She was pronounced dead at birth. The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck three times. A missionary out of the hospital prayed for her to live, and the little girl began to breathe. That missionary’s name was Brenda, so the parents decided to name the beautiful girl after the woman who brought her back to life.
Her first name Adoch means leg first, and from her entrance into the world, our Woman Empowered has had to face incredible odds.
When you first encounter Adoch, you can’t help but to be first blown away by her physical beauty. She exudes an undeniable aura of elegance and grace. Her stature, towering with confidence, commands attention and admiration in any room she enters. Her skin, a rich and radiant shade of ebony, glows with a natural beauty that seems to capture the essence of the night sky itself.
Her eyes, deep and expressive, hold a captivating blend of strength and warmth. They glisten with intelligence and resilience, revealing a lifetime of experiences and wisdom. Long, dark eyelashes frame her eyes, drawing you in with every gaze.
Her smile, radiant and infectious, lights up her face and the entire space around her. Her lips, full and inviting, curve gently to reveal a set of pearly white teeth. When she laughs, it’s as if the world becomes a brighter and more joyful place.
She has a strong sense of connection to a higher power, a divine presence. She seeks inner peace and strives to maintain a sense of calm and balance in her life. She demonstrates compassion and empathy towards others, and she is motivated by a desire to help those in need and make the world a better place. She remains on her journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and as she explores her inner self, confronts her fears, and works to overcome personal challenges, she becomes more aware of the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
I first met Adoch Brenda Acemah at the Face of African Fashion Week competition in March. Upon seeing her, I was truly blown away. There was just something about her. We continued to run into each other at events, and finally we ended up connecting. Once we got talking, I knew that I wanted to be the one to tell her story.
“I was born and raised in Uganda, Kampala (East Africa), and I have lived through four wars. My family fled when the current president came into power, and we stayed in Kenya for one year waiting to get our papers.
I was 10 years old when I came to Canada. I had to adjust to the cold weather, and I remember being bullied in school, because I was African and dark skinned. I was called names like tar baby, and I was very chubby as a child. I think it was in grade seven and eight, I went from being
chubby to tall and thin. My memories are of me eating lunch in the bathroom because I was so shy.”
She never truly felt comfortable in her skin, and this only changed when she moved to Markham.
“I was going into grade 10 when I moved to Markham. My cousins went to the school, so they took care of me.
After high school, I didn’t feel like I had a voice. In order for me to deal with my pain, I became a workaholic. In 2006 I was working four jobs at the same time, just so I wouldn’t have to feel. At the age of 26 I had a stroke. I call it the stroke of life. It was a miserable time for me. I was bedridden for two years, and this allowed me to feel, and brought me the relationship that I have with God. I had been asking for a special relationship, to feel connected, but I never gave myself time to do that. They wanted to diagnose me with multiple sclerosis, because I had lesions in my brain. I had a friend who told me to get a second opinion, and the next set of doctors told me the same thing. They told me they would have to do a biopsy.”
She decided for her birthday that year, she wanted to feel alive. So, in 2007, she booked a plane to Miami, and she sat on a beach, meditated and prayed for 10 days. “I came back to Canada, released all of my stuff, and moved to Miami in 2008. I went trusting God.
The time in Miami was challenging. It was the hardest decision that I made, but I had to leave Canada; I needed that change. When it got to the point where I couldn’t handle it anymore, I met three people, who did not know each other who told me about this lady who had Bible study in her house. The meeting was called “Thankful Thursday.” In her words it was “Church for the unchurched, and church for the unusual.” A space was created where we could share our challenges, and our success. After going there for six months, this woman adopted me as her God daughter. This woman was pure love. There was a lot going on, I actually got evicted from my house, and this same woman (my adopted Godmother) took me in. She helped me get back into school. She was an artist, and she was the one who encouraged my creative side. She got me back into modeling. It was such a powerful experience. It was because of her that I started going by the name Adoch. When I lived in Canada, I had gone by my middle name Brenda, but my godmother told me to use Adoch for my modeling. ‘That’s your power.’ I started using it in 2010.”
Their relationship hit a speedbump, and Adoch ended up moving to New York.
“I was miserable in New York; it was definitely not Miami, but it is when life took another turn for me. It was where I started my head wrapping business.
I used to visit a fabric store and I remember that I would just lay on the fabric. I started using pieces to wrap my hair, and people used to compliment me all the time. This drove sales up for the store, and the owner gave me some fabric and said, ‘Go start a head wrapping business,’ so I did. There I was vending in Harlem. My creative side is genetic. Everyone in my family is creative in their own way. I have a cousin in England who is a model, an uncle who is a singer, a cousin who is a seamstress, it is in the blood. It made sense that my creative side eventually started to shine through. I ended up going back to Florida, and while I was still modeling, I remember meeting three different people again who told me that I should write, but I couldn’t quiet my mind to journal. They suggested I write three things that I was grateful for each day. This changed my life. When you are not focusing on the negative, things look different.”
This became the foundation of her journals. Churches and schools started to approach her about speaking, and her 3, 3, 3, 1 writing technique. Each day she empowers people to write and execute:
• 3 things for yourself (self-love)
• 3 things for other people (community) (check on a friend, gift a notebook)
• 3 things for your passion (business)
• 1 miscellaneous
“It helps the three major areas of your life. I am very intentional about my day, so I use the 3,3,3,1 technique. This is how “The Soulful Thought Collection” came to life. I tell people to give a journal to a friend, or young person, and hold them accountable. “Let’s be intentional” and “Let’s Wrap” are courses that I offer that plant seeds of healing in people’s lives. I want to share tools that have helped me throughout my challenges.”
Beyond her physical attributes, what truly makes Adoch beautiful is her spirit. She radiates strength, resilience, and a sense of purpose. She embodies a deep sense of self-love and self-assuredness that inspires those around her. Her intelligence, kindness, and authenticity shine through, making her not only a stunning presence but also a beautiful soul. So happy that I met you in this lifetime.
Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors. My experience was cut short due to an impending Tropical Storm that was threatening the island. As disappointed as I was, I understand the challenges that small island developing states (SIDS) face and why they are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
island developing states (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to economic and climate-related shocks, and that more action is needed to address their unique vulnerabilities,” Governor Sajjan states. “We are supportive of ongoing efforts to better assess these vulnerabilities and take them into account.”
support the Caribbean Community to protect biodiversity and improve climate resilience.
It is that time again, yes, the 2023 Caribbean hurricane season will have a near normal level of activity, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher),” the NOVAA says. “Of those, five to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including one to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.”
The annual hurricane season officially begins June 1st, 2023, and ends November 30th, 2023. September historically is the worst month of the season for hurricane and tropical storm risk for cruise and resort visitors.
It should also be noted that the Caribbean is the most exposed region to climate-related natural disasters, with estimated adaptation investment needs of more than $100 billion, equal to about one-third of its annual economic output. It brought me back to my experience earlier this summer when I visited St. Lucia for their 53rd
Over the last few months, I have had an opportunity to research some of the issues that SIDS face, and the most glaring issue is their access to private climate financing. A pipeline of bankable climate projects is critical for raising private financing, but this remains insufficient due to limited capacity and expertise for project preparation. Similarly, qualification requirements to access climate funds are often beyond the administrative capacity of small country and microstates’ governments, given the fixed costs of project evaluation and appraisal.
There is good news; Canada is committed to working in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank to respond to these challenges and to support their efforts to promote green, resilient and inclusive growth. Canada welcomes the Bank’s engagement on MDB evolution. Global challenges and national development objectives are intrinsically linked, and in a statement by the Governor for Canada, The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, recognizes that it is essential to have an inclusive dialogue among all members on how together, they can best address these concerns.
“Canada recognizes that small
Canada supported the establishment of the International Monetary Fund’s new Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) and was successful in advocating for broad eligibility, including for SIDS. Canada has contributed $2.4 billion to the RST and have now channeled 38% of their 2021 SDR allocation in support of low-income and vulnerable countries.
“Earlier this year,” Governor Sajjan continued, “I had the opportunity to visit both Barbados and Jamaica, where I had the chance to learn more about their approaches to climate resilience and disaster preparedness. I look forward to continuing to broaden my understanding of both the challenges facing the Region, as well as regional opportunities and solutions for transformative development.”
As noted earlier, the Caribbean is particularly vulnerable to climate change and biodiversity loss. Single storms can have enormous costs for small economies. Canada has doubled its previous commitment to international climate finance to $5.3 billion over five years, including increased funds for adaptation and biodiversity. In February 2023, Canada announced $44.8 million in new initiatives to help
“We also encourage the Bank to align its funding with the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework to help meet our goal to mobilize $200 billion in funding per year by 2030 from all sources, including through the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.
We also welcome the historic COP27 decision to establish new funding arrangements for loss and damage. Through its seat on the transitional committee on loss and damage, Canada is committed to delivering recommendations on all aspects of the COP27 decision on loss and damage,” Governor Sajjan stated proudly.
He notes at the end of his statement that mobilizing the private sector is critical. “The financing gap related to global climate action needs can only be bridged through a combination of public and private sector investments. Canada will continue to partner with CDB to leverage, de-risk and forge enabling environments for private investments.”
Caribbean countries face real and pressing challenges, and there are high expectations for the Caribbean Development Bank to develop solutions. Thankfully, Canada is committed to working with member countries to support the CDB in meeting these challenges.
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one else’s agreement, someone else’s terms and conditions, on our members.”
There have been many concerns expressed by education stakeholders with respect to what will happen as public schools open for the academic year 2023-2024.
There was a statement issued by the ETFO regarding the state of negotiations between them and the government. It was on Friday, August 25th, that there was an announcement that the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Federation and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation made the decision to continue the negotiation process up to the end of October and process issues that were not resolved.
On Tuesday, August 29th, ETFO issued a press release in response to specific concerns. It notes, “Over the past year, ETFO’s central bargaining team has attempted to resolve key issues to secure a fair deal for its: teachers, occasional teachers, and education worker members. After a full year of bargaining without sufficient progress and negotiations at a standstill, the Federation is filing for conciliation. Our members have been incredibly patient, but their patience has run out.”
President Brown notes, “Binding arbitration, at this point in bargaining, is rolling the dice with our members’ hardwon rights and entitlements. We are hopeful a conciliation officer-a neutral party-will help us explore all possible options in reaching agreements that are fair for our members, that support the work they do with elementary students, and that strengthen our public education system.”
EFTO has expressed dismay with the slow pace of the negotiations. Karen Brown, President of ETFO told the reporters at the press conference that they refused the offer from the government. She states, “This government is trying to bully and they’re trying to impose some -
EFTO has decided to bypass the arbitration route and will file for conciliation. Karen notes, “At this point in bargaining, binding arbitration is rolling the dice with our members’ hard-won rights and entitlements. The Ford government is currently demanding significant cuts to leave benefits and professional development. Binding arbitration would mean that the arbitrator is one hundred percent in control.”
President Brown is concerned that a rush towards binding arbitration would not satisfactorily resolve issues that are best resolved through bargaining. These include the following: violence in schools, recruitment and retention issues, challenges with the hybrid learning model and special education. She is troubled that the false narrative that Ontario Education Minister Lecce perpetrated implies that arbitration is the panacea to the bargaining process. She notes further, “We have a right under the Ontario Labour Relations Board to go through the full bargaining process, and that is to apply pressure for them to be at the bargaining table.”
There have been 30 meetings within the past year between ETFO and the government which has not resulted in any real progress. This is what has prompted the union to file for conciliation to ensure that the significant issues are resolved.
Furthermore, the union intends to urge its members to conduct a strike vote in September. It will be held from mid-September to mid-October and the results will be announced upon completion of voting.
Minister Lecce released a statement insisting that EFTO accept the most recent offer. He states, “We first offered EFTO private mediation, and they rejected it. We then offered a new proposal to keep negotiating and send outstanding matters to a mutually agreed upon interest arbitrator that keeps kids in class and ETFO rejected that too.”
He is obviously disappointed and believes that ETFO has “Proceeded on the path to a needless strike, instead of negotiating a deal that keeps kids in class.”
1531 EGLINTON AVE W GREEN P CAR PARK
Let’s for a moment imagine that Canada was your house, and everything was going smoothly until your uncle named Justin, who had a nefarious agenda, decided to flood your house with massive crowds from all over the world.
Remember, a home that is occupied by one or two families is manageable, but when that same two-family dwelling must host 15 families, it’s a different story altogether. One of the first things that goes through the roof is your utility bills, followed by almost every other service that is a part of that household.
If you think that’s bad, wait until those 13 other families decide to occupy and crowd spaces in the surrounding neighbourhoods that were once quiet, and now your once friendly neighbours are beginning to feel uncomfortable because of the excess noise.
When it costs more to run everything in this overcrowded house, which drops your standard of living, wouldn’t this be a recipe for frustration?
In all this, it is important to re -
member that “Uncle Justin” does not care. All this is done on purpose to frustrate you more, and get you depressed, which gives him an excuse to import more people into the house as helpers. You are now depressed, remember?
Yet, as all this is being done, the health care of these new people has been funded by you, straight out of your taxes, by this time you are so broke that you and your husband, or wife cannot even think of having babies: which gives Uncle Justin another excuse to import more young people of child-bearing age right into your already overcrowded house, a house called Canada.
Here you are now depressed and thinking I should call on my other uncles for help, only to find out that you are on your own. Uncle NDP and even Uncle Conservative are all in bed with Uncle Justin: Doing what they do best.
After living through what went on at your house in the last three years, do you honestly think that Uncle Justin has any opposition? After all, almost all your other uncles are wearing pink high heels now. Do you expect help from them?
By the way, before I forget, don’t even think about complaining to Aunty Freeland, she is probably in bed in room number 10 as we speak with the WEF.
These family members of yours have the nerve to tell you that the number of folks that are being brought to your house is necessary for its economic growth. Even though you can see through their lies, the fact is that your uncles and
Aunty Freeland see you as a fool, and they have no respect for you.
OH! I almost forgot, you have another uncle called “Uncle Max” who said he can help rid your overcrowded house and take care of the rest of your “Pink high heel wearing uncles” once and for all.
Let’s have a look at Uncle Max’s formula for a successful house, shall we?
Uncle Max’s advice is very practical, I must say, “We need to organize and start pushing back,” he said. “We need to send PPC MPs to Ottawa in the next election to offer real opposition in the House of Commons,” says Uncle Max.
Here is a quote from Uncle Max’s party website The People’s Party of Cana-
da. “Our mission is to offer Canadians a real principled alternative to the corrupt establishment parties, which rely on pandering and vote-buying schemes to further their interests and those of lobbyists, rather than those of the people.”
I can only hope that Uncle Max does a proper examination of the PPC MPs before he sends them off to Ottawa, if he gets to do so. Please Uncle Max, try and make sure none of them attended the Young Global Leaders WEF facilities before teaming up with them.
As a very concerned distant relative, I will be watching Aunty Freeland, this house called Canada, and all your uncles very closely, including Uncle Max!!
really an impressive drop in the number of infections that started right at the end of 2022 and continued to all the way to the middle of this summer,” Dr. Fahad Razak, a professor at the University of Toronto and internal medicine physician at St. Michael’s Hospital shared with Global News.
cine dose or known SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later).”
take care of it. Hmmm!
As children return to schools and the cold and flu season approaches, rumours are swirling about a return to covid restrictions. Yes, that means mask wearing, standing six feet away from each other, and vaccination discrimination. We saw how well that worked out for us last time.
The propaganda machines are starting to spin back up, and it is time that we address and remember these strategies. First they are going to start normalizing our fears through the media; this is when the government will start making recommendations for things like masks and boosters, which will be followed up with mandates and restrictions.
They’ve even started making up scary new terms like “tripledemic”–three simultaneous pandemics of the flu, RSV, and Covid. Mainstream media has begun to propagate the fact that Canada is likely at the start of a new wave of COVID-19, but they say they don’t know how bad it is going to be.
This comes after months of low transmission of the “virus,” which continues to mutate and has recently spawned two variants — EG.5, a subvariant of Omicron, and BA.2.86 — that have captured the attention of scientists.
“We’re starting to see an uptick in cases after a pretty long decline. We saw
“Over the last few weeks, we’ve started to see that rise again … It’s that expected rise. I think nothing of that is surprising to any of us that, after a period of decline as the virus continues to mutate, you’ll have a period where you start to have that increase again.”
Unfortunately, the fearmongering is already working. For some strange reason, I am starting to witness more people wearing masks out and about every day. The uselessness of masks is a mute point; at this point, if people don’t see the cleverness of their conformity tactics, there is really nothing left to be said.
I want to remind everyone that for as long as I can remember, influenza (or the flu) is a common respiratory illness affecting millions of Canadians each year. In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April. Influenza in humans is a respiratory infection caused primarily by influenza A and B viruses. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza had an annual attack rate estimated at 5 to 10% in adults and 20 to 30% in children worldwide. It wasn’t until the pandemic that how the flu was dealt with got completely out of hand.
The government is also in the process of approving three new vaccines for new strains of Covid. In its latest guidance on July 11th, 2023, “NACI recommends a dose of the new formulation of COVID-19 vaccine for people in the authorized age groups who have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine, if it has been at least 6 months since the last COVID-19 vac-
“Booster doses in the fall will be formulations updated to target more recent, immune evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants,” NACI said in its updated vaccine recommendations. “Individuals vaccinated with the updated formulation are expected to benefit from a better immune response against these variants compared to current vaccines.”
They emphasized it is particularly important for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease including those 65 and over, long-term care residents, people who are pregnant and those with underlying conditions, to get immunized.
It is really disheartening to say, but it seems like a distinct possibility that we may be returning to Orwellian restrictions in the coming months.
Last time it took years for enough Canadians to wake up, to muster the courage to stop complying with unnecessary and unjust restrictions such as mask mandates and vaccine passports. We can’t and must not go through that again. Many of us are still recovering from the last time. This time, we can’t give them an inch. Every one of us has a role to play in rejecting these tyrannical policies. Do not wear masks. Do not let them force masks on your children. Do not get the boosters, and finally, please do not close your businesses. We now know how useless and destructive these policies are.
Government picked experts are cautioning about the looming risk posed by three prominent viruses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. They argue reinstating mask mandates within schools may help mitigate the transmission of these viruses.
“The province should step in and mandate masks, we know that masks work,” said Dr. Catherine Clase, a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. “We know that COVID spreads through schools… we know that having had COVID and having had a vaccine is not going to stop kids from having COVID again.”
So mandating masks is going to
Standing up against tyranny can be risky and may come with significant personal sacrifices, this I know too well. It has required: courage, resilience, and determination in the face of ridicule and ostracization. In order to assert your human rights, you need to know what they are. Research and familiarize yourself with the laws, regulations, and policies of this country we call Canada. Find your voice and forcefully articulate the specific issue or violation of your rights that you want to address. Be precise about what is happening to yourself and your family and why it is a concern. Remember that standing up for your rights is about asserting your dignity and ensuring fair treatment. It might be time for some Civil disobedience, which does involve intentionally breaking unjust laws, or regulations as a form of protest.
Me, well I am going to continue to do my job. The spread of information and the role of independent media are crucial in exposing tyranny. Journalists, whistleblowers, and activists who report on abuses of power help mobilize public opinion against tyranny. Again I say DO. NOT. COMPLY!
I have a simple message for you today. DO. NOT. COMPLY.
simone@carib101.com
Did you know 1 in 5 Canadians, or nearly 8 million people, live with chronic pain, with the front runner being arthritis? Not sure if you’re aware but BIPOC communities are more vulnerable to chronic pain conditions, with Black communities experiencing a greater prevalence of chronic pain conditions like: migraines, joint pain and arthritis. With such alarming statistics, it’s important to understand that we, or someone we know will be affected by arthritis, and thus dealing with a tremendous amount of pain.
With this in mind, I’d like to introduce readers to Dr. Grigory Karmy, who is a leading authority in the field of pain management and operates the first Health Canada approved clinic to offer trials on stem cell injections for osteoarthritis in Ontario, after Health Canada made stem cell injections illegal in 2019.
As the Medical Director of Karmy Clinic, I had a chance to speak with Dr. Karmy and he shed light on what to do if you have arthritis and how to engage in pain manage -
ment. We had a chance to discuss:
• Non-invasive treatment options (e.g., diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, use of ozempic, etc.)
• Invasive treatment options (e.g., surgery, knee replacement, etc.)
• The future of osteoarthritis management and pain management (e.g., stem cell injections and what they mean for Black Canadians)
I believe that it was a great opportunity to share Dr. Karmy’s insights and expertise, which can contribute to informed discussions surrounding the challenges, potential solutions and future directions in these critical areas of healthcare.
“Society hasn’t decided if this is a medical condition, or lifestyle issue,” Dr. Karmy shared with me. What he is talking about here is pain, and I found his take on this interesting.
“Pain is a chemical change; there isn’t a silver bullet when it comes to pain management. Pain is not clear cut. We are lenient when pain is expressed by the elderly population, but not so much if younger generations express feelings of pain.
At our clinic, we get referrals, and patients try a couple other solutions before they come to me. I deal with a very select group of clients, usually clients who suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain is pain lasting more than three months. By the time my clients get to me, they are very desperate.”
He has a clinic located at 5927 Bathurst St, where he sees more elderly clients, and another clinic located at 164 Queen St, Brampton where he has a mixed client list of young pain sufferers and elderly pain sufferers. “The older you get, the more likely you will have pain,” Dr. Karmy shares. “Seniors see pain as normal and may not seek treatment even though they really need it.
Osteoarthritis is an extremely common disorder, and it is defined by symptoms. If you do an x-ray of anyone over 40, you begin to see changes. Cartilage starts to wear out, the space between joints becomes narrow. Osteoarthritis is like wrinkles, everyone gets it, it is just a matter of time. Even though you may see it in x-ray’s you may not feel pain.”
So, the question is, if these changes are inevitable, as pain is inevitable, what can be done?
“Well, there are a few things,” Dr. Karmy tells me. “I usually start with treatment that has the least amount of side effects. Then there is the preventative approach, things like weight control. Being overweight at any age can bring wear and tear on the joints.
I will then move to ways that will reduce the pain: medication, cortizone shots (can cause damage to the cartilage), physiotherapy, and durolane injections. These treatments slow down the wear and tear on the joints.”
He finally shared a novel treatment that has recently become available. Stem cell injections have gained attention for their
potential to alleviate pain and treat various medical conditions, including those that disproportionately affect the African-Caribbean community. Stem cell injections can be used to: regenerate damaged cartilage in joints, potentially reducing pain and improving joint function. This has the potential to benefit individuals in the African-Caribbean community who may be at a higher risk for arthritis due to various factors, including genetics and socioeconomic factors.
Stem cell injections have also been explored as a treatment option for sports injuries and trauma-related pain. Athletes and individuals in the Black community who participate in sports or have experienced injuries may seek stem cell therapy to accelerate the healing process and reduce pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries. It is further being investigated as a potential approach to modulate the inflammatory response and promote tissue repair, which could help manage chronic pain.
African-Caribbean patients may have limited access to advanced medical treatments, including stem cell therapy, due to disparities in healthcare access and research participation. Thankfully efforts are being made in Canada to ensure that equitable access to these therapies are offered to our community.
Stem Cell Injections (research and explain) Karmy Clinic Website: karmyclinic. com
It has been less than two months now since Black community representatives held a press conference at 129 Peter’s Street to draw attention to the crisis among refugees and asylum seekers. Since then, over six hundred of them have received temporary shelter in three Toronto churches. They are being housed at: Revival Tabernacle (RTT) Worldwide Ministries located at 3460 Dufferin Street, Dominion Church International, and Pilgrim Feast Tabernacles.
The Canadian Black Clergies and Allies (CBCA) held a press conference on Friday, August 25th, 2023, to address what it calls a “Humanitarian crisis.” Let’s take a look at the
numbers; there has been an increase of 500% in the number of asylum claimants from 530 individuals in September 2021 to 2,800 per day.
Prior to the press conference, on Thursday August 24th, 2023, the CBCA issued a press release. “We are calling for immediate government action to address the neglect of the urgent humanitarian crisis faced by refugees and asylum seekers from Africa.” In the last 60 days, it has been challenging for these churches to ensure that their facilities are able to provide the basic amenities, support, food, clothing and shelter. The press release notes, “The resilience and compassion displayed by the congregations of Revival Time Tabernacle, Dominion Church and Pilgrim Feast deserve commendation and recognition. However, the burden placed upon these organizations is unsustainable and has reached crisis level.”
CBCA is calling upon the Canadian federal, provincial and municipal governments to respond immediately to this crisis and provide:
• An apology for the inhumane treatment that these men and women have had
to endure due in large measure to inadequate, limited and inappropriate housing.
• Immediate interim housing solutions focused on radically decreasing the number of patrons being housed at: RTT, Dominion Church and Pilgrim Feast.
• Immediate interim programming to address all medical, and mental health concerns of the men and women within the care of these churches.
• An undertaking that the City of Toronto and/or the Province of Ontario and/or the Federal Government of Canada will reimburse: RTT, Dominion Church, Pilgrim Feast, along with any and all other organizations that have endured financial strains not mitigated by the goodwill donations of the men and women of the: City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, Nation of Canada and/or the worldwide community.
• A commission/inquiry into the causes for, and consequences of the lack of what we believe to be a clear dereliction of basic governmental duties and responsibilities.
There were several speakers at the press conference including Pastor Judith James of RTT, which currently houses over 200 African refugees. She states at the press conference, “If you’re not going to take care of our people, we’ll take care of them. Let us buy land, let us buy real estate, and we’ll take care of them if you’re not going to.”
Pastor Eddie Jjumba of the Dominion Church International also spoke to reporters. He told them, “People continue to eat. People continue to need spiritual safety and emotional support. We have stretched the church volunteers, the community volunteers, the people who are giving donations. We have stretched them beyond imagination.”
On Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, Pastor Judith announced that it will no longer shelter asylum seekers. Since July, RTT has housed almost 700 asylum seekers located in the basement of its sanctuary. She states that the 230 asylum seekers, which have been temporarily located at the church have been transferred to a temporary hotel or municipal shelter in accordance with an agreement with the City of Toronto.
Pain is inevitable, what can be done?
“If you’re not going to take care of our people, we’ll take care of them!”
Humanitarian crisis among refugees and asylum seekers
Human intervention has been destructive to our environment in various ways, often unintentionally, due to a lack of understanding, foresight, or responsible behavior. Due to this, human intervention has had a significant impact on the environment over the years. These impacts are often referred to as anthropogenic, or human-induced environmental changes. History is peppered with times when our patchy knowledge of natural systems has led to questionable interventions with unintended — and sometimes disastrous — consequences.
This article is a reminder that even those with great intentions can still inflict severe damage. Let’s flip through the pages of history and see exactly how humans have messed up our world.
The Indo-Pacific is home to threatened coral reef ecosystems, and one of their natural predators can decimate entire reefs in a matter of months. Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) can reach 31 inches (80 centimeters) in diameter and sport up to 21 arms covered in hundreds of toxic thorns. They satisfy their voracious appetite by inverting their stomach, so it hangs out of their mouth, and sucking the tissue off coral skeletons.
In some places, people attempted to kill the starfish by chopping them into pieces — forgetting that starfish can regenerate body parts, and so inadver-
tently multiplied their numbers. People also injected the animals with poisonous chemicals and accidentally caused them to spawn, releasing thousands of sperm and eggs into the water. A more efficient method is to remove the starfish from the reef, according to Oceana.
Cane toad bonanza
Toward the end of the 19th century, Australia’s budding sugarcane industry encountered a bump in the road. Native beetles had acquired a taste for the crops that were introduced a century earlier and were causing huge losses by chomping on the roots.
Entomologists heard about the American toad’s (Rhinella marina, formerly Bufo marinus) apparent success in curbing cane beetle populations in Puerto Rico. In 1935, after importing a breeding population from Hawaii, scientists let 2,400 toads loose in the Gordonvale area of Queensland, but they failed to check whether the toads actually eat cane beetles and, according to the National Museum of Australia, did not assess the potential environmental impacts.
Cane beetle populations held steady, and the bugs continued to ravage sugarcane plantations. Meanwhile, the cane toad population exploded, and the amphibians spread from Queensland to coastal New South Wales, the Northern Territory and parts of northwestern Australia. Cane toads secrete venom that can kill animals that eat them, which soon triggered declines in native predators — including northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus), now listed as endangered.
The invasive toads still wreak havoc today, but “There is unlikely to ever be a broadscale method available to control cane toads across Australia,” the Australian government said on its website.
In May 1962, a fire started in the small borough of Centralia, Pennsylvania, which re -
portedly originated as an intentional burning of residential trash in an abandoned mine. As the flames spread, people tried to douse them with water several times over the next few days, but no amount of effort seemed to extinguish the fire. The waste continued burning into August, when the council alerted local coal companies and state mine inspectors of the possibility of a mine fire.
Centralia sits atop a labyrinth of abandoned coal mines, which may have been set ablaze by an unsealed opening in the trash pit. The fires are still burning today. Federal and state governments gave up fighting the flames in the 1980s, opting to relocate inhabitants instead. The smoldering coal seams have baked the town through the ground, bleaching trees white and opening fissures that leak poisonous gasses. Little remains of Centralia except a deserted grid of streets and a dozen people who refused to leave. It could be another 250 years before the coal fueling the underground inferno runs out.
Asian carp were imported to the U.S. in the 1970s to deal with algal blooms in water treatment plants and aquaculture ponds, but they soon escaped confinement and made their way into rivers and streams — some species can even jump over low dams and overcome barriers in waterways. Having escaped, they became invasive and interfered with fishing activities.
Carp have spread to the Mississippi River and its tributaries and are on the verge of spilling into the Great Lakes, where they could wreak ecological havoc and tank the annual $7 billion fishing industry. As a preventive measure, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers erected an underwater electric barrier in Chicago’s waterway system in 2013. The design stuns fish as they swim upstream, and their limp bodies drift back down. While it seems to have
kept carp at bay so far, the barrier may not be completely reliable and could let small fish sneak through.
Flushed away
For 7,000 years, the Mississippi River has carried sediment from across North America and deposited it in the Gulf of Mexico. There, the mud piled up into lobes of land separated by swampy water channels, shaping the famous river delta and its marshes. But in 1718, French colonists who founded New Orleans on a finger of land alongside the Mississippi’s main channel were dismayed when spring floods sent water streaming through the half-finished buildings. They ordered the construction of a levee — a mound of earth acting as a barrier to keep the city dry. Over the decades, more and more levees were erected until they merged into a wall stretching thousands of miles north into Missouri.
These constructions enabled cities and farmland to flourish, but they also funneled the river into a single torrent. While the Mississippi formerly recycled the soils it flushed away by creating marshland, it now shoots straight out into the gulf and dumps them in the deep sea. As a result, since the 1930s, Louisiana has lost over 2,000 square miles (5,200 square kilometers) of land to the ocean — an area equivalent to a football field drowning every 100 minutes.
The loss of protective wetlands worsens the impact of storms and hurricanes on coastal communities. Compounded by rising sea levels, land loss also threatens Louisiana’s commercial fishing industry — which makes up 30% of the U.S. yearly catch — five major ports and rich wetland ecosystems.
Our world governments continue to speak about climate change and the way we as citizens need to act in order to save this planet; maybe they need to start taking their own advice.
Our world governments need to start taking their own advice; the effects of human intervention
In the Skilled Trades industry, visible minorities are underrepresented. A more inclusive and diverse trade industry could go a long way in attracting more African Canadian professionals and financially empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Ontario boasts a wide array of occupations and career opportunities. Within this diverse landscape, the government has officially designated 144 occupations as skilled trades, covering industries such as mechanical, electrical, automotive and manufacturing, among others.
If yourself, your child, or a young person is interested in pursuing a career in the trades, Skills Ontario has provided valuable tips to assist them in navigating this path and acquiring the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in the industry.
Enroll in a Skills Ontario week-long summer camp at skillsontario.com/camp. The camps offer hands-on activities in skilled trades and technology, allowing grade seven and eight students to explore diverse career paths and develop essential workplace soft skills.
Grade seven and eight classes can participate in an Elementary Career Awareness Workshop. The workshops offer handson experiences in Ontario’s recognized skilled trade sectors: construction, industrial, motive power and service, as well as technology.
Parents can discover skilled trade and technology career options through the Skills Ontario App. The app includes an aptitude quiz to help students match their interests with suitable skilled trade careers. It also provides links to trade organizations, information on employment and scholarship opportunities.
For High School Students:
Students in Grades 11 and 12 can explore apprenticeship options in skilled trade careers by consulting their guidance counsellor, or the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) coordinator at their school.
Students can enroll in trades courses offered at their school and plan to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition – Secondary Division.
A wealth of online resources is avail-
able for students. Skills Ontario has a YouTube channel featuring a diverse library of videos showcasing past events and discussing skilled trade careers with professionals.
Volunteering with Skills Ontario provides students with valuable experience, knowledge and the opportunity to build relationships that could potentially lead to job opportunities. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, please email: info@skillsontario.com.
For College/University Students: College students considering a career in the skilled trades and technologies should consult with their academic advisor to explore the available programs at their institution. Students who are currently enrolled in a trades or technology program can participate in the Skills Ontario Competition - Post-Secondary Division. The competition provides a platform to showcase skills and connect with potential employers.
Networking has proven to be instrumental in helping many post-secondary students secure job opportunities throughout their careers after graduating.
Skills Ontario offers a podcast called ‘Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Talk Podcast.’ Hosted by Dan Cardinal, the podcast covers over 140 skilled trade and technology careers, as well as topics such as post-secondary education, apprenticeships, wage and
more.
It is also amazing to see community organizations collaborating to bring about change; Brothers Who Care have collaborated with the B.E.S.T (Black Entrepreneurship and Skilled Trades) Foundation Program in partnership with Ontario Tech University to implement a series of customized modules and training specifically designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs (ages 16 -39) in the Skilled Trades industry. Interested individuals have the option of being enrolled in: automotive, culinary, hospitality, construction, and service program streams.
This curated program provides the critical support students need to transition from a learning environment into the industry. Participants will be connected with industry leaders who will provide coaching so that they are able to present themselves to future employers. They will complete the program prepared to enter the workforce with a solid foundation allowing them to seamlessly transition into their careers.
AND THE BONUS… Upon signing up for the program, your name will be entered into a draw for FREE RAPTOR TICKETS, sponsored by Brothers Who Care!
For more information, and to enroll contact Simone Jennifer Smith at simone@ brotherswhocare.com. Don’t forget to SHARE this information with a young entrepreneur that you know.
PAUL JUNORpaul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There are many things that the tiny island of Barbados is known for. In addition, it is now known for the invention of a new sport called Road Tennis. It has been an integral part of Barbados for over half a century as a fixture on the island.
Ron Kellman, CEO of Gauntlet Road Tennis, has been active in the Canadian community promoting the benefits of Road Tennis. He introduced it to the York Region District School Board (YRDS) at a professional development session during which a video prepared was shown to more than 80 physi-
cal and health education teachers in attendance.
Ron prepared a Road Tennis Action Plan in which he outlines the history of the sport and his plans for its development and growth from 2023 to 2027. In the executive summary, he writes, “The sport of Road Tennis is an Indigenous sport of Barbados that has been played on the streets of Barbados for almost a century. Its popularity is due to its simplicity. It can be learned quickly and early in a child’s development, skill level can progress competitively with practice, it is inexpensive to play, and requires no expensive infrastructure. In Barbados, the sport has developed sophisticated rules and officiating structures and the level of play has been advanced to a point where it has been adopted elsewhere.”
Ron listed five goals to be fulfilled by the end of the 2027-2028 school year which are:
• All grade seven students in all 171 York Region elementary schools are exposed
to Road Tennis through their home school via outdoor education.
• Every elementary school in York Region will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Regional Road Tennis championship.
• A Greater Toronto area Road Tennis championship will be established where regional champions from: Durham, Simcoe, Toronto, York and Peel compete against each other.
• A model will be prepared and shared provincially/nationally and internationally within physically educated communities.
• The Road Tennis model will be recognized as a model sport for inclusion through community partnerships and access for all.
Road Tennis in Toronto was launched on April 28th, 2023. This was primarily due to the work of Ron Kellman. There was a subsequent launch on May 18th, 2023, at the Peel District School Board.
I spoke to Ron on Thursday, September 7th, 2023, and he provided me with updated information. He told me that there was an official launch on Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, in the gymnasium of Aurora Heights Public School. Mark Gravett, President of Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, excited about the affordability and accessibility of road tennis in YRDSB stated, “We felt that the sport was an excellent game for youth, and it had high potential for adoption in York Region through the school system. It is fun and develops all the qualities of physical literacy needed in a curricular activity.” The sport will be added to the YRDSB for the 2023-2024 school year and will be piloted in several YRDSB schools thanks to the partnership between Gauntlet Road Tennis and Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. According to Ron more students will be exposed to these “Barrier-free” and “Inclusive” sports. The popularity of the sport will enable it to embrace endless opportunities of leadership for many youths.
A more Inclusive and diverse trade industry could go a long way in attracting
Road Tennis: An Indigenous sport of Barbados set to take over greater Toronto area
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
I am going to put out a question to the community, one that must be taken seriously, and really considered. What is the purpose of education? Is it to make students independent, competent thinkers, people who in turn can make a difference in the world for the better? Is the purpose of education to give our young people the best chance for survival and success in the world? School is supposed to be an incubator of young humans being prepared to change our troubled world.
Canada’s school system was flipped on its head during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the early part of the pandemic, the system-wide shutdown was much like a power outage that left students and parents in the dark and educators scrambling to master unfamiliar forms of education technology. There were radical readjustments that were conducted in lockstep with public health directives, upsetting the normal order in Canadian K-12 education.
Let’s face it; our school system is messed up. I grew up in the Canadian public school system, and on a weekly basis I work with families and their children, which is why I am making this claim.
I have students who tell me that in class, too much time is wasted on useless topics. The quality of education has been sacrificed for quantity, and as a result, academic inflation and the devaluation of information has turned intellectual ambition into apathy and bright minds into cesspools of nothingness.
Topics are taught gradually, and teachers do not spend time to help stu-
dents integrate what they have learned into a coherent picture that can be utilized or built upon. A synthesis between topics is neglected in the current school curriculum, and consequently our students’ experience in the public education system has become a vague memory of random, meaningless, and useless facts.
Most school subjects themselves aren’t even accurately taught. History books are full of purposely engineered inaccuracies and distortions for the sake of corporate gain and hidden agendas.
So, how do we change this?
Building back the disrupted and damaged school system will involve confronting squarely the fragility and limitations of the current structure. This step cannot be ignored. If not, the effect will be an amassing of students dependent upon the system and isolated from the real world. With that: social, financial, and academic dysfunction will result.
The modern education state has a fundamental problem, and its roots run deep. Since the rise and expansion of this system over the past hundred years,
public education in Canada has become much less connected with: students, families, teachers and communities. Our public schools, initially established as the vanguard of universal, accessible, free education, have lost their way and become largely unresponsive to the community they claim to serve.
Rebuilding public education needs to begin from the community up. Putting students first has to become more than a hollow promise. It will require structural reforms, including community-school-based governance and management.
It is time that we put students first, democratize school governance, deprogram education ministries and school districts, and listen more to parents and teachers in the schools. It means designing and building smaller schools at the centre of urban neighbourhoods and rural communities. It’s not a matter of turning back the clock, but rather one of regaining control over our schools, rebuilding social capital and revitalizing our communities.
Present oneself as a friend, noncombatant, instead a cooperative ally. Establish full or sectional legal ownership over an opponent’s central industries, and businesses who do business with China.
Establish budgets targeting media outlets (become important advertisers).
Establish various financial partnerships within opponents’ wealthy entrepreneurs (become financially indispensable),
Realizing that cash is king, invest it strategically in significant organizations, businesses and significant individuals.
Wealthy Chinese are allowed to travel the world spreading their wealth and importance. Cultural centers within universities keep an eye upon international students and recruit friends to China’s purposes.
In 2009, Chinese controlled businesses, loaned The New York Times Company $250 million dollars. That same year the same Chinese controlled businesses, purchased $15.9 million Class A shares of the company.
Bezos’s Amazon has direct ties to the highest Chinese governmental hierarchy. Billions of dollars flow through Amazon Corp into Beijing controlled projects. Washington knows this and is monitoring this foreign effort.
Warner Media considers China a partner in all their economic and cinematic ventures, and increasing Time Warner’s strategic priorities within China’s is the most attractive territories to operate within.
lend, invest or give funds to an agent, or representative, or owner of a firm, organization, or government, there can be unsavory intentions, corruption, or unimaginable forces at work. I give my child a small allowance so they will carry out certain chores. What does China, or any other foreign power, be they: Iran, Syria, Russia or Pakistan want? Something to think about.
this process is time consuming, expen sive and hidden within the economic ideology the West has accepted. Capitalism encourages all forms of enterprise, and these businesses need to advertise.
China began this process in the mid-1950’s, initially making every effort to infiltrate well known organizations. This form of espionage and manipulation from within was effective for a moment, but the West’s ability to find and arrest these characters were very effective. China’s intelligence organizations re-imagined their mission. How best can a foreign power influence, manipulate and divert attention from itself within a foreign country? They did not have to look for the solution for long.
The media was the central tool from which Communist China could accomplish its goals internationally:
• Present an image of cultural sharing and exposure within a environment not familiar with Chinese Culture (Chinese Cultural Centers).
Understanding their opponents has been China’s greatest asset. China understands Capitalism, hates it, but will use it for its final solution. The media’s search for the “Truth” has in many cases been distorted and manipulated by Chinese government efforts. The media relies upon revenue, its life blood. Understanding this made this stage of intelligence control easier.
Control the media by purchasing its reliance upon the funds you pay it. An example of how this works is in order. What did China do to sell Huawei’s Technologies 5G pilot project in Latin America? America MOVIL and JAC Motors teamed up to pitch Huawei’s efforts to the Colombian government, and to others, offering giant automobile plants to build within Latin American nations, creating employment and massive cash flows. Huawei is actively working to undermine legislation in Latin America and the USA to halt its financial push within the continent. Chinese controlled businesses and alliances offer revenue, jobs, and possible bribes to achieve their goals.
Fox News often throws praise to China for its anti-COVID efforts in the EU, sending ventilators and masks to Europe. They do not mention these items have defects. CNN published a story praising China’s “model of control,” quite nearly parroting Chinese media’s claims that China has complete control of COVID transmission. In 2010 MBC (MSNBC) signed an agreement with China’s state-run media organization Xinhua establishing a business cooperation in their international broadcasting news. While the US and Canadian Governments recognize Xinhua as a foreign mission, these agreements continue to be allowed. Cash seems to be more significant than national security.
Bloomberg LP supported 364 Chinese Firms, directing 150 billion into its offerings. Of these firms, 159 were directly controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. The Washington Post, ABC, Disney, CNN and many other media giants have direct, or indirect contact with Chinese business directly controlled by China’s government, or the Chinese military. Whether China invests massive amounts of needed funds into a firm, or its executive directorships, or places multi millions into advertising campaigns, our media is under siege. If a foreign power proxies to
Remember one final but most important fact; when Western media, or businesses work with organizations controlled, owned by the CCP and its military, they are subject to China. Chinese global objectives, including their cyber security law, which include forced technology transfers, leaving companies and data subject to random searches. Many of these “partners” are forced to build data centers in China, where the CCP views data directly.
Furthermore, many of these “partners” lose part of who controls much of their: marketing, advertising, hiring directives.
In Canada and the US, the CCP has manipulated and infiltrated multiple “cultural organizations” and ethnic media outlets both on paper and online. CSIS fears many Asian parent media organizations that own cell media outlets in Canada are controlled, staffed and funded by the CCP. To what end? A fifth column at worst, a means to spread their propaganda, misdirection and false news at best.
The “Free World” sees the media as a bastion of “TRUTH.” Truth is the enemy of tyranny. If you cannot defeat “truth” in an out and out battle, the second-best method of attack is to poison the minds of those who seek the truth, manipulating and force feeding them falsehoods. Confusion and chaos are tools of tyranny.
“Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is Strength, mastering yourself is true power.” (Tao Tzu, Tao Te Ching.)
Truth is the enemy of tyranny, the game of political interference within the media
Producers of the new TV series “From Yard” have announced a prominent lineup of celebrity hosts for the much-anticipated Jamaican and New York World Premiere screenings of the show’s pilot episode.
“From Yard” is an immigrant urban drama directed by Leland Benford that traces the true-life story of Jamaican born Dave G Heron (not to be confused with the David Heron), from his humble childhood beginnings in Maverley, Kingston through his subsequent emigration to the USA, and his turbulent adolescence and young adulthood on the streets of New York City. The series is the first ever television production to portray the pursuit of the American dream through the eyes of a Jamaican family.
The largely Jamaican cast includes: Shevrado Oliver as series lead, Dave G Heron, Glen ‘Titus’ Campbell, Joe Herrera, Darron Donaldson, Claire Dennison, Ashanti Harris and Adam Christian, making his professional acting debut as young Dave G, seen in flashback scenes of the character’s childhood in Jamaica and the USA.
Co-host of the Jamaican Premiere, David Heron (not to be confused with Dave G Heron), also appears in the production as Samuel Heron, father of series protagonist Dave G.
Last week, I had an opportunity to sit down with Dave G Heron, the visionary behind “From Yard.” David Heron is a playwright, producer and actor, who began his
His work has subsequently been performed Off Broadway and on several continents to thousands of theatergoers throughout the diaspora. Emigrating to the USA, as an actor he has appeared Off Broadway, regionally and internationally in a diverse range of roles. One of a select few Caribbean born actors performing Shakespeare at the highest level across the USA, he recently earned stellar reviews for his work in the Colonial Theater of Rhode Island’s Shakespeare in The Park production of The Tempest.
In addition to his latest role in From Yard, he is collaborating with actor-producer Malik Yoba (Cool Runnings, New York Undercover) to bring his courtroom drama Against His Will to the New York stage.
During our discussion, he shared with me exactly how this project came to be. “I went on vacation and some crazy things started to happen. I had an out of body experience during that time, and I started keeping a journal.
When I came back to the states, I had planned to go on a trip to Mexico, and during that trip I had a chance to reread the journal. I was like, this could be a book. I also got some feedback from family members, and they also thought it could be a book.” Instead of a book, his journal became a screenplay, one that ended up on Phedra Benford’s desk. “I am a script reader, so my job is to analyze scripts. David’s script was passed on to me, and I really liked the voice behind it. It had legs, heart. We were like, let’s jump on board.”
David had another producer who wanted to use American actors to play Jamaican and he was not about that. “I was like no way. We were not on the same page. The universe was working in my favour because I had a chance to meet Leeland.”
Director Leeland Benford (Detroit native) instantly stepped up to the plate after the script was approved by his wife Phedra. “David and I were on another set talking and he introduced it to me. We were like, let’s shoot in Jamaica. It was refreshing to me. Detroit gets a rough rap, all the movies from their hype the stereotype. David’s movie was
more wholesome, about the working man’s plight.
In 2018 while I was in film school, I told my classmates that I was going to shoot a film in Jamaica, and I manifested. One aspect of creating the film that was difficult was finding that cultural balance. How do we do this? Do we make this a completely Jamaican experience? We wanted it so that everyone could watch it and feel the authenticity of the story. I wanted people who have gone through this experience of moving to another country to be able to relate.
We had a casting call for kids, and we came across Adam. He was so professional, bubbly; he came prepared with sticky notes ready to do his part. It was great working with our entire cast. We had casting calls in Atlanta and in Jamaica.
We had an investor who pulled out at the last minute; so, we had to put our money where our mouth was. He pulled out the day before we went to Jamaica. We considered shutting down production, but we all worked together and figured it out.”
Actor Nick Creegan, songstress Nadine Sutherland, actor, playwright David Heron and broadcaster and media personality Paula-Anne Porter-Jones will share hosting responsibilities for the two-star studded premiere events, which take place one week apart in September. Porter-Jones and Heron will co-host the Jamaican Premiere Screening on Monday September 18th, 2023, at 8:30 pm at Palace Cineplex, Sovereign Centre in Kingston. Creegan and Sutherland will step into the spotlight to host the Gala World Premiere at the Langston Hughes Auditorium, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York, one week later on Monday September 25th, 2023, at 8pm.
The Jamaican Premiere Screening will be a charity fundraiser for The BAM MOMS Club while New York’s Gala World Premiere will benefit The Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. (UJAA) UJAAbotics programme.
For tickets and further information on both premieres, please see also www. bammomsclub.com and www.ujaausa.org.
steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
ences. Those who try to publish truths are limited by their budgets, and their financial masters. The press is hacked many times each day, with their information storage stolen, manipulated and distorted.
Local news is under attack. Corporate investors purchase local media wholeheartedly with the intention of plugging the organization purchased into a overall controlled and manipulated media umbrella with a corporate narrative. The giants of media fame often sound alike do they not?
Who owns them? Which corporation manages these organizations and to what purpose, profit or social political influencing?
The media is faced with multiple challenges, one being finances and how to become a profitable entity. The use of Artificial Intelligence technology is one way of achieving this goal. Search out articles and presentations on other media websites, steal them without paying for these articles and presenting them onto their platforms. Meta does this, as well as Google and other platforms. Who is there to manage these escapades? No one really. The online police does not exist.
Localized media outlets work their butts off gathering, working and publishing magnificent work, only to have it stolen by organizations of such financial power that complaining makes no sense. Government comes in, as the Canadian federals did, but their attempts were made only to create a situation where Meta and their allies can negotiate approved rewards, and nothing really changes.
A.I’s place within media needs to be determined before media’s efforts are distorted and insignificant. A.I. presently has the ability to search platforms and devise what is real or false news. It can also massage articles so that they appear as something unique and nothing like the original. When profit is the primary goal to any effort, there will be people and organizations who mismanage their responsibilities as members of the media. Furthermore many within the public see media as something free, to be mined and used freely. The cost of maintaining and running a local media outlet never thought of, so most media outlets exist on limited budgets, with limited abilities to seek the truth.
My generation has the obligation to invest and participate in local media, for should this not happen we will need to get used to the Trumpification of the media, where truth and falsehoods blur our perception of what is truth. The political and corporate world are withering down our expectations of the news cycle to mere minutes, blimps, where truly knowing what is happening in our capital, or across the world has become difficult.
Remember folks, ignorance is not an excuse, nor your impartiality towards media’s needs and messages.
The creators of distorted truths are well financed by political and corporate influences
Will COVID-19 and the complications associated with this disease ever vanish? Never bet on it. Virus experts say COVID-19 will raise its ugly head again this fall. With it, they add, the complication of both types of diabetes will increase. It’s the last thing we need when obesity is already causing a worldwide pandemic of type 2 diabetes. So, how can you reduce the risk? It’s easier than you think.
First, type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin. Lifelong replacement and management of this hormone is the only option. With the more common type 2 diabetes,
the body does not respond normally to insulin. We call this “Lifestyle Diabetes.” Why? Well, because it is preventable by avoiding obesity. Some cases can be reversed by losing weight.
What causes these two types of diabetes in COVID patients? At this point, no one is certain. Some point out that patients with infections have higher blood sugar. Other experts believe chronic infection may play a role, but it is the consensus that patients with severe COVID-19 have a higher risk of developing these two types of diabetes. Fortunately, they report the risk is small.
What do experts advise to lower the risk of being struck by the virus again? They urge everyone to keep up to date on vaccination. The other advice must be said over and over with or without a pandemic; follow a sound lifestyle. Start early in life and stick with it. Maintain a healthy weight to escape degenerative diseases like type 2 diabetes. Remember that during a pandemic, it’s the obese who end up in the intensive care unit fighting for air and their
lives. Stop smoking. Damaged lungs will mean more smokers die. How could it be otherwise?
Get into better shape. It does not matter how. Start slowly if running, or weightlifting. Ergometric exercises are easy and effective. Put palms facing and push together for 10 seconds repeatedly. You will be surprised how the bicep muscles strengthen. Never let your arms and legs become so weak you cannot get up from the toilet seat!
The big message is to improve immunity. It’s mind-boggling why one vital fact is rarely mentioned by experts. That is, a few inexpensive, safe, and effective vitamins and minerals enhance immunity. Vitamin C is the “forever vitamin.” Why? It involves so many health benefits.
For instance, researchers report that during an influenza epidemic, elderly patients suffering from pneumonia were treated with only 200 milligrams daily. It decreased mortality by an amazing 80%. Vitamin D provides another boost to im -
munity. The starting dose is 5,000 international units (IU) daily for two weeks, then decreases to 2,000 IU daily. It’s also prudent to add 400 mg of either magnesium citrate, malate or chloride, zinc 50 mg, and selenium 100 micrograms daily.
Vitamin C is water soluble and lost in urine, so it should be taken in divided doses 3 times a day. During times of stress, vitamin C in the blood quickly depletes and so does your immunity. The solution is to keep white blood cells loaded with C so they can immediately pump virus fighters into vital organs.
Start preparing for the next pandemic. It will come as sure as night follows day. Make vitamin C and the other suggestions a daily habit. Compared to prescription drugs that may have lethal problems, these natural remedies have never killed anyone.
And remember, the voyage of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
Imagine being forced to remove your clothes in front of people you do not know, being told that you have to stand with your legs apart, bend over and spread your bottom cheeks all in full view of prison guards. You are already feeling pretty degraded, and this has taken your degradation to a whole new level.
We now know that even though Black people make up around 10% of the city’s population—one in every three people who have been strip-searched are Black. Nearly a third of all Indigenous people who have been arrested are stripsearched.
In its 2019 Report, “Breaking the Golden Rule: A Review of Police Strip Searches in Ontario,” the Ontario Independent Police Review Director, an independent police watchdog, found that
police in Ontario conduct “too many” unjustified and illegal strip searches. Not only does strip searching evoke racial and sexual trauma, it’s also ineffective.
Strip searches are often considered intrusive and potentially degrading because they involve the inspection of a person’s naked body, which can be a highly personal and sensitive experience. These searches are typically conducted in situations where there is a perceived need for security or safety, such as: in prisons, detention facilities, or at certain security checkpoints, like airports. While they may be deemed necessary in certain circumstances to prevent contraband or dangerous items from being smuggled, they should be carried out with utmost respect for the individual’s dignity and privacy.
The context in which the strip search is conducted plays a significant role in determining whether it is perceived as degrading. In some situations, such as within a prison, or during an arrest, there may be a legal framework in place to regulate and safeguard the process.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is demanding the Government of Ontario fix significant shortcomings in new regulations concerning
strip searches in provincial prisons.
The CCLA and an individual who has been forced to endure strip searches launched a lawsuit against the Government of Ontario in 2022 over the unfettered power to strip search prisoners.
“Too many strip searches are taking place in Ontario prisons for no rhyme or reason. These new regulations demonstrate Ontario recognizes it cannot strip search everyone, but they will not stop the severe harm of excessive and unnecessary strip searches,” said Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for the CCLA.
“Far fewer strip searches would take place if body scanners were recognized as an alternative and prisons were properly outfitted with them. It is shameful that the Ontario government has not taken this common-sense step when the federal government has already done so.”
The significant shortcomings in the new Ontario regulations include:
• Body scanners are not recognized as an alternative to strip searches.
• Individuals isolated due to a mental health crisis can be strip searched without suspicion they have contraband; these unnecessary strip search -
es carry a high risk of degrading their health and increasing the risk of suicide.
• Strip searches of entire groups of prisoners are permitted on a lower standard, with no limit to how many people can be searched and other essential safeguards.
• Permitted strip search methods are unnecessarily traumatic, meaning individuals who are sexual assault survivors could be retraumatized.
“The time for Ontario to fix these glaring errors was years ago. We are demanding the province take action now to ensure prisoners have dignity. The woefully inadequate new regulations mean the violence of unnecessary strip searches will continue.”
It’s important for any strip search to be conducted in a respectful and lawful manner, with a focus on maintaining the dignity of the individual being searched. Legal safeguards, oversight, and accountability mechanisms should be in place to prevent abuses and ensure that strip searches are used only when absolutely necessary for security or safety purposes.
We must demand the province of Ontario take action now to ensure prisoners have dignity
simone@carib101.com
Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion, and people have different expectations, desires, and experiences when it comes to love. The concept of perfect love is subjective and can vary from person to person. What one person may consider perfect love, another may not.
There are people who believe in the idea of “perfect love,” which often includes elements like: deep emotional connection, trust, compatibility, and lasting commitment. However, it’s important to recognize that no relationship, or love is flawless. All relationships have their ups and downs, and people are imperfect beings, which means that conflicts and challenges are a natural part of any relationship.
In saying this, there is something about love that we are addicted to: the drama, the lust, the craving; it is even better
when we are seeing it play out in front of us. I am excited to let the community know about the stage play “IMPERFECT LOVE.” hits the stage once again with even more excitement, drama, and outrageous laughter! With a fresh, inspirational spin on love, betrayal, and secrets, Imperfect Love is a unique romantic comedy that tackles the complexity and quirks of human relationships, with a faith-based element.
Written and produced by Pauline White, and directed by Nicole R. White, this mother-daughter duo has a story to tell and aspires to highlight blacks in Canadian theatre. With an all-woman managerial team, Reel Gem Productions also supports Black women in theatre, as well as showcasing a wide range of multi-talented actors across the GTA.
I met Pauline White at the IBDFF Gala Awards in July, and we spoke briefly about some of the things that she was doing in the community. She told me she had written and produce a stage play titled, “IMPERFECT LOVE,” which will be on stage September 22nd, 2023, in Partnership with TINFF+ CBDFM Summit, at York Woods Theatre.
Pauline White is the founder of Reel Gem Theatre Productions (RGTP), a new community-based company that believes performing arts should have a
prominent place in every community. “Our shows will stand out with authenticity, creativity, and uniqueness and we are committed to bringing a rewarding theatrical experience for audiences,” Pauline shares.
As an African-Caribbean playwright and producer, Pauline strives to improve the experiences and opportunities in theatrical entertainment for a new generation. Her goal is to provide a platform for aspiring local minority actors/actresses to find success in this industry. She strongly believes that our community is our strength, and with her encore presentation, IMPERFECT LOVE, she hopes to enrich Toronto’s theatre community.
Her daughter Nicole R. White has years of experience in the performing arts stemming from a young age. She is a: playwright, director, producer, and founded the theatrical company Court Jester Presents in the early 2000s. Nicole is also an award-winning author of the novel “Destiny Love Jones - Sisters and the Plight with Boys.” Her other passion is advocating for women, children and racial equality as she champions for special causes.
When I spoke with Pauline last week, she shared her excitement with me. “There is love, it is God’s perfect love. We all need one another; we have to take care of each other. People are quick to destroy you
and take you out.
After my relationship ended, I had time to do some things for myself. I began seeking God, to find that love that I felt was meant for me. I was inspired to write “Finding Refuge in the Word of God,” in 2019. It did get published, and I saw my book all over the world, but I wasn’t receiving any money for it. I ended the contract with the publisher and took back the rights for the book. I was able to sell a couple independently.
With all that was going on in my life, I began to write. I also wrote “For Better, or For Worse.” I am inspired by life, by my learned experiences.
My mom did a lot of stage plays and she acted as Jimmy Cliff’s mom in “Harder they Come.” I think that I get most of my traits from my mother. I see so many people hurting from their relationships, and I would speak to people and hear their experiences. As I started writing, I would see the pictures in my head. It took me three weeks to finish it, and it ended up being 120 pages. I had to cut it into two acts. People who have seen it love it; they had so much to say. It is a powerful love story. The play is about love, and in love, things do happen, but God’s perfect love can make a difference.”
The 95-page bombshell report tabled in the Ontario Legislature revealed some questionable actions by government officials. There was a total failure to ensure that environmental, agricultural and financial risks and impacts were considered, almost no input from experts, or affected parties and nepotism was shown to certain developers/landowners who had access to government’s ministers.
Auditor General Bonnie Lysk revealed that there could be over $8.3 billion appreciation in the value of 15 land sites that were taken out of the Greenbelt and sold to developers and owners who
were shown favoritism. Lysk notes in her report, “The exercise to change the Greenbelt boundaries in Fall 2022 cannot be described as a standard or defensible process. The truncated and highly restricted land selection exercise excluded substantive input from land-use planning experts in provincial ministries, municipalities, conservation authorities, First Nations leaders, and the public while giving powerful treatment to certain developers with direct access to the Chief of Staff, and to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.”
Tim Grey, Executive Director of Environmental Defence has expressed dismay, “The Auditor General’s report confirms that lands were removed from the Greenbelt as a favour to particular sprawl developers to enable them to make up to $8.3 billion in windfall profits by building on land meant to be protected forever. Shockingly, this occurred despite clear and abundant evidence that lands in the Greenbelt are not required to meet Ontario’s housing supply needs.”
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
has decided to hand over the investigation to the RCMP to ensure that there is an impartial and unbiased probe. They have received a number of inquiries regarding an investigation into the Greenbelt. To avoid any potential perceived conflict of interest, the OPP referred this matter to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The RCMP have not revealed details about the investigation. A press release notes, “At this time, RCMP O Division is beginning our evaluation of the available information as referred by the Ontario Provincial Police. After we have conducted a full assessment, we will determine whether to launch an investigation.”
It was on Tuesday, August 22nd, that Ryan Amato, Chief of Staff to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark, resigned. The Canadian Press released a statement from him which reads, “The public statements about me in recent weeks have unfairly depicted me and my role regarding the Greenbelt. I am confident that I have acted appropriately, and that a fair and complete investigation
would reach the same conclusion. However, these public statements have made it impossible, as a practical matter, for me to continue my present role.”
Ontario’s integrity commissioner, J. David Wake released a 166-page report on Wednesday, August 30th, 2023, which revealed that Ontario Housing Minister Steve Clark contravened the Member’s Integrity Act. He wrote in the summary of the report, “The evidence paints a picture of a process marked by misinterpretation, unnecessary hastiness, and deception.”
On Monday, September 4th, 2023, Steve Clark announced his resignation as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. He released a statement that reads, “I realize that my presence will only cause a further distraction from the important work that needs to be done, and that I need to take accountability for what transpired.” He notes further, “I feel that it is my responsibility to adhere to the principles of Ministerial Accountability.”
This is what I truly love about boxing. It delivers moments of high drama and emotion. On Saturday, September 9th, 2023, knockdowns, comebacks, and unexpected twists in the fight left the audience on the edge of their seats.
nal fight card, but they came out ready to put on a show. Thad walked away with the win; Dylan just could not stand up to his vicious series of blows.
I was anxious to get there, and of course traffic in Toronto was making it extremely difficult. Yes, fight fans, Simone Jennifer Smith was on her way to Pickering Casino Resort for another United Boxing Promotions event. It has been a couple months since I last attended, so I have to admit, I was really excited.
It was an OFFICIALLY SOLD-OUT NIGHT at the Pickering Casino Resort, and as I entered the casino, the energy in the crowd was palpable. I was late of course and missed the Michael Cabato vs Oscar Velazquez fight. Michael Cabato’s all-action United Promotions debut ended in a disputed draw in April, but he and coach Malik have been in the lab ever since with their eyes on the prize, and it paid off with his hand raised. Fans were cheering, the energy was high, and made for an electric atmosphere.
The Melinda Watpool vs Patricia Gonzalez fight was just about to begin when I grabbed my seat. 5x Canadian National Champ Melinda ‘The Whip’ Watpool was on a two fight KO streak, entering the fourth outing of her career against Spanish prospect-killer Patricia Gonzalez. It was a scheduled 8-rounder, and Watpool did not disappoint. She won that match with her impressive mix of athleticism and raw power. It is no wonder she is already ranked by the IBO as the #7-ranked contender in the Middleweight Division!
Next up, Jamaica’s People’s Champ Kemahl “The Hitman” Russell vs Juan Carlos Raygosa. Boasting an 86% knockout rate, Kemahl “The Hitman” Russell made his return to the ring in April 2023 after a fiveyear hiatus. With a record of 15-1 (12 KO) and boasting concussive power in both hands, Russell gave fans a show by knocking Carlos out like only he can.
I have to say, Thad Buntsma vs Dylan Rushton was one of my favourite fights. These two fighters came out swinging, and it was their fight that got fans on their feet. I had not seen them on the origi-
We can’t forget our Heavyweight Jamaican Hero Ricardo “Big 12” Brown who faced Pavel Sour. Olympian Ricardo “Big 12” Brown (9-0, 9K0) extended his perfect knockout streak against fellow big-man and former Czech Heavyweight Champion, 6’ 5.5” Pavel “Pablo” Sour. These heavyweights hit hard, and after demolishing Pavel, Big 12 did his customary push-ups in the ring. Definitely a moment of pride for the island of Jamaica.
The crowd was on their feet when hometown hero Sukhdeep Singh entered the auditorium. His entrance was spectacular, but fighters are known to have elaborate walkout routines, complete with music, lights, and sometimes even fireworks. It set the tone for the match and got the crowd pumped up. You could feel the tension building as he made their way to the center of the ring, and you could feel the excitement in the air.
Sukhdeep’s win came from him tactfully picking apart Luis Vidales, and from the moment they came face-to-face for the final stare-down you could feel the intensity. It was a visual representation of the impending battle and a moment that all the fans were eagerly waiting for.
Once the fight started, the adrenaline really kicked in. Watching two highly trained athletes go toe-to-toe, exchanging punches, and strategizing in real-time is a thrilling sight. I could hear the thud of the punches and felt the fighter’s intensity. Cheers, chants, and gasps from the audience added to the overall experience. When Sukhdeep landed a big punch, or made a dramatic move, the crowd erupted in excitement.
As a true boxing fan, I appreciate the tactical aspects of the sport. Analyzing the fighters’ techniques, footwork, and game plans always adds an intellectual dimension to the excitement.
United Boxing Promotions have produced some of the most iconic moments in Canadian sports history. Whether it’s a historic upset, a dramatic knockout, or a close decision, these moments have become part of boxing lore and will be discussed for years to come.
It is a blend of sensory experiences, emotions, and the thrill of witnessing high-stakes competition. Whether you’re a boxing aficionado, or simply looking for a thrilling live sports experience, attending a United Boxing Promotions boxing match is an unforgettable and electrifying experience.
educational process; to create a forum for the exchange of ideas and strategies to improve educational opportunity for African Canadians; to identity and develop African Canadian professionals who will assume leadership positions in education, and to influence public policy concerning the education of African Canadian people. ONABSE has been particularly concerned about the attack on anti-racism work in the last few weeks and have expressed their position.
against this.”
ONABSE is convinced that these demands must take centre stage:
implementation of anti-racism curricula, initiatives, and programs in educational institutions across all sectors (K-12 & post-secondary).
It has been ten years now since the formation of the Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABSE) and they have been active in the advocacy of educational excellence, equity, inclusion, and fairness in public education.
According to their website, the purpose of ONABSE is to promote and facilitate the education of all students, African Canadian students in particular; to establish a coalition of African Canadian educators and others directly, or indirectly involved in the
On Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023, ONABSE was part of a coalition of community organizations who gathered at Queen’s Park for a press conference. They issued a press release on Monday, August 14th, 2023, focusing on equity in education. The press release states that they continue to call for urgent action from education stakeholders in the wake of targeted attacks on antiracism work in schools. “We are aware of educators, school boards and other education spaces facing demands of defunding anti-racism work, and we are unequivocally
• All stakeholders in public education (including the Ministry of Education and all Members of the Ontario Public School Board Association (OPBSA), the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC), all education unions (AEFO, CUPE, ETFO, OECTA and OSSTF), and all public-school boards should publicly reaffirm their commitments to anti-racism equity and anti-oppression work in Ontario and simultaneously denounce all efforts to associate this work with bullying and harassment.
• The Ministry of Education should engage in continued consultation with anti-racist, Black-led community organizations to enhance and strengthen the fight against anti-Black racism in education in Ontario.
• The Government of Ontario should allocate increased resources to support the
• MPPS should pass Bill 16 The Racial Equity in the Education System Act, 2022.
ONABSE is particularly concerned about the fact that an attack on anti-Black racism work will have an impact on the: nature, type, scope and extent of anti-racism work. It states in the press release, “Anti-Black racism affects students, educators, parents, families, and all stakeholders in education. Numerous studies have shown the negative impact anti-Black racism has had on the: mental and physical, health, well-being, socio-economic status of Black people and their overall quality of life. It is for these reasons and more that anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives, particularly those centred on dismantling anti-Black racism on individual, institutional and systemic levels are so important.”
A continued call for urgent action in the wake of targeted attacks on anti-racism work
In the bustling streets of Diego Martin, Trinidad, our Classic Man’s Chef Brad Latchman’s Don’s 2 Roti Store stands out as a beacon of exquisite culinary expertise and offers guests a warm family atmosphere.
What Chef Latchman has done is continue a family legacy that encompasses traditions and values passed down through generations. It has provided a sense of continuity, connecting the present generation to his ancestors and his cultural and historical roots. This continuity has helped him develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
What sets Don’s 2 Roti Store apart is the strong emotional connections among family members. It is part of a larger story and serves a role in preserving and enhancing the family legacy as well as creating a deep sense of pride and connection.
Chef Latchman understands the importance of preserving cultural and traditional practices that might otherwise fade away over time, and this is particularly important especially when it comes to the work that he does at his family’s restaurant.
His grandfather opened the first roti store in 1962 named Don’s Roti store. Since then, his dad opened a related but separate business with a slight variation to the name, Don’s 2 Roti Store, which Chef Latchman has now taken over. This culinary gem has become a staple for Trinidadian locals and visiting food enthusiasts, serving up some of the area’s most delectable and authentic roti dishes in two separate locations. From their signature curried chicken roti to their spicy channa, every bite is a sensational journey to the heart of Trinidadian cuisine.
The third-generation restaurateur who only recently took over the family business from his dad is as excited as he is nervous. “My grandfather left his name, and my dad left his footprint there. It is a weight to carry.” It is the first roti shop to ever be opened in Diego Martin and is now a quintessential culinary landmark, with fans coming from as far as Nigeria and the United States of America to try Chef Latchman’s food.
Chef Latchman’s family has shared values, beliefs, and principles that form the basis of their legacy. These values have served as a guide for him and have helped him navigate entrepreneurial challenges and make ethical decisions. His grandfather and father have provided a framework for personal development, and he has learned from their successes and failures, which has inspired him to set goals, work hard, and strive for excellence in his life. His passion for cooking and baking started at just eight years old. That passion has only
grown inside him, extending into private catering in addition to his two stores. Now at the helm, he has a clear vision of how to manage his family legacy: with modern technology, clearly defined goals for this staff and a whole lot of island grit.
What sets Don’s 2 Roti Store apart from the competition is its unwavering commitment to flavour, quality, and customer satisfaction. Everything is made fresh and from scratch, ensuring the highest standards of taste and hygiene. Chef Latchman and his family have also created a warm and hospitable atmosphere where customers are treated like old friends, and every visit feels like a homecoming. The menu at Don’s 2 Roti Store is a testament to Trinidad and Tobago’s rich history and culture. Every plate is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. And with a wide range of options, everyone can indulge in the pleasures of Trinidadian roti cuisine.
What many may not know is that Chef Latchman is not just about food and catering. He is also an avid Cricketer. “I am part of the local Savage Limers Cricket team based in Port-ofSpain. Every Thursday evening, we have practice sessions on the east side of Trinidad. On Sundays, it’s game day. So far this season, we have played eight games and lost two.” Not bad for an entrepreneur charged with the burden of protecting culinary history and a family name synonymous with witty business acumen and incredible food.
Don’s 2 Roti Store is more than a family-owned business or a catering service. It is a vibrant and loving community of food enthusiasts, cricket fans, and generous souls, where everyone is welcome, and every taste bud is satisfied. Brad Latchman and his family have created a legacy of excellence, passion, and compassion, which will continue to delight and inspire Trinidadian and international visitors for years. Expect a restaurant or international franchise to showcase Chef Latchman’s unique cooking style and flavours.
This well-preserved family legacy has instilled a sense of pride and identity. Knowing his family history, achievements, and contributions to society has boosted his self-esteem and helped him feel connected to something greater than himself.
Written by Bridgett Leslie Toronto Caribbean News
Following in his family’s footsteps
Our staff is familiar with the diverse traditions of the customers we serve. Let us help ensure that your unique preferences are accommodated. Talk to us today and we’ll explain all your funeral options and help you through your immediate or pre-arrangement needs.
We often advise readers not to be foolish –not with your: health, money, relationships, or other vital aspects of life. Some risks are unavoidable, like crossing a busy intersection. Yet there’s little sense in choosing a career as a test pilot if you want to live to 100. Now, new research suggests we might have that wrong. Dangerous jobs with a high safety conscious may be the better bet!
What are some of the most dangerous jobs? Ambulance workers are near the top of the list. People working at skiing facilities and correctional institutions are in
the top ten. So are couriers and people in water transportation jobs.
Leave it to personal injury lawyers to know the facts. What does one law firm say is the most dangerous profession? To our great surprise, veterinarians claim the title for the most dangerous job in North America! How could Fido, who loves you more than you love yourself, and who would never betray you, be such a hazard? We should have given it more thought. Fido has sharp teeth and a powerful jaw. Inserting a needle can unleash these weapons. Woe be the veterinarian working on larger, more unpredictable animals. A study by the US National Institutes of Health found that over half of veterinarians in a two-year period reported workrelated injuries, with nearly eight percent requiring hospitalization. Animal-inflicted injuries are a risk of the job, but there is more trouble in the profession.
It is a sad fact that veterinarians, who give new life to animals in distress, are two and a half times more likely than the
general public to die by suicide. The organization, “Not One More Vet,” reports that one in ten have contemplated suicide. In the U.K., a study found nearly 70% of vets have lost a colleague to suicide. In Australia, sixty percent of vets have sought professional help with their mental wellbeing.
What’s driving these horrendous statistics? The industry, it seems, has some issues. Vets can often work 12-hour shifts, frequently responding to emergencies at all hours and lacking the back-up support of other medical professions. Building a practice can involve years of low earnings. It’s physically demanding work, with long hours standing and restraining agitated animals. Even if the animals behave, human clients can be abusive, contributing to chronic stress on the job. Vets also risk exposure to waste anesthetic gasses, radiation, and airborne contaminants. They see plenty of close-up work with infections.
There’s another cruel irony. It’s exhausting to get into the profession. Wouldbe vets need to be academic superstars
and ruthless competitors in the high-stakes quest for a position in veterinary schools. If lucky enough to get in, they can count on spending a lot of money on tuition.
In California, a proposed bill would allow vets to initiate care for animals using telehealth. There are fierce debates about the merits of such an approach. For the sick, or injured dog who needs a consultation but would prefer death than a visit to the vet’s clinic, this might be a sensible solution. Plus, Fido won’t bite a computer monitor.
Will it lead to inappropriate treatments and medication for pets? Will it ease the burdens of driving animals to clinics for minor problems? This remains to be seen, but it sounds like good common sense to us.
Regarding career choices, what should we advise the people we love? Accountants take the prize for the job with the lowest risk of injury. Number crunching might not be sexy, but it is, apparently, safe.
Veterinarians claim the title for the most dangerous job in North America!W. GIFFORDJONES MD COMMON SENSE HEALTH DIANA GIFFORD-JONES
TRISHA SMITH
trishas@carib101.com
SAKRED SYNERGI
I think we’ve all done it. Gone out on a date, or to a function and purposely ate the bare minimum so we could avoid feeling and looking bloated or passing stinky gas. It’s an untold annoyance that many keep to themselves without realizing that it is indeed fixable.
The digestive system, often overlooked, plays a remarkable role in maintain-
ing our overall health. Surprisingly, it also wields significant influence over our mood, weight, and immune system, constituting approximately 80% of our immunity. A harmonious symphony of good bacteria, enzyme secretion, and a balanced diet orchestrates the proper functioning of this intricate system. However, when issues like frequent gas, belching, and bloating arise, it’s a clear indicator that our gut health needs attention.
Several factors can trigger these unsettling symptoms, including stress, a diet high in sugar, frequent use of pharmaceutical, or recreational drugs, enzyme depletion, excessive alcohol consumption, constipation, poor food combining, inadequate chewing habits, and unidentified food allergies or sensitivities. Listening to our body’s responses to these factors is the
RACHEL MARY RILEY
rachel@carib101.com
Have you ever found yourself at a place where you’re stagnant, especially with your health? Are you struggling to lose weight in your 40’s? I find most people when they hit their 40’s, and they are getting up in age struggle with weight loss. Let’s discuss this
I have heard stories of some people as soon as they hit 40, they lose weight, become the best version of themselves and look as young as their 20’s. For others, it’s different; they gain weight, have a baby, or have some type of sickness, or major situation that allows them to gain weight. There’s a number of reasons that someone might struggle to maintain a healthy weight mid-
Reduced muscle mass, mostly due to having a sedentary lifestyle and completing less daily physical activities. High calorie consumption, due to eating a diet high in processed foods (or even worse, ultra-processed foods).
Low intake of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats like omegaInsulin resistance, which often interferes with your appetite and can lead to more weight gain the midsection Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN (2021).
• Chronic stress and depression, which increases cortisol and other “stress hormones” that can lead to fat accumulation plus cravings.
• Sleep deprivation, which interferes with normal metabolic functions and is associated with obesity, hypertension and other metabolic disorders.
• Use of some medications, such as antidepressants that can contribute to weight gain Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN (2021).
How to lose weight after 40: Losing weight after 40 should basically be approached in the same way it would be if you were in your 30’s or 50’s. So how do you get rid of belly fat after 40?
1. Clean up your diet:
To help prevent weight gain and encourage weight loss in your 40’s, make it a priority to choose lower-calorie, nutrient-dense foods. Here are some tips for doing that to with losing weight after 40:
• Remove as many processed foods from your diet as possible, especially caloriedense ones like desserts, chips, fried foods, pizza, processed meats, frozen meals and sugary drinks. Many studies show that limiting consumption of ultra-processed foods may be the most effective strategy for obesity prevention and treatment, since processed foods considerably increase how many calories people consume.
• Choose real, whole foods instead. Try eating mostly things that are one or two ingredients and free of added sugar, preservatives, fat and flavors.
• Fill up on high-fiber foods, like vegetables, fruits, salads, beans, broth-based soups and whole grains. These foods make you feel fuller, are high in nutrients and are generally low in calories. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN (2021).
• Include some protein with every meal, such as fish, yogurt or legumes, which helps to control your appetite. For some people, low-carb diets that include more protein and healthy fats (such as the keto diet) can also be effective for weight loss.
• Pay attention to portion sizes. Practice mindful eating, and notice how much food you consume with each meal and how often you snack. Be especially careful to limit portions of sugary foods, refined carbs (like bread, pasta, rice), and high-fat things like dressings, butter and oils. (Fat in your diet is essential, but portion control is important.)
• Consider trying intermittent fasting, which usually means fasting for about 13 to 16 hours a day and eating only within the remaining hours. This tends to reduce people’s overall calorie intake and makes them think more carefully about their choices — plus it benefits many metabolic and immune functions
Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN (2021).
2. Meal prep to take control of your calorie intake.
3. Exercise consistently.
4. Get enough sleep and manage stress.
Guess what? It is never too late!
first step in pinpointing the problem.
A highly effective solution to address digestive upsets lies in the realm of digestive enzymes. Naturally present in various parts of our digestive system, including the mouth, small intestine, liver, and pancreas, enzymes facilitate the breakdown of the food we consume. By supplementing with digestive enzymes approximately 30 minutes before or during each meal, we can significantly enhance nutrient absorption. This boost in absorption leads to increased physical energy, reduced postmeal fatigue (the “i-tis”), improved bowel regularity, and, most importantly, relief from post-meal gas, belching, and bloating. Additionally, supplementing with enzymes alleviates some of the burdens placed on the liver and pancreas, allowing it to strengthen itself and attend to other crucial tasks within the body. Needing extra enzyme support is always a marker that our pancreas and liver need detoxing and strengthening, as it is these organs tasked with secreting the proper number of enzymes for smooth digestion.
Pineapples and papayas are natural enzyme food sources that are renowned for their high enzyme content and can be readily found in health food stores under the names Papain and Bromelain. Herbs like ginger, peppermint, fennel, also contain enzymatic properties that assist the body’s digestive process while slippery elm and meadowsweet act like natural antacids, relieving heartburn and acid reflux. Always talk to a health practitioner to help discover the right type of enzyme for you.
Keep in mind that digestive symptoms are not always the cause of a lack of enzymes. Low gut flora (probiotics), intestinal parasites, low HCL and nutrient deficiencies can also cause digestive upsets, but in my experience as a holistic practitioner, 80% of the time, the body just needs an enzyme boost.
Additional tips for optimal digestive health
• Fennel seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds can help alleviate gas.
• Timing matters: Avoid drinking liquids while eating or for 20 minutes afterward.
• Embrace fermented foods: Incorporate more fermented foods into your diet.
• Chew thoroughly: Ensure you chew your food thoroughly for better digestion.
• Allergy testing: Consult your family doctor for allergy testing.
• Probiotic supplementation: Replenish good bacteria in the gut.
• Food combining: Familiarize yourself with the principles of food combining to support digestion.
Understanding the pivotal role of our digestive system is crucial for maintaining not only digestive health but also overall wellbeing. By nurturing our gut health through the integration of enzymes, mindful eating habits, and dietary choices, we can positively impact our mood, weight management, and immune function.
about other root vegetables I had grown to love.
megan@carib101.com
When Restaurants Canada approached me to pen my thoughts on what Canadian cuisine meant to me, the 200 word limit seemed a little too constrained. Thus, I decided to extend this piece, to ensure I could share the entirety of my thoughts and feelings on this multi-faceted topic.
In the vast expanse of Canada, a rich culinary tapestry emerges, intertwined with diverse influences and deeply rooted histories. My memories as a child are painted with the colors of mac and cheese coupled with hotdogs and ketchup—a trifecta of cheesy, salty, and sweet delights. pizza, too, found its way to our dinner table frequently, its comforting presence a guaranteed source of smiles. This menu might be reminiscent of many Canadian households, serving as familiar anchors in our daily lives. However, these dishes, comforting as they are, can be seen as remnants from distant shores, a reflection of global influences that have seamlessly integrated into the Canadian kitchen.
My innate culinary curiosity has been a guiding force, propelling me to dig deeper, striving to understand the roots of what graces our plates. Recognizing the American heritage of mac and cheese and the Italian essence of pizza steered me towards a profound realization: to get a genuine taste of Canada, it’s imperative to immerse oneself in the cuisine of its Indigenous peoples.
Centennial College was where my culinary horizons were truly broadened. It was under the expert guidance of Chef Joseph Shawana that I was introduced to the delightful intricacies of Indigenous cuisine. The Arctic char, with its flaky elegance, marked a stark departure from the snappers and mackerels that populated my Jamaican childhood meals. Similarly, sunchokes, with their distinct yet familiar buttery flavour, took me on a flavourful journey, making me reminisce
Another staple that piqued my interest is Bannock, versatile and traditional Indigenous bread. Often enjoyed with savoury or sweet accompaniments, it’s deeply ingrained in Indigenous culture. Its versatility is evident in the myriad ways it’s consumed, be it fried, baked, or even grilled. Interestingly, the texture and use of Bannock reminded me of «Bake», a type of bread familiar to Caribbean cuisine. This semblance again emphasized how interconnected global culinary traditions can be.
My memories of attending a Powwow just before the advent of COVID are vivid and heart-warming. It was there that I indulged in my first «Navajo Taco.» Imagine a base of soft, pillowy Bannock bread, generously topped with a rich meat sauce, fresh salsa, crispy lettuce, and a sprinkle of cheese. The melding of flavours was nothing short of a revelation, underscoring the depth and diversity of Indigenous culinary art.
Yet, when contemplating a dish that epitomizes Canada, I often find myself in deep reflection. The default answer for many might lean towards poutine—a delightful amalgamation of crispy fries, creamy cheese curds, and rich gravy, but my heart and palate resonate with the belief that Canada’s culinary soul remains untapped until Indigenous dishes find rightful prominence in our narrative.
Orange Shirt Day, an initiative commemorating the residential school survivors and honouring those who didn’t, serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to recognize and uplift Indigenous voices. As such, it’s essential that we ensure their culinary traditions are celebrated and preserved.
Lately, there’s been a heartening shift in this direction. Indigenous chefs are emerging from the shadows; boldly spotlighting their culinary lineage, and ensuring ancestral flavours find their rightful space in today’s gastronomic landscape. My aspiration for Canada’s culinary future is anchored in a vision: a landscape where its national dish is a testament to the harmonious blend of its myriad cultures, with Indigenous traditions as its bedrock.
fold, for being a toxic mother. In separate videos, the two siblings share how their mother’s actions had caused severe damage to both of them and other relatives.
parents who film themselves disciplining their children in an abusive way on social media.
Every child indeed deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child.
Recently, rapper Blueface’s brother and sister, Dre and Kali, took to social media to expose their mother, Karlissa Saf-
Although this isn’t the first time Saffold has been in the news for her parenting style, the two siblings were applauded for speaking up. While scrolling through the comment section, I saw many comments with people talking about how people constantly overlook toxic mothers while holding deadbeat dads accountable for their wrongs.
Seeing this made me realize toxic mothers often don’t get called out for bad parenting. It also reminds me of the
Over the past few years, we have all seen at least one video of a parent, usually a mother, exposing their child for misbehaving. During the video, the parent would share dirty laundry and hurl insults at their child. These videos often garnered negative attention as these parent’s displayed toxicity towards their children. They never sit well with anyone, as no child should be spoken to in that fashion by a parent or guardian; problems are to be addressed respectfully in private. Every child deserves to have both
parents in their life. So, it can cut deep when a parent shows no interest in wanting to be in their child’s life. However, being subjected to a parent who is there for them but is toxic is no better. Once a child in that unhealthy environment grows up and moves out, their parents will be the same ones upset when their child opts to keep their distance from them. If we’re willing to hold deadbeat dads accountable for their wrongs, then let’s start doing the same for toxic mothers.
The Toronto International Film Festival (also fondly known as TIFF) comes to the city every year featuring a variety of unique movies that aren’t typically found at your local movie theatre.
The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival (or CTIFF) is nestled in the bosom of TIFF to highlight Caribbean contributions to the movie industry. To let moviegoers, know what to expect, CTIFF debuted an early screening of the film “Kite Zo A,” a look into Haitian culture and spirituality, and its effects on the people of Haiti. It explores the connection
their struggles and their joys while navigating poverty and in many ways racism. Haitian people delve into the traditions of voodoo and dance to express their deepest feelings and to connect themselves with the deities that give them strength to continue facing the hardships of life.
Fishermen go out of the ocean and find peace in the Goddess of water, who is almost akin to a mermaid and blesses their harvest. A connection to a deity who can influence the success, or failure of a lifestyle tells you how important a spiritual connection is in Haitian culture. Many people need the guidance of their ancestors to live a fruitful life and they rely heavily on these connections to live the way they believe is righteous. The spiritual plane and the physical plane are so intertwined in Haiti that it forms a part of their DNA. Dance and song are the mediums that people use to connect to the
spiritual realm and form the bonds that allow deities to influence the lives of the citizens. There is little separation between an individual and the gods they worship. There is a feeling of embodying the will and direction of the gods through the practice of voodoo, which connects people to their ancestors for guidance and direction. In many cases music can invoke the spiritual realm and tell others how they feel, so many people instead of dancing will sing songs that tell stories of love and desire, to speak to people who have long past from this world. These songs hold immense power and can influence spirits to come to our plane and speak to those who came after they were gone.
Many people of different socioeconomic statuses come together during the carnival. A festival celebrating the deep relation to the ancestors takes place
once a year. People take to the streets painting their bodies and donning masks representing spirits of all kinds. During this festival, people dance and express their deepest desires to be close to the spirits that live among them. It is as if they are themselves crossing over into the spirit realm, where they can freely interact with their deities and ancestors. They use their creativity to honour these practices through the use of body paints and masks. At first glance, the costumes and disguises can be scary, but on closer inspection, you see the beauty involved in creating such an intricate and intentional display of affection for the supernatural. Haiti is a country that does not shy away from the unknown. They fully embrace the power of the spirits and live with them in peace and progress.
pable of allowing them to carry on business with little supervision. No labour unrest or lost employee days. No longer will business owners worry about lost wages, lost hours in their procedures, employee’s having a bad day, labor stoppages, overtime, or summer pay.
McDonalds has been experimenting using A.I. within their serving and cooking process. Retailers will have less employees to service their customers, and they are hiring more part timers too. Profit is the name of the game, and employee security means disposing of them entirely. As technology advances, the under-educated among us will face replacement in their jobs. Robotics is a growth industry; working with your hands is a labor of love, and a specialty, but not a career. Manufacturing is importing advanced
machinery capable of forming, welding and packaging products with only limited supervision needed.
The opposition will start by offering four-day work weeks, followed by three days. Eliminating employee’s diplomatically is an artform in itself. Many employees don’t realize what the management is doing until it is too late to respond effectively. A.I. will be encouraged as a way to make workers jobs easier, better and more profitable. Remember that A.I. learns through its programing, so while working with a worker, it is devising the abilities to replace said worker, with no emotion, malice or feelings at all.
Part time jobs will replace what was once a career creating employment. Labour Unions know this, so they have been making every effort to recruit mem -
bers in all job fields. The powerful teachers’ unions who could not get the needed help in the past realize their career pathways are challenged by A.I. in person, or online. The march of the machine is upon us all. Writers, teachers face a creative landmine, with A.I. capable of translating, manipulating and writing copy, reports and research once done by skilled personnel.
Artificial Intelligence can make our lives better, our jobs easier to endure, but those who manage our economy see things differently. A.I. will give them what they always wanted, the ability to carry on their business with less stress, less challenges and less costs. The equation I just showed you, does not include people. The human factor is slowly being erased from our marketplace and economy.
simone@carib101.com
I think the issue that was the hardest for me was identifying M as a narcissist. It was challenging because he presented himself in ways that made it difficult to recognize his true nature, especially in the early stages of our relationship.
In the last edition, I spoke to the fact that I had to literally research my way out of my relationship with M, and during this research I learned quite a bit. Narcissism is a personality trait that exists on a spectrum, from mild to severe, and not all narcissists exhibit the same behaviors. It is also important to note at this point that not all people who exhibit some of these traits are necessarily narcissists. To be honest, all humans can be narcissistic at points in their lives, but like anything, if this type of behaviour begins to affect others, that is when it becomes a point of contention. Narcissism can coexist with other personality traits and disorders, making diagnosing narcissism complex.
However, there are common signs and patterns of behavior to watch for when trying to identify a narcissist, things that I wish I had known before, but
once you learn them, you cannot unlearn them. Interestingly enough, even when I did know these traits, I have still for some reason gotten caught up with narcissists. It is almost like they have a nose for individuals who can be manipulated. It is something to be cautious of and aware of. Does your personality attract narcissists, and if so, why? Something to think about. Alright; let’s get into our list. Remember that these behaviours do exist on a spectrum, and every individual who suffers from this personality disorder will exhibit these behaviours distinctively.
Narcissists often have an exaggerated sense of their own importance and believe they are special or unique. They may brag about their achievements, or talents excessively. Now, there is nothing wrong about being proud of your achievements, but if a person is always making it about them, RED FLAG!
Narcissists often have difficulty empathizing with the feelings and needs of others. They may seem indifferent or dismissive of others' emotions. They may make comments like, “You are so sensitive,” or “You shouldn’t take things so personally.” RED FLAG!
Manipulative behavior
They can be skilled manipulators, using charm, flattery, or manipulation to get
what they want from others. This type of behaviour can take many different forms, so you have to trust your intuition in situations; if it feels off, it probably is.
Sense of entitlement
Narcissists believe they deserve special treatment and may become angry or upset when they don't receive it.
Need for admiration
They crave constant admiration and attention from others and may become upset if they feel overlooked or criticized.
Exploitative relationships
Narcissists may exploit others for their own gain, using them for personal or financial advantage. They are so good that you will not even notice it happening. It isn’t until you begin to feel drained that you realize that you have been used, and by then you are all in.
Fragile self-esteem
Despite their grandiose exterior, many narcissists have fragile self-esteem and are highly sensitive to criticism.
Boundary violation
They may have a lack of respect for personal boundaries and may invade your personal space or privacy. This is something that you will see in the early stages of the relationship. During the “love bombing stage,” they go overboard with the sentiments; if it feels uncomfortable,
RED FLAG!
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Narcissists often struggle to maintain healthy, long-term relationships because their self-centered behavior can push others away.
Projection
They may project their own negative qualities onto others, blaming others for the things they are guilty of themselves. If you are with someone, and every failed relationship seems to be because of something the other person did, RED FLAG!
Lack of accountability
Narcissists often have difficulty taking responsibility for their actions and may avoid admitting when they are wrong.
Manipulative communication
They may engage in gaslighting, which is a form of psychological manipulation that makes you doubt your own reality and perceptions. It is a highly utilized form of manipulation that narcissists master; if you are not careful, you will fall into this psychological trap.
Now that we know what to look for, it is time to learn how to get out of the relationship, and I will tell you this; it is going to be one of the hardest things that you have ever done.
DESMOND BOLLERS
desmond@carib101.com
On the other hand, there is one individual from that group that both Afro-Caribbean people and the English can agree on deserves to be admired, Francis Drake. Drake, probably because he was not involved in the plantation system and therefore did not need to conjure up
negative stereotypes of Africans in order to justify slavery, seemed to be free of racial prejudice. He collaborated with maroons in his campaign against the Spaniards in Panama. However, in contrast with other privateers, Drake didn’t just form short-term alliances of convenience with the maroons, he actually lived among them and based on his writings, he developed a genuine admiration for them.
The maroons reciprocated that favourable opinion of Drake and welcomed him back subsequently. Drake didn’t just work with maroons in Panama; he also did the same thing with the maroons in Hispaniola.
There was a song that became
popular by the Caribbean singing group the Tradewinds that asked, “Where are your heroes Caribbean?” They answered their own question, but their suggested list of heroes consisted mainly of cricketers and calypsonians, nevertheless it is a legitimate question. Where are our heroes? Interestingly, the book “Here Are Your Heroes, Caribbean,” by Standhope Williams makes no reference to the heroes who fought for our freedom against oppression from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century.
What about a pan-Caribbean hero? Is there anyone in the history of the Caribbean in the last five hundred years that all of us can respect and admire?
Doesn’t Toussaint Louverture fit the bill? I
think so. Even his adversaries, the British, French and Spanish acknowledged his military brilliance and diplomatic skills and respected him for these qualities. Shouldn’t we also recognize and acknowledge his achievements and accept him as someone who is worthy of respect across the region?
Maybe one day, if we pay proper homage there will be a hit movie franchise titled “Sea Raiders of the Caribbean,” acknowledging the daring sea-borne exploits of the Kalinago as they waged a desperate struggle for survival, and another one-titled “Maroons of the Caribbean,” celebrating the maroons’ dogged fight to retain their hard-won freedom.
predominant terpenes found in cannabis.
As many as 15 different terpenes can be found in cannabis and their profiles can most easily be categorized into 7 types. These are pine, fruit, floral, citrus, earth, spice and gas. Research shows that each of these have different effects on a consumer
in concert with yet beyond the effects of THC. Cannabis will always have a combination of these terpenes even though some may be much more prominent than others. Regardless, this information will greatly assist your decision when trying to find a cannabis strain suited to your needs. Perhaps the most common terpenes found in nature are the ones that would fall into the citrus category. The chemical known as Limonene gives off the strongest smell and taste of citrus. This is a well recognized scent and is often the first profile detected by one’s nose. It is known to have effects such as relief from pain, anxiety, stress and depression. It also has some anti-inflammatory benefits as well. Strains with a strong citrus profile are ones like Wedding Cake and almost anything from the lemon cultivar (ie. Lemon Sour Diesel or Lemon Drop).
The fruit terpenes are widely accepted as most people’s favourite. The sweet and slightly floral aroma comes mostly from the terpene Myrcene. At least some of this compound is found in almost every modern strain of cannabis. It is also found in mangoes with a high concentration. Known to be anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxant and a sedative, it can be predominant in strains like Granddaddy
Purple, OG Kush or Cherry Pie. The gas terpene seems to be most desired currently and gives some strains a gassy or diesel smell. While it may not be everyone’s favourite, it is often used to help determine potency. Humulene is the terpene responsible for this pungent aroma and can also be found in food such as clove, sage or black pepper. It can help with pain relief and fight bacterial infection. Strains found with high amounts are Girl Scout Cookies, Sky Walker OG and almost any pink strain.
If you’ve ever walked through a pine forest, you’ve smelled the Pinene terpene. It’s bright and sharp aroma can make some cannabis strains stand out from others. It can also be found in rosemary, basil or parsley. It can aid with mental function and respiratory issues. Strains that are high in Pinene are Jack Herer, Blue Dream and Romulan.
The earth aroma is caused by a terpene known as Camphene. It provides the musky earth or damp woodland smell that most cannabis is associated with. On its own it can be off putting but when combined with others it provides a depth of smell and flavour that are unmatched. It is a powerful anti oxidant and can be used topically to treat skin conditions like eczema
and psoriasis. Strains that are high in Camphene are Ghost OG, Mendocino and Strawberry Banana.
The floral terpenes are subtle but add noticeable notes that both your nose and palette will immediately detect. Mostly originating from the terpene Geraniol and like its name implies it can be found naturally in high amount in geranium plants. It’s shown to have much potential as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant. It can be found in strains like Amnesia Haze, Headband and Master Kush.
The spice terpene known as Caryophellene can also be found in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon. Its spicy and peppery notes can be enticing to some but repellent to others. Uniquely, it is the only terpene that can affect your cannabinoid system adding to the effects of your high. It can also have analgesic and anti anxiety properties. Strains strong with the spice terpene are Silver Haze, Rock Star and White Widow.
Now that you have a better understanding of what makes your cannabis smell and taste the way it does, you can choose what strains are best for you. Your cannabis sommelier career begins here. Welcome to a brand new world
There are plenty of reasons to consider buying a property on your own. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine whether it’s a good idea.
Can you keep up with maintenance?
Owning a property involves many responsibilities, including maintenance. For example, cleaning the gutters, cutting the lawn and removing snow require your attention. If you can’t do these tasks yourself, you must factor in the cost of hiring a professional to do it for you. If you choose to buy a condo instead of a house, you’ll have to arrange with your neighbours regarding the maintenance of common areas.
Do you have enough savings?
amount is less than 20 per cent, you must purchase mortgage loan insurance. If necessary, review your budget to ensure you have sufficient funds.
What types of rates and terms are right for you?
The interest rate on your mortgage affects your monthly payments. When comparing lenders — ideally with the help of a mort-gage broker — you must decide whether you want a fixed or variable rate. Addition-ally, when choosing the term of your mortgage, try to think ahead and consider whether your circumstances are likely to change; it can help you avoid penalties for breaking the contract.
Buying a home involves many steps, including deciding which neighbourhood to settle in. Here are three tips to help you make the right decision.
1. Establish criteria
The neighbourhood you choose should meet your needs and lifestyle. Make a list of aspects that are most important to you, such as:
• Distance to work
• Accessibility to public transportation
• Proximity to schools, daycares and other services, like grocery stores and pharmacies
• Proximity to recreational facilities, like parks and bike paths
2. Evaluate your finances
The location of the neighbourhood can
determine the property value, which can impact other costs. For example, homes in highly desirable neighbourhoods tend to be pricey, which will affect your mortgage. Municipal and school taxes should also be considered.
3. Imagine your future
Think long-term and consider your future. Find out if there are any plans to develop the neighbourhood. Consider whether you plan to have children or retire there, for example.
Keep in mind that it may not be possible to check every box when choosing a neighbourhood for your future property. However, having a good idea of what you want can help refine your search. Above all, don’t forget to communicate this information to your real estate agent.
It can be difficult, even for two people, to save enough money for a down payment. Take a hard look at your financial situation and estimate what percentage of the purchase price you can afford to put toward the down payment. If the
Land surveyors are highly trained professionals who measure plots of land to identify boundaries. They’re well-versed in municipal bylaws and can help you determine which ones could affect your property. When buying land, a surveyor can help you understand where your property boundaries lie and what’s included.
Although not always mandatory when buying a property, it’s a good idea to invest in a land survey before closing the deal. A land survey ensures you understand which plot you’re buying and protects your ownership rights if doubt should arise about who owns what portion of the land.
What’s included?
First, the surveyor examines the property’s legal description and analyzes the history of the deed and title. Next, the surveyor visits the property to measure where each boun-
Buying property on your own may mean that you must overcome several obstacles. However, with careful planning and expert financial and mortgage advice, your dream can become a reality.
dary lies and records all the buildings or other structures on the property.
Using this information, the surveyor creates a map showing the legal boundaries of the property. The map includes a description of the land and buildings, the street address and the locations of neighbouring properties.
Ideally, you should contact a land surveyor at least 20 days before signing the deed of sale. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to consult this expert as soon as possible.
Picture this: A family of four in Surrey, BC, was suddenly evicted from their rental home because a buyer had purchased the property and wanted to move in. However, things didn’t go as planned for the buyer, and the deal ultimately fell through due to a lack of financing. The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) ordered the buyer to pay the tenants $27,700, equivalent to twelve months’ rent for wrongful eviction.
As it turns out, the sale contract did not include any financing conditions, ultimately binding the buyer to its terms. When the closing date arrived, the buyer could not pay for the home, leading to the collapse of the entire deal, and this left the tenants in a tight spot, forced to find another, more expensive home farther away from their children’s school. It’s a harsh reminder that unconditional offers are a seller’s preference in a hot real estate market, and buyers should always seek pre-approval from their lenders before committing.
In the end, the buyer was left with an unbearable financial weight on his shoulders, forfeiting a $30,000 deposit and paying out $27,700 to the seller’s tenant for damages. The situation spi-
raled out of control after the buyer asked the landlord to serve the tenant with an N12 form, which is compulsory to end their residence because a purchaser or family member requires the rental unit, which would have led to a minimum of 60 days’ notice for a month-to-month tenancy, compensating the tenant with at least a month’s rent upon termination. The ordeal could have been avoided if the landlord had been more prudent and followed the guidelines laid down by the board. In particular, informing the former tenant and offering to re-rent the property at the original rent would have fulfilled their obligations. However, acting in bad faith, they likely hiked the rent up, further complicating matters for everyone involved.
Selling a rental property can be tricky, as the seller must ensure that the tenants are dealt with fairly and following the law. However, problems can still arise even when everything is done by the book. For example, if a tenant refuses to move out on the closing date, the sale can fall apart, leaving both the seller and buyer in a difficult position.
The trouble is that even when parties request a hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board, it can take up to six months to resolve the issue, by which time the closing date may have passed, and the deal may have fallen through. This can lead to buyers either suing the seller or leaving the deal altogether.
Furthermore, assuming the existing tenants can be problematic in certain situations, particularly when the buyer is purchasing the property to live
in, and the lender stipulates that the mortgage is approved if the property is the buyer’s primary residence and not a rental property. By assuming the tenants, the property would be considered an investment property, and the lender can refuse to finance it.
In such a situation, the buyer should take certain precautions before committing to anything. For example, it’s advisable to meet with the tenant beforehand and ask the seller to share any necessary documents, such as the rental application and lease agreements. Additionally, if the basement apartment needs to be registered, it’s better to get vacant possession, retrofit and register
the apartment, and then look for tenants. These insights highlight the need for buyers and sellers to know all the intricacies involved when dealing with rental properties. It’s essential to follow all the legal procedures and treat all parties fairly.
In conclusion, this riveting story of a legal battle between tenants, buyers, and sellers is a reminder of how precarious the world of rental properties can be for all those involved. It’s a cautionary tale to exercise due diligence and tread carefully when buying or selling such property to avoid legal and financial headaches.
A buyer must pay $27.7K to a seller’s tenant for wrongful eviction
Do you want to install a false ceiling in your home?
Are you looking for an alternative to a suspended ceiling? If you’ve never heard of a stretch ceiling before, here’s what you need to know.
What is it?
A stretch ceiling consists of lightweight material, like PVC, held in place by tension. This membrane is flexible and can be stretched when exposed to heat. The material comes in many sizes and colours. It can also be personalized with pattern prints.
What are the advantages?
Because it’s so versatile, a stretch ceiling works with any type of decor. It can be installed on sloped, vaulted, curved or irregularly shaped ceilings. This lightweight solution is made-to-order and can easily be removed when the time comes to replace it. It’s long-lasting and recyclable, making it environmentally friendly.
How do you install it?
For the best results, you need at least two professionals to install a stretch ceiling. The product warranty could be voided if you attempt the installation yourself. The material is attached to fasteners and then stretched while heat is applied. The installation time depends on the size of your ceiling but can typically be done within a single day.
Contact a local professional for a quote on installing a stretch ceiling in your home.
Is your kitchen in dire need of a makeover? Do you have to start from scratch? Can you keep a few elements from your current setup? Do you even know where to start? Either way, a kitchen designer can help. Here are three ways this specialist can ensure your project is a success from start to finish.
1. You get advice tailored to your unique needs When it comes to choosing materials, colours and furnishings, a kitchen designer can provide guidance based on your needs and preferences. Their primary goal is for you to be fully satisfied in your new kitchen.
2. You get access to a wide network of industry contacts Designers often work with a wide range of suppliers and experts. They can save you a lot of legwork researching and tracking down the businesses you need to handle the various stages of your project.
3. You get a highly functional kitchen Kitchen designers remodel your kitchen to optimize efficiency. They know how to create distinct zones for various functions, such as storing food and equipment, preparing food and coo -
king. Their goal is to create a space that matches your preferences and lifestyle.
Hire a local designer to help you get the kitchen of your dreams.
Tile floors are both practical and attractive. However, they can quickly lose their appeal when dirt becomes embedded in the grout. Follow these five tips to keep your tile flooring looking its best.
1. Clean it periodically. Sweep regularly to control dust. Then, mop the floor to remove dirt that resists sweeping or vacuuming.
2. Remove stains immediately. Mould and grease stains become more difficult to remove the longer they sit. Therefore, clean any spots as soon as you notice them. Use natural products like white vinegar, black soap or soda crystals.
3. Use gentle cleaners exclusively. When it comes to keeping your tiled floor in top condition, oily cleaners, strippers and detergents can do more harm than good. You should also avoid using abrasive substances.
4. Apply waterproofing. Waterproofing treatment can protect your tiling against water, oil and grease. It’ll also help your floors retain their original beauty for longer. To waterproof your tiles, use a tile-friendly product like linseed oil.
5. Pay attention to the grout. Remove dirt from the grout lines where the tiles connect to one another using a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda, lemon juice or toothpaste mixture. You can try a stronger product but take care not to damage the grout.
Do you have dirty tile floors? Look for a professional cleaner in your area that specializes in tiled floors.
PUZZLE
Each
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10 TO SEPTEMBER 16, 2023
ARIES
You’ll be glued to social media because you don’t want to miss anything. You should include your significant other in more shared activities to build a closer bond. At work, your entire team needs your expertise.
TAURUS
Calls, texts, messages and more — your phone won’t stop ringing. Your clients may need your services, or your relatives may be looking for you. You’re sought after because of your efficiency. If you’re single, you’ll fall in love once you stop looking for it.
GEMINI
You consider upgrading your car to impress a new crush. Be patient, and the salesperson will end up making you an even better offer. At work, your team will support you when you’re overwhelmed with tasks.
CANCER
As you calculate your budget, you’ll realize you can afford a bit more luxury, including a wonderful couple’s getaway. At work, changes will be very beneficial if you overcome your fear of the unknown.
LEO
Changes are needed in your relationship, in the home and at work. Let your emotions settle before acting. Some decisions take time; impulsiveness isn’t always the best approach.
The luckiest signs this week: VIRGO, LIBRA AND SCORPIO PUZZLE
VIRGO
Your loved ones will encourage you to spoil yourself more. You may consider giving yourself a makeover and engaging in self-care with the advice of a specialist. By easing anxiety, you’ll have better vitality.
LIBRA
You’ll be the focus of attention in one way or another. You’ll deal with a group that may pay you tribute or applaud you warmly. A promotion awaits you at work.
SCORPIO
You may consider a move if your family situation changes. One of your relatives may announce a birth, which will make you happy. Take care around some highly sensitive people, and you’ll be better able to help them.
SAGITTARIUS
A lot of conversation ahead! Even at work, you’ll find yourself constantly in the midst of important discussions, allowing you to expand your social circle and net- work of contacts. New friendships will make for great activities.
CAPRICORN
You’ll be able to get out of a complicated financial situation. You’ll choose your words carefully and should be able to convince some people to follow you. The emotional aspect of your relationship unfolds better with communication.
AQUARIUS
You’ll be forced to make a decision without knowing all the information. Trust your judgment and intuition. To minimize financial stress, avoid making purchases that involve long-term payments.
At work, you’ll be offered a position you can’t refuse. Take the time to discuss it with those closest to you before accepting, even if it’s your dream job. Affection will magically manifest itself as soon as you’re in the right frame of mind to receive it.
*Some
SHIRT JACKS FOR SALE: All Colors all sizes call 416-474-3454
ART FOR SALE: Want your children to improve in learning. Buy a motivational specifically made art piece at a reasonable price. Also art made with your favorite 4 colors. Call Kelvin 647-858-4660.
LAND FOR SALE IN TRINIDAD: Land for sale in Chaguanas Orchard Gardens approx 5,000 Square feet. End lot $250K CDNWhatsApp # 647-848-3931
FOR SALE: 2 Chesterfield side table -walnut,1 dining room table oval with 2 extentions spanish oak. 40 piece white dish set Tavola and other household items for sale. call 416-923-7269.
WANTED COOK : Someone to cook once a week at their home large order of Roti, curry chicken and curry potatoes. Cost to be discussed. Email postiexyz@yahoo.ca
HIRING: Looking for a helper to do general labour, garden cleaning, landscaping, and winter snow removal. Cash paid weekly. Located at Morningside & Lawrence in Scarborough. Please call: (416)269-5174.
LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FREE!
647-722-6298
Some restrictions may apply. We reserve the right of refusal.
Laparkan is looking for a Warehouse Associate in Shipping and Receiving.
No experience necessary. Will train on the Job.
Send Resume to hrca@laparkan.com or call 416-292-4370
SHARED ACCOMADATIONS:
1 Bedroom available in basement apartment with Side entrance Shared accommodation, Male only , No parking, no smoking or drinking Everything included. $900. Medowvale and Sheppard Call 647-447-2377
LOOKING
LOOKING FOR A JOB: 29 years old male looking for a looking for a job. Sanjay 437-484-5151
SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211
MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137
We are in the process of expansion and constantly looking for the best of the best! Dedicated salespeople; people interested in opportunities to help others while also being able to help themselves. For more information, please contact Trish 647-722-6298 or trish@carib101.com
There’s no shortage of financial professionals to help you manage your money. However, two of the most common designations are that of financial adviser and financial planner.
Many people believe that the terms are interchangeable, but this is inaccurate. In reality, all financial planners are financial advisers, but not all financial advisers are financial planners.
Financial advisers
Financial adviser is an umbrella term for
professionals who help their clients manage their money. They may be bank employees that help their clients understand the range of products they offer of professionals who work independently. They often specialize in handling investment portfolios.
Financial planners
A financial planner is an adviser who specializes in helping individuals and companies create programs to meet their long-term financial goals. They assess the client’s whole
financial situation in addition to any investments they currently hold. The strategies they create may include estate and retirement planning, education funding, insurance and risk management and taxation. When hiring a financial professional of any kind, make sure they have the proper education and expertise. Almost anyone can take on the title of financial adviser. This means that while the person you work with may have extensive knowledge and training, they may also simply be a salesperson for the bank.
The sooner you start saving money, the more you’ll have when you’re ready to retire. Here’s how to maximize your retirement savings from a young age.
Start saving regularly ASAP
If you begin placing money into a retirement fund while you’re still at your first job, you’ll pay less on a monthly basis over the course of your working life. This is a great way to ensure that you have the money you need to retire.
Being in debt holds you back from achieving your financial goals. If you have consumer debt (like a car loan or a balance owed on your credit card) make a formal plan to pay it off as quickly as possible. Once you’ve paid all your debts in full, ensure you start spending less than you make and put a percentage of your salary into your retirement fund each month.
If your employer offers RRSP matching, be
sure to contribute as much as necessary to benefit fully. If this isn’t something offered through your workplace, open your own RRSP and set up a pre-authorized transfer to occur every payday.
Compound interest is what makes saving in your 20s and 30s so important. The interest that you’ll accrue over 30 or 40 years is much greater than what you’d earn if you start putting money away in your 40s. Saving from a young age makes it feasible that you’ll retire a millionaire.
Your savings and investments are the key to a comfortable retirement. However, many people find navigating the world of finance confusing. Luckily, financial professionals make managing your money easy. Here are five reasons working with a financial adviser or planner is the smart way to prepare for retirement.
1. They know the ins and outs of the in-
dustry and can offer up-to-date advice.
2. They’ll take your whole financial situation into account to create a money management plan tailored to your unique circumstances.
3. They can tell you which of your expenses will increase when you retire and which are likely to decrease.
4. They understand the different investment options available and can guide
you towards those that best suit your needs.
5. They’ll advise you on what actions you need to take to achieve your financial goals.
With the right financial professional, you can rest easy knowing that your needs are met. And if you have any questions, they’re just a phone call away.
Are you struggling to build up your retirement fund? If so, it may be a good idea to pay attention to your spending habits. In fact, you may be surprised to discover where your money is going. Here are some ways to save for retirement that won’t feel like a sacrifice.
• Rethink small indulgences. Spending three dollars a day on picking up a coffee on your way to work may seem like an affordable treat. However, over a year those coffees cost almost $800; money that could have gone into your retirement fund.
• Establish a budget and stick to it. Knowing how much money you have coming in and out over the course of a month will help you live within your means and allow you to put more aside for retirement. Be sure to make monthly contributions to your retirement fund.
• Put windfalls directly in your retirement fund. Are you expecting a sizeable tax refund from the government? Or perhaps you’re receiving a bonus from work, or maybe an inheritance? Put any unexpected money directly into your retirement fund. Since
it wasn’t part of your budget, you won’t even miss it.
• Lower your monthly expenses. This can be as simple as calling your insurance company to renegotiate your rates or removing unnecessary options from your cellphone plan. Instead of adding these savings to your monthly budget, increase the amount you allocate to your retirement fund.
Making small changes may not seem like a big deal, but they can add up over time and make a significant impact when you retire.
Your alternator plays a critical role in keeping your car’s battery charged and electronic systems running. To avoid an unexpected breakdown, here are four warning signs that your alternator may be failing.
1. Your battery warning light is on. When the battery-shaped warning light appears on your dashboard, it’s often an indicator that your alternator is no longer working properly and has dropped below its de¬signated voltage capacity.
2. Your electronic accessories are slow. If you find that your power windows are operating slowly or your windshield wipers and heated seats aren’t working properly, your alternator is likely on its last legs and needs to be serviced.
3. You hear unusual sounds. Growling and high-pitched squeaking or whining noises coming from under the hood of your car are often signs that the alternator belt has come loose or is misaligned. In ad¬dition, grinding sounds could indicate that your alternator has a worn-out or broken bearing that needs to be replaced.
4. Your lights are dimmer than usual. Your alternator may be failing if your headlights seem dim or you notice that your dashboard lights flicker when you turn on the radio.
If you notice any of these signs or are having trouble starting your car, you should make an appointment to have your alternator inspected by a mechanic.
Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, are becoming increasingly popular among drivers. Before you purchase one for your¬self, however, here’s an overview of what you should know about these devices.
Benefits
Dash cams can provide evidence if you’re ever in an accident. Since they record what goes on in front of your vehicle, they’ll capture any collision that occurs and allow you to determine what hap¬pened and who’s at fault.
Additionally, dash cams encourage motorists to make better driving decisions. And if you have a clean driving record, it can help minimize your car insurance premiums.
Lastly, these devices can be used to re¬port reckless and dangerous drivers, which can help prevent future road accidents.
Dash cams sync to your car’s ignition and automatically start recording when your vehicle is running. However, some can also be activated when your car is parked if they detect motion or an impact. This can be useful if there’s a theft, vandalism or a hit and run. In addition, some models include night vision, Wi-Fi and integrated GPS systems that can track your vehicle’s speed and location. It’s possible to purchase a basic dash cam for as little as $60, or splurge on a model with all the bells and whistles for up to $600.
The biggest drawback of dash cams is that they can be a distraction if not used properly. Remember to remain alert when you drive, and keep your eyes focused on the road.
At CACD, we cultivate leadership and excellence by combining mentorship, workshops, and STEM education to nurture communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Our comprehensive approach spans academic achievement, life skills, physical well-being, and career guidance. Through personalized tutoring and workshops, we foster effective communication, critical thinking, and time management. Emphasizing physical health, we integrate play and nutrition education. Our career support encompasses exploration, readiness, and internships, reinforced by mental health resources and financial literacy.
Furthermore, we operate with a well rounded approach by blending in Creativity, Expression, and Cultural Identity, fostering self-expression through media art, photography, and film, and embracing cultural diversity through dynamic events and practical workshops. We also encourage Higher Education, offering vital scholarship and financial aid resources, and providing crucial guidance to post-secondary students navigating university and college life. This holistic commitment extends to Engaging with Impact, actively encouraging participation in crucial social issues through meaningful discussions, impactful campaigns, and community-driven projects, reinforced by ongoing tutoring and mentoring for a purposeful and meaningful journey.
Program Activities include:
Digital
Financial
Mental
Academics
Cultural
Career Guidance
For
Date: S aturday, September 30th, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Even angels need guardians.
Even angels need guardians.
Assisted over 350 Critically-ill Caribbean Children
Help our Angels by calling TCCF at 416-418-2745 and make the $20.00 A Month Pledge.
Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers & per or their support towards this great cause. All proceeds go towards helping to save a child’s li
