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WE SHOULDN’T PANIC! SIMONE J. SMITH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN “Instead of taking insults to my intelligence personally, I research, qualify, and then educate.”

Simone Jennifer Smith I won’t lie. I have been in my feelings lately. Instead of staying in the feeling, I faced the facts that when it comes

to this pandemic, I have to give credit where credit is due.

The mainstream media continues to impress me with their ability to manipulate, and present information in a way that drives fear, induces stress, and divides the masses. Mainstream

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Continued On Page 8

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PAGE 2

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

ANNETTE DAVIDSON

The Chefs Advocate “Advocating for chefs isn’t the easiest task. The hardest part is getting chefs to open up about issues they’re struggling with and to trust the folks they’re sharing with.” Annette Davidson

Throughout her career, Annette has broadened market visibility for well-known brands, having worked for powerhouses such as: Liz Claiborne, Oscar de la Renta and Donna Karan New York in various marketing roles. In 2009 her passion for marketing and event planning led her to launch her own company, Icon Food Marketing.

It would become the epicentre of her vast knowledge and connections throughout the United States, Australia, Japan, Jamaica and Europe.

Growing up Annette was a very picky eater, however, as she got older and throughout her travels for business and pleasure, Annette says she became “The Accidental Foodie.” It wouldn’t be long before Annette would unite her passion for food with her business, and ultimately her Caribbean roots. After much research, she realized that Caribbean flavours and artisanal food manufacturers are at a great disadvantage competing for consumers’ attention in the US marketplace.

Her interest in this niche market was further sparked as those who had a strong desire to bring their homegrown sauces, spirits, and baked goods to the masses inspired her. What she noticed was that many of them lacked the industry know-how and connections. Annette decided that she wanted to be a solution to the problem by bringing her global expertise to those who needed it most. Hence, the birth of Icon Food Marketing, a boutique agency whose clients have successfully been integrated into key distribution at: Whole Foods, Wegmans, Krogers and other upscale specialty food retailers. After experiencing a drastic shift in the food marketing space, Annette pivoted and shifted her focus to working with chefs.

Since forming The Chefs Advocate (a subsidiary of Icon Marketing), Annette was dealt a blow with the passing of her first client. Upon finding out the cause of her client’s death, she became an advocate for the chef’s welfare inside and outside of the kitchen.

By forming The Chefs Advocate, Annette has made it her goal to educate, empower and inspire chefs to be their best inside and outside of the kitchen. She has secured media placements for her clients and herself in publications such as: the NY Times, Forbes.com, Black Enterprise, Food & Wine, Dove Magazine (Italy) and on Ripl.com (Small Business in the time of the Coronavirus). She has also garnered onscreen placement

for her clients on cooking competition shows such as Chopped and Supermarket Stakeout.

While obtaining media placements for her clients, Annette is also a curator of food events.

She is responsible for curating ‘Savour Jamaica’ at the famed James Beard House in New York City.

Savour Jamaica was a celebration of Jamaica’s culinary contribution to global gastronomy. Annette is a graduate of Endicott College in Beverly, MA, and serves on her alma mater Endicott College Alumni Council.

Kitchen Talk Live Have you heard the saying by Winston Churchill, “Never let a good crisis go to waste?” Annette Davidson is doing just that. “One month into the Coronavirus lockdown, I was forced to look at the current state of my business (The Chefs Advocate).

After being smacked by the reality that the next few months were going to be very rocky. I had to admit I was praying the pandemic would last no more than three months. With much reality and disappointment, we’re still dealing with it and the restaurant/hospitality industry is ravaged by it across the globe.”

Like many others, she turned her lemons into lemonade and started an Instagram show ‘Kitchen Talk Live.’ Annette explains that Kitchen Talk LIVE was a concept she had for at least fourteen months.

The original concept included meeting: chefs, food and beverage professionals and other industry supporters in their natural habitat (i.e. farmers market, kitchen, bar, office etc.), interview them, and learn about what motivates them, what keeps them going. Tossed into the mix will be some cooking and mixology demos.

The first episode of Kitchen Talk aired on Wednesday, April 8th, 2020, and I was lucky to be the first guest. As a chef, I can tell you that the concept of Kitchen Talk was well needed especially at the start of COVID when most creatives were at home wondering what’s next?

Advocating is very important to me and topics for discussion have been centred on advocacy. Some topics covered have been: Alcohol Awareness, Mental Awareness, Building Community (The rise of Commercial Kitchens), The Future of Culinary Education, and Celebrating Caribbean Heritage.

If you want to catch any of these episodes, you can follow the culinary journey and conversations @thechefsadvocate , featured on Instagram and Facebook.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 3

Who is vetting for us here in Canada?

National Medical Association vetting vaccine process SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

One thing cannot be denied about this pandemic; people of African descent have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Now, I want readers to understand something; it’s not being of African descent that makes you more vulnerable, it is an accumulation of factors that have ensued due to centuries of systemic racism.

We could blame it on: discriminatory housing policies, unequal education and job opportunities that cause people to take on high-risk work, or housing situations that make it difficult to social distance. We are living in a society that has fostered conditions for certain minority groups, which now makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19. Now that we have been identified as being vulnerable, we are being put in line, as the first recipients for a vaccine that many scientists feel should not be rolled out in “Warp Speed.”

One of the people pushing this initiative is Mrs Melinda Gates. In a Time Magazine article, she states, “In the US, that would be black people next, quite honestly, and many other people of colour.” What she is referring to is who should get the vaccine first.

This has raised many concerns.

Some people of colour have expressed their worry in response to her statement.

Are we being used as guinea pigs again?

A quick look into our history substantiates these concerns.

There is a complicated history that involves forced vaccinations and experiments being conducted on Africans on the continent and in the diaspora. It has undercut trust of medical procedures and immunization within black communities.

The first experiment that comes to mind is the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Doctors beginning in the 1930s

left hundreds of black men untreated with syphilis for four decades to evaluate how the disease ravaged their body even after penicillin was developed. Of course, we are concerned. Why shouldn’t we be when this is just one of many stories.

Polls are now showing that Americans have increasingly expressed concern about a vaccine that is available within the year (Pew Research Centre). The trust of a first-generation COVID-19 vaccine is significantly less among black Americans compared to white or Hispanic people: Less than 30% of black people said they would be willing to take the vaccine, as opposed to 51% of white, and 56% of Hispanic people (Axios-Ipsos survey, August 2020).

On the CDC website, they admit that certain vaccines may not be right for everyone. The CDC advises that certain people not get specific vaccines, or to wait before getting vaccinated. This is because different vaccines contain different components, and each vaccine can affect you differently. Your age, health conditions, and other factors all combine to determine if you should get each vaccine. The difficulty with this is that many people are unaware of the factors that would make them susceptible to injuries from vaccines, simply because they have not done their research.

“More black voices are needed in science.”

Kevin M. Ileka (Harvard Business Review) This statement was made in regard to two French scientists, who determined that trials for the effectiveness of a tuberculosis vaccine should take place in Africa. Mr Ileka’s words are part of the reason why a panel of African diasporic doctors will be responsible for vetting the federal review of companies’ vaccines.

Leon McDougle is the President of the largest and oldest group of black physicians in America (National Medical Association). The association has taken a stand and stated that if they don’t believe in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, it’s not moving forward.

The Food and Drug Administration and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, repeatedly assure the public that the vaccine being developed for COVID-19 is safe. They admit that while vac-

cine development can take years, researchers aren’t starting from scratch to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. They plan to use past research on SARS and MERS vaccines. Good news, right?

An article found on mayoclinic.org (www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859), speaks on the fact that past research on vaccines for coronaviruses has identified some challenges: Vaccine safety When vaccines for SARS were tested on animals, most of the vaccines improved the animals’ survival but didn’t prevent infection. Some of the vaccines caused complications, such as lung damage. This indicates that a COVID-19 vaccine will need to be thoroughly tested to make sure it’s safe for humans. Making one at “Warp Speed,” could end up being a horrible idea. Don’t forget; black people should get it first.

Long-term protection Just how effective is the vaccine going

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Protecting older people It is a well-known fact that people older than age fifty are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Aren’t they great candidates for that front spot in line for vaccinations?

Hopefully not! It was discovered that older people usually don’t respond to vaccines as well as younger people.

There is so much to consider with this new COVID-19 vaccine. Although right now in Canada, I have not found any reports from African diasporic doctors moving towards this idea of vetting for the African community, I think that knowing that it is happening is a start. If there are any doctors who are looking into doing this, I would love to interview you. Feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts.

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PAGE 4

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

You’re not feeling well? Yeah, Covid-19 has everything to do with that!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Before we begin, I want readers to understand that statements in this article are for general information purposes only, but I do recommend considering them on a personal basis. Do not rely on this information to make any decisions on your mental or physical health. It is important that if after reading this you are triggered, reach out to a medical professional.

Let’s start with some questions from an inventory called Reeder Stress Inventory. This inventory is a four-item questionnaire used to measure the general perception of stressfulness in daily life. I want you to consider these questions in relation to how you have been feeling since the beginning of the pandemic. Simply answer YES, or NO: • • • •

In general, I am usually tense or nervous?

There is a great amount of nervous strain connected with my daily activities?

At the end of the day, I am completely exhausted mentally and physically?

My daily activities are extremely trying and stressful?

What I want you to consider after reading this is the fact that your stress levels have been severely elevated since this pandemic has taken over our lives. The dangerous part about this is that there have been associations made between psychological stress and: depression, cardiovascular disease, and HIV/AIDS.

For many of us, this whole year has been demanding and taxing. Our environmental demands at times have exceeded our ability to adapt. We are all so scared about the Coronavirus, that we don’t even realize that this fear has heightened our stress, and this might be causing other severe health conditions to be affecting us.

Evidence for the role of stress has emerged and include: upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, herpes, viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and healing (as cited from Psychological stress and disease, Journal of Medical Association). Higher psychological stress has also predicted coronary heart disease in several observational studies.

What I am hoping that readers will take from this is that COVID-19 has added to our health issues, even if we don’t have any of the symptoms that are connected to the virus. Let’s take a look at a couple issues that have arisen.

Lockdowns and stress The governments COVID policies around the world have caused undue stress on the global population. We are all dealing with: uncertainty of the future, limits on social gatherings with friends and family, threats and enforcement of fines, increasing debt levels and the governments constant flip

flops on their positions.

These changing COVID policies are inducing stress and leading to an uptick in respiratory illnesses similar to COVID. It seems like the very policies designed to help, or save us, could be setting us up for more illness and death than if we approached this in a way that allowed for people to feel human.

Mandated masks Now, I am not going to go too much into this debate. If you are interested in research around masks, I would suggest you review an article written in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper called, “Mask On, Mask Off.� In this article, I want to present some updated news on how the mandated masks have begun to affect people.

Headaches One study that followed 158 nurses that had to wear PPE (masks) for greater than four hours per day developed PPE (masks) related headaches. Those suffering from on-going headaches as a result of the mask mandates might be stressed out about that knowledge, and this stress may be making them more susceptible to COVID itself.

I was able to find a quote directly from the Ontario Nursing Associations website discussing the court case they won not once, but twice.

“ONA’s well-regarded expert witnesses, including: Toronto infection control expert Dr. Michael Gardam, Quebec epidemiologist Dr. Gaston De Serres, and Dr. Lisa Brosseau, an American expert on masks, testified that there was insufficient

evidence to support the St. Michael’s policy and no evidence that forcing healthy nurses to wear masks during the influenza season did anything to prevent transmission of influenza in hospitals. They further testified that nurses who have no symptoms are unlikely to be a real source of transmission and that it was not logical to force healthy unvaccinated nurses to mask.�

Two years prior to the mandatory mask mandate that has struck most of the world, the Ontario Nursing Association fought and won the mask argument in the courts.

The court documents read, “In her report, Professor Brosseau canvassed all of the relevant literature and wrote: “It is my opinion that the surgical masks required for un-vaccinated staff at St. Michael’s Hospital will offer no or a very low level of protection from infectious aerosols either for the wearer exposed to nearby patients or for patients exposed to an infected wearer.� Referring specifically to surgical and procedural masks.

In particular, surgical and procedural masks did not prevent influenza transmission by an infected person. The fit of these masks on your face will allow a lot of leakage around the side.�

There is a considerable amount of evidence that shows how stress, as well as some of the COVID-19 policies and mandates are actually contributing to our bad health. It is something to consider going into flu season. Community, take from this article what applies to you, consult a medical professional, and please take care of yourself.

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NEWS

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 5

This school year may lead to severe teacher burnout!

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As over two million students from 72 public school boards settled into the reality of schooling during the corona pandemic, additional pressure has been placed on educators. The adoption of a hybrid model of teaching, which combines in class and online learning simultaneously, has not been an easy transition for students, parents and educators.

The Ministry of Education has mandated that public school boards offer remote learning, which involves both asynchronous and synchronous learning for students who have not opted for virtual schooling as outlined in its memorandum.

There is the additional requirement of a minimum of 225 minutes of live teaching per day.

There are many challenges that new inexperienced and seasoned teachers face as they adapted to this blended model.

In an article on Friday, October 2nd, 2020 by the Canadian Press, Kelly Main, a teacher with the Waterloo Region School Board observes, “We’re expected to deliver the material every day to both cohorts. You’re never going to be on the same page because it’s obviously harder to be working online.� There are inherent challenges with respect to students: engagement, interaction, participation and involvement.

In addition, the workload of teachers has increased significantly as they have to prepare teaching materials for both in class and online classes at the same time.

Rachel Collishaw, President of the Ontario History and Social Teacher’s Association observes, “It’s basically doubling the workload on top of the COVID stress.� She notes that there is an on-going conflict that teachers face between focusing on their personal mental health and student’s wellbeing. This potentially could lead to longterm problems with stress.

The Canadian Press mentioned an online survey of 250 mostly Ontario and Alberta teachers from Sept 4th to 14th, which found that 78% of them reported they were worried about contracting COVID-19. Less than 50% of them expressed faith in the safety protocols that they have to enforce in their classrooms. Approximately 75% of the teachers stated that they are aware of the importance of the measures required to ensure the health and safety of students.

Jack Jedwab, president of the Association for Canadian Studies observes, “A lot of these teachers, need more support in terms of addressing the challenges that they’re facing with respect to the effects of the pandemic.� The increased responsibility on teachers require them to be directly involved in ensuring that safety protocols are properly practised by students in schools. They have to ensure that students properly wear their masks and goggles, practice physical and social distancing as well as using hand sanitizer several times a day.

Kelly Main as a front-line worker in the educational field knows the onus pressure first hand with respect to her workload. She observes, “It’s a lot more time.

It’s exhausting because of course, we’re shouting through our masks and through our facial shields or goggles to be heard.�

She expressed how overwhelming it has been. She states, “The day never ends.

It never ends. I consider myself to be in a pretty good position right now and I’m still stressed. I don’t really know how the others are coping. I think we might be heading for some real burnouts.�

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Fighting against a pandemic and seasonal affective disorder, an excruciating double-jab!

JANIECE CAMPBELL janiece@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Ah – so long, summer! We made it to the final quarter of the year. Around this time, we are accustomed to preparing for the holidays. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, it is a familial affair full of food and fun. As the year wraps up, pumpkin spice lattes turn into eggnog, which will eventually turn into glasses of champagne while welcoming a new year. A season of ultimate celebration is drawing near!

Unfortunately, not everyone embraces these months in this way. In fact, many dread this time of the year.

The anguish of waking up at 6 a.m. to a midnight-dark sky. The pain of watching the sun set before you even have a chance to enjoy the day. The discomfort of naked trees as the once-vibrant leaves dwindle lifelessly from the branches. The bitterness of the cold air as it nips at your fingers. Now, all of that with a sprinkle of a global pandemic on top? It is guaranteed to leave you feeling down, unproductive, and unmotivated.

Sometimes, people may brush these feelings off as another case of the winter blues. However, they could be symptoms of an actual condition – seasonal affective disorder (SAD, no pun intended!).

SAD can be simply defined as a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons, typically beginning in fall and continuing through the winter months. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of SAD may include: • • • • • • • • •

Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed Having low energy Having problems with sleeping Changes in your appetite or weight Feeling sluggish or agitated Having difficulty concentrating Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide

For people who already experience these seasonal symptoms, it only seems to get worse with the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic accentuating the stress and iso-

lation. For a season that is associated with bringing family and friends together, it is disheartening that there will be a lack of social interaction due to physical distancing protocols and an absence of gift giving due to a grim economy.

It is also important to take note of who is at risk for SAD. About 2% to 3% of Canadians will experience it in their lifetime.

Another 15% will experience a milder form that leaves them only slightly depressed, but still able to live their life without major disruptions. People with seasonal affective disorder also make up about 10% of all depression cases. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), risk factors for developing the disorder include but are not limited to: • •

•

•

Women may be up to nine times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

Young adults between ages 18 to 30 are at a higher risk than older adults.

After the age of 50, SAD begins to decline.

The rates of SAD can be dependent on geographical location, it is more common in people who live either far north or far south of the equator.

Among Americans, about 9% who live near the Canadian border experience SAD symptoms, compared to just 1.5% of people in Florida.

A family history of SAD or other forms of depression increases risk.

Whether you are suffering from SAD or a milder case of the winter blues amid this already gloomy year, it is not foreign to feel overwhelmingly bleak and lonely. Hang on tight, do not ignore these symptoms and find healthy ways to cope! It is time to take action over your mental health, and you can do so by: 1. Seeing a physician! There are several effective treatments made to alleviate symptoms including light therapy and medication.

2. Embracing a healthy lifestyle! Avoid the urge to overindulge in carbs and try to maintain a balanced diet. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily, as it can increase serotonin and endorphins, which directly affects your mood. Try to normalize your sleep schedule by going to sleep and waking up at the same time daily.

3. Distract yourself and discover what brings you joy! Find a reason to put a smile on your face! Whether it is laughing at memes, video-calling your friends, or binge-watching a Netflixseries, push yourself to do something that makes you happy.

NEWS

PAGE 7

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NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

An eye-opening interview with retired Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Schabas SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- I know that there are members of the community who have been following our coverage of COVID-19. Some agree with us, and others think that we are endangering their health and well-being. Respectfully, I understand both sides, and this is why we move to bring credible, relevant content to our community.

This week, I turned to a cohort, who should have been turned to from the very beginning. In 1.5 million years of human existence, it is only for about the past 200 years that communities have not turned to their elders during times of extreme social strain. An anthropologist will coincide with the fact that in prehistoric times, the collection of wisdom found with our elders was the key to human survival.

Our elders have a wealth of experience. They have gained so much wisdom in their lifetime; it is almost idiotic to not turn to them, especially when they have experienced situations that you are personally struggling with.

Life is cyclical. What has happened before will happen again. There is nothing really new under the sun. When facing indecision, or dealing with an experience that you have never been through before, why not ask an elder? Find out how they handled the experience.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Richard Schabas, a retired physician, and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer from 1987 – 1997. He happened to be the Chief of Staff at York Central Hospital during the SARS crisis in 2003. During this time, he spoke at “Pandemics and the Media: Global Health Challenges,” a conference that promotes the understanding about how to best inform the public in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Dr. Schabas spoke out against the WHO’s 2005 declaration of a pandemic third-stage alert for avian flu. He did not believe it was justified, as there was no substantive change in the behaviour of the disease. He was sure to point out that he believed that the decision was based on politics, not on scientific or biological events.

With his over 40 years of experience in the medical field, no one has been paying closer attention to this pandemic than Dr. Schabas. What he is focused on

is the daily situation reports issued by the World Health Organization. What he shared with me that day was not only powerful, but also eye opening, even for me who has been following this pandemic, just as closely.

“We shouldn’t panic!”

Dr. Richard Schabas Let’s take a look at some facts. At the beginning of March 2020, Dr. Schabas contributed an article to the Globe & Mail, and in that article, he calls attention to the numbers.

“But in the same three months, there have been about three million deaths in China from other causes, and about 14 million deaths worldwide. During the same three-month period, according to Health Canada, there have been almost 10,000 deaths in Canada from tobacco addiction, for instance – and just one from COVID-19.” (“Strictly by the numbers, the coronavirus does not register as a dire global crisis”, Globe and Mail, March 11th, 2020)

He stresses on paying attention to just the facts, not the sensationalized version of the facts. During his time dealing with SARS in 2003, he learned some powerful lessons. He shares his discomfort on how the WHO issues their daily reports.

In his eyes, the reports given are wrong in many aspects. However, like I mentioned above, these larger global organizations are the strongest sources of information out there.

One thing he does not preach is complacency. He realizes that this disease is not going away anytime soon. He stresses that we need to be vigilant in our surveillance of the pandemic. Travellers from areas of active disease should be tested.

Patients with atypical pneumonia should be hospitalized. People with COVID-19 need to be isolated, and their close contacts monitored. In his words,

“We need to be sensible. The province going back into a lockdown is not only unnecessary, it’s also damaging.

Our last lockdown accomplished nothing.

We need to establish our non-negotiable, which are school, and people’s ability to be financially independent. People have to be able to work.”

There is so much that I could share with you in this article, but I think that it would be better off if you heard it from him. I am going to share two topics that we went into: quarantines, and masks.

“Quarantine belongs back in the Middle Ages. Save your masks for robbing banks. Stay calm and carry on. Let’s not make our attempted cures worse than the disease.”

Quarantine Quarantine is defined as “restrictions placed on the entrance to and the exit from the place or premises where a case of communicable disease exists.” It describes the actions directed at healthy people thought to have been exposed to a communicable disease and who may be nurturing the infection.

His article “Is the Quarantine Act Relevant,” Dr. Schabas goes into detail about why quarantining is not the best way to handle a pandemic. He shares that quarantine is an ancient concept. It can be traced back to the Black Death in 14th century Italy. At that time, the period of detention was 30 days, and was later modified to 40 days (quarantino). He calls these measures “harsh and stupid.” There are unmarked graves on Grosse-Île on the St. Lawrence River that bear witness to how well quarantine worked for them.

It was interesting to learn that about 40 years ago, quarantine had fallen into disrepute because of the widespread perception that it did not work. It became relevant again in the mid-1980s to describe an unsuitable effort to control the spread of HIV. Since then, quarantining has become a thing again. It gained strength during the SARS situation in 2003. Now, quarantining has turned into a measure to fight pandemic influenza.

Dr. Schabas introduced “The Control of Communicable Disease Manual,” which provides an authoritative summary of control measures for more than 150 infectious diseases of public health concern.

The book recommends modified quarantine for only six diseases, and: influenza, smallpox or SARS are not on that list.

According to Dr. Schabas, for quarantine to be effective, three conditions must be met: 1. The disease must be efficiently transmissible in its incubation period or very early in its symptomatic stage.

Case isolation, not quarantine, is appropriate for diseases that are spread only during symptomatic illness. Quarantine will be ineffective for diseases that can be spread by people with only asymptomatic illness.

2. Second, it must be possible and practical to identify all, or virtually all, people incubating the infection.

3. Third, infected people must comply with the conditions of the quarantine.

When I go through this list, I think to myself, what handbook is the government reading out of? Also, where are they finding their specialists? This unnecessary quarantining has hurt our communities. It has caused: diversion of scarce resources (toilet paper hoarding), augmentation of public fears

and intolerances (mask-shaming), provocation of civil disobedience (non-maskers) and infringement of human rights.

“Masks have become a symbol. All it does is identify someone as being on the good side. Personally, I think it is silly to wear masks.”

Masks Dr. Schabas mentions that he thinks that the governments are all caught up in a high stakes poker game where they can’t fold. Every country keeps upping the ante, and then other countries follow suit.

He truly does not understand where the global governments are going with these measures. He feels that they have all overreacted.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time I personally write about the harmful effects of masks. This is yet another doctor telling us that the use of masks is hurting rather than helping us.

There are studies that continue to show that the prolonged use of facemasks is associated with higher rates of respiratory infection and depression of the immune system.

Dr. Colin D. Furness, a professor from the University of Toronto, also is speaking out about the fact that wearing a mask can be dangerous. He notes that masks can collect bacteria and other viruses.

There was a study done in a U.K. medical journal, showing that health-care workers who wore cloth masks all day while working were 13 times more likely to get a respiratory illness when compared to those who only wore a mask when necessary.

Let’s wrap this up with one more study that supports Dr. Schabas’s attitude when it comes to masks. A Singapore study observed health care workers, and they found that those who wore their masks for long periods of time developed new headaches or exacerbation of their pre-existing headache disorders.

I want to be clear about something here. Dr. Schabas does not have any issues with people who want to wear masks; he just wants you to be doing it safely, and he thinks that mandating it is unnecessary.

I am starting to question certain things that I continue to hear in the mainstream media. As I question, I dig for answers, I consult with those who know more than me, and then, I share it with you. Do with it as you wish!

Watch the full interview by loging on to: TorontoCaribbean.com/DrSchabas

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NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Inequalities persist; Adult students have few options for online learning PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) adjusts its academic programming to deal with the onslaught of students in their elementary and secondary virtual school, adult learners are left in the cold.

It has been particularly challenging for the TDSB, which is the largest board in Canada, to find teachers to teach its virtual school. In many ways, adult learners are vulnerable, as they do not have access to the full spectrum of courses and choices that adolescent learners have in the TDSB.

Adult education has been a staple of public education across Ontario for many years. It is particularly important in urban areas such as: Toronto, Brampton and Mississauga, which have large immigrant populations. The TDSB has sev-

eral adult schools that have served adult learners for many years. These schools offer courses for students 18+ in an advanced program, and for those 21+ in an adult program. Schools that offer these programs include: Emery Adult Learning Centre in the north-west, City Adult Learning Centre (CALC), Yorkdale Secondary School in the north end, Burhamthorpe Collegiate Institute (BCI) in the south-west and the Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies.

The Toronto Star reported on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 that only two adult schools, CALC and Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies offered online learning. This has made it challenging for students who did not register in these schools to access the courses that they need for post-secondary programs. There has been much clamouring for adult day school classes to be fully online by adult learners, and to ensure that they have full access to devices and academic programming.

There was a rally held on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020, at TDSB’s headquarters located at 5050 Yonge Street by the Ontario Education Workers United to draw

attention to the on-going issues at Adult Day Schools. The headline for the rally was titled, “Equity for Adult Day School: Walk the Talk.” It has the following two specific demands: 1. Immediate access to full online schools for all ADS students.

2. Immediate access to all online teaching positions for ADS teachers.

Their press release states, “We are calling for the TDSB to stop discriminating against ADS students and staff.” It declares that the largest school board “Walk the talk, TDSB!” They posed the question, “Does equity really matter in real life or only on paper?”

There were several important questions that were raised by the group: 1. Why is this the only group that doesn’t have full access to online schools when they’re the ones who need it?

2. Why have these teachers been forced into unemployment and sick leave if they need to teach online for health reasons?

3. Why is the Board scrambling to find online teachers while shutting out

this entire group of qualified and underpaid professionals?

In many ways it has been difficult for adult students to plan their academic future given real challenges that they face. Many adult students are caregivers or front-line workers. Many are also: parents, lowerincome racialized and/or newcomers (according to a 2015 TDSB census) and often living in areas of the city hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The inequity that exists in adult education can be traced back to the Mike Harris’s era of the late 1990s. In 1997, Premier Harris reduced funding to adult programs based on the continuing education model (as explained by Leslie Wolfe, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation). She told the Toronto Star, “There is an arbitrary cut off point at age 21, and if you are 20, you get to go to school and have full access to special education, guidance, et cetera .If you are 21, you are simply cut off.”

This inequity persists.

Inclusion will lead to success! National Disability Employment Awareness Month TVISHA MISTRY

tvisha@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Canada is an inclusive nation that believes in the basic human rights to equality and fair treatment, regardless of a person’s: race, gender, sexual orientation, or incapacities. Recognizing the spirit of Canadian inclusiveness in the workplace; the month of October celebrates, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

Studies have shown that companies who hire from a diverse pool of people (including people who have disabilities) face greater success rates. A 2018 Accenture study, found businesses that practice inclusive hiring of people with disabilities, encounter significantly higher economic success. With a 72% higher productivity rate, a 45% increase in workplace

safety, 30% higher profit margins; and twice the net income compared to other businesses in the study.

The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), is a professional body established in 2008, united to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The organization campaigns to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of hiring with diversity and inclusion.

When businesses hire inclusive of people with disabilities they not only establish themselves as an impartial organization, but also reap the benefits of expanding their employment sectors. By not letting an individual’s disability compromise their prospects of employment, the company doesn’t just impact the individual’s life positively, it also: discovers fresh talents, fills potential expertise gaps, all the while strengthening the brand reputation and customer.

As ODEN starts the month off with the National Disability Employment Awareness campaign, the organization’s CEO, Jeannette Campbell shares a hearttouching message with businesses.

“The traditional workplace - the

entire concept of how and where people work - is being rapidly reshaped, and will continue to be, perhaps for years to come.

It’s essential for businesses to view these challenging times as an opportunity to start intentionally recruiting with diversity and inclusion if they’re not already doing so.”

Campbell further adds, “Right now, many businesses may not be thinking about the future. They are wrestling with their immediate challenges. I definitely understand that. With several sectors facing labour shortages over the next decade, and others rapidly growing, the disability talent pool can help businesses expand their base of qualified candidates and address these labour shortages and growing pains, so they are prepared for the future.

When recruiting candidates who have a disability becomes ‘business as usual,’ it helps shock-proof businesses for the future against uncertainty and adversity. Inclusive hiring helps businesses stay competitive in the long term.”

Jeannette Campbell shares the positive effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on “The Power of Inclusion,”

and hopes the results are lasting and continue.

Explaining the effects, she says, “Some sectors have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some jobs that have been lost may never come back; at the same time, there are new jobs being created in other sectors. Opening new doors and building new relationships can lead to new employment and business success stories.”

Campbell adds, “Whether businesses are re-staffing as they recover, in a sector that’s growing or facing a future labour shortage, now is the time to expand your talent search.”

To raise further awareness and educate businesses on the power of inclusive hiring, ODEN is launching a new audio podcast during NDEAM, called “You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D.” Through the first episode, qualified panellists will discuss how the power of inclusion can help drive: a stronger business culture, build brand reputation, and attract/retain top talents in the field. This podcast will be made available for download on all major podcast distribution apps from October 13th.

NEWS

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 11

Systemic racism; People were harmed in the making of this outdated concept OMNIYA ALI

amniya@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“We know these truths. Canada’s governments and institutions – hospitals, schools, policing, laws and social services – weren’t created with serving Indigenous people in mind. They were designed to fail us.” – Tanya Talaga, The Globe and Mail

A video released in late September showed Joyce Echaquan, a 37-yearold Atikamekw woman being mistreated by hospital staff in Quebec. While the contents of the video have proven to be extremely saddening to other members of the Indigenous community, they have not failed to openly discuss it to increase awareness and once again demand their rights. Unable to escape the gruesome monster we know as systemic racism, Echaquan arrived at a hospital in the Quebec city of Joliette complaining of stom-

ach pain. Almost certain that her pain would be downplayed and dismissed, she also told the nurses that she had previously suffered similar issues and informed the staff of her heart condition. To which they coldly responded with “Are you done acting stupid? Are you done?” among other remarks calling her stupid as hell and watching her as she winced in pain, this woman’s rights were very clearly not delivered to her.

Although to the average citizen this situation is obviously an abuse of power and a deliberate display of the lack of empathy towards minorities, the premier of Quebec believes otherwise. François Legault treated this as an isolated event and informed reporters that at least one of the nurses had been fired for the incident. He then proceeded to reject the notion that the maltreatment and death of Echaquan was a clear representation of a much larger issue of racism within Quebec. Expressing “I really don’t think we have this kind of way of dealing with First Nations people in our hospitals in Quebec.”

As the hospital board affirmed in a statement,‘‘we will not tolerate any remarks of that type from our personnel,” it once again raises several questions such

as: How effective is it to punish the personnel after the occurrence of an incident? Is it included within their training? Are Indigenous people accounted for equally as much as the next ethnicity?

To further prove the lack of empathy and professionalism associated with the Indigenous community in health care, Marc Miller, federal Indigenous services minister pointed out another incident.

In another case, the staff of a hospital in British Colombia placed bets on the blood alcohol content of incoming Indigenous patients. Mixing their services with harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.

Bracketing, also known as phenomenological reduction, is used in qualitative research as a tool to suspend one’s judgement about the natural world that could possibly influence the analysis of the data. This could include vested interests, personal experience, cultural factors, assumptions, and hunches. This method should be applied within the medical context in order to withhold personal judgements and opinions of a patient to provide the best service possible. Furthermore, diversity within medical training has increasingly been discussed among POC to address issues within the system. Much

as the judicial and justice systems need to be readjusted to cater to a more diverse community, the medical system does as well. Rather than learning the needs and realities of exclusively Caucasian patients POC must also be accounted for to avoid incidents like this from occurring in the future.

In another response to the video of Joyce Echaquan, Frances Elizabeth Moore, an Anishinaabe activist community worker shared some of her own experiences. She said “I always need to advocate for myself. At times, I’ve brought others to appointments because I did not feel safe going alone. This isn’t new. This isn’t unheard of. You just haven’t been listening.

I hope some serious reform comes from Joyce’s heroic actions. Rest well sister.”

If Canada prides itself on meeting all the basic physiological and safety needs of its citizens, why do people like Joyce and Frances feel the need to take extra steps to ensure they receive them? When is Canada going to stop placing the Indigenous woman at the very bottom of its list?

When will the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action be answered?

Not all skinfolk are kinfolk; Self-proclaimed activist under federal fire for fraud JANIECE CAMPBELL janiece@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

His social media bio says, “For the People.”

His recently updated criminal record says otherwise.

An Atlanta-based activist is facing federal wire fraud and money laundering charges following the discovery of over $200,000 worth of missing donations intended for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Tyree-Conyers Page (publicly known as Sir Maejor Page), was arrested in Toledo, Ohio for allegedly using the donations for the movement solely on personal expenses, “with no identifiable purchase or expenditure for social or racial justice,” said FBI agent Matthew Desorbo.

According to a statement provided by the FBI, a complaint was filed in

April 2020, alleging that Page was fraudulently posing as a Black Lives Matter leader and utilizing the organization for monetary gain. A further investigation determined that Page had created and operated a social media page titled “Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta” (BLMGA). It was listed as a non-profit organization both through the social media page and through the crowdfunding website, GoFundMe. Any donations received would be sent to a bank account named “Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta, Inc,” an account opened in 2018 with Page being the only signatory on the account.

From April 2018 to May 2020, the account balance never exceeded $5,000.

In fact, at one point it had a balance of -$12.42. However, in June 2020, the funds began to skyrocket, following the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement gaining international attention.

According to the FBI, the exact calculations read: “In June 2020, BLMGA’s social media page received approximately $36,493.80 in donations; in July 2020, it received approximately $370,933.69 in donations; and in August 2020, an additional $59,914.69 in donations.” All of this fundraised money –

about $470,000 in total was transferred to the bank account that Page had set up.

In June 2020, Page responded to private messages, assuring that the funds had been donated to Black Lives Matter in honour of continuing the fight for George Floyd and many others. He confidently told supporters that none of “the funds have been used for personal items. All movement related.” However, it was discovered that throughout the entire summer, Page repeatedly used a debit card linked to the account to make purchases related to food, entertainment, furniture, a home security system, tailored suits and accessories.

A few fancy dinners, a couple of fresh suits and a new couch – it doesn’t sound too bad, right? How could that total to $200,000?

Well, the largest purchase made from the account occurred on August 21st, 2020. It was a home and an adjacent vacant lot in Toledo, Ohio. The total price for both properties was approximately $112,000.

Page was also accused of transferring funds from the BLMGA bank account to his personal account to purchase a pistol and two rifles as well.

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videos were posted to Page’s personal social media pages showing himself in what appeared to be newly purchased clothing, hotel rooms, and office space in Atlanta,” the FBI said in its release. “Several audio statements are made by Page in the videos boasting about the money he has, his tailored suits, his nice cufflinks and ‘$150 ties’.”

Black Lives Matter also released a statement, condemning Page of his unacceptable actions.

“The recent and past behavior of Sir Maejor Page has continued to compromise the integrity of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, supporters, and allies. Our stance remains that Mr. Page is not affiliated with Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. We reject and will continue to call out the extreme misleading behaviors of people who utilize our name for their own personal wealth and gain and who are clearly not in service of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation or the movement we represent.”

Since his arrest, Page has put his Instagram account on private. He has been released on a $10,000 bond and awaits his court appearance.

PAGE 12

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

The Comedy Doctor Jay Martin turns 50 and does it in style!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Having the ability to make people feel better even just for that moment is a special gift.”

Everyone deals with aging differently. Some get down on themselves, but others have a brighter perspective. Turning fifty is a time of celebration and acceptance. If you’ve been lucky enough to live a full and enjoyable life, you are fortunate. For comedian Jay Martin, turning fifty means it’s time to create some new goals for the next fifty years.

Toronto comedian known for his smooth style and cultured roots, Jay Martin grew up in Malton and has gained a loyal following throughout the city. His popular comedic routine continues to draw heavily from childhood experiences and has earned him the headliner’s spot at countless comedy joints and appearances at Montreal’s worldfamous Just For Laughs festival.

This past Thanksgiving weekend, the city had the opportunity to celebrate Jay’s birthday with him in style. Now, since

COVID-19, I have seen many virtual events, but none that have brought down the house like Jay’s 50th birthday extravaganza. He had everyone, and I mean everyone come out and celebrate with him.

There were tributes and performances by: Oliver Samuels, Kardinal Offishall, Russell Peters, Chris Spencer, Dean Edwards, Dwayne Morgan, Trixx, Jully Black, Jean Paul (who had people dying with his wit and charm), Patricia Shirley, Melanie Durrant, Yosvanni, Osound, Andrae Ennis (bring us back with some Luther Vandross), The Recipe Band, my favourite dance duo Tabby Rockstar & Nas, Mike Ferfolia, and all of this was followed up by an after party with the one and only Starting from Scratch.

To add to the charm, and classiness of the evening, Jay had Kilos Vodka as one of his sponsors. This alluring and smooth vodka is made in a class of its own and was displayed with its popular hand designed gold bottle. It was perfect because as a family, you could sit down, enjoy dinner with a drink, and take in some exceptional entertainment.

There was more to this night than just celebrating Jay’s birthday. It was also a crowdfunding and fundraising event for the exciting new sitcom Oliver in Charge, featuring Jay Martin, and the one and only Oliver Samuels.

For those who don’t know, Oliver Samuels is considered the Jamaican King of Comedy. He has played major roles in more

than thirteen pantomimes and thirty productions, both in Jamaica and around the world.

He appeared in a British series including: “My Father Son-Son Johnson,” “The Fight Against Slavery,” and “Brothers and Sisters.” He has also appeared in popular soap operas, Italian, and German films. He is known as one of the greatest talents coming from the Caribbean region.

Imagine now if you will, these two comedians coming together in a sitcom.

This is happening and will become more of a reality with the help of the community. In June 2020 Jay, and Oliver came together to ink a deal which includes a package of film and television projects namely: “Destination Wedding” – a romantic comedy, and “Oliver In Charge” - a television sitcom currently in preproduction and slated for television release in 2021. This hilarious sitcom series follows Martin’s character that plays Oliver Samuels estranged son.

Last week I had a chance to catch up with Jay, and he was able to share more about it with me.

“For 20 years Simone,” Jay began, “Oliver and I owned the city. We took on the responsibility of making our Toronto community laugh. It has been different this year with the lockdowns, so we had to strategize on what we were going to do.

This is how we came up with the idea for the sitcom ‘Oliver in Charge.’ After discussing the idea with Oliver and getting

his blessing, Craig Wellington and I sat down, and wrote a 13-episode synopsis, as well as four entire episodes of the sitcom.

Our goal is to shoot this with the quality of Blackish, and the dynamics of Modern Family. African and Caribbean households can be great material for comedy. What do you get when you put a fiery Jamaican, and a fiery Nigerian together? Nothing but laughter.

We are doing the most with this sitcom, and we really think the community is going to enjoy it. It’s a lot of mix up, and this is what makes this sitcom so funny.

Having my birthday extravaganza is one of the ways that we are raising funds to launch our pilot. I want to give a special shout out to I love SoundClash who donated $500.00 at my birthday event. Once you watch my birthday event that was playing throughout the weekend you will get a better idea as to what this sitcom has to offer. I am excited because we have garnered interest from BET, and Netflix.”

I have to admit, it was an exciting evening of laughter and entertainment. If you are interested in donating towards making this project come to life, you can visit Oliverincharge.com, and Caribbeantales. tv.com. I am not sure if they will still be showing his birthday bash, but if they are, it is definitely worth the watch.

Trinidadian iconic entertainer and comedian Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall dead at 71 MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Trinidadian comedian, historian, actor, producer, and singer/composer Dennis Lindsay “Sprangalang” Hall passed away on Friday, October 2nd, 2020 at Mt Hope Hospital in Trinidad. He had not been well for the past year due to some complications caused by a stroke. Hall was 71-years-old.

“Sprang” (as his friends would call him) was everything wrapped up in one package from an entertainer’s point of view.

There was not a role he did not play, but comedy was his strong point. As “Master of Ceremony” he would have his audience in stitches from beginning to end nonstop. His jokes had no boundaries.

Here is a peek at some of the work he did. In 2003, he starred in the comedy called (Lord Have Mercy) which was produced in Canada for Vision TV. It was also shown on Caribbean International Network.

In 2007, he was featured in a Canadian film called (A Winter Tale), and the stage play called (A Man in the Bedroom) alongside fellow Trinidadian comedian Errol Fabien in 2010.

Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization (TUCO) of which Hall was a lifetime member, sent their condolences to Hall’s family saying “The President, National Executive, and membership of TUCO wish to express our condolences and sympathy to the family of Mr. Dennis Hall known in the entertainment world as “Sprangalang” who passed away on the evening of 2nd October 2020 at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.”

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper reached out to Trinidadian/Canadian Calypso historian and author Mr. George Maharaj, who grew up just a few doors down from “Sprangalang.” He told Toronto Caribbean

Newspaer about his friend, neighbor, and the comedian he knew so well.

“He was one of the guys that never left Trinidad,” Maharaj said. “He likes to say I was born here. He is one of the most knowledgeable persons in calypso history that I have ever known,”

Maharaj told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper that Hall possessed a photostatic memory of dates and time when it came to the calypso artiste. As a “Master of Ceremony” he would call them out by name, rank, and even tell the audience which song they sang and in what year the song was recorded.

According to Maharaj, it all started for Hall in a Run-shop in Trinidad called (BEEPAT)) “That is where all the comedians would hang-out and tell jokes. From there he got a gig on a small tv show, then someone asked him to be the MC in a calypso tent, but he was always educating the public.”

“As a person,” Maharaj said, “Hall was very approachable. He would talk to you about anything except if you said anything derogatory against calypso, he would not

have that”

There was much more to Sprangalang than met the eye, Maharaj disclosed, “He was versed in Hindi language which was made possible with my mom’s assistance.

Sprangalang would come to my house so that my mom could translate his Hindi assignments for him. She was a pundit, and like everybody else, he called her maa.”

Sprangalang was also very big in the (Parang! Arena, a Spanish and Caribbean style of Christmas music) and as a recording artiste said, Maharaj, he even made five or six hits.

Always a simple man, Sprangalang never showed off his celebrity status because he knew what it meant to be (the people’s entertainer). Coming from humble beginnings as: the rum-shop comedian, the taxi driver, the calypso tent MC, right up to the movies it is safe to say he has done it all.

“I believe he should have been awarded the county’s highest award of Trinidad and Tobago which is the (Trinity Cross),” Maharaj told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “And if I have to describe him in one sentence I will say, he was a true Trini.”

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS

PAGE 13

BSAM Canada overjoyed at winning Waterfront Residency DAVE RANKIN dave@carib101.com

AFRICAN HISTORY

With winning the first ever Waterfront Artistry Residency, the ever-growing presence of the Canadian Chapter of the Black Speculative Arts Movement can no longer be ignored. Their progressive rise in the arts space has garnered the much-needed acclamation when it comes to showcasing talented individuals who have carved out an unapologetic space for themselves.

Starting out with BSAM co-founder Quentin Vercetty, who was one of two international artists featured in 2015 at

the Unveiling Visions exhibition curated by John Jennings and Dr. Reynaldo Anderson in Harlem, NY. His work has been featured in exhibits around the world. Including a recent memorial commemorating Joshua Glover, who escaped slavery to later settle in Etobicoke.

Then there is artist and author Queen Kukoyi, who masterfully intertwines the presence of figures past and present who gaze into a futuristic landscape in the form of digital collages. We can see her latest work as part of the city’s “It’s Alright Now” public art project. The adrinka laced figure lets us know that regardless of what’s going on, we are ‘Present’, we are ‘Resilient’, we are ‘Forever.’

“Create the space to be extraordinary.”

Rounding out the trio of BSAM Executives is Nicole “Nico” Taylor. A scholar, activist, and cosplayer “N+ico” uses her forum to deconstruct, and decolonialize the misrepresentation mainstream society has placed

on people of African descent. You can also see her work as part of the city’s “It’s Alright Now” public art project.

When speaking with “Nico” this past weekend about the residency, she echoed that the team was, “Overjoyed at the opportunity” and that, “This gives us a chance to broaden our reach and for more people to become knowledgeable of BSAM.” As someone who has attended and covered several BSAM events in the past, I also am happy for the movement.

BSAM has steadily advocated that there are “Supportive and healing” factors within the realm of speculative arts through their projects, programs, and partnerships over the years.

With Toronto’s Waterfront seen as a space that brings so many people of diverse cultures together, it’s only right that the BSAM’s artistic display will “Place a focus on water.” Nico advises, “Water is seen as having mental and spiritual healing factors. Also, it brings various cultures togeth-

er, just like a bridge.”

She is right on the money with that. Historically speaking, many African creation stories involve water. Also, water was seen as a highway, like the QEW or 401, for our ancestors. Let alone the countless of spiritual practices, for example baptism, that till this day still involves water.

Artistically speaking, there wouldn’t be a better way to showcase the healing and transformative properties of speculative art through this theme.

BSAM Canada is currently placing the final touches on what promises to be a historic time for African artistry in our city.

With a virtual launch planned for later this year and involving their network of young, established and upcoming artists, the Waterfront Artistry Residency is in for quite a tribute this coming new year.

For more information on the Waterfront Artistry Residency, contact Waterfront BIA. Contact BSAM Canada at bsamcanada.ca

During the pandemic are we drinking too much Chardonnay?

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER

Winston Churchill, Great Britain’s wartime Prime Minister, once remarked that, “He had gotten more out of alcohol than alcohol had taken out of him.”

During the Nazi bombing of London, perhaps an alcoholic drink eased his tension. But recent reports from Tufts University in Boston, and the University of California, question the increased use of alcohol during this viral pandemic. So, should we cut back on glasses of Chardonnay?

How much has the viral pandemic affected us? According to a Nielsen report, alcohol sales in the U.S. increased by 55% in March 2020. In China, where the infection started, sales of alcohol increased two-

fold.

When we drink alcohol, enzymes in the liver break down the alcohol molecule creating a compound called, acetaldehyde. This is a toxin that if taken to excess, can cause: liver damage, pancreatitis, and various cancers. So, are potential risks too high?

A recent study published in the journal Neurology followed 20,000 low to moderate drinkers, and middle-aged to elderly, for nine years, to check on their brains. These were compared to those who had never touched alcohol. Researchers discovered low to moderate drinking improved brain function and its rate of decline. But another study showed that 14 drinks a week had the opposite effect.

What about red wine that has been associated with improved cardiovascular health? This column has reported that moderate drinkers live longer that teetotalers. Studies have also shown alcohol slows down the formation of blood clots, decreasing coronary attack and stroke.

Dr Alice H. Lichtenstein (Director of Cardiovascular Nutrition at Tufts Univer-

sity) says, “There is no proof that moderate alcohol consumption offers any protection.

People who drink moderately also make other healthier diet and lifestyle choices like not smoking.”

There is also general agreement among authorities that excessive amounts of alcohol over time are a carcinogen. This can result in cancers of the neck, oesophagus, liver, colon and breast. Alcohol also interferes with the breakdown of estrogen, increasing the risk of estrogen sensitive breast malignancies.

Too much chardonnay can also weaken the immune cells in the lungs and other organs. That’s the last thing we want during the pandemic.

Another thing that we don’t need is a mother who drinks during pregnancy.

It’s tragic when mothers drink to excess, and their child suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome. There’s no miracle treatment for these innocent children.

The main philosophy of this column has been Rule #1, prevention. Rule #2, never forget Rule #1. This means making sound lifestyle decisions starting early in

life. It is the best passport for a long life.

The debate over the use of alcohol may never end. But this column contends that sound advice is to enjoy moderate consumption of alcohol. Excessive use has proven to lead to tragic consequences.

Future studies may point otherwise. But until that happens it is interesting to consider what some brilliant minds have remarked about the drinking of alcohol.

For instance, Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, centuries ago supported the use of alcohol. Sir William Osler (the esteemed Professor of Medicine at McGill in Montreal, Johns Hopkins, and Oxford universities) claimed that alcohol was for the elderly what milk is for the young. Add to this, the wise counsel of Cardinal Richelieu remarked, “If God forbid drinking, would he have made wine so good?” Let us not forget that Jesus supported the use of alcohol. After all, he changed water into wine.

Let’s follow the example of an elderly Churchill, who said, “I used to say I wouldn’t drink before lunch, now it’s before breakfast.”

Ontario Casinos reopened, but new restrictions changed all of that!

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

If you are the type of person that enjoys celebrating a win with your friends in a casino setting where you once sat, ate, and drank you might be in for a rude awakening. Yes, it was true that some of Ontario’s casinos did reopen, but things have changed.

Starting last Saturday, indoor dining at restaurants and bars in the three-hotspot regions (Ottawa, Peel, and Toronto), is now prohibited. This means all gyms, movie theatres, and casinos are now closed. These measures are going to be in place for at least 28 days.

Even before the newly imple-

mented restrictions, you could no longer just take a bus or drive to the casino and walk-in anymore. No, it took registering or booking online spots. Guests who did not have a pre-booked reservation would have to manually register with an online representative for the next available play session for that day and that is if you were one of the lucky ones as there were a small number of gamblers allowed inside for a (two-hour period) in some cases after which you would have to leave to make room for the next batch of gamblers.

Registering for a place required for you to hand over your email as well as your phone number and states clearly that this information would be given to the government for the purpose of tracking or tracing just in case, they need to locate you or others that attended the casino and might be sick or at risk.

Think that’s it? Think again it gets better. There was no dining on the premises and you the gambler were not allowed to carry any food either. Social distancing and mask muzzling was in full effect and

you would also be tagged with a wristband. Talk about (dealing excitement bigtime) this is it.

The great Canadian reopened its eleven properties as of September 28th, as part of Ontario’s stage three framework for reopening the economy, but no table games were allowed, just slots, with a maximum limit of 50 persons.

It is anyone’s guess if there is going to be any casinos open in the future unless the government allows them to gamble on the roadside as they have allowed bars and restaurants to now serve there.

The Mayor of Toronto recently said that even though he knows it is going to be financially painful for businesses he is on the side of the health official when it comes to following more strict guidelines that are needed to flatten the curve.

Until now, gamblers in Ontario and New Brunswick could consider themselves lucky because according to the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, casino properties in British Columbia and

Nova Scotia remained closed.

“I am pleased we are able to safely reopen our facilities in Ontario and New Brunswick, allowing us to bring back to work team members in each province,” stated Rod Baker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Once open, gaming revenues in each jurisdiction will be significantly reduced due to operating restrictions,” Baker continued. “The reductions will be especially significant for our Ontario properties where, due to the 50 guest maximum restriction, we expect no material financial benefit to the company from our elevens Ontario locations.”

“In B.C., no approval has been granted for casinos to reopen, and as such, the company will continue to manage its assets in the closed state,” Baker concluded.

It looks like Ontario is now back in the same boat as British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Well, it was good while it lasted.

NEWS

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 15

COVID-19 related protocols change in Peel Schools It will be mandatory that self-isolation occur for students and staff if there is a positive test result. If other family members attend the same school and they do not show any symptoms, they are free to continue attending school. The letter reads,�If our investigation reveals that testing is needed, we will provide you with further information on testing and when you can safely return to school. If students or staff develop any symptoms, testing is strongly recommended. If the investigation reveals low risk of spread, you will be informed when the class or cohort may return to school.�

Important symptoms that parents, guardians, and caregivers should look out for are fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell when deciding whether their kids should stay home or go to school. If they are exhibiting one or more of these symptoms it is important that they be tested for COVID-19 according to Dr.Loh.

In addition, a child must not go to school for a minimum of 24 hours if he

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As the cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Peel, Peel Public Health has seen it fit to make adjustments that reflect directions from the province. Mississauga News reported on October 5th, 2020 that a letter was sent by Dr.Lawrence Loh, the Medical Officer of Health with Peel Public Health to all families in Peel. The letter indicates that if there is a confirmed positive COVID-19 case in a school setting all the students and teachers will have to leave right away. The letter states “Please have a plan for your child to be picked up during the school day in these situations.�

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In the event that COVID-19 symptoms are exhibited by someone in a family as recommended by the COVID- 19 screening tool then they should all quarantine at home. If there is a subsequent negative test on the person with symptoms, then they can go back to normal. Dr. Loh notes, “We recognize these steps may be very disruptive to you and your family. We can stop the spread of COVID-19, but only if we all work together. Thank you for helping keep your family and school community safer.� Those interested in obtaining further information can access it at the https://www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/ testing/#asess.

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These three conditions must apply before students and staff are able to return to school after a negative test:

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or she start experiencing a sore throat, stuffy/runny nose, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or muscle aches. After that time, if the symptoms subside and there is improvement, then the child may go back to school.

It is crucial that a child be tested for COVID-19 if there is at least two of these symptoms or if only one of them continues for a protracted period of time.

Dr. Loh writes that, “If you’re unsure if you should be tested for COVID-19, speak to your health care provider. If your health care provider recommends testing and the student does not get tested, the student must self-isolate for ten days at home from the start of their symptoms.�

Dr. Loh explains further that, “Students with symptoms who are tested for COVID-19 and their household members must isolate at home while waiting for the test result.�

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Drowning in plastic: New report shows Canada contributes disproportionately to the global plastic disaster Lic 12275

TVISHA MISTRY

tvisha@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Plastic has been a leading cause in polluting waters, resulting in ocean degradation; endangering the various marine life that seeks shelter within them. A recent report produced by Oceana Canada discusses Canada’s immense contribution in generating plastic waste causing pollution within the oceans.

Each year, 70% of plastic produced (3.3 million tonnes) is thrown in the trash. Approximately half of the waste comes from single-use product packaging. If as a consumer, one purchases any product with plastic packaging, they are an accessory in the international crisis of global warming. Recycling is not a reliable option.

Only 9% of the plastic thrown out gets recycled. 87% of waste plastic ends up

in landfills and oceans. The rate at which humans are polluting the environment is higher than ever, and the effects of global warming are visible through rapid climate change.

Canada uses 4.6 million metric tonnes every year approximating to roughly 125 kilograms per person. The report uses these statistics to predict the growth of plastic pollution to more than six million metric tonnes by 2030. Global comparisons show that Canada produces nine times more plastic waste per person than India, and up to 3.6 times more than countries in Southeast Asia.

With the world’s longest coastline, touching three oceans, Canada as a nation has a global responsibility and opportunity to initiate plastic-free choices and lead the rest of the world towards an eco-friendly path.

The Oceana Canada report further outlines how the Canadian government can help delay and stagnate a global crisis at its rise, by highlighting steps to conserve the maritime environment. Foremost, the report urges the implementation of the Canadian govern-

ments previously promised ban on harmful single-use plastics, by 2021.

To terminate the plastic disaster crisis Oceana Canada petitions governments and businesses to: • Refuse: Ban unnecessary single-use plastics in Canada by 2021. • Reduce: Municipalities, universities, public institutions, and businesses should provide plastic-free options. • Reuse: Support policies and infrastructures to reuse plastics, including refilling beverage containers. • Rethink: Limit the export of plastic waste to developing countries and promote reduction-based solutions internationally. “Canada needs to move away from our current wasteful system where plastic that is made to last forever is created, used once and then immediately disposed of. The current approach – low recycling rates, exporting plastic waste to other countries and shifting responsibility downstream to consumers – is expensive, irresponsible, and inefficient, and doesn’t even scratch the surface of

solving this massive problem,� said Kim Elmslie, campaign director at Oceana Canada.

“The plastic disaster won’t end without government leadership.

Oceana Canada is calling on Prime Minister Trudeau and Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to create a strong and meaningful ban on single-use plastics by 2021. The Government of Canada has committed to protecting our oceans – taking serious and definitive action to end our country’s contribution to the plastic disaster is a vital part of that plan.�

About Oceana Canada Oceana Canada is an established independent charity and advocacy group dedicated solely to promoting ocean conservation. Oceana Canada works with civil society, fishers, indigenous peoples, and the federal government to return Canada’s formerly vibrant oceans to health and abundance. The charity has campaigned for several causes, some of which include, ending the shark fin trade, improving fisheries management, and protecting marine habitats.

NEWS

PAGE 16

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Short-term gain for long-term pain; Business owner speaks out against banks posable income in Canada. It is made up of hundreds of thousands of passionate people who will do everything in their power to remain solvent so that they can continue to entertain Canadians and visitors from around the world when it is safe to do so.�

What was frustrating Ryan, as well as other businesses in his industry is how the banks have been dealing with them. Instead of sitting back like the victim, he decided that it was time to speak up. Ryan wrote a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau beseeching him to hold banks accountable.

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“We look at these banks as partnerships, but it doesn’t feel like a partnership at all.�

Ryan Vande Vooren, Owner/Operator Glow Zone 360

“We are all in this together.�

Prime Minister Trudeau

Frustration!

I could feel it through the phone. I was speaking to Ryan Vande Vooren, who happens to be the Owner/Operator at Glow Zone 360. The partners at Glow 360 have over forty years combined experience in the attractions industry. The community has benefited from a family, friendly space where you can bring your friends, sports teams, or host birthday parties.

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a mixed impact on businesses in Ontario, with some experiencing a drop in revenue while others continuing to enjoy the same number of clientele. When speaking with Ryan, he told me a little about his industry.

“Our sector is a revenue generator for this country, bringing in new money as well as keeping Canadian dis-

In March, six banks: The National Bank, Bank of Montreal, TD Bank, CIBC, RBC Royal Bank, and Scotiabank, all put out statements that they were committed to working with their personal and small business banking customers to help them manage the challenges that some of them were facing due to the pandemic. Their support would include a deferral of mortgage payments for up to six months, as well as providing some relief on other credit products.

What some businesses may not have realized is that if they accepted the bank’s help, they would still have to pay interest even though their payments were being deferred.

In his letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, Ryan spoke boldly for business

owners, and called out David McKay and the Royal Bank of Canada.

“David McKay and his Royal Bank of Canada are profiting immensely from the funds and guarantees on loans that you have provided them, instead of actually assisting small businesses. The Royal Bank of Canada is making more profit than ever on the backs of the very people you have given them funds to help.

The tourism and hospitality sector, made up of small businesses like mine who make communities across Canada vibrant places to live, work and visit, are still struggling daily to stay afloat in a COVID-19 world.�

He explains that he was denied a CBAP loan guaranteed by the government, even though they have a five-year track record of payments with RBC and had already paid them hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest.

“We are not alone in this, having heard similar stories from our peers from across the province. The one thing they did do is defer our principal payments for six months - but made us pay the interest the whole time.�

During an escalation call with Crystal Reedie (RBC Vice President of Commercial Financial Services), he shared with me that she proudly talked about the “unprecedented� deferrals that RBC was doing for its clients.

“I pointed out that RBC was going to profit immensely from this because no principal was paid down so all of the interest payments for the six-month de-

ferrals were gravy.

I then asked if they ever considered deferring the interest payments too.

She stated that they actively discouraged that from happening because then the interest would have accrued too, adding more debt to their clients.�

“No, no, no,� he said. “Did you actually consider “pausing� the interest and principle for six months and then just starting it back up again?�

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

“David McKay’s Royal Bank of Canada posted a 3rd quarter profit of $3.2B – yes that is billion – even as it wrote off $2.83B in bad loans for the same quarter,� Ryan concluded. I had to empathise with him. He was right. It didn’t sound very good for RBC.

An article titled, “Mortgage, loan relief could end up costing you thousands more as big banks continue to charge interest� (Marco Chown Oved), RBC spokesperson AJ Goodman would not confirm if the bank would continue to charge interest during relief periods. It was later released that all six banks would continue to charge interest on loans or mortgages if customers accepted its offer to skip payments for up to six months.

I wonder how many businesses know that by offering customers “relief,� banks have increased their profits. It seems a little deceptive that banks are profiting off a program that was marketed at being there for the people.

Systemic injustices, a fatal disease been brought to the surface at a much more alarming rate and with much deeper effects. As discussed by these activists some of these issues entail the systemic oppression against Indigenous peoples, police brutality against black people as well as the Canadian government’s negligence towards marginalized people during the pandemic.

Spreading almost as infectiously as the present virus, systemic injustices must be treated with as much urgency. “For Indigenous people, [activism is] not a hobby, it’s what we have to do because we’re fighting colonization,�

Gabriel, a human rights activist from Kanien’kehĂĄ:ka who has advocated for Indigenous peoples’ rights for nearly thirty years, told The McGill Tribute. Gabriel, Walia and Hudson discussed the current state of human rights around the world and reached the conclusion that “systemic injustices are inevitably intertwined,â€? Ella Fitzhugh, The McGill Tribute. They further expressed their desire to see the link between movements such as Black Lives Matter and Indigenous rights movements to enhance solidar-

OMNIYA ALI

amniya@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As of October 9th, 2020, according to the Government of Canada, 178,117 confirmed coronavirus cases and 9,585 deaths from the disease have occurred in Canada. The main underlying concept uniting everyone is that we are all susceptible to the virus, no one is safe. Yet, some people are still being treated as an afterthought, the importance of their life and safety coming second to others.

The Concordia Student Union discussed these issues alongside others such as police and climate during their online seminar on September 13th. The seminar featured Montreal activists Ellen Gabriel, Harsha Walia, and Sandy Hudson. In the wake of coronavirus, many issues have RY 10TH

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Although many obstacles have been placed in the way of these movements, Gabriel, Hudson and Walia are here to tell people not to lose hope.

Sandy Hudson, founder of the Canadian wing of the BLM movement assured that the current success of the movement has aided in the pursuit of the goal of rallying to defund the police. “Policing in our communities [‌] really targets our communities in ways that they don’t target people who aren’t Indigenous, people who aren’t migrants, [and] people who aren’t black,â€? Hudson said. “The way that the state cracks down on particular communities and tries to keep us at the margins through the use of policing, I mean

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that’s a thorough line through all of our movements. This is a topic that really is just a human issue.�

As seen in protests in the US, defunding the police has widely been demanded as a solution to police brutality and racial inequalities. As supporters insisted, instead of funding the police department, the same amount of money allocated would be better off invested in communities, especially marginalized ones where most of the policing occurs.

According to BLM Canada, taxpayers spend over $41 million per day collectively on police services across the country.

That amount has yet to create safer, more secure communities. As suggested by the movement, that money can be redistributed towards other forms of services such as shelters, emergency services for mental distress, survivors of violence or sexual assault, among other forms.

“In human rights, we say all rights are interdependent [and] interrelated, one right that is violated prevents you from enjoying all of your rights,� – Ellen Gabriel

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PAGE 18

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Utilizing space between sunrise and sunset; Remembering Christopher McKenzie WAZARI JOHNSON wazari@carib101.com

JAMAICA TC REPORTER

JAMAICA -- Death is such a strange thing. It can bring you down to your knees by breaking your heart, but it also serves as a very expensive handbill that reminds you that we are not here forever; that we must utilize that space between our sunrise and our sunset to the best of our ability.

I watched my sister battle cancer for one full year, the process drained me. I struggled for months to stay focused on work, my art and my writing. The last two mentioned aspects of myself, comes from a place deep inside me when I have inner turmoil. It is a struggle for me to think creatively. My dear sister died August 12th, 2020, and it felt like I lost a massive part of myself. I tried hard to get back to the potter’s wheel, to the studio, but my spirit felt frozen in time. I found myself being a broken man.

What I find even stranger now, is that death is the reason I am now writing this article.

On September 28th, 2020, I received the awful news that my friend for 23 years, a tremendous talent, Christopher McKenzie, passed away. Christopher was battling ALS for some time now, and this dear brother and soldier has rested from his war.

What stands out in my mind about Christopher is how he soaked up life. He always loved to laugh. From our days at art school he always loved to make others laugh. Christopher always sought to generate an atmosphere of happiness around him; even when he shared his ALS diagnosis with us (his friends from art school) he kept a positive outlook about his remaining days.

Chris had another battle in life that he, in my estimation, overcame and that was his battle with self-doubt and discouragement. When I met him in art school, I was mind blown as to how talented he was. His level of skill and dexterity did not reflect that he was almost fresh out of high school, a youngster.

Christopher possessed a high level of skill in drawing and painting, and when he told me he wanted to be a part of the painting department, I concluded that he

had this under control; after all, from what we could see (the group of us as students) he was one of the best of us.

Christopher did make it into the painting department, but soon after he started to face difficulties. In his own words, “At the time, the school did not encourage individualism. They tried to strip me of my own way of expressing myself through art, so I would do it their way.” This is something that I personally witnessed, not only for Chris but many other students. My purpose for citing this is not to tear down the alma mater we both shared, but this was a recurring issue that many of us observed, and it caused me great displeasure while I was a student.

I have a number of friends who have related that they no longer paint, draw, etc., and this was connected to what they had to endure while at art school. I strongly believe that the role of an educator is to encourage his/her students and to equip them with the necessary tools for present and future success, not to stifle one’s individuality or to discourage them.

In more recent times, Christopher eventually motivated himself to start producing art again. He related that his drive was rekindled when his son, who was at his parent’s home, saw a collection of paintings

he had done hanging on the wall. When his son asked him why he didn’t paint anymore, it was in that moment, he thought about painting again, and that whole process produced a number of master works.

Christopher developed an eclectic style of painting, but the pieces I enjoyed the most were his portrait explorations. In these, he used a variety of colors to explore how light and dark affects the surface of faces. A number of these pieces were of Jamaican public personalities such as Bob Marley, Koffee, Usain Bolt and Edward Seaga just to name a few.

These pieces were iconic and had presence. I really loved the way he blended and used colors in these pieces and they all showcased the outstanding dexterity Christopher was known for. He had such extraordinary potential and I am happy that he got to share it with the world. He showcased his work in exhibitions staged by Osmosis Caribbean and the Reggae Mill restaurant and the reviews were always great.

Though he is gone, he has left a great legacy in art and in life. While he is not here to interact with us anymore, I would like to encourage you dear readers to visit his Instagram page @chrischinoart and enjoy a visual feast.

“Life has impacted my psyche and my actions!”

Irijah’s Raw Soul shared with the world LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH lashawna@carib101.com

BARBADOS TC REPORTER

BARBADOS -- Twenty-three-year-old Irijah Alkins is a multi-award-winning poet who hails from the beauti-ful island of Barbados.

Alkins has released her debut collection Raw Soul, which is now available in paperback on Amazon stores worldwide.

I had the opportunity to interview Alkins about her book and why she decided to release her poetic musings at such a tender age.

“Five years ago, I started writing about how events in my life impacted my

psyche and con-sequently my actions. I did not think about compiling a book until I started to share short po-ems with my friends on my social media. The idea of compiling my works into a book oc-curred to me and I decided to share my journey; from mental mayhem to peace with the world.”

Alkins won awards at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), the lone cultural showcase on the island. She describes the response she received at NIFCA as sur-real.

“The experience was and is still surreal. When I started writing my thoughts on paper, I would have never dreamt that my material would be given the kind of recognition I received at NIFCA. Winning awards encouraged me to continue writing and performing, as well as, giving me confidence in myself as I realized the power of my words. It was humbling and ex-alting.”

The award-winning poet said her

debut collection Raw Soul was about the: trials, tribula-tions, and experiences from the time she started writing poetry at eighteen years of age till present.

“As I grew into a young woman, I experienced a plethora of new emotions and feelings. As I felt them, I poured them onto each page. As a result, Raw Soul is a book categorized into emotions. It begins with an introduction into my personality, where readers will have a sneak peek of my mind. There is a chapter on: Anger, Loneliness, Desolation, Love, Infatuation, Pain and concludes with the final chapter Happiness.

Alkins said her poem “Use Me,” in her chapter Vulnerability, is a must-read poem. She ex-plained this piece was for women. However, emotionally the pieces Cavity and The Objec-tive were two extremely hard pieces for her to write because the emotions were raw. “I had just realized I had been deceived.”

In terms of the writing process,

the twenty-three-year-old award-winning poet said she be-gan to compile the book on January 1st, 2020. She explained that having her book now available to the world fills her with excitement, yet she is also curious about how her readers will respond to it.

“Raw Soul is my life so now it is available to the world. Everyone is going to know what I have been through and how it impacted me. The feeling of being an author is gratifying and I am very proud of having accomplished such a feat.”

Alkins said in the future she is planning to write the sequel to Raw Soul, which will be dubbed Raw Soul on Fire. It will also be an audiobook as well as a novel in the not too dis-tant future.

For more information on how to purchase her debut collection follow Irijah on Insta-gram @theiriedon.

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

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PAGE 20

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

the the poetic poetic word word

Photo by StonedWithCupid Photography

Stolen land

BY GLORIA O’KOYE Selling foreign lands To ‘preserve’ peace, When the lands were taken By force Thousands of years ignored In celebration of Only a hundred and a bit more!

Protectors of Land and Water, Strangers don’t understand The responsibilities Of caring for these lands They’ve marked their own.

Only panic when The Turtle Will force itself to recover, Only in troubled waters They seek help from the elders Only to disrespect once they gain Upper hand, And repeat the cycle.

Its riches are fertile And only the rightful Keepers Will know How to make the best of it Taking only what is needed Because greed will toil the minerals And nutrients Until the lands run dry, And to be discarded As useless Only the rightful heirs would know How to prepare the golden treats For our stomachs for digestion Giving thanks to every harvest And to return what was taken So maintain a healthy Relationship These lands will produce what it has received, And the difference will no longer be hidden.

The past deeds will sprout out like a field of weeds, That those with knowledge know which ones can be eaten.

What is stolen Must be returned What is not returned The calmer route Would lead something worse.

What is stolen Must be returned What is stolen Shall be returned One way Or The other.

PASSIONATE WORDS EDITING SERVICES

Gibson’s passion about words leads him to create editing service LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH lashawna@carib101.com

BARBADOS TC REPORTER

Starting a new business is a scary undertaking, but for Robert Gibson, it was a decision he made to ensure he could maintain his happiness and creativity.

For over fifteen years, Gibson has been a Government employee working as an Information Technology officer, but he was unhappy because writing had always been his passion.

He has published a myriad of books including: Seduction, Erotic, Quotes of Passion, Offering, Passion: The Gemini Project and Make It Raine.

A few months ago, he decided that he would become a solopreneur. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, a solopreneur is a mixture of two words: Solo and Entrepreneur. It means that you are an entrepreneur that prefers to work alone.

They might have contractors for hire; yet have full responsibility for the running of their business.

He quit his job at the National Housing Corporation and decided to continue a business he wanted to start in 2015; Passionate Words Editing Services.

I had the opportunity to interview Gibson about why he decided to become a solopreneur amid a pandemic. He said with an increase in the number of persons that were coming to him requesting editing, he decided it was wise to have his business full time.

“My editing was something I did on the side for many years, but a combination of growing tension within my working

environment and an increase in editing clients led me to decide that it was time to venture out on my own. I felt that my time could be better spent on my editing instead of at my day job,”

Gibson said the decision to leave a stable job with the Government and become a business owner was scary. He wrestled with the thought of how he would be able to provide for his children.

“I was afraid of whether I would be able to sustain myself or take care of my children. When the time came, however, I was excited. I felt I was ready, and that Passionate Words Editing Services (PWES) was ready to be officially launched to the world,”

The passionate author and editor said he decided to name his business PWES because he is a poet and spoken word artiste who performs under the pseudonym PassionPoet.

“I have been passionate about words from the time I was able to read them. I have had a love affair with words from little, asking my dad to read me the daily comic strips when my glasses broke at one time! I was always reading something, and that love affair transitioned into writing in my early teens. When I was introduced to poetry at fourteen it was all over!”

He realized PWES was a viable service when he had an influx of customers requesting assistance with editing manuscripts and having their books published.

“I started the company in 2015 soon after the release of my first anthology of poetry, which was self-published, and slowly more and more people started to ask for help and were willing to pay me for my time. In 2017 I had my first large editing job, which was a memoir of C. Trevor Clarke, a former General Manager of Cable and Wireless, one of our companies here in Barbados. I must say a special thank you to Carol Pitt of Caribbean Chapters for making this connection for my business,”

Gibson is so passionate about editing words that he has often joked that he would edit your shopping list if you let him.

Thus, he has become one of the go-to businesses when people want to have something edited.

“I decided when forming PWES that I wanted to highlight the fact that I would edit any piece of written work, from novels to recipe books and anything in between. It felt really good when a potential customer said that she was directed to contact me for editing services, but she was hesitant because she was only familiar with my erotic work and she was creating a Christian devotional. She felt that it would look weird to have her devotional documented as being edited by The Erotic Empire. It felt good to assure her that PWES is a full editing and book formatting company that is not restricted to the erotic. There is no trace of erotic work on my pages. I was able to assure her of my willingness and ability to edit anything and she’s one of my customers today.”

The former Government employee said he was looking forward to speaking with the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper because he is interested in tapping into the global market, especially Caribbeans living in Canada.

“My clients praise the speed and quality of service often, some stating I am a perfectionist. I have thrown away books because of bad punctuation before because it was difficult to read a badly punctuated sentence. My attention to detail is what customers have come to expect, making them repeat customers many times over.”

There are great opportunities opening up for Caribbeans all over the diaspora. All we have to do is start tapping into these resources and find ways to support each other. If you are interested in learning more about PWES, feel free to reach out to Robert Gibson at passionatewordsediting@gmail.com

PAGE 22

FEATURE

SIR LSG LESEGO

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

THE AMALGAMATED ARTIST I was first introduced to our Classic Man through my interactions with Chinedu Shanae Egwueny. She is the Creator of Urban Communications Group, a promotion project for brands that need a little creative edge.

She was hosting an event with Ralf GUM, a formidable DJ and producer, as well as owner of GOGO Music. I have a lot of respect for Ralf. He has contributed a great deal to the Afro & Soulful House music scene, so because of this, I reached out to her to cover the event. Wouldn’t you know it; the event didn’t end up happening.

That was not my last time working with Chinedu. We ended up speaking again, and she let me know that she would be bringing Ralf GUM back to Canada. During our discussion, I found out that she also linked with Dams from DRUMS Radio.

DRUMS Radio is the #1 global Afro House Radio station, streaming out of the UK.

We all got on a call, and they ended up asking me if I would mind doing an interview with Ralf and a Sir LSG.

I went through my library, and I found one of his songs. I believe it was a remix. I have to admit, he did good work, and so I continued to research his music. When I saw his body of work I was blown away. I arranged an interview right away.

The day that we were supposed to do our initial interview, he ended up being in the hospital. This man sent me a picture from the hospital, and let me know that if I still wanted to do the interview, he would do it. You don’t come across dedication like that too often.

Since then, our relationship has developed. I remember that last year around this time, he came to Toronto to play at an event. The funny thing, but maybe not too funny, is that he touched down on one of the coldest days of the year. We were able to meet in person, and I was able to learn about this laid back genius.

If you are a fan of Afro & Soulful House music, then you are familiar with our Classic Man Sir LSG Lesego. He has done remixes for: The Muffinz, UPZ aka Avi Elman, his good friend Ralf GUM, Andy Compton, Nathan Adams, and MAQman.

One of his cultivated collaborations includes one with Brian Tempa, a legendary South African R&B singer/songwriter, and trumpeter Kafele on the song titled “All I Am.”

In 2014, Sir LSG was voted (by Traxsource), at Number 20 on the Top 100 Afro House Producers of the year, and his diligence earned him Producer of the Year Award 2018, for his 2017 Debut Album at the Dance Music South Africa Awards.

I really wanted Sir LSG to tell his story, so we spoke recently, and I learned about this incredible creative journey.

“I have always been a fan of house music,” he began. “Before high school, I was a fan.

Afro House CD compilations were released in South Africa, and that was how this genre of music was introduced to me.

I began my career as a DJ in 2006 while I was studying to become an electrical engineer at the University of The Witwaterstand. On weekends we would go out.

We would go to Soul Candy Record Shops and buy records. We began teaching ourselves how to play.

One thing led to another, and I started linking up with like-minded people.

In hindsight, I see how music took over. Friday after school, straight through to Sunday, all I did was music.

I failed terribly at school my second year. I was put on educational exclusion, and one of my requirements was to do something in that year that was related to my degree. I knew that I wanted to pursue music, so I sort of tricked my parents into letting me go to Soul Candy. The record store had started a music production school, so I told my parents that I would do that for a year. I knew that this was going to be my life.”

Sir LSG began to develop his style; you can say that it is an amalgamation of expressive house, with a hint of jazzy grooves.

“It was about having fun, not making it a career. It was about doing something I really enjoyed. I wanted to be producing music that would be released by certain labels. I had the sound in my head that I wanted to release.

I got a lot of rejections. I would hit up labels everyday, and more often than not, I would not even get a response. The replies would be disheartening, but this is part of the journey. It was a good exercise for me. I never gave up on the dream.

I am sure I was annoying, but there was this one song that I did that I thought was special. I sent it to a lot of people. One of my favourite producers told me that it was not Afro enough for him. This man is Ralf GUM.

I began working with him, and we produced “Sax In The City.” It was released in 2011. I was also armed with remix work, but the single became an instant favourite in the Afro House Community. I would say it was that song that levelled me up. Other labels began to notice me, and it took off from there.

There have been a lot of great moments in my career, and one I want to mention is in 2008 at the Southern African Music Conference. This is when I met my mentor DJ Christos. He has been an inspiration to me.

It has always been a slow growth for me. I was never just a musician. I started working for a TV production company (Don’t Look Down Productions) in 2010.

I have always maintained my balance because I had a full time job that paid the bills, and I could still do what I love.”

In the meantime, between times, Sir LSG has been working on a new project that he will be releasing in 2021. Also, in April of 2020, he started an online show called Bread4Soul Sessions. This is where he gets an opportunity to share his knowledge about the industry with the next generation.

“There is a huge House Music scene. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of knowledge sharing though. I get a chance to speak with artists, and learn about their journeys, their struggles. I have done 100 episodes since April, and I have been receiving some positive feedback.”

This vibrant, virtuoso continues to be a maverick in his field, and I know that we have a lot more to see from the one Sir LSG.

Written by Dave Rankin Toronto Caribbean News

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

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Mond-Thurs 8:30 am to 8 pm Fri.-Sat. 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Sunday 9 am to 6 pm

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PAGE 26

FOOD

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

WHY YOU SHOULD BE ADDING MORE

Rosemary

TO YOUR DIET NOW MORE THAN EVER!

ral remedy for hair growth, memory enhancement, reducing liver damage, limits weight gain and maintains gut health.

NOEL Here is a roasted sirloin reciCUNNINGHAM pe that incorporates rosemary. This noel@carib101.com is a great way to add more rosemary to your diet. Other ways to use roseCULINARY EXPERT mary in a creative way is to make your own rosemary butter for toast or your dishes, oils for cooking and Recently I was doing some research rosemary salt. and came across the countless bene- Rosemary Thyme Mint & Garlic Crustfits of incorporating rosemary in our ed Sirloin Tip Roast diet and I decided I can’t keep this secret from my readers. Rosemary Sirloin crusted with garlic, mint, is one of my favourite herbs, often- thyme and rosemary then roasted to times I would pair it with my lamb perfection creates the perfect entree and sometimes beef for a bold taste. you can put with any side dish of your Rosemary is not a popular herb in the choice.

Caribbean cuisine but would be used to make teas by some older folks. Ingredients Growing up in Jamaica and when I • 2 lb. sirloin tip roast would visit the market you would al- • 1 tsp. salt and pepper ways see the vendors with it in their • 1 tsp cayenne pepper headwrap or on their stall saying that • 1 tsp. garlic powder it brings good luck, some would also • 1 tsp. onion powder light it as incense.

The fragrant herb, which is • 1 tbsp. Dijon or grainy mustard considered to be sacred by ancient • 2 tbsp. garlic paste Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, as well Breading as Hebrews is particularly prevalent • 2 sprigs rosemary in Italian cuisine. It is also known as • 10 mint leaves ‘Dew of the Sea’ or ‘Old man’. Rose- • ½ cup breadcrumbs mary has many health benefits, • 2 sprigs thyme which include boosting memory, aid- • 1 tsp salt and pepper ing digestion, improving mood, and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Directions cancer. It also helps to reduce inflam- 1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Tie mation, relieve pain, and protect and the roast and season generously boost the immune system. Laborawith salt, cayenne pepper, black tory studies have shown that rosepepper, onion powder and garlic mary is a rich source of antioxidants powder. Then mix together musand anti-inflammatory compounds, tard and garlic paste and brush which are thought to help improve over the meat and put aside. blood circulation.

2.

Remove the leaves from the

Apart from the above-menthyme, rosemary and mint then tioned benefits, according to the finely chop. Add chopped herbs United States Department of Agrito a grinder or blender with culture (USDA), fresh rosemary has a breadcrumbs and pulse with salt very high reserve of vitamins such as and pepper then coat the sirloin vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, thiwith the mixture. Put the sirloin amin, and folate. It contains minerals on a grease tray and roast for 30like magnesium, calcium, and iron.

45 mins in the preheated oven, or

Now more than ever in this to a minimum internal temperapandemic adding rosemary in your ture of 145 degrees F (63 degrees teas and meals will not only relieve C). Let sit 15 minutes before slicstress, anxiety and depression but it ing. has been traditionally used as a natu-

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

FOOD

PAGE 27

The Farmers’ Market blessed by the “Hand of God” HRISHIKESH DAS GUPTA hdg@carib101.com

CULINARY REPORTER

As summer trails away, the harvest from the season might just be the best part of welcoming winter. It is a time to stock up with as much food as you can for our Toronto long winters. What better way to do it, then by visiting Scarborough Farmers’ Market, located at the Hand of God Dog Par, 185 Borough Drive.

The farmers’ market has been in operation since June 2020, and the sad news is October was the last month that you were able to pick up goodies from some of Toronto’s most sought out vendors. What is that? Do you need something a little more tempting? Let’s take a look at our list of vendors. They include: Albion Hills Farm, Barry’s Gardens, Wiff Restaurant, Mama Winnies, Mama Sue Skin Care, Tej Essentials, The Paleo Palate Café, Country Corner Buns, McCamus Maple Syrup, Regal Canin, and Eastend Vegan.

Jennifer (the iron lady) is the founder of Scarborough Farmers’ Market.

The market offers: organic vegetables and herbs, fruits, baked goods and sweets, smoked meat, natural dog food, organic body care, environmentally responsible

life choices, honey, hot sauce, and preserve pickles and fermented foods.

Jennifer and her dedicated vendors were interested in bringing affordable, culturally diverse products to the east. Their mission and vision is to bring nutrient-dense, fairly priced, culturally appropriate, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, sweet/savoury treats and health essential, as well as lifestyle products to the stellar people of Scarborough.

The challenge was how to organize the market and help the consumers during COVID-19. The strong determination of Jennifer, amazing products from the local vendors, and unconditional support from the clients, made this year a great success. Jennifer ensured all vendors and customers were strictly maintaining safety guidelines. The vendors were providing gloves to the customers before they touched any products. To prevent cash handling and coronavirus spread, vendors started to adopt the use of payment pads and square readers.

The word of mouth from the neighbourhood was super strong from day one. Jennifer and all the vendors welcomed the neighbourhood with their positive vibe. The neighbourhood was amazed by the variety of products in one farmers’ market. Almost all vendors sold their products in the first few hours. The customers requested the vendors to bring more products on the same day. People were calling their Scarborough family and friends on spot to visit the marketplace and to buy the amazing products.

Photo by Hrishokesh Das Gupta

On the last day, all consumers were requesting Jennifer to extend the timeline. A lot of customers promised to the vendors that they would continue to order the products regularly and to support small businesses.

Jennifer and all the local vendors are forever grateful to the neighbourhood

for allowing Scarborough Farmers’ Market the opportunity to bring Ontario produce to their families. Jennifer and all the vendors are requesting the Scarborough community to share their positive feedback to the City of Toronto and the Councillor, so the Farmers’ Market can reopen next year with more vendors and local produce.

Brock University Vice-President, Administration Located in historic Niagara region, Brock offers all the benefits of a vibrant and modern university in a safe, community-minded city, with beautiful world renown natural surroundings. With over 19,000 students, 5,000 faculty and staff, an operating budget of around $360 million, and more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in seven diverse Faculties, Brock excels at providing exceptional experiential learning opportunities and highly rated student and campus life experiences. The University’s strategic plan approved by the Senate and Board informs the strategic priorities and vision of the institution for the coming years. Brock is a comprehensive university known for its excellence in teaching and learning and the student experience as well as strong university-community engagement and is home to a community of highly regarded researchers who are improving society by undertaking impactful and significant research along with a growing national prominence in research, scholarly and creative activities. Brock has been on a strong growth and development trajectory and the Vice-President, Administration, will contribute to this vibrant university as part of a dynamic and high caliber team.

Brock University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice-President, Administration.

Reporting to President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gervan Fearon, the Vice-President, Administration (VP-A) is a member of the University’s senior administrative team. The VP-A promotes and champions the financial sustainability, technological advancement and operational effectiveness of the University and its academic mission and strategic priorities. The VP-A provides vision, leadership and support in all aspects of Brock’s financial resources management, information technology infrastructure, and also oversees the management of the university’s facilities and physical infrastructure. The position works with various stakeholders across the University including, but not limited to, the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Vice-President, Research, Associate Vice-President, Advancement and External Relations, and in support of the academy, research, the student experience, and community engagement and partnership goals. As well, this position is responsible for developing an Administrative, Technology and Infrastructure Strategic Plan as well as coordinating the financial sustainability plan, policies and practices that are in alignment with the overall Institutional Strategic Plan and priorities of the University. The Vice-President, Administration’s team includes four Associate Vice-Presidents for Finance, Infrastructure, Ancillary Services and IT, as well as the Director of Campus Security.

This appointment calls for candidates with a proven record of administrative leadership, coupled with extensive experience leading the financial and technology strategy of a large, complex organization. The ideal candidate brings experience leading broad and complex change initiatives; experience leading financial management and investment management practices, methods and strategies; and is familiar with the development and implementation of technology infrastructure and systems.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate success of hiring, retaining, developing, and advancing employees underrepresented in their sector; skilled cultural competence in their leadership skills and working relations; as well as experience creating inclusive working environments.

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree. A Master’s level degree or higher is preferred. The leadership style and attributes which will benefit the successful candidate include being highly organized with superb attention to detail, collaborative and collegial, and a strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills.

To learn more about this significant leadership opportunity with Brock University, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith and Sam Walton at: sam@leadersinternational.com Brock University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.

In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Leaders International and Brock University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities.

October 29, 2020 – February 21, 2021 Virtual Programming Highlights

• October 29, 7 pm: Exhibition Opening Reception • November 26, 7 pm: Art & Book Club • November 28, 2 pm: Artist Talk – The Photographers • January 28, 2021: Artist Talk – Painting and Textiles Owen V. Gordon (Jamaican/Canadian, 1946-), Extreme Social Distances, 2020, oil on paper, 55.8 x 76 cm, Courtesy of the artist, Nicholas Metivier Gallery and BAND

Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Comparing coughs: dry versus wet Coughing is your body’s typical response to irritation or inflammation in your airways. However, the specific cause and proper treatment of a cough depends on whether it’s dry or wet.

A dry cough This type of cough is often caused by allergens, asthma, sinusitis or smoke inhalation. A dry cough, which doesn’t bring up phlegm, is triggered by a tickling sensation at the back of the throat.

beneficial. However, drinking plenty of water will also loosen and thin out the phlegm.

Regardless of whether you have a dry or wet cough, it’s best to speak with your doctor if it persists for more than two weeks.

HEALTH

PAGE 29

Winter veggies: the virtues of parsnips Parsnips are a sweet, cream-coloured root vegetable that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Closely related to carrots, this vegetable is packed with nutrients and associated with numerous health benefits.

Here’s a look at the perks of parsnips.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the benefits of this tasty vegetable, from a roasted parsnip soup to a shaved parsnip salad.

Look for mouthwatering recipes online or flip through cookbooks at your local bookstore.

Antioxidants Parsnips are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyacetylenes, which can help protect against cancer and other chronic conditions.

An ideal way to sooth this irritation is by taking dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant typically sold as a syrup or lozenge. It should be noted, however, that this over-the-counter medication can negatively interact with certain prescription drugs and cause side effects including drowsiness. Therefore, you should always consult a pharmacist before you take it.

Fibre Packed with fibre, this hearty root vegetable promotes satiety and proper digestion. It also helps prevent constipation.

A wet cough This type of cough is characterized by the production of phlegm. Often a symptom of a viral infection such as the flu, a wet cough can be accompanied by fatigue, fever and a runny nose.

Minerals Potassium, magnesium, manganese and other minerals found in parsnips promote good oral health and proper bone development. They also help protect against free radicals.

Since a wet cough indicates that your body is trying to expel an infectious agent, it’s best to avoid medication that suppresses coughing. In certain cases, an expectorant syrup or mucolytic can prove

Carbohydrates Parsnips contain nearly twice as many carbs as carrots, which makes them an excellent source of energy.

Vitamin B Parsnips contain several B vitamins including folic acid (B9), which is essential to the proper development of the fetal nervous system during pregnancy.

ALLERGY ALERT If you’re allergic to pollen, ragweed or nuts, you might also be allergic to parsnips.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

HEALTH

PAGE 31

An unripe apple a day, can keep the fat away!

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

Worried about having too many alcoholic drinks during the coronavirus pandemic?

Think you’re on the way to liver cirrhosis?

If so, think again and wonder whether you are instead developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It can lead to cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. A report from the University of California says NAFLD is now the most common liver disorder in North America. So how do unripe apples decrease the risk of this growing threat?

Today, it’s estimated that worldwide 25% of adults have NAFLD. And if you are obese, nine out of ten obese people, suffer from this condition. Researchers re-

port that between 2000 and 2010 liver cancer associated with NAFLD soared tenfold.

The result? It’s fast becoming the major reason for liver transplant.

NAFLD has little or no symptoms.

Some liver fat is normal. But when fat passes the 5-10% level, it’s considered a fatty liver.

Apple-shaped people who store fat around the waist are more likely to develop NAFLD than those who are pearshaped and accumulate fat around the hips. And those who have Type 2 diabetes are also more prone to NAFLD.

The problem is that the accumulation of fat in the liver and other abdominal organs, known as visceral fat, is accompanied by inflammation. This can cause scar tissue leading to cirrhosis and sometimes liver cancer.

The first sign of NAFLD is when blood tests show abnormal liver function.

Other tests such as an MRI or liver biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.

What a tragedy that so many people suffer from NAFLD when it’s a lifestyle

disease that could be avoided. Remember the Gifford-Jones Law that one problem leads to another and another. In this case obesity leads to increased visceral fat, then to cirrhosis and possibly liver malignancy.

It’s a terrible price to pay for consuming too many calories.

So, what can you do? The best decision is to purchase a scale and step on it daily. This means also getting smart about reducing calories and exercising. According to the American Gastroenterology Association, losing one to two pounds a week along with regular exercise is the answer.

This will help to lower liver enzymes, decreasing fatty deposits in the liver.

Using prescription drugs to fight obesity is akin to flashing a roll of bills before a lawyer. There’s a good chance you’ll live to regret it. So, what are your options for natural remedies? Look for products like AppleSlim that harness the power of apple polyphenols and other micronutrients to attack visceral fat around the liver and other abdominal organs. Visceral fat is more dangerous than the fat that gathers

directly under the skin. It increases the risk of: diabetes, stroke, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. You want a solution that focuses on this kind of fat.

Researchers in Japan have shown that polyphenols extracted from unripe green apples harvested in Central Asia reduced visceral fat by 9% over twelve weeks in overweight patients compared to a similar group treated with a placebo pill. How does it work? Apple polyphenols block the enzymes that break down fats and glucose allowing them to pass more easily through your body.

Decreasing the amount of visceral abdominal fat has several benefits. Epidemiological studies confirm that polyphenols do promote longevity. Moreover, if you ever require an abdominal operation, having less abdominal fat surrounding the internal organs is a great help for surgeons and decreases the risk.

We all want to live longer and healthier. So, keep alcohol in moderation, don’t overeat, and let apples help your liver.

4 facts about sneezing Sneezing is your body’s way of expelling irritants from your nose and throat. Here are four fascinating facts about this bodily function.

1. There are many triggers A sneeze can be provoked by a variety of different instigators, from strong-scented perfume to the consumption of certain foods. The two most common causes of sneezing are allergies and viruses (like the common cold). Sneezing can also be triggered by bright light, which is a condition known as photic sneeze reflex.

2. It’s a semi-autonomous reflex When pollen, dander, bacteria and other foreign particles enter your nose, they irritate the sensitive mucous membrane in the respiratory tract. This prompts the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation in the face, to send a signal to the brain and trigger a convulsive expulsion of air to clear the contaminants.

3. There’s a safe way to sneeze Holding your nose and closing your mouth in an attempt to stifle a sneeze can increase the pressure in your lungs to a dangerous level. Alternatively, the pressure can be redirected toward your ears where it can damage blood vessels and delicate structures. Therefore, you should never block your nose or mouth when you sneeze.

4. The speed is still up for debate While some studies indicate that the air expelled during a sneeze can reach speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour, contrasting research shows that the average speed is closer to 50 kilometres per hour. The lowest hypothesized speed is about the same as that of a cough, which is approximately 16 kilometres per hour.

Finally, the most important thing to know is that sneezing into a tissue or the crook of your elbow and washing your hands afterward is crucial to prevent the spread of germs.

How to avoid feeling stuffed over the holidays While it might be hard to resist that second helping of turkey and mashed potatoes, overeating can leave you feeling sluggish, bloated and even nauseous. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy just enough of your holiday meal.

• Eat a balanced breakfast. If you sit down for a big meal feeling famished, you’re more likely to overeat. Opt for filling foods like oatmeal with berries or scrambled eggs on whole wheat toast. Depending on when the feast will be served, you might want to have a healthy snack later in the day to tide you over.

• Start small and go slow. You can always go back for seconds, but start with a tiny portion of each dish you want to taste.

Chew slowly and take time to fully enjoy your food. Put down your utensils between bites and converse with the people around you. This gives your brain time to signal satiety.

• Finish with a mug of tea. Rather than sip a liqueur (which can actually slow digestion), brew a pot of herbal tea at the end of your meal. Peppermint, ginger or fennel infused in boiling water are particularly effective at soo­thing an upset stomach and promoting digestion.

Finally, it’s a good idea to take a walk after you’ve eaten. The fresh air and movement will restore your energy and allow you to work off your meal.

PAGE 32

COMMUNITY

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

A “Black Empowerment Manifesto” (BEM) The next 30 years (2020 - 2050) ERROL A. GIBBS errol@carib101.com

PHILOSOPHER

This "Black Empowerment Manifesto" BEM - A Cogent Call-to-Action over the next thirty years (2020 – 2050) - beyond aspiration to "collective action."

The manifesto is the brainchild of this writer, penned after fifty years (1970 – 2020), observing the challenges of attaining, sustaining, and maintaining black empowerment. Likewise, participating in the past twenty-five years (1995 – 2020) celebration of Black History Month (BHM).

One might refer to the "manifesto" (gibbshappinessindex.com/manifesto/) as a high-level proposal, proposition, pitch, tender, or "blueprint." A “free” download, the manifesto is seventy pages in length, a non-commissioned document, released in August 2020, from the backdrop of the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) or Industry 4.0. The "manifesto" serves as a reminder that "The abundance that many in the first world enjoy today is the triumph of industrialization" (Peopledesign.com).

Looming on the horizon, the 4IR demands a change from a "rigid mindset." These new "mindsets" inclusive growth, people, entrepreneurial, family loyalty, generational, skills-based, community, wealth, constitutional, and particularly "industrial mindset." These “mindsets" are essential to triumph in

the 4IR. To seek to inspire "new" and innovative approaches to building permanent long-term macro-level industrial infrastructure.

This writer acknowledges a bastion of individuals such as community advocates, educators, scientists, teachers, academics, scholars, law officers, legal experts, community leaders, clerics, entrepreneurs, youths, elders, philanthropists, athletes, entertainers, and volunteers for the tireless work, serving the community for decades. The untiring efforts have helped address the myriad of challenges that the black community has attempted to overcome through many social programs, fueled by private and public funding.

More importantly, the strident efforts to attain corporate directorships, corporate ownership, individual, community and corporate wealth, political leadership, and legal autonomy.

Other minority communities might ask, "Why black community empowerment?" Should there be white community empowerment, brown empowerment, or different colours of community empowerment? Absolutely!

Any people who lack any form of empowerment should examine (judiciously) the preponderance of the evidence and seek to empower themselves. The black community should unite to create a vision, mission, and objectives to repurpose their existence with a deeper understanding of the "human ecosystem" not designed for black empowerment. Hence, the AntiBlack Racism crosswords in the twentyfirst-century.

Empowerment opportunities exist throughout human development, such as spiritual, moral, social, intellectual, economic, and physical. Not-

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withstanding, the COVID-19 pandemic brought to attention the medical and financial vulnerability of people of color, the elderly, particularly blacks, with pre-disposed signature illnesses such as diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and heart and kidney disease.

Further compounding the medical and economic catastrophe underpinned by the COVID-19 pandemic was the alleged murder of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020, a 46-year-old black American male in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while in the custody of officers of the law. This (all too familiar) American tragedy also made people aware of the stark vulnerable of the black community as a seemingly non-autonomous people living in the North American Diaspora.

These epoch-making events have had grave impacts on humanity, and they underpin the need for black empowerment, which is not about exclusion or disempowering any other "race" or culture. The tenuous status of blacks has led to long-term dependency on public and private funding, though necessary. Arguably, observable and analytical, the empirical evidence indicates that no level of micro-level funding for programs could be a substitute for creativity and innovation.

Our dependency on public and private funding over the past fifty years (1970 – 2020) has also led to creating a vast body of essential, but "stopgap" programs. However, funding has been micro and insufficient to build infrastructure to develop autonomous, self-sustaining black communities, and organizations. Likewise, community organizations’ funding is restrictive, limiting opportunities for Research and Development (R & D) outside of the

funding agencies' envelope.

No race or culture should rely on any form of human calamity as the impetus for change, though it can inspire change. Blacks need to interrogate some empowerment initiatives such as (1) Nationalism and volunteerism. (2) Industrial mindset. (3) Corporate wealth and philanthropy. (4) Autonomous legal entities. (5) Capacity to bid on significant procurement contracts. (6) Involvement in political affairs. (7) Creativity and innovation. (8) Health and security. (9) Education and careers, and (10) youth violence mitigation.

Public and private benevolence will not last forever. Hence, the manifesto proffers 15 Innovative Solutions (Number 001 – 115) that the black community could use to evaluate the current state, and map - scientifically a future state. More importantly, to create simultaneously, a Black History Month Scorecard (BHMSC) - synonymous to the control panel in a modern aircraft, to measure the aircraft flight, underpinned by a broad spectrum of critical indicators.

Like the pilot, blacks also need to understand the "intrinsic" and "extrinsic" circumstances that impede progress - statistically, by observation, and by prescribed metrics - on a continuum (positive trajectory). It is insufficient to assume that we are making progress without a scorecard, underpinned by a "blueprint" to guide and measure black progress. Only then can blacks hope to tackle unresolved problems of the past and current, new and emerging challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0 (gibbshappinessindex.com/manifesto/).

LIFE

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

The key to staying relevant: commitment to personal development Neurosurgeon, Dr Ben Carson once said, “You can take all my possessions away: my car, my house, name it, but as long that I still have my brain, in no time, I will get my possession back.”

It is said, if all the monies in the world today, are evenly distributed, the exact amount will soon return back to the hands of its previous owners. Why? The huge wealth gap we have in our society today is not only about the uneven distribution of wealth, but it’s also the lack of financial literacy amongst the populace. Everyone is responsible for the consequences of their own ignorance. Society rewards everyone according to their level of contribution, you are only as relevant as the quality of the investment you made in you.

It’s not only about formal education, it’s making a long-term commitment to self-development. In the words of the great Jim Rohn, “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Every week I read a book, be it a paperback format or an audiobook.

Every year I take new courses in my field, I

DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Everything everyone knows, they learned it. You are not less intelligent than anyone, you only haven’t taken the time and commitment to learning the things you admire in others. In this information age, ignorance is a choice. Life is fair in rewarding everyone in the proportion of investment they’ve made on themselves and the contribution they are adding to society and Mankind. Growing up a little boy, my mother will always say to me, “Daniel, if there’s anything in life you should be proud of, let it be your intellectual property because no one can take that away from you.” The great

seek out new mentors, polymath, thoughtleaders, iconoclast, and great thinkers who have a track record of something significant they’ve done with their life. Why? Because you are only as wise and relevant as the books you read, and the people you surround yourself with. You can’t make a major contribution to the world from a place of ignorance. Relationships and connections may bring you certain opportunities, but it always takes skills and competence to make the most of those opportunities.

Commit to excellence, seek innovation, and stay abreast of relevant information in your field. The great Abram Lincoln once said, “I will prepare and someday my chance will come.” Indeed, his chance came. You see, it is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.

When opportunities come knocking, let it meet you prepared. The Good Book (The Bible) says, Proverbs 4:5-8 “Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch! 6 Never walk away from Wisdom

- she guards your life; love her-she keeps her eye on you. 7 Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! 8 Throw your arms around her - believe me, you won’t regret it; never let her go - she’ll make your life glorious.”

“The new global currency is not digital; the new global currency is knowledge.” You are trading your time, skills, and knowledge. To stay relevant, commit to a long-term self-development plan. The great Nelson Mandela once says, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” George Matthew has rightly said, “You are your greatest investment. The more you store in that mind of yours, the more you enrich your experience, the more people you meet, the more books you read, and the more places you visit, the greater is that investment in all that you are. Everything that you add to your peace of mind, and to your outlook upon life, is added capital that no one but yourself can dissipate.”

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LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Dangers that would become etched in my brain forever!

Picking the job that is best for me!

BY MAKAYLA B. 12 YEARS OLD TC JUNIOR CONTRIBUTOR You’ve most likely heard that getting a good job is very important, because if you don’t get a good job it can affect you in many ways. You thought, “Yeah right!

As long as I get money I’m good.” Well guess what? Depending on what job you get, it really can and will affect you and your life. Some jobs pay $7-$8 per hour (dishwashers, cashiers, movie theater ushers and more), while other jobs pay roughly $22,000-$350,000.

Although I am young, I have begun to focus my attention on what I want to do in my future. Let’s jump into the three jobs I would like to have in the future.

Veterinarian A veterinarian gets paid nearly $95,125 as the national median salary, which allows them to have a pretty good lifestyle. Veterinarians have to do many things as part of their job, like: cutting open animals as training, getting familiar with animal anatomies, commonly treating animals that have organ issues, infections, diseases, and infectious diseases. I would have to become used to seeing an animal’s internal workings. I also need to do 6-7 years of education.

Farmer Being a farmer doesn’t really sound as cool as being a Nascar driver, a police officer, or even being a billionaire, but taking into consideration that having a job as a farmer and having a considerably simple life is good enough for me. Being a farmer, the yearly salary is $25,116-$58,013 depending on how experienced you are.

Wolf Biologist So out of all the jobs I would like to have I saved the best for last. Wolf biologists specialize and know almost everything when it comes to the wondrous Canis Lupus, and most likely have adequate knowledge on Hyaenidae, Proteles Cristata, and Canis Latrans. Being a wolf biologist can be very fun due to the fact that you get to study a very mysterious and solitary animal.

Everyone has their preferences for a job and we don’t know whether or not we’ll get that job in the future, but all we can do is hope, for us to get the job, hope for us to succeed in school and get what is needed for a specific job.

EMPOWERING OUR YOUNG MINDS OF TOMORROW TORONTO CARIBBEAN NEWS INC.

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

I have to admit; the drive over to the prison was a peaceful one. As we drove through Panama, I was introduced to the beauty of the country. What sucks is that I don’t think that I will ever go there again. There is too much trauma connected to that place, and to be honest, I am terrified that I would probably be harassed due to the fact that I was arrested there. Sucks!

I could see down into what looked like the city. It was a beautiful sight. I took the time to be in the moment. I find that strange because what I should have been doing was thinking about the fact that I would be spending my first night in prison. It was like God had found a way to distract me with the beauty of nature, take my mind of the impending dangers that would become etched in my brain forever.

I knew that I was in for some serious lesson learning, and I was about to find out how much. The drive was about an hour long. Finally, we pulled up to a building with thick, grey walls. At the top was a series of barbed wire. The car stopped, and I stared at the gates. It was as if the barbed wire was mocking me, reminding me of my stupidity.

I closed my eyes and bowed my head. I focused on my breathing, and thought to myself, “God has brought me this far. He is not going to leave me now.”

Officer Rodriquez got out of the van and began to speak to the men who were walking towards the van. The air was hotter, suffocating. Was it all in my head? It probably was. I leaned back and watched the dialogue happening in front of me. I saw two women officers coming through the now open gate of the prison. The sight of them sent shivers down my spine. I looked past them into the prison, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was to come. All I saw was a courtyard with what looked like little homes.

The women walked right over to the van and ordered myself and the other young women to exit the van and follow them. As I was walking away, I glanced at Officer Rodriquez. He was looking at me, smiled, and waved. His smile gave me a spark of hope.

I knew that it was the last time that I would ever see Officer Rodriguez, and in that moment, I thanked God for putting him in my life.

They led us to a tent, and once again, I had to go through the humiliating experience of stripping down to nothing and showing my private parts to strangers. Once that was done, we were escorted to one of the little homes that I had seen from the van.

As I entered the home, I realized right away that they were offices. My suitcases had already been delivered, and I was instructed to stand in front of what belonged to me.

One by one, we were signed in and given instructions. I was one of the last to be

Photo: Lawrence Kerr Photography

called, and as I walked up, I saw the gentleman looking at me. I was a little unnerved by the smirk that I saw on his face. He began to ask me questions in broken English.

“Your name please,” “My name is Simone Jennifer Smith.”

“Where are you from?”

“Toronto, Ontario, Canada.”

His line of questioning seemed weird to me.

I am almost sure that they had my information, so I was unsure as to why he was going through this.

“Do you know why you are here?”

I bit my lip and looked at him. This was the first time that someone had actually asked me this question in English.

“No! Unfortunately, I do not speak Spanish, so I don’t know why I am here. All I know is that I was arrested at the airport and brought here.”

The man looked back at the woman who was sitting behind him. He said something in Spanish, and they laughed together. I began to feel uncomfortable. I was irritated that these two individuals seemed to be having a laugh at my expense. I was in my feelings, and I couldn’t do anything about it.

As I stood there, I felt the woman’s taunting eyes looking at me over the counter.

This is the thing about realizing that you have lost your freedom; you can’t do anything about it.

Give yourself permission to show up, unapologetically for you!

GARCIA AKUA

garcia@carib101.com

COSMIC CORNER

Greetings star family! I am sending you all an abundance of love, light and power.

It’s the Thanksgiving season for our Canadian families. This is a time we gather with family and friends over meals and good vibes. With this ongoing pandemic, Thanksgiving is going to look a lot different as with everything else so far this year. As the number of cases go up, we are called to bring our social circles down. The traditional gatherings have changed but that does not mean we do not have many things to still be grateful for!

We have been challenged in many ways this year. We have had to adjust to the many changes that seem to come at us on a daily basis at this point. However, these circumstances have challenged us to grow. We are finding strength and creativity in places we didn’t know existed. We are inevitably reclaiming our power. For this,

we should all be thankful.

October is filled with cosmic activities that will encourage us to examine how we receive love, face our shadows/ darkness and define our personal power.

October starts with a fiery Full Moon in Aries. Aries is a fire sign that influences our actions, energy, sex drive and ambition. Aries also looks at our identity, who we say we are. Mars which is currently retrograde is the ruling planet of Aries. This retrograde energy prompts us to reflect on these areas of our life as the moon illuminates the energies, hence bringing them to light.

This full moon gives us the opportunity to explore if our actions are truly aligned with who we say we are. How many labels/titles do you hold? Removing what society has labeled us, what family and friends expect of us, who are we at our core? Who do we see ourselves becoming?

Are our actions truly in alignment?

Many of us have been wearing masks long before this pandemic. We have put on masks to be accepted, appreciated and loved. We say yes, when we should say NO. We fall back into bad habits out of fear and comfort. The Moon in its fullness is shining its light on what is hidden so we can truly walk in our light, mask off. This is the beginning of reclaiming our power. As the moon decreases in size to prepare us

for the New Moon, we can use this energy to release and let go whatever is limiting us from being our true authentic self. Release the fears, release shame, release past traumas and show up as you for you.

We have a new moon in Libra on October 17th. This will be our opportunity to set new intentions around self love. Libra is the sign of: balance, harmony, justice and love. Ruled by Venus, Libra promotes the nicer things in life. How can we bring more love and balance to our life? How can we harmonize the many lessons learned so far this year to bring our actions into more alignment?. Where do we need to stand up for ourselves to bring about justice for our needs?

This is all self-love. Self-love is much more than manicure/facials and affirmations. It’s deeper than yoga and herbal tea. Self love is truly getting to know yourself, flaws and all and giving yourself the unconditional love you deserve.

This month I challenge you to give yourself permission. Give yourself: permission to explore, permission to let go, permission to hold space for yourself, permission to say no, permission to heal, permission to receive, permission to love!

The universe is always conspiring on our behalf, give yourself permission to show up, unapologetically for you!

LIFE

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 35

The king of many names; Akhenaten 1352 - 1334 BC DAVE RANKIN dave@carib101.com

AFRICAN HISTORY

The most famous of the seven children produced from Nesew Amenhotep the 3rd and his Great Royal wife Tiye, was Amenhotep the 4th before changing his name.

His older brother Crown Prince Thutmose (who was a priest of Ptah) had died somewhere in the third decade of Amenhotep the 3rd’s rule of an undisclosed illness. Therefore, leaving Amenhotep the 4th next in line for the throne. He had shared a co-regency with his father for approximately a dozen years before his passing. His mother Queen Tiye went on to assist him with daily matters until she

passed some twelve years later.

His coronation name was ‘Neferkeprure’ which is translated, as “Beautiful of Form is Re.” There was another title that was added to his coronation name, “Wa-NRe” or “the Unique One of Re.” When reading about the life of Amenhotep the 4th, this last title “Wa-N-Re” would surmise this Nesew very well.

In the book When Egypt Ruled the East, the authors state the following, “An extraordinarily single-minded character, when once he had embarked on a purpose, he held to it with tenacity and carried it through unwaveringly with nothing short of fanaticism.”

There are reports that Amenhotep the 4th “From the remotest times had boasted of unusual wisdom.” He continuously drenched himself with the concept that Re was “The creator and preserver of the world,” and that “He was without equal.”

This thought would be ever present and eventually grow during his reign as we will explain later in this series.

While there are no exact records of the date of marriage, Amenhotep the 4th married Nefertiti early in his reign. One of the most famous Kemetian women in history, one can see her bust, which now lies in the West-Berlin Museum in Germany.

The two went on to have six daughters.

In Amenhotep the 4th’s second year of reign, he deviated from the deity of Amen-Re and devoted himself to Aten. Up until then, he had noticed that the clergy had lost their way. They had become greedy and were lavished with gifts from Nesew before him. All of these things brought envy and jealousy to the ancient priests of the day. So, Amenhotep the 4th decided to make shocking reforms upon his kingdom.

Before we go into the reforms Amenhotep the 4th made, we would like to expound on the word Aten. The word Aten comes from the Old Kingdom and literally means “disc.”

Renowned author, Molefi K Assante tells us in his book “The Egyptian Phi-

losophers” that Aten may also have meant, “’Day’s disc,” meaning “the sun in the sky.”

So, when Amenhotep the 4th devoted himself to Aten, he was really reincarnating a practice that was once present in Kemet.

As we will later show, the people of Kemet didn’t think that was the case.

Molefi K Assante writes about one of the changes or reforms that took place.

Once again quoting from The Egyptian Philosophers: “Early in his second year of reigning, he ordered preparation for a jubilee or sed festival, usually reserved for the thirtieth year of rule.” He also “Had several buildings erected for the occasion, including the: “Sun Disc is Found,``’’House of the BenBen,” “Sturdy of the monuments of the Sun disc forever,” and “Exalted are the monuments of the Sun disc forever.”

Amenhotep the 4th set a pattern during his reign on the throne. This and more will be unraveled in the next installment of our series.

The Toronto District School Board provides alternatives for people who have mask exemptions PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

YOUTH EDUCATION

The TDSB has updated its guidelines requiring masks and face coverings as of Tuesday, September 29th, 2020. The update notes that, “Due to the significant increase of COVID-19 cases in our communities and the resulting adjustments to these guidelines, this requirement applies immediately and retroactively, including to those whose mask exemptions requests have already been approved.”

The update requires that, “Staff are required to wear Level 1,or Level 2 medical masks at all times when indoors and out-

doors. When unable to maintain a physical distance of meters.”

There is the requirement that, “School visitors, including parents/ guardians are required to wear a mask/face covering when indoors and outdoors on school property such as during pick-up and drop off.”

The guidelines identify the type of masks: disposable, reusable, and reusable homemade.

Face shields may be used as an alternative to masks. “In situations where a student, staff or visitor is not wearing a mask due to an approved exemption, a face shield may be required as an alternative measure of protection.”

Ryan Bird, the spokesperson for the TDSB stated, “We are seeing the numbers continue to increase across Toronto and elsewhere. After having practiced this for a number of weeks now, we have merged areas where we could lighten up.”

The TDSB recognizes that there are many

challenges that face individuals who may not be able to wear masks. Ryan notes, “We don’t want to take any chance. We understand that there may be situations where masks may not be able to be worn. That is why we’re encouraging the use of face shields because at least it provides some protection. Is it as good as a mask? No, but at least it provides some protection.”

There are other face coverings that are acceptable; religious coverings such as: hijabs, niqabs and burkas. “They may not be designed to filter respiratory droplets and may not be effective.” and it is recommended that, “A medical mask will have to be worn underneath these covers.

The mask should not leave the nose and mouth exposed and must be tightly fit to envelope the bridge and nose.”

The TDSB specifies that accommodations will be based on the human rights of the individuals.

Furthermore, it is important that individuals who received exemptions from

mask wearing are not treated unfairly. The policy specifics, “We expect all staff and students to be respectful for those who wear masks and those who cannot wear a mask for medical and other reasons for which an exemption applies.”

The policy assumes that honesty and truthfulness will prevail with respect to mask wearing. It states, “If students, staff and visitors are able to wear masks but choose no to, they do not qualify for a mask exemption and in person attendance at school or the workplace without a mask will not be allowed.”

Ryan Bird told CP24, “What we’re doing is we are making sure that we are taking all the precautions that we can, whether that is mask wearing, enhanced cleaning, screening prior to entering school, physical distancing to the greatest extent possible.”

PAGE 36

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

How to choose your child’s name

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

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

Look to your lineage If you prefer vintage names, consider paying tribute to someone of significance from your family tree. Alternatively, a tradi­ tional option from your cultural back­ ground can serve as a nod to your heritage.

Consider the meaning Looking into the meanings behind diffe­ rent names may inspire your choice and give it more significance. Additionally, if

you already have a few options in mind, it’s a good idea to find out whether any of them reference something unappealing.

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

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

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

A guide to public transit etiquette Taking the bus, train or subway to com­ mute requires you to share a small space with other people. Here are a few rules you should follow to ensure a smooth ride for everyone.

• • •

• • • •

•

Have your fare or ticket in hand, or step to the side until you do to avoid holding up the line.

Always let passengers exit the vehicle before you attempt to board, and then do so in an orderly fashion.

Remain clear of the doorway once inside so riders can easily exit the vehicle.

This will prevent delays caused by a blocked door.

Remove your backpack when stan­ ding in a crowded vehicle, and don’t place items in the middle of an aisle.

If you’re sitting, keep your bag on your lap instead of on the seat next to you.

Keep your feet off the seats.

Offer your seat to pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities and others who may need it more than you.

Avoid having loud conversations, and use headphones to listen to music.

Finally, remember to always thank the dri­ ver as you disembark.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Integrity, loyalty, authenticity, and love TARA MYSHRALL tara@carib101.com

COMPELLED TO CHANGE We have all heard the rumblings that this year will go down in the history books as a year filled with intense uncertainty. There is so much on the go that some feel like we are chained to a tree without the flexibility to move from its shading overhang and others feel that this is a time of awakening and reconnecting to the possibilities of expansion.

Through these times of intense uncertainty, I need something to bring me back to my home, to the warmth of knowing, releasing and being. I come back to my values to redirect me and align with my true beliefs. They help me determine the side of the line I would stand on when things get complicated. My core values are love, authenticity, integrity, and loyalty.

Love

Love is so important because we have to love ourselves first. We have to learn to love ALL OF OURSELVES with unwavering, unconditional love. Once we love ourselves deeply, we will interact with others, and love others without expectation. “Am I coming from a place of love?” is the most powerful question that snaps me back to my values.

Come from a place of love and spread love to all those we meet, the person making your coffee deserves the same respect as the CEO guiding a company. Offering a little dose of love to brighten the day of all those you come in contact with changes your interactions.

Authenticity This is a huge buzzword right now. We watch the world through the lens of the phone and get caught up in the touch ups, clothes, the perfect lighting, words and presenta-

tion. All the likes and posturing can leave us feeling like we are sinking in thick quicksand when we are not acknowledging our inner voice and our deep desire to play full out.

We are no longer jumping into adventure and trying something new. We are following the crowd and betting on others because we are too terrified to bet on ourselves.

Our authentic selves, our souls they are cracking at the seam to allow light to penetrate every crevice of the available space and shine powerful and strong. Our soul needs to be unleashed. It is not the perfection we project that will save us, it is just being our authentic selves Integrity “My word is the only thing that I will take to my grave.” I heard this from my father growing up and that really stuck. The money, the house, the car none of it is going with us. I am not vain enough to think that the world will know when I part this plane, however the people that I interact with, the ones that I work with and love, they will remember that I loved myself and them enough to be true to my word.

Loyalty I used to believe loyalty to others meant never quitting on them. I was loyal to a fault.

Now I know that I must be loyal to myself first. I need to be loyal to the person I am and the person I want to become and only then can I extend loyalty to others.

For many people, that takes time.

And, sometimes, you might need help to figure this out, be it from trusted friends, family or professionals. A big part of this is being loyal to my intuition and trusting it to guide me to the right people who will support me. Loyalty also means no longer compromising myself for others comfort.

I challenge you this weekend to spend some time coming up with your values. Sit with yourself for a while and see what comes up.

Take the time to reflect and to dream and to feel into the person that you are and the person you have not yet become.

Do A look youratkids theget modern too much business screen woman time?

When women contribute to the business world, they often bring a fresh perspective that helps companies to accelerate their growth. Studies have demonstrated that gender diversity in corporate settings increases productivity and innovation.

What’s more, women tend to bring a more humane leadership style to the table, one based on inclusivity and the empowerment of marginalized voi­ ces. This openminded and collaborative attitude has been shown to improve a corporate team’s performance, products and decision-making.

Obstacles to overcome Women continue to face numerous challenges in the business world. For one, the wage gap persists with full-time female employees making an average of $0.87 for every dollar earned by men in the same position. This disparity is even wider for women of colour, Indigenous women and recent immigrants.

Additionally, women are less likely than men to apply and be considered for management roles. Often, this is due to implicit or explicit bias among male employers.

Another factor is the persistence of traditional gender roles among many couples, which leave women disproportionately

responsible for childcare and household tasks. Without a proper support system, it’s difficult for women to strike a balance and advance in the workplace.

Yet despite these hurdles, many women are thriving in the business world, and companies, as well as communities, are the better for it.

Networking resources Women in business often lack the support and funding that have allowed men to be successful. Here are a few of the business organizations in Canada that offer resources, knowledge and encouragement to women.

• • • • •

Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (fwe.ca) Women’s Executive Network (wxnetwork.com) Canadian Association of Women Executives & Entrepreneurs (cawee. net) Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (weoc.ca) Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (canwcc.ca)

LIFE

PAGE 37

HOW TO

PAGE 38

How to install and maintain a central vacuum cleaner Whether you’re building a new house or looking to upgrade your current home, a central vacuum cleaner is a worthwhile investment. Here’s what you should know about installing and maintaining this type of vacuum.

INSTALLATION It usually takes about two days to set up a central vacuum system. You’ll need a va­ riety of tools to get the job done, including: • Metal coat hangers • A pipe cutter • A stud finder • A right-angle drill • A wire stripper • A drywall saw

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

7 ways to make the most of your basement

You’ll also need to either routinely re­ place the disposable filter or rinse the permanent mesh screens under cold wa­ ter. Keep in mind that even models with a self-cleaning filtration system should be serviced periodically to maximize suc­ tion power.

Overall, a central vacuum cleaner is a low-maintenance appliance that will simplify chores and help you keep your home clean.

In addition to the main unit, you’ll need to install ducts, fittings, mounting brackets, inlets and several other parts. For best results — and to avoid needing to buy or rent equipment — hire an experienced profes­ sional.

MAINTENANCE A central vacuum cleaner can easily last for 20 years with proper upkeep. As with most vacuums, the ca­ nister or bag must be regu­ larly emptied. Completing this simple maintenance task every few months will help prevent clogs and en­ sure the system functions optimally.

3 advantages of folding doors If you want to maximize a small space or let in more natural light, folding doors are sure to be a welcome addition to your home. Here are three great reasons to install this type of door.

1. They help open up a space. Since these doors fold in on themselves when open, they’re an ideal option for small rooms where a standard door would take up too much space.

2. They suit any design style. Folding doors are available in a variety of configurations and can fit openings of different sizes. In addition to ch­ oosing the number of panels, you can opt for a door material that com­ plements your home’s overall look.

3. They facilitate outdoor living. Folding doors for your patio that are made of glass can offer easy access to your backyard or deck. In addition, they can give you access to a great view, extend the length of an entire wall and let in an abundance of natural light.

To find folding doors that suit your needs, visit a home improvement store in your area or speak with a local contractor.

Are you thinking about finishing your base­ ment? While this can be an expensive pro­ ject, you’ll increase both your living space and property value. Plus, you can easily adapt this versatile space to suit your fa­ mily’s needs over time. Here are seven types of basement conversions.

1. Workshop. Whether you enjoy sewing, woodworking, scrapbooking or wine making, you’ll have the space you need to store all your supplies and tools.

2. Home office. You’ll probably find it ea­ sier to concentrate in a room that’s cut off from the rest of the house. Plus, you’re less likely to be disturbed during confe­ rence calls.

3. Guest bedroom. This is an ideal way to offer your visitors more privacy. And if there’s enough room to fit in a bathroom, all the better.

4. Cellar. Whether you want to store wine, root vegetables or canned goods, make sure the space is well ventilated and the humidity level is controlled.

5. Personal gym. For this to be a practical option, the ceiling should be high enough to accommodate stretching and jumping jacks.

6. Playroom. Give your kids plenty of space to run around and store their toys with­ out cluttering the main living areas of the house.

7. Laundry room. In addition to freeing up space in the bathroom, you’ll finally have the room you need to fold and iron clothes.

Keep in mind that natural light is limited in a basement. Therefore, you’ll want to opt for an open-concept design or glass doors and partitions if possible.

FUN

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 39

WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 TO OCTOBER 17, 2020

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS AND CAPRICORN

A few hours of overtime at work this week will temporarily im­prove your financial situation. This will allow you to dedicate more time to your relationship, which may need some attention.

TAURUS

You’ll be in the right place at the right time to stand out and make a good impression. You’ll be proud of yourself this week. At work, you’ll be rewarded or at least gi­ven sincere recognition.

PUZZLE NO. 720 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 720

HOW TO PLAY :

GEMINI

It’ll be hard to get you out of the house. You’ll feel attached to old belongings that are taking up too much space. In the end, you’ll be able to get rid of the clutter.

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

CANCER

You won’t hold your tongue this week, and you’ll speak up when others remain silent. You’ll need to demonstrate authority as you navigate a complex situation in order to overcome an impasse.

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

LEO

You’ll likely have to invest con­s iderably in your career this week. You might also purchase a new vehicle to avoid a breakdown and improve your image.

VIRGO

PUZZLE NO. 10 41. Unattached 42. Smudge 44. Andes pack animals 49. Shoemaker’s device 51. Mate for mama 53. Pine 54. Rival 55. Warning 56. Garden spot 57. Sam on “Cheers” 58. Geek 59. Brood’s home

ACROSS 1. Weakens 5. Slumbering 9. ____ tide 12. Money in Venice, once 13. Skirt type 14. Neckline shape 15. Worshiped object

16. Throat-clearing sound 17. Uninvited picnicker 18. Vanquish 20. Rod’s partner 22. Sugar source 24. Banish 27. Highway sign 30. Vagrant

31. Python, e.g.

32. Pretend to be 33. Flight path 35. Foil metal 36. Full force 38. Before, in verse 39. Begley and Asner 40. Trucker’s rig

21. A very long time 23. Smoldering coal 25. Slip sideways 26. Certain bills 27. Chats 28. Land unit 29. Tripped 31. Hard metal 34. Leprechaun land

37. Naught 41. Picture holder 43. “Once ____ a Time” 45. Hymn finisher 46. Method 47. Gibbons and gorillas 48. Posted 49. Sternward 50. Misery 52. Part of mpg

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 10

DOWN 1. Coasted 2. Nurse’s ____ 3. College figure, for short 4. Discount event 5. Beginner 6. Word for Scrooge 7. Put forth 8. Dollar division 9. Assess 10. “Gentle ____” 11. Play the ponies 19. Monastery head

You’ll go out of your way to im press others. At work, you’ll ga ther a large client base and achieve one of your top ambi­tions.

Your hard work will lead to success.

LIBRA

If you’re looking for the perfect job, you’ll find the inspiration you need to choose the right path. You’ll also benefit from having an active imagination as it will allow you to create a masterpiece.

SCORPIO

If you don’t get moving, your se­dentary lifestyle will start to ne­ gatively affect your health. You’ll invite friends to exercise as a group to help you stay motivated.

SAGITTARIUS

Whether you’re starting a new ca ­reer or approaching retirement, this week you’ll try to clearly identify your next steps. If you want your future to meet your expectations, you need to make a plan.

CAPRICORN

A training program will propel your career to new heights. You’ll need a lot of patience to over­come the challenges ahead, but something will inspire you to persevere.

AQUARIUS

You’ll spend a lot of time reflec­ting on your environment and eventually make significant chan­ges to your surroundings. You’ll need to assess your priorities and determine what’s best for you.

PISCES

You’ll be inclined to say yes to everyone, but this will make it harder to keep your promises. It’s difficult to make a decision without all the necessary infor­mation, so make sure you reflect long and hard.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

ICHF BabyHeart Trip to Guyana TCCF works with three international partners to treat poor and critically ill Caribbean children at four treatment centres. At Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, it works with the Herbie Fund to treat children su ering from most major ailments. In Austin Texas, it works with SpineHope to treat children su ering from spinal problems such as scoliosis.

In Guyana and the Dominican Republic, it works with ICHF/BabyHeart Foundation to treat children su ering from congenital heart disease. The modus operandi at the two Caribbean centres is that TCCF assists with sending medical mission teams consisting of cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists and paediatric intensive care unit nurses to deliver treatment and also train local sta in post-operative care.

@tccfangels #tccfangels | to donate www.tccfangels.com

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PAGE 42

REAL ESTATE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

The first wave flattened the wallet.

The second wave will finish the job JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

The second wave is brewing. The elements are reacting, and the concoction will be implosive. Home prices will dip. Last month we saw home values skyrocket. Now the rocket is about to change trajectory. Over half a million homeowners took mortgage deferrals around May. Six months will finish around Halloween. Their nightmares will begin.

These homeowners must resume paying mortgages or forced to sell. Many are still unemployed. They are stretched financially to the breaking point.

There was a pent-up demand for real estate. Five-year mortgage rates fell to 1.8% and buyers took advantage. Many sellers postponed the sale of their home because of the pandemic. This created an artificial shortage. Bidding wars became bigger.

With cheap money buyers splurged. Within

the past month, I saw an increase supply of homes. Some sellers are reducing their prices to sell. These are signs that the market is about to break.

While home prices climbed in July and August, we saw an increased number of condos available for rent. Normally, increase in price would render an increase in rent.

However, rental rates dropped. Strict regulations on short term rentals gave landlords a wallop. Many will be forced to sell and the swell of properties available for sale is growing.

Ontario is tourism. Big attractions such as Wonderland and the CNE are in deep slumber. Events such as Caribana and the Pride parade were cancelled. Banquet halls are suffocating. Many workers are wobbling with worry. Government bailouts are drying up. The first wave had flattened the economy. The second wave will finish the job.

Bob Dugan, chief economist at CMHC predicted that prices will fall in the first quarter of 2021 between 9-18%. “When I say I stand by our forecasts, it’s really with respect to what are the broad trends we expect moving forward. When I look at the housing market there are a tremendous number of risks. I’m not convinced that we have a sustainable basis for housing demand

in the economic disturbance that’s going on related to COVID-19. That’s why I say I stand by the forecasts.”

Immigration is the yardbird for price growth. Everyday about 1,000 new immigrants arrive in Canada. Half will be settling in Ontario. Currently, with COVID-19, the influx dribbles. There will be less demand for housing. Prices will subside.

Most Canadians rely on the media for sustenance. When the tide changes, prices will fall. The media will fan the flames.

Buyers will back off from buying and sellers will be in a hurry to offload. Some sellers will fall over the cliff. Others will hang on by their fingernails, waiting to be rescued. We Canadians are as timid as rabbits.

The marathon for a vaccine is in full throttle. With time, the world will be inoculated. Recovery will be quick, and prices will rebound. The media will fan the flames and there will be a buying frenzy. Immigration will surge and bidding wars will continue.

The best investment on earth is earth itself. Not space in the air. Condos will become less attractive because of confined space. There is an oversupply and segments of the condo market will fall. Like a sledge hammer, the blow will be painful for speculators. Investors should avoid speculating on

pre-construction. Invest on homes in mature neighborhoods with large lots. As the city becomes crowded, land will become gold.

Homeowners who are financially trapped should explore all options before selling. One option is to increase the mortgage and release some equity to pay off high debts such as credit cards and second mortgages. With low interest rates, homeowners can refinance and increase the amortization. Their monthly mortgage payment will reduce. They can use some of the equity to build a basement apartment. The rental income from the basement apartment would offset the expense to carry the home. For example, $50,000 in mortgage will cost just $225.00 per month. This can be used to pay off credit cards or finish the basement apartment.

For those who are planning on selling and buying, it is better to sell now and ask for a long closing. This way, they can sell when the price is high and buy when the market changes. If this is the plan, then ask for a large deposit because in a declining market, a small deposit will evaporate quickly, and buyers may choose to walk away from the deal. Another option is to sell and rent for the short term. The window of opportunity will open but will close quickly.

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PAGE 44

FINANCE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Renovations done right can make you a lot of money CLEVE DeSOUZA cleve@carib101.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Renovations done right can make your home more comfortable, increase its value, and help you build wealth for your future. In 2019, almost 60% of Canadian homeowners completed one or more major renovation projects.

Most of us improve our homes for two reasons - we want to make changes to better meet our family’s needs and we want to add to our home’s value.

Make the right repair or renovation at the right time and you’ll maximize your wealth. It’s not difficult to find the right way to build your home’s value, if you consider a few factors.

First, ask yourself what you need to make the home more comfortable.

The key word in that sentence is need. You may want a high-quality home theatre to enjoy movies once a week during the winter. What your family may need, though, is a renovated basement that adds living space you’ll use every day for years. A beautiful basement also can generate passive income.

I worked with a client to secure a $100,000 loan to convert her basement into a luxury apartment. The value of her home rose 30% and she started collecting $2,500 every month in rent.

Basement renovations also are one of the top five ways to improve how much your family enjoys your home, according to the Appraisal Institute of Canada. The other four renovations that deliver family satisfaction are garages, sunrooms, decks and fences, and landscaping.

Second, consider the return on investment for renovations.

Replacing the windows isn’t much fun, and it could cost thousands of dollars. But the Appraisal Institute of Canada estimates the return on investment for windows between 50% and 75%. That means if you spend $5,000 on new windows, your home value can rise as much as $3,800. More immediately, new windows reduce your monthly heating and cooling costs.

Other, similar improvements that build your home’s value include replacing the roof or updating the heating and cooling system. In general, today’s buyers are looking for energy efficiency, so home renovations that focus on that tend to be the best value.

Third, if your home looks dated, consider some simple, inexpensive fixes.

When we think about renovations, we tend to think about expensive investments like my client’s basement. But don’t overlook the

power of a fresh coat of paint. Experts estimate that paint has a 165% return on investment. Just remember to choose colors with wide appeal. Buyers also respond well to curb appeal, so spruce up your landscaping or replace your front door.

One renovation that reaps huge rewards is also the least expensive. Remove all the clutter and excess items from counters and tabletops. Your knick-knacks could be hiding your home’s features from prospective buyers.

Take a critical look at high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Just replacing the hardware on cabinets can give these rooms completely new looks. Investing a little more money to replace faucets or lighting fixtures also delivers big results.

If you decide to invest in more expensive renovations, keep in mind that home trends change over time. A bathroom renovation completed in 2005 does nothing for your resale value in 2020. If you aren’t selling for a decade or more, be sure you choose features that are easy to update. A good designer and contractor can help you with this.

Finally, as you consider renovations, remember that some upgrades are necessary to simply maintain your home’s safety and value. Roofs, furnaces, and air conditioners wear out and should be replaced every 10 to 15 years, even if you aren’t selling.

Keep an eye on your electrical fixtures too.

Worn-out electrical systems are a fire hazard.

Structural defects always require timely repairs.

The TFSA, a savings tool for everyone!

ANDREW STEWART andrew@carib101.com

FAMILY ADVISOR

Saving requires discipline, so it’s essential to choose a reliable method and strategy.

Why should you be interested in the TaxFree Savings Account (TFSA)? It’s a valuable aid to your financial plan when you have a complementary savings tool with almost unlimited flexibility. The Tax-Free Savings Account is the biggest innovation to encourage personal savings since the creation of the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) by the government of Canada. Like the RRSP, the TFSA has some impressive characteristics of its own. Interest earned accumulates tax-free, the contribution room is equally fair cause its the same for everyone, cumulative and is not linked to individual income.

This contribution room is available for anyone age eighteen and older starting in January 2009. If you never opened a TFSA before, the total cumulative contribution room in 2020 is $63,500 based on the per-year maximum contribution limits on the CRA website. Another definite advantage of the TFSA is the recovery of the con-

tribution room following withdrawals. That means any amount withdrawn over the year will be added back to the contribution room for the following year. An absorbing and a little known strategy is that the TFSA is a good income-splitting tool. Income splitting is just one of the ways to lower a household’s tax liability. Income splitting works best if one spouse earns significantly more than the other spouse does. This lets the higher-income spouse shift some of their income to the lower-income spouse (whether they are married or commonlaw). The tax rules allow a higher-income spouse to give the lower-income spouse cash to contribute to their TFSA. There are no tax deductions for contributions to a TFSA, but once the funds are invested, they grow tax-free, can be withdrawn tax-free, and will transfer tax-free to a beneficiary. A parent could do the same with their child (as long as the child is at least eighteen years old).

TFSA or RRSP? To effectively select which is the best choice between an RRSP and a TFSA, the tax rates during your active life and retirement must be taken into account. Here are three simple rules to help with making that choice. If your tax rate at the time of contribution is higher than what your tax rate will be when you withdraw then an RRSP would be more beneficial. If tax rates are equal, then both the TFSA and RRSP equal-

ly beneficial. If your tax rate will be higher at the time of withdrawal, then the TFSA is more beneficial.

So, what are some other main differences between these two savings programs?

You have to be eighteen to open a TFSA and there is no age of eligibility to open an RRSP. That’s right a minor can set up an RRSP with the consent of their parent or legal guardian. But the child must have a job and must have earned an income and gotten a T4 from their employer in the previous tax year. So, if your child is still in diapers, an RRSP is likely not an option.

There is also an age limit for how long you can contribute. That age limit is age 71 for the RRSP and none for a TFSA.

Withdrawals and contribution room can be recovered in full when sums are withdrawn with the TFSA, but all contribution room is lost when sums are withdrawn with an RRSP.

You can use your TFSA as loan collateral. Yes, it’s a little-known fact but it’s true. You can use the assets inside your TFSA as collateral for a loan (whereas you can’t with an RRSP). This can come in handy if, for example, you have money tied up in your TFSA inside a locked-in GIC: you can’t unlock it, but you can use it as collateral.

If you’re interested in finding out more about TFSAs (and there is more to know), feel free to talk to an advisor.

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, October 14, 2020

UFC 253 in retrospect A recap of Adesanya vs. Costa and BĹ‚achowicz vs. Reyes MARCEL MARIAK marcel@carib101.com

TC JUNIOR REPORTER

In the combat sports world, there are three types of events. The first event is the one in which nothing happens; the fighters walk around lethargically, barely engage, and then go home with a sense of accomplishment while fans contemplate whether their time and money could have been better spent doing something else. The second type of event is the average one; a few fast-paced fights mixed in with slow and deliberate battles that go the distance.

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Main event: Adesanya v. Costa The main event of the night was what put UFC 253 on the map. With the famed Israel Adesanya defending the belt against his arch-nemesis, Paulo Costa. Standing at 6’4� (four inches taller than the challenger), with an undefeated 19-0 records, the Nigerian kickboxing champion, Israel Adesanya, was the slight favourite to win (-170). Challenging Adesanya was Paulo Costa, a Brazillian fighter with an also undefeated 13-0 record (Costa is also considered by many to be the UFC’s most handsome fighter... I can’t say I disagree). The two warriors had spent many months before the fight lobbing insults and scathing comments at each other; by the time they entered the octagon, tensions were coming to a boil. From the onset of the battle, Adesanya took the initiative by using his long frame to deliver damaging calf kicks to Costa’s lead leg. Despite Costa mocking his rival during the fight and attempting to entice him into a close-range brawl, Adesanya stuck to his game plan and managed his distance with expert precision. By the end of the first round, Costa was already moving awkwardly on his lead leg and over-reacting to Adesanya’s feints.

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Co-main event: Błachowicz v. Reyes In a fight that could easily be a main event headline fight, two MMA giants went toeto-toe over the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight belt. In one corner stood Jan Błachowicz, the 6’2� Polish fighter was the underdog in the matchup despite having defeated several big MMA names like Ronaldo Souza and Luke Rockhold and an impressive 26-8 record. Opposite him stood Dominick Reyes. Despite having a 1� reach disadvantage and coming off of a loss against Jon Jones, the 6’4� American martial artist was the favourite to win (-200).

In the first round, both fighters exchanged heavy long-range strikes mostly in the form of leg kicks. In the second round, things got a bit more personal as BĹ‚achowicz and Reyes began to box and clinch heavily.

With just over 20 seconds left in the second round, BĹ‚achowicz landed a stunning combo that sent the dazed Reyes falling to the canvas. Jan BĹ‚achowicz then finished the fight with a brief ground and pound until the referee stepped in. After donning his new belt, BĹ‚achowicz had very little to say in the post-fight interview. He simply called Jon Jones out for a fight and walked

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In the second round, the champion continued to attack Costa’s visibly damaged lead leg. Eventually, Adesanya managed to program his opponent into assuming that all kicks were aimed at the lead leg. At that moment, Adesanya delivered a stunning head kick that cut his Costa, before following up with a punch that sent his opponent to the ground. Before the referee could step in and end the fight, Adesanya got a few more strikes and an intense elbow to the head of his rival. With the fight over, only four minutes onto the second round, Adesanya had successfully defended his title and undefeated record.

Despite the fight being over, the two warriors have continued their harsh trash talk over social media; with Costa saying that he will kill Adesanya the next time they meet, and the champion replying by simply posting pictures of his victory. Is the fight over between these two warriors, or have we only seen a single chapter in an upcoming saga between the two fighters?

Regardless of what the future has in store, we can always look forward to seeing Israel Adesanya step into the cage.