both elementary and secondary students as well as hybrid learning. It advises that it may be difficult for students to switch from remote to in-person learning because of staffing implications. York Region District School Board, Peel District School Board and Dufferin Peel Catholic District School have all adopted the hybrid model as well as remote learning and in-person learning for kids.


NEWS

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 11

70 + leading scientists, doctors and policy experts are calling into question the safety and efficacy of the Covid-19 Vaccines answers from international health agencies, regulatory authorities, governments and vaccine developers.” It is important that as critical thinkers, we take the time to read this information carefully, and share it with our friends and colleagues. Let’s get some clarity on our current situation. According to the UK government, people below sixty years of age have an extremely low risk of dying from COVID-19. However, according to Eudravigillance, most of the serious adverse effects following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination occur in people aged 18-64. In the study, the group of experts reported that there was a lack of scientific justification for subjecting healthy children to experimental vaccines, given that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that they have a 99.997% survival rate if infected with SARS-CoV-2. So, not only is COVID-19 irrelevant as a threat to this age group, but there is no reliable evidence to support vaccine efficacy or effectiveness in this population or to rule out harmful side effects of these experimental vaccines. I learned something new from this report, and I found it interesting. I had no idea that vaccines for other coronaviruses had never been approved for humans, and data generated in the development of coronavirus vaccines designed to elicit neutralizing antibodies show that they may actually worsen COVID-19 disease. I wanted to see what other scientists and doctors were saying, so I found another report titled, “America’s Frontline Doctors White Paper on Experimental

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

At this point in our history, there is a mandate to immunize the world population as quickly as possible. This is happening even though there has been a lack of thorough testing in animals prior to clinical trials, and authorization based on safety data generated during trials that lasted less than 3.5 months. These considerations have raised questions regarding the safety of these vaccines. Given the high rate of occurrence of adverse effects, there is a need for a better understanding of the benefits and risks of mass vaccination, particularly in the groups that were excluded in the clinical trials. Despite calls for caution by scientists all over the world, the risks of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been minimized or ignored by health organizations and government authorities. It is because of this that a group of 57 leading scientists, doctors and policy experts have released a report calling into question the safety and efficacy of the current COVID-19 vaccines and are now calling for an immediate end to all vaccine programs. The report is titled “SARS-CoV-2 mass vaccination: Urgent questions on vaccine safety that demand

Vaccines for COVID-19,” written by Simone Gold, MD, JD, James Todaro, MD, Lee Merritt, MD, Richard Urso, MD, Robin Armstrong, MD, Scott Barbour, MD, Jeff Barke, MD, Mark McDonald, MD, Teryn Clark, MD, Shelley Cole, MD, Geoff Mitchell, MD, JD In this paper, they discuss the fact that additional transparency and more research is needed before asking Americans to embark on the largest experimental medical program in US history. They firmly state that the unknowns must be addressed through a scientifically rigorous process. They also mention the fact that mandates for experimental medical therapies are neither permissible nor advisable. Citizens of the world should not be compelled to sign up for a “vaccine passport” or similar mandate just to travel on an airplane or see a concert with friends. There is a potential for third-party abuse of private health information and a real medical risk to individuals is high. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “An investigational drug can also be called an experimental drug and is being studied to see if your disease or medical condition improves while taking it.” The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca applications properly identify their new agents as “investigational,” which is normal at this very early stage of development. All the vaccine candidates are categorized as experimental for the following four reasons: •

The pharmaceutical companies have applied for investigational use status

• • • •

Adverse events will be settled under the legal standard for experimental medications Recipients are enrolled as subjects in a medical trial to gather data on side effects. Persons are enrolled in a pharmacovigilance tracking system for at least two years Many groups of persons have not been studied at all, including: prior COVID-19 patients, pregnant women, youths, elderly No published animal studies data

There is most definitely an urgent need for open scientific dialogue on vaccine safety in the context of large-scale immunization. They propose halting massvaccination and opening an urgent pluralistic, critical, and scientifically based dialogue on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among scientists, medical doctors, international health agencies, regulatory authorities, governments, and vaccine developers. They strongly believe that this is the only way to bridge the current gap between scientific evidence and public health policy regarding the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We as humans deserve a deeper understanding of the risks, and not the propaganda that is currently being touted. An open scientific dialogue is urgent and indispensable to avoid erosion of public confidence in science and public health and to ensure that the WHO and national health authorities protect the interests of humanity during the current pandemic.

Ontario College of Trades has not finalized standards for Black hair leaving Black hair stylists frustrated report states, “While there’s more diversity in salons now, the education hasn’t changed much and many within the industry feel textured Black hair is being ignored. Ontario’s program standards include very little training on texture and curly hair, which leaves clients with no assurance a stylist is capable of working with their hair, and stylists feel unprepared to work in the field.” Michele Bonnick, a licensed Toronto salon owner, had to travel to America to learn more about “How to naturally care for and maintain healthy hair, as well as how to better cut textured hair. I forced myself to leave Toronto because I felt so inadequate about my skill set. I didn’t want to do it anymore if I couldn’t do my own people’s hair.” She decided to offer workshops that would attract hair stylists from all over Canada to “Learn the basics of working with Black, textured and curly hair, including braiding, weaving and extensions.” The particular issue for Black hair

PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There have been concerns about the lack of education standards for hairstylists, which the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) set out to rectify in 2017. This was revealed in a report by Angelina King titled, “Ontario’s hair school still ignores Black hair four years after work began to include it.” The report describes the personal stories of Black females who had a hard time finding hair stylists who were comfortable working with Black hair. The RY 10TH

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stylists is when it comes to what they have to learn in the education curriculum. The focus is on “Techniques that cater to straight hair types, while the only mandated techniques for Black or textured hair are Eurocentric-learning, like how to chemically relax hair to straighten it.” Although work started in 2017 to incorporate Black and ethnic hairstyling techniques in the curriculum, there have not been any fundamental changes made. There has been a lack of enforcement of Ontario’s compulsory certification of licensed trades ever since Doug Ford became Premier of Ontario. There has been a lack of provincial oversight and no one knows for sure how many non-credentialed individuals are in Ontario’s licensed trades. The transition to a ministry-led system occurred after legislation that was introduced by the Ontario government in 2018. For individuals who are interested in becoming hairstylists, it is mandatory that they pass the identical provincial

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certification exam, whether they study in a college, private hair school or in an apprenticeship program. Solange Ashoori, a salon owner, has created a petition that calls on the Ontario government to ensure that Black and textured hair styling techniques are included. An email from the OCOT indicated that it is “Researching and reviewing the current training standards, including how they relate to Black and ethnic hairstyling techniques.” The email states, “During the program development update process, the College has been, and remains committed to ensuring that a wide crosssection of diverse stakeholders from the hairstylist industry are engaged, followed by a broader public validation process of interested stakeholders.” For many Black hair stylists, this is taking too long and is truly frustrating and troubling.


PAGE 12

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Black people are at the mercy of science. When is this going to change? SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Infants in the womb, some old enough to be viable, are being aborted alive and killed for organ harvesting, in order to bring in millions of dollars in taxpayer funding for Pitt and the Planned Parenthood abortion business it supports.” David Daleiden - (Founder and President of the Center for Medical Progress) Earlier this month, a report was put out that the University of Pittsburgh was targeting minorities in its request for infant organs, including those taken from full-term babies to create a “pipeline” for fetal research. According to the report, researchers said they needed 50% of the donated fetuses to be minorities and specified that 25% must come from Black women. The Pittsburgh metropolitan area is 85% White and 8% Black. Apparently, the National Institutes of Health has overseen experiments on fetal organs at the University of Pittsburgh since 2015 in what the school claims to be a “tissue hub.” Aborted babies used in this research ranged from 6 to 42 weeks of gestation, ac-

cording to government documents. Newly released documents obtained from the federal government suggest that aborted babies might be born alive and left to die at the University of Pittsburgh so that their organs may be used for scientific research. It is important to note that The University of Pittsburgh is the same place where researchers implanted second-trimester aborted babies’ scalps onto rodents to study the human immune system. Unfortunately, news like this is really no surprise. For generations, Black people around the world have been used as unwilling, and un-informed science experiments, and it seems like not much has changed over the years. Below are a few examples of times in our history where people of colour have been treated like guinea pigs: Radiation Experiments at Lyles Station, Indiana There were early radiation experiments conducted in 1927 on Black children at Lyles Station, Indiana. These disturbing experiments are part of a largely unexamined legacy of illegal human experimentation, much of it conducted on African-Americans, other minorities, and also on prisoners. Whole Body Radiation Experiment From 1960 until 1971, Dr. Eugene Saenger, a radiologist at the University of Cincinnati, led an experiment exposing 88 cancer patients, poor and mostly Black, to whole body radiation, even though this sort of treatment had

already been pretty well discredited for the types of cancer these patients had. The patients were not asked to sign consent forms, and they were simply told they would be getting treatment that might help them. Patients were exposed, in the period of one hour, to the equivalent of about 20,000 x-rays worth of radiation. Nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, loss of appetite, and mental confusion were the results. A report in 1972 indicated that as many as a quarter of the patients died of radiation poisoning. What is interesting to note is that the Pentagon funded the study. J. Marion Sims, so called father of Genecology The man considered the father of modern genecology, J. Marion Sims, conducted numerous experiments on female slaves between 1845 and 1849. Sims felt the surgery was “not painful enough to justify the trouble,” and the operations were done without anaesthesia. As slaves, the women had no say as to whether they wanted the procedures or not, and some were subjected to as many as thirty operations. It is for these reasons that what is happening at the University of Pittsburgh is not a surprise. According to the Center for Medical Progress, the University of Pittsburgh mentions “labour induction” as a “procedure that will be used to obtain the tissue.” Labour induction abortions are when the abortionist injects digoxin or another poison into the unborn baby’s heart to

kill him/her and then induces labour so that the mother gives birth to her dead baby’s body. The university also told the federal government in 2015 that it has been “Collecting fetal tissue for over ten years … includ[ing] liver, heart, gonads, legs, brain, genitourinary tissues including kidneys, ureters and bladders.” Earlier this week, Judicial Watch and the Center for Medical Progress obtained 252 pages of new documents about the university’s fetal tissue harvesting practices from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These documents were not just handed over; the HHS provided the documents only after the groups filed a Freedom of Information Act request and later a lawsuit when the agency did not follow through. Within the documents, it was discovered that the university has racial targets for the organs it harvests from aborted babies. “Of its planned aborted subjects, they desired 50% to be minority fetuses. The proposal suggests that the ‘subjects’ be diverse because Pittsburgh is diverse.” The Pennsylvania Family Institute exposed more disturbing details from the documents. It was discovered that they have steadily increased their ‘inventory’ and they are expanding this inhumane and unethical research in the future using your tax dollars to make it all possible. So it goes people, our history continues to repeat itself, and once again, Black people are at the mercy of science. When is this going to change?

Three resignations at the Festival Management Corporation brings changes to the management of Toronto Caribbean Carnival PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER It has been fifteen years now since the FMC has been running the largest Caribbean festival in North America. It was in 2019 that the name was changed from the Festival Management Com-

mittee to Festival Management Corporation. The three individuals who resigned are: Joe Halstead (Chair of the Board of Directors of the FMC), Edison Doyle (Chief Financial Officer), and Chris Alexander (Chief Operation Officer). Earlier this year, Joe Halstead hinted that there were changes and improvements that were coming. He stated, “I cannot be specific about the changes and improvements at this time. The fundamentals, the carnival arts, the things that are important will remain the same. We would try to bring different elements and pieces of it and expand or emphasize those.” Halstead revealed in March 2021 that he intended to leave the FMC. He stated, “It was my personal decision. It has absolutely nothing

to do with anyone else or anything else. I have given all I can, It’s time for me to go.” Halstead has been involved with the FMC since 2008 and has been Chairman since. Edison Doyle has been involved with the running of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival since 2006 where he has served as Chief Financial Officer and Financial consultant. Over the years Doyle has served in several executive positions, which includes Senior Marketing Executive, CFO and COO for companies such as AT & T and Lucent Technologies Canada Corp. Since June 2015, he has been the Chief Executive Officer for Acropolis Medical Centre, which is based in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago. It was launched in 2016 as a communitybased state-of-the art outpatient day facility

and currently works with seventeen doctors. Doyle will be terminating his tenure with the FMC at the end of September. “I’m the CEO of a hospital in Trinidad and that has taken off in a phenomenal way. So, my focus is more in Trinidad, where I have been for the last three to five years. I just can’t manage more than that.” Chris Alexander has been active as CEO of FMC since as early as 2006. Alexander will resign at the end of the year in order to spend extra time expanding his private ventures. He states, ”It’s my decision. My personal business is taking off and I want to spend some decent time doing that and to put more energy into it.”

Pfizer becomes the first COVID-19 vaccine granted with full FDA approval JANIECE CAMPBELL janiece@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It’s official. After several months of anticipation, the US Food and Drug Administration granted full approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people sixteen years of age and older. This is the first of the three available vaccines to receive full approval from the FDA. Now being marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir-na-tee), the vaccine approval ultimately came less than four months after the companies filed for licensing in early May. This is the fastest vaccine approval in the FDA’s 115-year history. “The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the

COVID-19 pandemic. While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” Prior to the approval, Pfizer was initially administering vaccines through emergency use authorisation (EUA), a clearance given if the agency determines the benefits of a product outweigh potential risks during a public health emergency. This is still in effect for children aged 12 to 15, as there hasn’t been enough time for the vaccine in this age group to receive full approval yet. Following the FDA’s announcement, the Pentagon said they will require all service members to get vaccinated. There are more

than 1.3 million members on active duty and close to 800,000 National Guard troops. As data shows that the extremely contagious delta variant surges to heights unseen since last winter, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing among the military. Over the past month, the number of service member deaths jumped from 25 to 34, more than a one-third increase. With the news coming in amid lingering vaccine hesitancy, what’s much less clear is the impact of vaccine approvals on individual decisions and choices. In the last year or so, we have all heard much commentary about not trusting the EUA process or even thinking it was rushed. The hope was that formal approval would make vaccine reluctant persons feel more comfortable accepting the jab. However, some polls, including from the Kaiser Family Foundation, suggest that a mere 3 in 10 people said that they’d be interested in getting the vaccine post FDA approval. The unvaccinated can definitely expect a wave of mandatory vaccines coming their way in upcoming months, as many institutions and companies have long awaited full approval to take that step. As for Pfizer and BioNTech’s next

steps, they intend to complete another application submission for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days. In a news release, the companies described a trial of 306 people who got a booster between nearly five and eight months after getting their second dose. The findings were that the third dose generated higher levels of antibodies and was safe, with “mild to moderate” effects. These effects included injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain and chills. US health officials recently announced the government planned to make booster doses available to fully vaccinated individuals eight months after receiving their second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Transplant recipients and people with immunocompromised systems are also eligible to take a third shot. According to them, booster doses would start the week of September 20th, pending sign-off from the FDA and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moderna could be next as they’ve recently completed their submission to the FDA for full approval for people aged eighteen and over, and Johnson & Johnson has said it hopes to apply later in the year.


NEWS

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 13

“Enough is enough! It has gone too far!” Raatib Anderson; a young Black man with a purpose! “I was born in Rexdale, right in Tandridge. My grandmother worked at a chocolate factory when she first came to Canada, and unfortunately, my dad went to jail when he was only eighteen years old. This obviously affected his life, especially when it came to finding work, and building a career for himself. My dad always told me that he wanted me to do more for myself, for my community.” In his time, Raatib has watched the political landscape, and he has not been impressed. “It is about maintaining values endeared by all Canadians,” Raatib tells me. “I am against identity politics and the pandering that occurs around the time that election happens. The current political climate has been divisive, and as a young Jamaican, Canadian, I know that there is work that needs to be done. I am seeing complacency, and stagnation. The Humber River- Black Creek area should not look the same way that it did thirty years ago. It has been the same hood for years, at least since I have been living there. There has been neglect both at the provincial and federal level. They only pander when they are interested in

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As a child of immigrants, growing up in Toronto Housing, attending public school, and being part of the Humber River-Black Creek community for many years, thirtyone-year-old Raatib Anderson has decided that “Enough is Enough!” As a kind, and openhearted, hardworking, innovative and respectful young man, he endeavours to make a change in his community, a change that he says his long overdue. I had an opportunity to speak with this young man about his upcoming candidacy for the PPC Party, and during our brief dialogue, I was able to learn a lot about Raatib, and the fire that is raging in him.

getting our votes, and I am sorry, that does not cut it for me, or for my community. Last year when George Floyd was murdered, the Liberal government created a grant for black people, I believe it was for three million dollars. If you really cared, we would have had that money years ago. It is these band-aid actions that I am taking a stand against. This country has benefited from our labour, our ideas; we have brought culture to this country, we are not charity cases. You don’t talk like the help, walk like the help, and that is all I see happening here in Canada right now.” “Tell us a little bit about the process Raatib? What is it like becoming a candidate, and why did you choose PPC?” “You have to get 100 signatures to qualify in your region. Once you get those, the party endorses you, you have to find a bookkeeper, and then you are an official candidate of Elections Canada. I have about seven more signatures to go. The deadline is Monday, so I am in a really good position. Why did I choose PPC? Well besides the fact that they align with many of my beliefs, in the past twenty months,

I have watched Canadians give away their rights and freedoms. We are Canadians. We don’t owe blind obedience to any state, and the PPC Party is focused on reminding Canadians that we are in fact FREE people, who have the right to choose what we want to do with our bodies, as long as it is not hurting others. The one thing that makes me different is the fact that I am running with a party that is not mainstream. They already label us extremist. I will be the face of our community and hold people accountable. If they are not from the area and do not mean well, I am going to come for them, best believe it.” What a thing it is to see young, Black men standing up for their communities and for their beliefs. As a community we have to stand behind our young Black brothers and encourage them. If you are from the Humber River-Black Creek area, you now have someone you can depend on to fight for your rights and freedoms. You can contact Raatib via email at raatib. anderson@ppc-hb.ca, or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

La Tanya Grant re-victimized by Peel Police and there are many questions that need to be answered ily and informed them that Jermaine was killed in self-defence when he brandished a knife and approached officers. He admitted that the knife was moved but still decided to find the officers not guilty. There are many questions that remain as to why the officers moved the knife and the possibility that they tampered with evidence at the site of the fatal shooting. There are many unanswered questions with respect to the knife being moved, the identity of the driver in the black Jetta that Carby was a passenger in, and why other officers who arrived at the scene were not informed that Carby had mental health challenges. On May 9th, 2016 two years later a coroner’s inquest was held for two weeks at the Brampton Provincial Offences Courthouse in front of a jury of four Anglosaxon women and one male. The driver of the car was identified as Acacio Barrows. Carby was in the process of seeking treatment for mental health issues prior to his death, and it was after being asked for identification that things went awry. It revealed that Carby was racially profiled and that the officer, Ryan Reid who shot Carby stated that he was afraid for his life when Carby approached him with a knife. On May 26th, the jury presented fourteen recommendations and deemed the killing a homicide. Several focus on the use of police de-escalation techniques. The Carby’s family announced that they would be taking legal action against the police seeking approximately $12 million in damages against the Chief of PRP, Jennifer Evans, seven officers and the PRP’s board. The suit claims that Carby’s death resulted

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It is hard to believe that it has been almost seven years since Jermaine Carby was shot by Peel Regional Police (PRP) on September 24th, 2014. His untimely death brought the issue of carding, police brutality and racial justice to public attention. La Tanya Grant, cousin of Jermaine has been fighting ever since to obtain justice since his death. She is Chair of the Justice for Jermaine Carby Committee which was launched on November 9th, 2014. On their Facebook page on October 20th, 2014 it states, “Family, friends and supporters have organized the ‘Family for Jermaine Carby Campaign’ to investigate his death and bring those responsible to justice. Join us in our struggle to end police racism and brutality, and build unity and strength in our community.” A vigil was held on Wednesday December 24th, 2014, which blocked the intersection at Queen/Kennedy in Brampton. Over the years there have been several rallies held at Toronto Police Headquarters at 40 College Street. SIU director Tony Laparco met with Jermaine Carby’s famRY 10TH

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from illegal practice of carding in which his Charter rights were violated because he was arbitrarily detained. La Tanya after completing her Paralegal studies at Humber College 2017 started Grant Paralegal Services in 2018. As she continues her activist and advocacy work, it is unfortunate that she has also become an innocent target of the PRP after being hit by a stray bullet intended for someone else at a party in Mississauga on August 8th, 2021. I interviewed La Tanya on Saturday, August 22nd and she provided me with additional details regarding what transpired at this shooting in which she and her friend were shot as well as the intended target. An article by Fernando Arce for Media Co-op, titled, “Shooting Victim La Tanya Grant Criminalized by Peel Police After Calling 911” revealed detailed descriptions of what transpired at the party in Mississauga. The article indicates that Grant has been “criminalized, harassed and surveilled” by PRP. Grant confirmed with me that all the details in the article are factual, true and accurate. She was shot in her left elbow and a bullet grazed her back. She ran to her car and drove herself 10 km and stopped at a plaza at Steeles/Kennedy where she called 911. She regretted making that call because she was treated as a suspect when police came and asked her for her keys. She was questioned by the police officers who demanded that she give a statement before the ambulance came as she bled profusely. The police delayed the ambulance from leaving twice. She was taken to the hospital and left her be-

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longings behind including one of her cellphones. She was harassed further at the hospital and even followed to the washroom. After being discharged at the hospital she went to 22 Division to get her car and belongings. She did not get them and eventually had to go to Sunnybrook Hospital. She stayed there for two days, and when she returned to pick up her car several items were still missing. La Tanya believes that the police stole it to implicate her friend who is a BLM organizer. The saga continues as she was blocked from giving a statement at 22 Division and when she went to 12 Division they still did not return her phone. La Tanya believes she was targeted by PRP. Media Coop notes, “Grant has become a high-profile activist, continuously found advocating for victims of police shootings and an outspoken supporter of BLM and the #DefundThePolice movement.” The actions of PRP have emboldened La Tanya. She states, “If anything, this makes me want to fight even harder, because now I’m just fighting for the Black men or the people that have been harassed. I now have personal experience of what the police did to me. I want the Peel Police to be exposed. I want them to be dismantled. I want the whole Peel Police shut down. I want them to be exposed, I want a judge, I want the media, I want the world to see what they’re doing to people.”


NEWS

PAGE 14

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

How to REJECT the vaccine, REJECT the death stick (test), and keep your job BY JOHNATHAN FREELANCE REPORTER So, a lot of people are now feeling pressure from their employers to get infected with the ‘vaccine’ (which is actually a delayed death jab) [1]. This article will provide you with specific step-by-step instructions on how to keep your job, while rejecting the death jab, aka “vaccine” and death stick, aka “tests” (both are very bad, as the “test” is also a “vaccine delivery mechanism” as outlined in this national library of medication publication entitled “hydrogel nanoparticles and nanocomposites for nasal (nose) drug/vaccine delivery”). [2] The “choice” between 2x weekly “tests” or a “vaccine” every 3 months is not a “choice” at all. It is the SAME thing. One is micro-dosing the “vaccine”, the other is macro-dosing the “vaccine”. So, reject both of them. “They” want to try to infect people with TWENTY DOSES over the next four years. Trudeau stated he “secured” vaccine booster shots until 2024. [3] Do not offer to “work from home” as a concession. Fight back. Set an example. Share this article with other co-workers. This is what you do. BACKGROUND: Most small business owners have been

struggling to keep their business afloat due to tyrannical “mandates’’ with no basis in reality. Fear of poverty (massive fines), and fear of death (an invisible nonexistent ‘virus’), has been used to manipulate people. Sadly, many small business owners have bought into the fear because they have not taken the time to do proper research as to what is going on. Now, a massive coordinated worldwide “action” is being orchestrated by world “governments” (run by certain corporations) to offer “loans” (using your taxpayer money) to temporarily bail out these businesses. Of course, with strings attached - i.e., get a loan and then try to force employees to receive the vaccine “for their own safety”, of course. Sadly the (service) businesses don’t realize one of the ultimate goals is to kill off the people so computer algorithms can replace them and automated machinery, in addition to purchasing their business and patents for cents on the dollar. SOLUTION: Here are three steps to reject the “tests” and the “vaccines”, while keeping your job. 1. Ideally, talk with the CEO (NOT YOUR SUPERVISOR) because he/she will set the tone for the ENTIRE business. Get-

ting a resolution this way is the best way. Quickly educate him/her on “the plan”. The fake convid/covaids is a five-year PLAN. (Magically the world bank knew it would be FIVE YEARS at the onset) [4]. One of the “goals” is to have repeated lockdowns to utterly destroy small businesses, so they can be purchased for cents on the dollar. There was never a virus [5]. It was a pretext to destroy small businesses. Address that. Then ask your CEO to send a memo to the ENTIRE organization advising them NOT to get injected. Use [1] as a reference. 2. Next step if that did not work - the “yummy doctor” has prepared a wonderful document to reject the PCR tests. [6] They are bad. Simply fill in these details, cut and paste it, and give it to your boss. 3. Final step - download this document, revise it (it is designed for the USA, simply replace USA with Canada in most cases), and give this to your BOSS/CEO to sign. Basically, it says they accept FULL LIABILITY for ANY “adverse events/side effects” for anything that happens to you if they try and force you to take the vaccine. In other words, you/your family can sue (and WIN) for lots of $$$ if you have

any side effects. Most likely they will decline, in which case you have solid grounds for not accepting the vaccine. If they do sign it - great. Don’t get injected - it’s still bad - but then sue them. Obviously suing should be a last resort but you may encounter some thick-headed people, so this is a useful document. Worst case scenario you will get lots of money from a wrongful dismissal suit (or alternatively a ‘golden handshake’) and could stock up on food, silver, gold, etc and be prepared for what is coming next. OTHER STEPS: 1. Do not just go “Oh, this sounds good.” TAKE ACTION. SUBMIT IT. THEN SHARE THIS DOCUMENT WITH PEOPLE! There is POWER in NUMBERS. 2. DO IT. 3. DO IT TODAY. 4. SEND IT TO FIVE PEOPLE TODAY. 5. INSTRUCT THEM TO DO THE SAME. Take a picture. Reprint it! 6. And then ENJOY LIFE! Referrence links for this artile are available on our digital article at TOCaribNews.com

“Success is in our DNA”! Producing narratives and conversations of success within our community PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel has been at the forefront of education at the post-secondary levels for over two decades. Since completing her Bachelor of Arts at York University in 1982, a Masters in Counselling Psychology and Doctorate Degree at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in 2003, she has engaged in on-going research projects. For eight years, she served as Program Coordinator and Professor at Humber College in the Community and Justice

Services Program from August 2009 to July 2019. As coordinator of the Bridge Program, she founded and developed this unique, revolutionary and special program in 2010. According to the website: thebridgeprogram.net, “It is the first of its kind in any Canadian college or university and identifies, develops and implements the types of programming and strategies necessary to foster and enhance academic success in post-secondary institutions amongst students who self-identify as African, Black and Caribbean.” This innovative program was “Developed to provide opportunities for students to: develop the requisite academic skills, enhance their levels of engagement and involvement with existing services and supports at the college and in so doing increase rates of student retention and graduation.” I had a chance to interview Dr Daniel on Monday, August 23rd, 2021. Dr Daniel has received widespread

recognition for her academic and scholarly contributions in the areas of race, racism, and education within the Canadian educational context, with a specific focus on Black student success. Furthermore, she has extensive experience as a diversity and anti-racism consultant and has conducted workshops on cultural competence for academic and mainstream organizations. She has published several articles over the years such as, “Today I tried to go to school,”‘When Racism Came Calling,” and “Making Black Student Success and Excellence the Norm.” In addition, she is the editor of ‘‘Diversity, Justice and Community: The Canadian Context,” which was published in 2017. Since August 2017 Dr Daniel has served as Assistant Professor in the School of Child and Youth Studies at Ryerson University. This transition to Ryerson University has expanded her academic work and scholarly investigations of race, rac-

ism, and equity. She is currently looking for volunteers to participate in a research project titled: “The Bridge-Student Success and Engagement of High Achieving Black Students (HABS).” This study is focused on identifying the strategies that Black students (Grades 7-12), and their families adopt to facilitate academic success. Students and their parents will be asked to participate in one 60-minute interview and/or a focus group consisting of five individuals for approximately 90-minutes, which will take place via Zoom. Anyone interested in participating can contact Dr Daniel via email:bdaniel@eyerson.ca or 416-979-5000 ext. 3643 for additional information. The overall aim of the study and the body of work by Dr Daniel focuses on producing narratives and conversations of success within our community to challenge the myth of Black failure. She reminds our students that – “Success is in our DNA”!


Wednesday, September 18, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS

PAGE 15

What would make your skin turn yellow? It is simply a lack of Vitamin B-12 W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER

A report from the Massachusetts General Hospital and published in the New England Journal of Medicine tells an interesting story. A 62-year-old man over a two-month period developed numbness, a “pins and needles” sensation in his hands, shortness of breath, trouble walking due to severe joint pain, and he began to turn yellow. Anyone faced with all these problems would think the end is near and start planning to say goodbye to loved ones. In retrospect, his symptoms could have been even worse. He could also have faced paranoia, delusions, memory loss, inconti-

nence, loss of taste and more. But this man had a pinch of good luck. Tests revealed he had a deficiency of vitamin B-12. He wasn’t going to die. But how did he develop such acute deficiency, and how can you be sure you’re getting enough of this vitamin? B-12 is an important vitamin. The adult human body needs 2.5 micrograms daily so red blood cells can carry oxygenated blood to the brain, nerves and DNA. Since the body cannot make B-12, it must be obtained from diet or supplements. What causes a lack of vitamin B-12? Some people simply don’t get enough in their diet. Others, even it they consume sufficient B-12, fail to absorb it. This is why deficiency is especially common among the elderly. One person in five over age sixty and two in five over eighty fail to absorb B-12 from food and they require a supplement. Another reason can be autoimmune disorders that make it difficult to absorb B-12. As we age, the lining of the stomach gets thinner, which decreases the pro-

duction of hydrochloric acid. Vitamin B-12 is firmly attached to a protein. To pry it loose so it can be absorbed it needs sufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid. It’s also possible to be low in B-12 if you’re taking medication, such as: Prevacid, Losec, and Nexium, used to treat acid reflux or a stomach ulcer. Even less powerful drugs, like: Pepcid, Tagamet, or Zantac, reduce the production of hydrochloric acid. Intestinal problems such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and excessive alcohol consumption reduce B-12. And with more people using gastric bypass surgery to lose weight, B-12 intake can be affected. You can be young and develop a lack of B-12. Plants do not make B-12. So among the growing numbers of young people striving for a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, there is a high risk of B-12 deficiency. Fortified grains can be a source of B-12. Blood work will show if additional B-12 supplementation is needed. There are many reports lauding the use of B-12 to prevent heart disease, infertility, fatigue, eczema, and a long list of

other chronic health problems. But according to Harvard researchers, these reports are all based on faulty evidence. Alzheimer’s disease is a good example. A deficiency of B-12 can lead to symptoms of Alzheimer’s. But even high doses of 1000 micrograms have had no effect on this disease. One case of supposed Alzheimer’s disease was cured by B-12 supplementation, but it proved to be the wrong diagnosis. For this patient, memory deficiency problems were quickly cured by B-12. As noted earlier, it’s good to be lucky. Good sources of dietary B-12 intake include: steak, fish, poultry products, and eggs. Are you wondering why the patient had yellow skin? Red blood cells become fragile with decreased amounts of B-12. Then they release bilirubin, produced by the liver, into circulation resulting in jaundice. If your skin is getting yellow, see your doctor for blood work.

Vaccine company employees are not being forced to be vaccinated, why is the general public? AMANDA WILLIAMS amanda@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The idea of mandatory vaccinations has been a hot and controversial topic for both the general public and business owners across the country. While government officials push for vaccinations through all media types, businesses wrestle with their authority to implement vaccination policies. Some companies have gone full force and announced that employees must be vaccinated by a specific date, while others are more cautious and allow more flexibility. It may come as a surprise that Pfizer, a major COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, has not mandated their employees to get the shot. The company requires all U.S. staffers and contractors to get vaccinated or undergo regular weekly testing and practice other health and safety protocols. In a leaked document, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources

Officer Payal Betcher states that while 80% of its employees have gotten the shot, they strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Fierce Pharma has been tracking employer vaccine requirements and confirmed with Pfizer that they will work with employees toward an alternative solution if someone has medical or religious objections to the shot. Other companies that have taken a similar approach are Novartis, Genentech, Eli Lilly, Moderna Johnson & Johnson, Gilead, to name a few. Labour and employment lawyer Hermie Abraham with Advocation Employment Law in Toronto said employers should do their homework before mandating a vaccination policy cites a CBC article. She says, “Not all workplaces may be able to justify such an extreme measure if faced with a legal challenge.” Peter Straszynski of the Toronto law firm Torkin Manes says that occupational health and safety legislation requires that employers protect their workers from health and safety risks in the workplace. He says that companies adopting a vaccination policy must accommodate workers not able to get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons. “My view is that you can mandate

vaccinations, you just have to be careful of the exceptions. And the exceptions are human rights,” says Straszynski. The public has been bombarded with messages urging people to get vaccinated to “do their part” to protect communities, their loved ones, and the most vulnerable however the vaccine does not prevent transmission. According to health officials, the vaccine should reduce symptoms, severe illness, and risk of hospitalization or death, which means you are only protecting yourself. Since both the vaccinated and unvaccinated can get and spread COVID-19, the concept of mandatory vaccinations is highly unjustifiable. There isn’t a “one size fits all” option for anything in life, whether it be: food, exercise, skin and health care, therapy, education, or medications. Everyone’s body is different, has different needs, and responds differently to different things. With the list of adverse side effects from the vaccine (one including death), some people have opted to take their chance with getting COVID-19 instead. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took an aggressive approach and recently threatened anyone who does not have a legitimate medical exemption and chooses not to get a vaccine with conse-

quences. What happened to Canada being the “True North strong and free?” While some may argue that Trudeau is doing whatever is necessary to protect the country, others are concerned that such blatant displays of discrimination and segregation suggest the country is on a downhill slope to a dark future. What would happen if the government and health officials took a different approach to keep people healthy and safe? What if the government forced businesses to mandate breaks for meditation, exercise, and play to help reduce stress and boost mental health so people can focus and be more productive in stressful environments? What if they started mandating foods and routines to promote physical, mental, and emotional health, which would also boost your immune system? There are ways to co-exist, run businesses, and allow communities to thrive and get back to normalcy without inoculating the entire population. Whether you favour vaccines or not, you do not have to participate in the hate and great divide being fed to you. This is a reminder that you can be pro-vaccine but against them being mandatory.


NEWS

PAGE 16

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

This is the toughest mental health year families will face in a lifetime each other. As many of us know, and come to understand, the mental health crisis has worsened for youth since the pandemic started. There were record-breaking increases in anxiety, depression, substance abuse, violence, and suicide in 2020. Studies show that 1 in 4 children suffering from clinically elevated depression symptoms, and 1 in 5 kids have increased signs of anxiety. I had a chance to sit down and talk with Dr Kim Burgess, Ph.D., Board-Certified Psychologist and Founder of BHIP and Pediatric Psychology Centre. What she revealed was invaluable, which is why I thought it was important to write this article for the community. “What we know about stress research, it is not just one major event, it is multiple minor stresses,” Dr. Burgess began. “Now this is a prolonged major event, and then there are these minor ones that families are having to deal with. We know that psychological and physical health are connected, and some of the poor health that you are seeing is a direct result of what is happening in someone’s mental world. We are seeing more anxiety, depression, and anger. There has even been an increase in physical aggression amongst families. People are not getting breaks from each other, and we are not getting regularity in our lives. This has definitely brought feelings of hopelessness and helplessness to the surface. Families are stressed out about work, money. It is just too much going on

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The first thing we need to do is change the language. We have to stop saying “mental health,” and just say “health!” Dr. Kim Burgess, Ph.D., Board-Certified Psychologist and Founder of BHIP & Pediatric Psychology Centre Using words like “epidemic” and “crisis” are the most accurate ways to describe the current mental health state in youth during this time. Hell, it has been difficult to deal with as adults, and now we have a perfect storm that could make things even worse. As most students in Canada and the U.S. finally return to in-person learning, they are experiencing unprecedented and serious mental health challenges. In addition, there is a lack of resources available to students due to the critical shortage of mental health experts in our communities. The supposed spike in COVID cases, especially in rural communities, has added additional stress when parents and students had hoped the worst was over. Now, parents and school districts are fighting over masks and vaccines, which has the potential to spill over into the school hallways, potentially pitting students against

for too long. People are having trouble dealing with the uncertainty, and as adults we have to remember that kids are sponges, and they are impacted by what their parents say, and what is happening in the home.” Dr Burgess offered some suggestions to assist parents and caregivers help their children through these challenging times “Limit their exposure to news coverage – A constant feed of information can induce anxiety and confuse children. Talking together about new updates surrounding the pandemic is the best way to give them accurate, age-appropriate information and support. Also, parents you have to model this behaviour, so this means that you also have to limit your exposure to news coverage. Involve them in decision-making – As parents, you have to find ways to include your child in making decisions that can help them feel that they are heard and valued in their home. When you allow them to be a part of the decision-making process, it shows them they have a voice and gives them the confidence to use it. Set up realistic expectations and give them notice – When things become predictable, it can help children feel more in control of their situation. Keep them in the loop over safety protocols or changes in their routine, so they aren’t surprised or overwhelmed. Model healthy coping strategies – Children can sense their parents’ anxieties and fears. When you have had a stressful day, try expressing it in a calm manner and

teach or explain how you help yourself calm down. Self-care is huge. You have to keep in mind how much sleep you are getting. Are you as a family eating healthy? How about being active and going on walks together; these are all really important. On these walks, you can talk about thoughts and feelings about COVID-19, or anything else that your children want to talk about.” Another extensive area of concern for Dr Burgess is the availability of at-home mental health resources. She is a woman of action, so she focused her research on how to provide these resources for families. “I have developed the first-of-itskind program that is now available for parents, counsellors, teachers, and coaches to help kids from toddler to adolescence. This at-home program can help your child gain knowledge of critical life skills for healthy development in behavioural, social, cognitive, and emotional functioning.” The BHIP® Program (Biopsychosocial Health Intervention and Prevention) was created by Dr Kim Burgess. It is a product of nearly twenty-five years of research, scientifically backed by previous and current evidence showing effectiveness of this type of program. BHIP® provides parents, children and teens with techniques, tips, tools, advice, and strategies through programs, workshops, seminars, sessions, manuals, and books for kids 3 ½ - 16 years old. “We want to help our young ones build lifelong skills,” Dr Burgess tells me. “This after all has been the toughest mental health year families will face in a lifetime; we have to arm our families for the future.”

Lights! Camera! Action! Shot Boss has now become Jamaica’s fastest rising star the X Factor talent contest. Some call Short Boss, “The Boy Wonder” behind closed doors, but for others, he is the best in the business. On the night of his winning the coveted title, it was like the coronation of an English monarch. Just imagine twelve weeks of island-wide tour and campaign leading up to the finals, which had females screaming to get even a thin thread from his brown Versace jacket. His signature blonde short, cropped hair exposes his slightly dimpled face; his nostrils like a twin funnel expand with every smile he makes. With all this fanfare, few people know about Short Boss. “I began to walk when I was only five months old, and I could sing at age three.” Born to a poor, but ambitious couple Simone Lawrence and Denton Smith, baby Akeem was an extraordinary toddler. At St. Ann’s Bay Primary school Akeem proved to be a disciplinarian, and when he was deciding on high schools, things took a sudden twist with his father opposing his choice for a nearby Lonie High school in St. Ann’s, the parish where he lived. This was miles away from his mother’s home in Portmore, St.Catherine. “I started school with a bang receiving very good grades but my mother, being determined, decided she would have none of that and took me to her home in

EUGENE PITTER eugene@carib101.com

ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

There are at least 100 excited studio fans; another two million live audience and countless around the world. All eyes and ears are glued to one of Jamaica’s great voices. He is for many, Short Boss, a name synonymous with poise, grace and perfection. In front of three distinguished judges-including international songstress Alaine, and Anthony Miller host of TVJ’s Entertainment Report, Shot Boss is about to create history. He opens his mouth and before he strikes a single note of Whitney Houston’s song the thunderous noise seems to rise and applause. Judges claim he has one of the best vocals in The Digicel Rising Star, a 17 year-old talent competition that produced Dalton Harris who travelled to U.K and won RY 10TH

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Portmore. She never stopped until she got a transfer for me to attend J.C where in her mind, I rightfully belonged.” But, Akeem got the shock of his life “I thought this (J.C) was a co’ed school and surrounded by hundreds of boys made me feel trapped. My grades were falling week after week resulting in meetings after meetings and no one knew the problem. But, I soon found out life wasn’t that bad. Musically, it was by chance Akeem decided to buy into talent contests. “I loved patties and was passing by when I saw a large crowd. As it turns out Tastee- famous for patties was having an audition for the On The Verge Talent contest.” Akeem entered with no firm preparation and came third. That was enough energy to have him trying for the Digicel Rising Star competition. “It was every youth’s dream to win the competition. I had entered four times before but didn’t get through and made up my mind that I wasn’t going to be a spectator the fifth year. I remember getting a call from the producer of the show and wondered what they had wanted. I was at a karaoke show and when I heard I had made it for the studio finals, words could not express my joy. That night I could hardly sleep. My entire life was changed in a second, and I became, overnight, one of the most popular people in Jamaica. I went to places I had never been before; dined with

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the rich and famous and adorned by the young and old. As for the night of the finals, everyone felt I was a run-away winner, but I still wanted to hear it loud and clear. The prize included $ 1.5 million in cash and an equal amount for my community project. Winning is just part of my journey to reach the pinnacle of music which includes copping multiple Grammy awards.” The rewards of the contest have allowed him to perform on several shows. These include: Red Rose for Gregory; Live at Woodstock, Negril with the likes of Christopher Martin, Marcia Griffiths Berris Hammond; Curry Festival with acts including: Jada Kingdom, and Crab Festival alongside Jermaine Edwards and Christopher Martin, a past Digicel Rising Star winner. Among his recorded songs are “I Give Anything” on Tango Entertainment label; “Mama” on the Little Pepper imprint; “When Will I see you Again,” Little Pepper label “Smile Away” on Jkeez Records label and the whopper “I’m Not the Only One” a song produced by Outfytt Records and IWAAD Music LLC. If one should ask Akeem what his biggest move for 2021 was, he would say, “Meeting Record producer/ artiste Shaka Pow. “He is on the team which will help to steer me into the Grammy arena soon.”


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PAGE 18

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Braids made Perfect A Business birthed out of pain SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians 12 verse 9 She has held on to this during some trying times. This scripture verse stood out to her before she started her business. This Bible verse became her anchor, and her affirmation; “The purpose of this scripture verse, and its meaning to me is that I know I am not the perfect braider, but I will ensure that they are perfect for my clients. My strength has been made perfect in my weakness, and this strength I share with my clients.” Black Beauty Salons became the place to not only get your hair done, but locations where Black people could talk about their community. You usually could jump into a conversation about town gossip, what was happening in the world, or parenting tips because your children were driving you bonkers. Deanna Johnson, founder of Braids made Perfect, has found a way to bring back the old school salon experience with a twist. “It is Hair + Therapy Simone,” Deanna begins to tell me. “With my clients, I walk through life one braid at a time. They don’t all come and tell me their business, but when I am braiding hair we go through the process together, and in those few hours a lot of healing can happen.” Deanna’s entrepreneurial journey began as she sat with her mom, and braided out the ends of women’s hair. “My mom taught me how to do hair when I was nine years old,” Deanna shares. “Yep! I will never forget it. Paulette’s Beauty Touch Salon; I got so good that after a while, her clients would ask for me to braid their hair. I was a natural at it.” In high school, Deanna learned how to braid her own hair. Then she started braiding hair for her friends. “It wasn’t a bad job, especially for a teenager. I was making like $50.00 $60.00 per style. I worked with my mom

all the way through high school. I missed out on a lot of fun because I was braiding all the time.” There was an important lesson that she did learn from her experience. “If my daughters want to learn how to braid, I want them to do it because they love to, not because mom made them do it. I want them to make that choice.” Deanna will tell you that the business was birthed out of pain. “In 2018, I separated from my husband of ten years. I had to replace his income. There was nothing else I could do, and then I remembered, I do have a talent. Braiding was something that I could do. He gave me my hands, so I started braiding. I started in September 2018. It became the only way for me to make the money I needed to support my daughters at the time.” Deanna shares with me the difficulties that she faced starting her business. “I went through a hard time, and I was depressed, and I needed help. Mental health challenges are real. It was a nightmare. I would leave my clients, go to the washroom and cry. My therapist said that braiding hair was good for me. I was able to admire my work and this helped my serotonin levels. I found that interesting, but my therapist was right. There was a feeling of accomplishment, and pride that I felt when I finished braiding my client’s hair. I noticed this was therapeutic for them as well. WE cry, we pray together. We have been able to walk through life together. I am not a therapist, but I have a gift of encouraging women. I have had clients come and sit down and read for hours. She read her book, and I listened to music. Braiding is therapeutic for me, so it all worked out.” “How did the pandemic affect your business Deanna,” I queried? “When COVID-19 hit, I needed that break, so it was actually good. I was doing really well, exercising; I was in a good place. I was separated, but I didn’t tap into the process of the divorce. This was a big hit for me. Then the second wave hit, and I had to close the businesses again. I closed because I wasn’t sure of what was happening. When my landlord decided to sell the house, he was very aggressive, and he wasn’t doing things the right way. I couldn’t deal with all that pressure, my kids were struggling with school, and mentally my children were not doing well. I am new to the single mom game, and it was a lot for my kids. In the beginning, my youngest would sit at my feet until I was done. I would feel really bad, because I was being pulled in so many areas. I decided to move; I hated the fact

that I didn’t have enough money to choose the home I wanted to live in with my daughters. There was so much going on, so much. That is when I realized; the government was not paying my bills. I decided to continue taking clients. I have to be careful, so I ensure that I follow the COVID-19 protocols, and keep everyone safe.” “What is your signature style Deanna? I know most stylists have a signature style.” “Wholesome locks. I made this my signature hairstyle. It is costly. Being on a journey with your locks is a beautiful thing. It is like working on becoming whole. I like to say that I am working on becoming HER! It is a style that lasts up to a year. My clients come for a touch up every two to three months. I have a lot of women look at themselves in the mirror that I have stationed in front of my chair, and they criticize themselves. You can hear the negative self-talk. When their hair is done, their shoulders are up and their heads are held high. It is about changing that negative self-talk into positive self-talk.” Braiding is a creative art that allows you to bring out your creativity for the world to see. Deanna knows that honing this skill can help you, especially if you want to become self-employed. To Deanna, braiding is a door opener. “Finally, NO ONE can take away your skill from you. Your two hands are your money makers. Treasure them and take good care of them.” This is the message that she shares with her students who attend her online classes at the BMP Academy. “I am now seeing the fruits of their labour, and this is why I decided to open an online school called BMP Academy (https:// bmpacademy.thinkific.com/). I wanted to share how braiding has allowed me to go from making $2,500 per month, which barely covered my bills, to over $6,000 per month. It has given me credibility and confidence to launch my first teen workshop. It has created opportunities for paid travel, guest speaking and celebrity video shoots, and it has granted me more time to be with my children. It has also been a great creative outlet for me! I also teach hands-on classes. Some of my students have learned and done very well. One of my students has now started her own business, and she is doing very well. I have another student who took my master class, and now - with some styles - she is better than me. I always wanted to teach but my confidence was low, and now I am doing exactly what I want to do.”


These items go in recycling

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PAGE 20

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

RHAJ PAUL

The Alchemist, the Rebel, the Icon

Photo Credit: Logan C Thomas

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

“I make for myself first, my clients next, and my critics last. I want them to dwell in it. I want them to leave like damm!” Alchemist, rebel, tailor, style icon. These are only a few of the words used to describe the dynamic force that I am featuring this week as our Classic Man. Rhaj Paul is one of the biggest designers out of Barbados. As a designer, Rhaj has experienced success with his striking designs, quality, precision, and originality that go into each and every one of his creations. The demand for his work has grown consistently over the years, and he is single handedly proving that the Caribbean fashion industry has a lot to give the world. His work continues to bring a unique perspective on fashion and execution, and for this reason, on September 12th, 2021, Caribbean Tales Film Festival will be showcasing Rhaj Paul’s fashion series Hashtag Tailored, where he discusses the changing landscape of fashion, perception of prejudices, and other challenges in the fashion world with industry professionals and creatives. It was about twenty years ago that he co-founded Rhaj Paul Montaazh, the first ever men’s street wear brand to come out of Barbados. Later in 2010, he began his main project Evolve, a conscious fashion brand inspired in St Lucia, created in Barbados, and marketed worldwide. Rhaj Paul has embraced a wider concept of learning through living the artist life and working with his hands, head and heart. Together with his wife, Rhaj has built the Ministry Of Style Creative Alliance (MOSca), which serves to advance local creative development and enterprise. I had a chance to dialogue with Rhaj Paul, and he openly shared his experiences as an entrepreneur in the clothing industry, and how he has taken his failures, and turned them into success. In what seems to be his usual fashion, Rhaj came dressed to impress with one of his signature shirt designs; without even talking to him, I knew this was going to be a great interview. “I was actually born in Barbados. My mom is from Sri Lanka (she passed three years ago). My Dad went to Sri Lanka on a scholarship, and that was where he met my mom, and brought her back to Barbados. My mom bought a sewing machine from Sri Lanka to Barbados. She wasn’t a seamstress; it was just that ladies were supposed to have certain tools to work with. My sense of style crept in at around ten. At the age of twelve I started to dabble in it. I really enjoyed attending Church services because it became a way to dress up and express myself.” Rhaj stopped and chuckled before he told me his first story. “I wanted my pants to be tapered (they were called stovepipes back in the day, my dad tells me). I was like, I think I can do that. I made the hole so small that it hitch up on my ankle, but I had my small bottoms. My mom saw something in me, and. about eight years later, I really got into it. She went out and bought me a portable sewing machine. It was my hand luggage going back to school. My mom has always been such a source of support for me.” Rhaj shares with me a bit more about his family. “My younger brother picked up on everything that I was doing. He gravitated to all the things that I was into: skateboarding, the beach, hair, and clothing. He lives with my dad, and to

this day, he dresses my dad.” Rhaj’s keen eye for fashion was noticed when he went away to college. This was the first time that he began experimenting with fashion, and with different looks. “The summer before I got the sewing machine, I had returned from my first year of college in Trinidad, and I saw this guy with these green pants. In my head I was like, ‘they were bad.’ I met the designer, and he showed me the stuff he was doing. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. I asked him to show me how to sew. I spent time learning, and that was it. Once I learned how to make one thing (jeans), I kept making them.” Someone asked him for a pair, so he made it. Students started to come to him for alterations, and his name very quickly got around the campus. In 2000 things really jumped off. He began experimenting more. His star began to rise, and there was an article written about him. That was when things really jumped off. “I was invited to do the Barbados Manufacturing Expo. This is where I met Joe Brooks. He is great at envisioning displays. He wanted to do a retail display, so we decided to work together. To this day, it is one of the most amazing displays I have ever seen. It was so dope, so impactful. We partnered for about five years. After we stopped working together, I must admit that I felt a little lost. What was I going to do now? I asked myself, what can you do on your own that doesn’t require tools. I realized that I was already doing something that I wasn’t being paid for, styling. I was already telling clients what to piece my creations with. This was natural for me. I am always thinking, I know what this will look good with. I want my clients to combine in a way to really bring out the piece. I will help put them together.” He decided to zero in on that part and make it lucrative. His first major styling job was for David Kirton, a Reggae artist in Barbados. His team wanted Rhaj to create looks, not original pieces. They invited him to go on a trip to LA to style for the videos. “We went shopping and put the looks together. It went from building garments, to building the look.” Since then, Rhaj’s designs have become the talk of the international fashion community. I asked him for some words of encouragement for our young designers “Don’t resist creating the change that you want. Insist, don’t resist. You see the issue ahead, but don’t take on that battle.” I would encourage our young creative readers to watch Stitch Straight, the series being showcased at the Caribbean Tales Film Festival. It features a discussion with forty-year veteran of the Barbados fashion industry Roland RoJoe Bascombe regarding fashion culture in Barbados. You can also check out Everybody Loves Camo! It follows Rhaj and members of his styling agency, the Ministry Of Style Creative Alliance, as they ponder the legality of wearing and designing with camo in Barbados. You can join the movement and learn more about Rhaj by checking him out his series, #tlrd on YouTube. It was a great dialogue, and an amazing time spent with our Classic Man. It goes to show that anything is possible, especially if you have faith in yourself, and your abilities.



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Excelsior Family Size Water Crackers 300 g

NuFresh 100% Coconut Water 520 ml

Grace Vanilla Flavouring 480 ml

Jamaican Pride Butter Beans 398 ml

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Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm

Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 8 pm

Lawrence Ave. E .

Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm

Dundas St. E.

Store Hours

Mond-Thurs 9:30 am to 9 pm Fri.-Sat. 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 6 pm

Stafford Dr.

Rutherford Rd. South .

Finch Ave. W .

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d

Bloor St. E.

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Specials in Effect Thu. Sept. 2nd until Wed., Sept. 8th, 2021. Although we strive for accuracy in both copy & illustration, unintentional error may occur, we reserve the right to correct any error. Specials Available While Quantities Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Danforth Food Market 144 Kennedy Road South 289-298-0399

Glidden Rd.

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Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm





HEALTH

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 27

Summer’s last hurrah could be the most dangerous W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

Are you gearing up to have some fun? It’s the stick-in-the-mud who dulls the sense of adventure, suggesting you think twice. But the dullard may be the wise one as the summer closes out with the traditional long weekend. Labour Day Weekend originated in North America in the early 1880’s to recognize workers. The holiday marked the establishment of the 40-hour workweek, or 8 hours of work daily for 5 days and then two days of rest. Labour unions of the day had it right. They advocated each day should have a balance of 8 hours of work, 8

hours of recreation, and 8 hours of rest – and the 2-day weekend offered a healthy break to refresh. The extra day of celebration marking the 3-day weekend at the end of summer is a mixed story. For all the fun and games of the last summer hurrah, there is a higherthan-average rate of injury and death. Water is a common theme to many of the saddest tragedies. Drownings occur from boating accidents, misfortune at beaches, and the heartcrushing incidents of negligence involving the family swimming pool. It is an awful statistic that 350 children under the age of five drown in pools every year in the U.S. In Canada, with a population only a tenth of the size, a similar number of people drown in the country’s beautiful natural bodies of water each year. Inevitably, in both countries, news following Labour Day Weekend laments these kinds of tragedies. The greatest risk comes from traffic accidents. From the Friday evening start of the long Labour Day weekend, through the end of the day

What are the treatment options for cystic fibrosis?

on Monday, we can expect about 500 people to die on North American roads. More than 54,000 people injured in traffic accidents will require medical assistance. We know why. The trendline in holiday-period, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities has been gradually moving down from 60% in 1983 to 38% in 2019. Still, too many people are drinking and driving, especially on Labour Day weekend. The advice is clear. Don’t let loved ones drink and drive. Take action if you see anyone who has been drinking or using drugs get behind the wheel. Distracted driving increases the risk of accidents by 500%, so leave the phone alone. Put it in the trunk if you struggle to comply. Don’t let inexperienced young drivers transport their friends, who unwittingly can be the most dangerous of all distractions. If driving is a necessity, then slow down. It’s a long weekend; there’s lots of time. High speed is the direct

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic condition that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the respiratory and digestive systems. Over time, this can limit the affected person’s ability to breathe. While there’s no cure for cystic fibrosis, a lung transplant can considerably increase a patient’s life expectancy. Additionally, there are several ways for people living with cystic fibrosis to prevent lung infections and relieve symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing and digestive issues. These include: • Techniques to clear mucus from the airways such as vest therapy or postural drainage and percussion (PD&P) • Taking antibiotics to prevent and treat lung infections • Taking oral pancreatic enzymes, vitamins and other prescribed medications

cause of 27% of traffic fatalities in Canada. Above all, wear the seatbelt. The evidence is overwhelming that seatbelts save lives. There are other sources of tragedy when the focus should be on good times with friends and family. Motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, and even the common bicycle are all associated with fun, but just as the last run down the ski mountain at the end of a winter day claims a higher rate of falls, these activities yield more accidents during the last weekend of the summer. The holiday weekend sees more dog bites than usual too. Fires are yet another major concern, whether from grills, campfires, or fireworks. When cautions are abandoned, people will be harmed and property damaged. Absent, broken or poorly maintained smoke alarms will mean the difference between preventable deaths and disaster. So take it easy, and look out for the ones you love.

To further minimize their symptoms, people with cys­tic fibrosis should also do their best to: • Engage in physical activity on a regular basis • Avoid smoking and being in smoky environments • Receive recommended vaccines, particularly for respiratory conditions • Adopt a balanced diet based on their condition and nutritional needs For more personalized treatment options, people with cystic fibrosis should consult their doctor. According to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, it’s estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has cystic fibrosis. The condition occurs when a child inherits two abnormal CFTR ge­nes, one from each parent.


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Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

COMMUNITY

PAGE 29

Reverse engineer your way to the finish line; each step you take brings you closer to your goals DAVID ANDERSON d_anderson@carib101.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

You have to be a black belt in whatever you do. You have to be willing to put in the work. If you ask any NBA player how they got so good, they are going to tell you practice. Nobody wakes up one day and his or her name is called in the NBA, WNBA, NFL or MLB lottery. There has to be a process and a formal system for success. Even if you have to dedicate more time studying, practicing or researching, just do it. You have to be willing to put your pride aside. Not many people are on the same path as you. Not many people have a guiding path

in life. Without this you will end up living day to day with no goals. Have you noticed that those who acquire wealth sooner than expected go broke, and those who plan their financial future don’t, statistically speaking. Money will only amplify the person you are and always wanted to be. Sometimes we simply do not deserve money, yet because we lack financial literacy, knowledge and mentors. For example, lottery ticket winners, rappers and many athletes are not trained in financial literacy. This is a recipe for disaster, as they become a target for financial scams. Some people think hiring an expert alone will help you keep your wealth. This can also be a mistake, because even the top professional athletes get money stolen from them over a period of time. You have to know what to look for, while having specific and targeted goals. Only people willing to fight for their life and future have the drive to be a successful entrepreneur. If it were easy many people would put ‘black belt’ in their social media bio and resume. The purpose of practice is

to develop our physical and cognitive skills. The real reason for practice is to be prepared for opportunities before they present themselves. This takes an incredible amount of patience, which helps to develop muscle memory. Muscle memory ensures that each time you practice the move will become easier. They say practice makes perfect, but realistically practice makes improvement. You have to be willing to take small incremental steps towards your goals. Keep in mind that baby’s crawl before they can stand, fall before they can walk and run. No baby in the history of time has walked before they crawled or ran before they could stand. There is a process for everything and skipping stages will negatively impact your development. Rewards are meant for those who have learned from their mistakes and proactively strive to be better. Usain Bolt’s goal was to not only win an Olympic championship for Jamaica, but to be the fastest man alive. With this type of mentality Usian Bolt was able to break numerous records setting the world record in 2009 and the Olympic record in 2021. These

records have still yet to be broken. This is a direct representation of his work ethic paying off. Bolt has also been a serial entrepreneur since his retirement. As an entrepreneur your success is dictated on your work ethic, environment and support systems. Many people skip over work ethic because they simply did not grow up in an environment that helped push them to their limits. Work ethic is a learned behaviour that can be challenging to develop later in life. Those who understand that their hard work will be rewarded in the future have a very strong work ethic. This skill requires patience. Before you start a race you have to envision that you are first. You have to envision yourself accepting that gold medal. Once this is planted in your head you have to reverse engineer your way to the finish line. Each step you take brings you closer to your goals. The early mornings and late nights you spent practicing prepared you for moments like this. You deserve to be great! Thank you for reading Entrepreneurial Minds.


PAGE 30

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

The regret of our twilight years DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

There is always a counterexample to every excuse we keep giving ourselves. If the lack of capital is your excuse for not starting your business, there are people who have started similar businesses with little or no capital. Waiting for the right moment to do anything worth doing is always our mental escape from not doing it at all. Think of how far you would have come if you’ve started five or ten years earlier what you’re currently doing now. It is the opportunities we lost to time, procrastination, or complacency that is the most painful part

of our memories when we look back at life in retrospect. In our twilight years, it is the chances we refuse to take when the opportunity avails that we regret the most. Every excuse you can think of, there are counterexamples of it. You will never be ready, and by the time you think you are ready, chances are, you are already late. A few months ago, I got a call from one of the South African National Radio stations to come on air the next morning and speak on the subject of emotional intelligence. I told the lady on the phone, “Sorry, I am not ready; it’s too short of a notice to prepare.” Wait, what exactly is my readiness all about? To speak on a subject that I have taught a couple of times? Or to speak on the radio? Which won’t be my first time. We both hung up the call, and that was it. By the time I thought I was ready, the slot was no longer available. What is the moral? I overestimate my need for readiness. And the reality is, by the time I thought I was ready, I hadn’t done anything much of a difference as to

when I had received the call. In the words of Les Brown, “You will fail your way to success.” But most importantly, for every failed attempt or experience, learn the lessons and try again better. To attempt a thing and fail is more glorifying than not doing anything at all. The twenty-sixth President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. has rightly said, “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Henry James once wrote a story titled “The Madonna of the Future.” It’s a fictional account of an artist who devoted her entire life to a single painting. When the artist died, it was discovered that the canvas was blank. She never started, and she never started because of perfectionism. That fictional story is nonfiction for far too many. Almost everyone never gets it right

at their first attempt. The key is to improve on every next attempt. What’s your Madonna of the Future? What are you putting off today that will dearly cost you tomorrow? Remember, you cannot finish what you do not start. Life is a race against time. Don’t die with a book full of ideas. Generally speaking, you are probably never going to be more than about 80% certain. Waiting for greater certainty may cause you to miss an opportunity. Depending upon your personality, no amount of information may move you past a particular degree of certainty. At the end of our lives, our greatest regrets won’t be the mistakes we made. It will be the opportunities we left on the table. Dr. Neal Roese calls them inaction regrets. A study by social psychologists Tom Gilovich and Vicki Medvec found that in the short term, we tend to regret actions rather than inactions 53% to 47%. So it’s a tossup. But over the long haul, inaction regrets outnumber action regrets 84% to 16%.


LIFE

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

“I am going to be leaving Panama tomorrow? Are you serious?” Reliving my past trauma SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

The date is fuzzy, but the emotion is still very real. I had been in Panama for a few weeks now, and although the situation was what it was, I had found my rhythm. I was starting to learn Spanish; I did not have much of a choice. The girls would speak to me, and I would have to figure out what they were saying. With Angela, and Andrea’s help, I had picked up a few words. I remember, I was sitting in the courtyard, and some officers came over to our house door. I saw them speaking to one of the girls, and she pointed over in my direction. The officers looked over at me, and gestured to me to follow them to the administration building. I picked up the book that I was reading at the time, and made my way over to them. I assumed it was a visit from the Embassy again. I was not very excited because their visits left much to be desired. I had not found the Canadian Em-

bassy to be very helpful. They didn’t help me find a lawyer (my ex, and my mom had to do that), and they had not helped with my anxiety. The woman who usually came had zero personality, and when she was around, all I felt was judgement. As I followed them, I thought of what she could possibly have to say to me now: did she bring news from my parents? Did she have some more money for me? As we got to the door, I noticed that it was a different person sitting in the main office. I had never seen this person before, so I was instantly curious. The officers instructed me to take a seat, and they went over to speak with the gentleman who was sitting down. They spoke for a few minutes, and then they came back over to me, and led me to the quiet room. This was the room where the lawyers came to meet with their clients. I sat down and waited. This felt different then the last few meetings up here. I was unsure of what to think, so I sat there and looked around the room. It must have been about 30 minutes, when the door opened, and the man who had been sitting in the main office came in with a stack of papers in his hand. He placed the papers on the table, closed the door, and looked down at me. “Hello Simone,” He said in broken English!

“Hello!” I said. I had learned quickly that saying less in these situations was important. Until I saw a lawyer, I had been instructed to say nothing about my case. “How are you doing?” He asked. “Not too bad. Getting used to things,” I responded. He went on to tell me his name (which I cannot remember), and then he opened up the folder of papers he was holding. “I have papers here from your lawyer for your extradition. We are going to be flying you to America tomorrow; you will be escorted by US Marshalls to a correctional facility in Buffalo, and you will stand before a judge in a few days.” I sat there and just stared at him. I had to take a few minutes to make sure that I had heard what I thought I heard. “I am going to be leaving Panama tomorrow? Are you serious?” “Yes,” he replied. “Your lawyer put in paperwork for your extradition, and they were approved. You are going home. Tonight, get your things together. Anything that they have for you in the office will be brought to the front when the officers arrive to take you to the airport. Be ready at 7:00 am in the morning. Do you have any questions? I sat there with tears in my eyes. It looked like this part of my journey had come to an end.

Face your fears; Find your power! GARCIA AKUA

garcia@carib101.com

COSMIC CORNER

Greetings Kosmic family! I hope you are all staying safe and sane especially in these trying times. We are in the middle of a great divide of opinions, values and ideals. As we have been discussing, this is an important time for determining our own values and standing true to our truth. Then we also have to consider our fears. Fears are crippling; they keep us in a state of fight or flight, leaving no space for reason or intuition. Like standing on our truth, we are often told to face our fears like it’s some easy feat, but honestly it’s not. Shadow Work has entered the chat. Let’s introduce shadow work before moving forward. Shadow Work is a concept created by Carl Jung, a renowned Psychologist. Jung described the Shadow Self as the parts of us that have been hidden or suppressed due to pain, hurt and shame. The shadow is the home of our unprocessed trauma. Trauma not only impacts us during the event itself, it has lingering effects, as the trauma is stored in the mind and the body if it is not effectively dealt with. Carl Jung states, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” When we don’t address our fears, we are constantly responding to triggers,

rather than understanding our triggers. We react from a place of fear and not from our place of truth. Our shadows can manifest as lack of confidence, procrastination, people pleasing, not speaking up/advocating for you, playing too small, negative self-talk/thoughts. These manifestations can stem from childhood experiences of neglect/ abandonment, emotional disconnect, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, exposure to violence, financial strains and loads more. Shadow Work is the process of facing our traumas, our emotional wounds and fears, so we can get to the root and begin to unpack and overcome. Inner Child Shadow Work invites us to reconnect with our inner child and re-establish a healthy relationship. This helps us create more stable emotional security so we can begin to confront our fears. This gives us an opportunity to re-parent the parts of ourselves that have been wounded and traumatized and love ourselves more wholesomely. Virgo season is a perfect time to begin to question ourselves honestly about where our fears truly stem from. Virgo is the mother of the zodiac. Her attributes are related to service and health. She often serves everyone else at the expense of herself. Ruled by the planet Mercury, the planet of thought, communication and short-term travel. We can use this Mercurial energy to begin to analyze our thoughts and fears. We can travel back to our memories to get a better understanding of the experiences from our childhood from now a new lens. We can begin to re-parent our childhood

wounds and get a better grip of our triggers. We can use this energy to serve ourselves in ways our inner child has never been served before. We now have a greater sense of intimacy within ourselves. Intimacy without safety is trauma. Let’s tap into our divine mother via this Virgo energy and set our shadows free. Our Inner child will thank us! The last eighteen months have been psychologically, emotionally and mentally exhaustive. Many of us haven’t had the time to process all the changes much less the trauma we have carried prior. Now more than ever we need to set some time aside to check in with our inner child. Our shadows are created via the fears and traumas we couldn’t process as children. As we get older, the trauma wants to be recognized so we can work through it. With the myriad of fears around our health, children and financial security, our shadows may be screaming out for attention as your inner child is triggered by these experiences. Shadow Work is life work. With each new level of growth, we will experience new fears. It’s time to love ourselves wholesomely so we can begin to clarify our truth and be better equipped to stand on it. No more playing small, no lower self esteem, no more crippling fears, you deserve more. Shadow work can be done alone however sometimes the assistance and support of an outside source can help hold you accountable and assist in creating safer spaces for healing. Face your fears and find your super power, you deserve to live without fear.

PAGE 31


LIFE

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Preparing Grade 9 students to face de-streamed Math Curriculum in September 2021 PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

YOUTH EDUCATION

The release of the new Ontario Grade 9 Mathematics curriculum on Wednesday June 11th was highly anticipated. Many educators and stakeholders are concerned why it took the Minister of Education, Stephen Leece so long to release the curriculum with only two weeks left in the 20202021 school year. The major shift in the course is that it will emphasize more real-life applications as opposed to theoretical concepts. All students will take the same level of Mathematics in Grade 9. The revised mathematics curriculum

will have six strands with these expectations:

data is used to inform decisions and solve problems in real-life situations.

mends these four things should be included when de-streamed is implemented.

Strand A: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mathematical Thinking Students will be offered opportunities to build healthy relationships and develop a healthy mathematical identity while recognizing sources of stress.

Strand E: Geometry and Measurement Students will learn about geometric properties and their real-life applications, including units of measurements.

Strand B: Numbers Students will gain a better understanding of the way numbers can be written and used to solve problems including fractions, decimal numbers, integers, percentages, ratios, rates and proportions. Strand C: Algebra Students will work with algebraic expressions and non-linear relations. Coding skills will be applied to understand complex mathematics, find patterns and make predictions. Strand D: Data Students will learn how to collect, store and use data. They will also examine how

Strand F: Financial Literacy Students will analyze a variety of financial situations to explain how mathematics can be applied. They will also learn about interest rates and other factors that can impact purchases. Coalition for Alternatives to Streaming in Education (CASE) released a statement on June 8th, 2021 on its website: Endstreaming.org. It states “CASE is pleased that educators, students and parents will finally have a sense of what the de-streamed math curriculum will look like. Now it’s in the hands of school boards and educators to review and implement to the best of their ability.” It notes that focusing on the curriculum is just one aspect, and in order for curricular changes to be done, it recom-

• •

Anti-racism, anti-oppression, and professional development training for school staff, educators and administrators. Meaningful engagement with the community to facilitate identity-based data collection that allows for on-going monitoring and evaluation of destreaming impacts. Greater investment in resources to provide appropriate support and recovery programs. An expansion of de-streaming to, at minimum, all core courses in Grades 9 and 10.

There is little hope that math educators will be ready to teach this revised math course. Although the Ministry of Education has organized workshops and in-service training, they will be held when teachers are on summer vacation, and many may not attend.


LIFE

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

Providing support to our creatives in the Caribbean; The Ammunikée Gomez Story LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH lashawna@carib101.com

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

Twenty-five-year-old Ammunikée Gomez is a talented young man who is passionate about acting. Over the past ten years he has performed with Operation Triple Threat in shows like: Fame Jr, The Wiz, Into The Woods, Once on This Island, The Little Mermaid, and Matilda. Gomez was born on the island of St. Vincent and is a Barbadian resident who has lived in Barbados since 2004. The son of a single mother with a passion for performing joined Operation Triple Threat in order to keep his dreams alive of becoming a

professional actor. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Operation Triple Threat (OTT), but eventually, I watched my friends graduate from the programme and go off to study at the tertiary level, but I could not go with them due to my financial constraints. I knew this was just another challenge that I needed to overcome, so I did a few part-time jobs as well to save towards this goal to travel to NYC. I did not know when it was going to happen, but I believed that one day I would get the opportunity to go overseas and audition for a school so that I could continue my journey towards becoming a professional actor. In the meantime, I completed the Operation Triple Threat program and gave it my all in every class, rehearsal, and production. I even took extra classes to improve my academic grades with their support. Eventually, I also volunteered at OTT and then became an assistant acting tutor to the 7-11-year-old group, while still hol-

Lamar Skeete- An artist and father with a story to tell Pt II GLORIA O’KOYE

gloria@carib101.com

CREATIVE SPEAK

Before moving forward with reading this article, I want to stress this may be a sensitive and triggering matter to some folks. I ask you to read this with an open mind and heart and please take care of your wellbeing. I want to continue my story about Lamar Skeete as a parent, and creative. I wanted to write about this to shed more light on what can go on within the system and also allow upcoming creatives to be mindful in their art practice. I want to send my readers tons of love and positive energy. With that, I want to present to you my interview with Lamar Skeete. I started this interview by asking Lamar, “Can you share a bit about yourself?” “My name is Lamar Skeete and I am thirty years old. I grew up in the west end of Toronto.” What inspired you to get into music? How long have you been making music? “I have had a passion for music since I was a child. My mother would always play conscious reggae and we would sing along to the songs. When I was in grade school I would recite RnB songs with my friends. In middle school, I got into poetry and fell in love with the rhymes, and started practicing rhyming at the age of twelve.” I also added the question, “What is your end goal for your music career? “My end goal for my music career is to inspire other people to follow their dreams no matter what their life situation is.” “Could you share with us what you have learned over the years when it comes to family and friends?” “What I have learned when it comes to friends is it’s always the ones that you least expect are the ones that show up in your corner. Some of my friends are closer to me than my family members. In the cycle of life human beings, in general, may fall

out. One day someone could be there and the next day they disappear on the account of something that someone put in their ears. My immediate family will always be in my corner regardless but most importantly, God. My expectations of men are very low because no man is obligated to provide for me.” “Can you share with us your experiences of being a parent? How has being a father molded you as a person? Also, if you are comfortable, can you share your experience on how your current situation is affecting your child-parent relationship, and what have you learned? And what advice would you give to others who are also having similar experiences? What words of encouragement would you want to give?” “When my son was born I had an epiphany that everything on this earth is vanity except for two things: life, and death. I thank the Highest for providing my wife and me with more life. Being a father has humbled me and made me respect life even more. Due to the pandemic, my private family visits have been cancelled, which has caused me to not be able to spend quality father and son time for over a year. “I communicate with my son over video visits and he is familiar with my voice and pictures. He is way more comfortable with his mother because she is his full-time caregiver. For other parents that are in similar situations, my advice is to look up to the most high and be thankful for life. He would never put you in a situation that is more than you can handle.” “What motivates you to keep pushing and gives you hope?” “The fact that The Highest has kept me alive and well at thirty years old proves He has a purpose for me. The fact that he has blessed my wife and me with more life motivates me. The fact that the community has been reaching out to us and resonating with our story motivates me.” “Can you tell us some ways that we as a community can come together and support you?” “The community can continue to tell my story and pray for me. Blessed is The Highest.”

ding a full-time job with a local restaurant.” His hard work and dedication at OTT led to Janelle Headley, Director of Operation Triple Threat, offering to pay most of his expenses to audition for tertiary level acting schools and he made his way to New York City Summer of 2019. There he auditioned for The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which is one of the most prestigious acting schools in the United States of America, and he was awarded a scholarship. Just as he celebrated his achievement, things started to unravel at home with his water supply at his residence being disconnected, which resulted in difficulties for his family to actually get water. “My mom and I were in the worst financial situation of our lives as our water supply was cut off forcing us to have to fill up buckets daily from the neighbourhood standpipes and carry the water back to our home. We were also served an eviction notice propelling us to move in temporarily by a friend. You see, my mom gave me her entire month’s salary to contribute to some of the expenses of my audition trip and it set us back on keeping up with our bills at the time. I will forever be grateful for her unwavering support, love, and sacrifice and I really want to make sure that she sees the return of her investment she has made in me, especially after her big leap of faith last summer.” Gomez is determined now more than ever to make his dream come true despite his dire financial circumstances

and is seeking to raise $35,407.00 US in order to pay for his two-year conservatory programme at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. “I have learned what it means to work hard despite the challenges I have had to endure. I know what it means to be grateful for the little things whilst dreaming and hoping for something more. My mom and Operation Triple Threat have encouraged me to never give up and to trust with hard work and perseverance. Doors will open for me to live the dream I have been dreaming. I am focused, resilient, passionate, and invigorated by being accepted into The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I believe that with this opportunity to develop my talents to their full potential, the universe will open doors for me, and that I will eventually be in a better position to take care of myself, my mom as well as give back to the performing arts community in Barbados. My dream is to become one of the best actors worldwide, a director, and to create a scholarship programme to fund and support kids in pursuit of their artistic career who may not have the resources to do so.” Persons who are desirous of assisting Ammunikée Gomez to pursue his dream of becoming a professional actor can find him on: Facebook @Ammunikée Gomez Instagram @nad_boy1

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PAGE 34

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

The dangers of fear TARA MYSHRALL tara@carib101.com

COMPELLED TO CHANGE The danger of fearmongering and projecting worst-case scenarios to drive an agenda is that we cling to what we believe is security to avoid worst-case possibilities. This pandemic has taken so much from us as far as our freedom, mental health, many people’s physical health, and even lives. Is pushing the vaccination and dehumanizing those who are not wanting to take it the answer? The trouble with pitting vaxxed against non-vaxxed is that we let fear win. We allow the fear of death and illness to remove the rights that we so cherish, and we enable room for hate and fear to become the dominant force at play.

I am not interested in writing about the validity of the decision to get vaccinated or not, I don’t want to argue points back and forth, and I certainly do not claim to know the full truth behind the masquerade of politics and positioning. My interest today is to focus on our right to choose, our right to treat people as empowered humans, and to discuss how all this hate is affecting us energetically. The soul that inhibits our body is very wise, there is a wisdom we can tap into from our ancestors and the collective consciousness. When we quiet the outside noise and go inside that wisdom can let us know what is best for our body and health. With this wisdom, we should have the right to choose what we put into our bodies and how we care for them. If we were to treat people like empowered humans, we would trust that they could make choices based on the information provided. If we treated people like empowered humans, then we would not project anger and hatred at them if they choose a different path than us. If we treated people like empowered humans, then we would not dehumanize them by spreading

How to be a good customer As a customer, you may think you’re entitled to a certain level of service. After all, how many times have you heard the phrase “the customer is always right”? Courtesy, however, is a two-way street. Here are some things you can do that will make you a better customer in restaurants, stores and other businesses. • Be courteous. Treat employees as you would like to be treated yourself. • Be calm. Don’t lash out at an employee for something they have no control over such as the store’s return policy. • Be patient. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Getting impatient with a new employee won’t make them serve you any faster. • Be respectful. Mind the rules in the establishments you frequent. For example, don’t get in the express lane at the groce-

ry store if you have more than the maximum number of items allowed.

fear and propaganda to make them less than others based on a choice to vaccinate or not. These dehumanization tactics at play are all too familiar to me. They have been used throughout history. They were used against First Nations Peoples by presenting them as savages while their children and culture were ripped away from them. Blacks were portrayed as apes. Jewish people were portrayed as rats and the list goes on. To make people less than or more animal-like makes it easier for the masses to operate through hate instead of love for their fellow humans. We are on dangerous grounds with this behaviour as it empowers discrimination and starts to make the masses feel justified in their behaviours. Once someone starts to feel justified in their decision to throw hate messages and belittle someone due to their right to choose, we start to create a whirlwind of negativity. Even with the best intentions for mankind, if we are projecting anger, self-righteousness and negativity at our fellow humans, we are fueling what is wrong with the world and not construc-

tively respecting human rights. At this stage, many are fearful to announce that their bodies don’t feel ready for the vaccine or that they want to wait. Many are struggling for the courage to even have constructive dialogue as there tends to be sharp backlash from those we love most like family and friends. If we do want to continue to walk in love, we need to emanate the right energy, one of compassion and empathy and one that allows for the individual’s perspective to be seen and heard. At the end of the day, the scariest thing for most is the thought of dying or the thought of losing a loved one, so of course, this pandemic is going to rock us to our core. Perhaps instead of letting our fear of dying create anger and segregation, we should sit with that fear and reflect on how we are living our life. Are we healthy? Are we loving our families? Are we loving ourselves? Are we offering love and kindness to the world even those that don’t represent our views? This is the time to reflect and grow, not to shrink in fear and attack those who have an opposing view.

5 ways to help your partner deal with depression

• Be punctual. Don’t show up late for your reservation. If you need to cancel, give the restaurant, salon or other business as much notice as possible. • Be clean. Don’t leave your dirty Kleenex, napkins and other garbage all over the place. • Be attentive. There’s nothing ruder than talking on the phone while being served. Put the call on hold and acknowledge the person serving you. Finally, a simple please and thank you can go a long way. Always be appreciative and polite when being served. If your significant other is experiencing moodiness, irritability, a change in appetite, altered sleep patterns and a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, they might have depression. Living with some­one who has this mood disorder can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel helpless and overwhelmed. Here are some ways you can offer your support.

4. Spend time together. People with depression may avoid social interactions. You can help them stay connected by planning activities such as watching a movie, playing a board game or going for a hike in the woods.

1. Learn more about it. There are many reputable resources online you can reference to educate yourself about depression. Demonstrating compassion and understanding is one of the most powerful ways you can support your partner.

5. Help them make healthy choices. Encourage your partner to exercise regularly and eat nutritious food. If you do these things together, you’ll both reap the benefits. Consider going for a daily walk, bike ride or swim and preparing heal­thy meals.

2. Encourage treatment. Depression seldom improves without treatment. You can help your partner by encouraging them to seek support from a qualified professional.

If you want to be able to support your partner, it’s important that you also take care of yourself. Be sure to make time for the things you enjoy doing and reach out to friends, family members or a support group. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if your own mental health starts to deteriorate.

3. Focus on small steps. Urge your part­ ner to create micro goals and acknow­ ledge each achievement. Positive

reinforcement can help your partner to make progress.


REAL ESTATE

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 35

Shelter is essential. Affordable homes are a necessity; Elections are a must! JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

On September 20th, we are heading to the polls to elect a new government and homeownership is a hot topic this year. It is becoming difficult for first-time buyers to own a home, which is key in raising a family, building wealth, and retiring in dignity. Many first-time buyers cannot save for a down payment because of high rent expenses. Recently, homelessness has been on the rise. Liberals, Conservatives and the NDP, the top three political parties, are hoping to sway voters with their housing plans. The Liberal party has unfolded their platform “A place to call home will be within reach”. Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal party, on the campaign trail in Hamilton said that “If you work hard, if you save, that dream of having your own place should be in reach.” The Liberal party has proposed a three-prong housing plan: Unlocking home ownership. If elected, the Liberal Government will create a tax-free home savings account for under forty where they can save as much as $40,000 towards purchasing their first home. First time home buyers’ credit will be increased from $5,000 to $10,000 and CMHC insured mortgage costs will be reduced by 25%. Build more homes. According to Trudeau, a Liberal Government will build or repair 1.4 million homes which includes the reconstruction of empty office spaces into housing, allocating funds for Indigenous housing and establishing a renovation tax credit for those adding secondary suits to their home. Building more homes requires municipalities to unlock lands and loosen up zoning restrictions. Tom Davidoff, Director in the UBC Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate, is confident that a Liberals’ $4-billion pledge to help municipalities will be used as a negotiating tool to achieve that. Protect your rights. “A Liberal government will crack down on profiteers, wealthy corporations, and foreign investors who add to a growing problem of underused and vacant hous-

ing, rampant speculation, and skyrocketing prices,” said Trudeau. His platform promises to get rid of blind bidding, ban new foreign ownership for two years and provide an “anti-flipping tax”. Rob McLister, a mortgage editor at RatesDotCa said that “Nothing could be more short-sighted than telling the world that Canada is a closed economy that doesn’t welcome off-shore investment,” Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives, declared his idea to battle the housing dilemma by building a million homes over the next three years. “The supply of homes – to own as well as to rent – is not keeping up with our growing population and too many foreign investors are sitting on properties as investments. As Prime Minister, I will ensure we build and make more affordable housing options available for Canadians first.” The Conservative agenda includes the following: •

• • •

Reviewing the extensive real estate portfolio of the Federal Government with over 37,000 buildings and releasing at least 15% for homes. Requiring municipalities receiving federal funding for public transit to increase density near the funded transit. Encouraging Canadians to invest in rental homes by allowing the deferral of capital gains tax when selling a rental property. Banning foreign investors from buying homes here if they are not planning to live in or move to Canada. Encouraging foreign investment in affordable purpose-built rental housing for Canadians. Providing more Canadians with a path to homeownership by making it easier for more families to get a mortgage. Being a reliable partner in addressing the housing needs of Indigenous communities and will implement a ‘For Indigenous, By Indigenous’ home strategy.

According to Erin O’Toole, “Canada’s Conservatives will never tax Canadians’ capital gains on the sale of their principal residence, something many within the Liberal Party are threatening to do.” Tom Davidoff, director of the University of BC’s Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate, said that “the Conservatives’ aim to create more rental housing by deferring capital gains taxes might be the policy with the most poten-

tial.” Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP, said that homeownership is becoming an impossible dream for many Canadians. Mr. Singh said that “Justin Trudeau allowed rent to skyrocket and housing prices to balloon by more than 20% in less than a year in Vancouver. He has let investors and corporations, often from overseas, take over the market and drive up the cost of housing in communities across Canada.” The NDP’s strategy to address the housing crises are as follows: • • •

Create a minimum of 500,000 affordable accommodations within ten years. Provide a fast-track funds to streamline the application process. Utilizing underused and unused fed-

• • • •

eral properties to build vibrant communities. Waive the Federal portion of GST/ HST. Reintroduce 30 years amortization for CMHC insured mortgages for first timers. Impose a twenty percent foreign home buyer tax. Penalize speculators and money launderers.

This snap election is only a few weeks away. We must collectively let our voices be heard. Take a closer look at the various political platforms and then vote for the party you choose. Let’s heed the wise words of Thomas Jefferson: “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

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PAGE 36

HOME

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Exposed beams and pipes: tips to hide or highlight them Do you have an unfinished basement that you want to make more appealing? Or maybe you have an old house with exposed pipes? In either case, here are some ideas for how you can cleverly conceal or proudly showcase the beams and pipes in your home.

3 tips for creating the ideal dining area

BEAMS To hide your beams, consider installing a dropped ceiling below them. If you want to add more character to the space, however, you can cover them up with draped fabric. Alternatively, you may want to paint the beams so they blend in with the ceiling, or use a contrasting colour to create interest. Keep in mind that you might be able to use exposed beams to hang various items, such as a swing for your kids, a hammock for naps or string lights to give the room a warm, welcoming atmosphere. PIPES While ideal for an industrial-style loft, exposed pipes don’t necessarily suit every design style. If you have pipes that run near the junction of a wall and ceiling, one option is to hide them behind crown moulding. This can add an air of sophistication to the space. For pipes located elsewhere, you can box them in with drywall or plywood painted to match the surrounding surface.

Do you want to add a dining room to your open-concept living space? Or perhaps you want to make room for a breakfast nook in your kitchen? In either case, here are a few tips to help you create a beautiful and functional eating area.

Alternatively, you can paint the pipes themselves, either to add a pop of colour to the room or make their presence less apparent. Depending on where the pipes are located, you may want to use them as rods to hang towels or clothes. Another option is to wrap the pipes with artificial flowering vines or strings of LED fairy lights. Whether you choose to camouflage or embellish the beams and pipes in your home, you can find everything you need at the stores in your area.

1. USE YOUR IMAGINATION If your home doesn’t have a designated dining room, you’ll need to get creative. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to incorporate an eating area into your living room or kitchen. For example, you could: • Opt for an extendable table with bench seating • Use a kitchen island or peninsula as a bar • Set up a few bistro-style tables rather than one large table • Install a corner bench to provide seating and storage • Choose a coffee table with a lift top

2. DEFINE THE SPACE If possible, add features that make the dining area distinct from the space around it. This can be done by placing a rug under the table, rearranging furniture to divide the space, using wallpaper to create an accent wall or painting the ceiling above the dining area a different colour. 3. ADD A DECORATIVE TOUCH To make your dining area more inviting, be sure to include a few decorative accessories. A stylish tablecloth, a vase with fresh cut flowers, a piece of art on the wall and patterned seat cushions are all items that can spruce up the space without making it feel cluttered. To find the furniture and accessories you need for your dining space, visit the stores in your region.


FUN

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 37

WEEK OF AUGUST 29 TO SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: LEO, VIRGO AND LIBRA

You’ll have a lot of running around to do. Whether it’s at work or at home, there’ll be many details to sort out. You might also be let in on a surprising secret. New friend ships will form spontaneously.

TAURUS

You might finally get the green light to finance a project. You may consider star­ting your own business from home with a family mem­ ber. Inspiration and intui­tion will point you in the right direction.

PUZZLE NO. 743 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 743

HOW TO PLAY :

GEMINI

A lot of things are happening at once, but you might still feel like things aren’t moving fast enough. You’ll have some great ideas to suggest, which will im­press your significant other.

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

CANCER

Your health might hold you back a bit. How ever, this situ­ ation gives you an op­portunity to pause and get a better per­ spective on your personal and professio­nal future. Spirituality will become a big part of your life.

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

LEO

Stress is ever­p resent, but it’s also a source of energy that can help you be more ef­f icient. It’s when you find yourself up against a wall that you can work mira­cles. You’ll experience love at first sight, which may leave you confused if you’re not single.

PUZZLE NO. 33 gear 49. Move like a rabbit 50. Deli spread 53. To ____ his own 54. Enjoyed brunch 55. Former spouses 56. Feel great pity 57. Crumple 58. Allowed to be used 59. Bright sign

ACROSS 1. In this way 5. Appealed 9. Cooking fuel 12. Monthly expense 13. Take to the trail 14. Have being 15. Nurse’s ____ 16. Unzip

17. Neckline shape 18. On time 20. Say 22. Derby or coaster 25. Rice field 29. Kind of spray can 33. Cake decorator

34. Hot-chocolate cup 35. Pop 36. It starts on January 1 38. Did embroidery 39. Hire 41. Jeweled crown 44. Cyclist’s head-

DOWN 1. Golf hazard 2. Offspring 3. Loosen 4. Originate 5. Snapshot 6. Mouth edge 7. ____ out (make do) 8. Thicker 9. Handed over 10. Field of study 11. Look for 19. Meddle 21. Narrative writing 23. Actress Dern 24. Relay section 25. Safety ____

26. Highest card 27. Morning droplets 28. Laundry machine 30. Miss Piggy, e.g. 31. “____ to Joy” 32. Small boy 34. Periodical 37. Nail polish 38. Realize 40. Casper, e.g. 41. Defrost

42. Minute amount 43. Acted like 45. Slant 46. Nutmeglike spice 47. Sound return 48. “____ Came Bronson” 51. Bunyan’s tool 52. Strong desire

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 33

VIRGO

At work, you’ll be handed new respon­sibilities that don’t match your skillset. Fortunately, taking on this challenge will be what gets you promoted. It’ll also help you get approval for a new and exciting project.

LIBRA

You’ll be inspired to go back to school and get a degree. With this new know­ledge, you’ll be able to build a better fu­ture. A romantic getaway could give your relationship a boost of energy.

SCORPIO

You’re in a rut at work and could do with a change. It’s just a mat­ ter of making a plan and taking steps to redirect your ca­reer path. Being bold will have a positive effect on you and your long­term goals.

SAGITTARIUS

It’s always easier to get along with people if you don’t have a per­ sonal relation­ship. One of your children will give you a hard time about the way you disci­pline. If you’re tactful, you can manage to resolve a major conflict.

CAPRICORN

There are many details to consider this week. At work, you’ll be in charge of an event that brings together a lot of people, and communication may not be easy. Fortunately, your patience will pay off.

AQUARIUS

Your leadership skills will be needed at the office or elsewhere. You might have to over come your fear or a lack of self­confidence. Afterward, you’ll be consi­dered a hero, or at least your accomplish­ ment will be tou ted for a long time.

PISCES

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

One of your children could slow you down this week, and you’ll have to rush to get to an appointment on time. It might be the right mo­ ment to sell your home; there’s too much empty space now that your child­ren are living on their ownp.


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PAGE 40

FINANCE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Three upgrades that yield a high return on investment when selling a home that positively affects your home’s value.

CLEVE DeSOUZA cleve@carib101.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Everyone looks at value differently, and what one person might pay a premium for, another individual will not. When it comes to deciding which home upgrades will help your home sell, part of the challenge is deciding where you get the most bang for your buck. Building wealth through equity in your home can be a great strategy, but you have to be smart about it. Here are a few categories of home upgrades that tend to yield a higher-than-average return on investment when selling. Paint Upgrades Dated, dirty, and worn out is never a good selling point, and adding a fresh coat of paint to a faded deck, peeling window seal, or a filthy wall can really add instant appeal and equity to your home without breaking the bank. Most homeowners are savvy enough to tackle the work themselves, making this a very practical DIY project. Even when hiring for the work done, the average wage paid to a professional painter is quite reasonable, especially compared to hourly wages for other construction trades. Whether you are just freshening up old paint, covering over wear and tear, or creating a more updated and neutral palette, painting can be a wise upgrade

Pro Tip: Painting over sturdy, but dated, kitchen cabinets can be a cheaper alternative to replacing them! Curb Appeal Upgrades You have likely heard that first impressions are vitally important when selling a home. In fact, deciding to upgrade what people see first could really enhance your home’s overall value. While making your home look impressive from the street or driveway can be a challenge, many curb appeal problems can be fixed with a small investment and a little bit of work. If you have landscape beds, fill them with annual flowers and new mulch or other groundcover for a neat appearance. When mowing the lawn, take the time to edge around sidewalks and other transition areas and be sure to deal with grass clippings so they aren’t strewn about. Spend a little money to decorate the front stoop or porch, so that it feels fresh and welcoming. Don’t be afraid to put some money in replacing a worn out garage or entry door as Zillow estimates that this type of project generally yields an 85-100% return. Pro Tip: Consider adding a “pop” of color to your home by painting the front door and purchasing an eye-catching doormat that matches. Outdoor Space Upgrade Patios, decks, and other outdoor areas have always been important because they truly

are an extension of the home’s living space. This importance, though, has skyrocketed in the last eighteen months, mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic. As Canadians found themselves working from home, quarantining for weeks on end, and sheltering in place, being able to find enjoyment, entertainment, and a place to be active in their own backyard was key. When deciding how to upgrade your outdoor space for maximum return, focus on projects that promote outdoor living enjoyment without requiring major upkeep or liability. A swimming pool installation, for example, might sound like an amazing investment for your home but could actually be considered a negative to some. It could be viewed as an expensive thing to maintain and a hazard to people with small children or pets. By sticking with improvements that create relaxing seating arrangements, outdoor kitchen and dining spaces, and open areas with room to play and exercise, you are sure to add enjoyment as well as value to your home Pro Tip: When upgrading an outdoor space, be sure to include elements for storage and organization in the plan. Selling your home can be a major undertaking. It can also greatly affect your financial footprint. Because of this, it is important to be thoughtful and strategic about any home upgrades you decide to invest in before you list your house for sale. Do your research, consider consulting with a financial strategist, and then stick to your budget.

How to set retirement goals Having clear retirement objectives can help you save for the future. Here’s how to set achievable goals for this chapter in your life. Budget for retirement Do you know how you want to spend your retirement? While certain expenses will disappear, others will increase. Having an idea of what you want your life­style to look like will help you determine how much money you’ll need to live on each year when you’re retired.

Estimate the length of your retirement Once you know how much you plan to spend annually, you’ll need to estimate the number of years you’ll spend in retirement. This will help you determine when you can retire. The current life expectancy in Canada is approximately 80 years for men and 84 years for women. If you retire at age 65, you can expect to live another 15 to 19 years on average.

Determine how much you need to save It’s recommended that you set aside at least 10 per cent of your net annual income for retirement. This amount will vary depending on your age when you start saving, the rate of return on your investments and your retirement budget. If you’re struggling to achieve your goals, don’t hesitate to consult a financial adviser. A professional can help you come up with a winning strategy to achieve your objectives.



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AUTOMOTIVE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

What to do if you crash into a power pole

How accurate is your speedometer?

If you crash into a power pole, you run the risk of suffering a life-threatening electrical shock if you attempt to leave your vehicle. Even if the power line hasn’t fallen over or you don’t notice any sparking, it could still be energized. The best thing to do is remain in your vehicle, call 911 and wait for emergency crews to secure the scene. The only time you should leave your vehicle after crashing into a power pole is if it’s on fire. This rarely happens, but if it does, carefully open the door, place both feet on the running board and jump clear of the vehicle. Make sure to keep your arms close to your body to avoid touching the ve­ hicle and the ground at the same time.

Once you’re out, squeeze both feet together and hop at least 10 metres away from the burning vehicle. This will prevent electricity from flowing through your body if the ground is energized. Finally, if you’ve crashed into a power pole and someone tries to offer you help, tell them to stay away. If you crash into a power pole, try to remain calm. In the panic and confusion of the accident, you could easily fail to notice a fallen power line.

It’s a good idea to check the accuracy of your car’s speedometer every so of­ten to ensure you’re not driving faster or slower than you think. Speedometers rely on sensors located inside your vehicle’s transmission to measure how fast the wheels spin. Therefore, improperly inflated or worn tires can cause your speedometer to malfunction. HOW TO TEST YOUR SPEEDOMETER To test your speedometer you’ll need a stopwatch, a friend and a stretch of road with kilometre markers along it. Start the test by driving at a steady speed and ask your companion to start the stop­watch as you pass a kilometre marker. Once you’ve passed at least 10 markers (10 kilometres), have your friend pause the stopwatch and take note of how long it took you to travel the distance. To determine your speed, divide 60 (the number of minutes in an hour) by the number

of minutes it took you to drive the 10 kilometres, and then multiply this figure by the distance you travelled. For example, your equation might be: 60 ÷ 6 minutes x 10 kilometres = 100 ki­ lometres per hour You can also use a smartphone app that uses GPS to calculate speed, such as Google Maps, to get a better idea of how fast you’re going. Don’t panic if your speedometer isn’t bang on. If it’s off by three or four kilometres per hour, just keep that discrepancy in mind when you’re driving so you don’t inadvertently speed. In fact, in Canada, it’s acceptable for your speedometer to be off by up to eight per cent. However, if your speedometer is off by more than 10 kilometres per hour, it’s a good idea to bring it to a mechanic to have it inspected and recalibrated.




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