“As of 2025, the Government of Canada has ramped up travel advisories against several Caribbean nations: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas...”
Cameile Henry
How she became a guiding light
“From shy girl to global educator, coach, and award-winning author, Cameile Henry transforms trauma into tools for resilience in early childhood education.”
In the gentle rhythm of the Caribbean, on the twin-island republic of Trinidad & Tobago, a baby girl named Cameile was born into a loving and tightly knit family, the youngest of seven children. Her father, Victor Henry, made the first bold move to Canada, later followed by her mother, Pearl, and all six siblings. At just six months old, Cameile left her island home for Canada. By the age of three, she had settled into the quiet town of Orangeville, Ontario, where the contours of her early life would be shaped.
Her childhood was marked by a pivotal memory: winning a spelling contest and being met not with applause, but with a racial slur. Called the N-word by a peer, young Cameile withdrew into herself. “I became more comfortable sitting in the background,” she later shared. “It’s also why I feel such deep empathy for the quiet children; the ones sitting in the corner, shy and often overlooked, because I was one of them.”
Art and drama soon became her sanctuary. At Princess Elizabeth Public School, she found refuge in creativity. “Drama allowed me to escape to another world, to immerse myself in another reality,” she said. She loved painting, even if she didn’t consider herself “very good.” It was about freedom. In those creative spaces, she didn’t have to fit into any mold. She could simply be.
By the time she was 13, Cameile had moved to Toronto and was enrolled in acting classes by her mother, who hoped to encourage her daughter’s dreams of modeling or performing, but the stage didn’t liberate her; it confined her. “Acting doesn’t allow you to be creative in the way I needed. You’re saying someone else’s lines. I didn’t come out of my shell; I went further in.”
Instead, she found her calling in children: transparent, honest, unpretentious beings. In Grade 6, she began babysitting and discovered the quiet joy of being entrusted with young lives. It was empowering.
Cameile’s teenage years were spent in the Jane and Finch corridor, where she attended Jane Junior High
for children and educators
and later Westview Centennial Secondary School. There, she dove into Black history and culture, but also experienced bullying and racial labeling (being called an “Oreo” by classmates). In those moments, she turned inward once more, masking inner turmoil with outward composure. “I helped people with their homework to survive socially,” she remembered. A misfit in many ways, her intellect became her anchor.
After high school, she pursued a diploma in Travel and Tourism from Seneca College, intending to explore the world, but her passion for working with children endured. In 1992, she earned her Early Childhood Education diploma with Honours from George Brown College. Later, she completed both her Bachelor of Arts with Distinction and her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Her time at George Brown’s Lab Schools and Queen Street Child Care Centre profoundly impacted her trajectory. “It was one of the few places where I could see myself and explore the world through children’s perspectives,” she said. These environments unleashed her creativity.
From there, Cameile’s teaching journey took flight. She began as a Teacher’s Assistant at TMU in 2006 and moved into instructor roles at George Brown College. By 2008, she joined Sheridan College as a professor in the Early Childhood Education program, where she has been shaping future educators for over 15 years. Known for her warmth and wisdom, she’s received glowing feedback from students and colleagues alike.
Cameile’s impact doesn’t end in the classroom. She co-founded Strengthening Hands with her brotherin-law, Dr. George Ashley. The organization offers global educational resources and empowerment services for agencies serving children. Together, they’ve co-authored 12 children’s books, each paired with handcrafted crochet dolls that make the stories tactile and unforgettable. As a foster parent to over 20 children, Cameile brings real-life insight to her work. “Our stories are grounded in real experiences,” she said. “They’re
designed to affirm, empower, and build resilience in children navigating complex emotions.”
Her accolades include the 2024 Women of Colour in Business Award and a 2024 CIBWE Award. She’s also certified as a facilitator in: Kids Have Stress Too, Positive Parenting, Circle of Security, and the HighScope Curriculum. As an international trainer in “The Positive Discipline Way,” she equips educators and parents with the tools to nurture responsibility and self-discipline in children.
Cameile’s expertise is woven into cultural and educational productions as well. She serves as the Educational and Diversity Consultant for Jeremy and Jazzy Productions’ animated musical series, where she ensures that equity and inclusion are built into every story and song.
Her dedication extends to spiritual education as well; she served as the Children’s Ministries Facilitator for the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ontario from 2020 to 2023, delivering workshops on learning styles, child development, and self-esteem.
Her body of work spans continents. She’s developed field manuals for international placements in Hong Kong and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She’s presented at conferences, published in journals such as: The Journal of Adventist Education and AECEO, and co-authored a book on race and multiculturalism.
Even the global crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd were opportunities for reflection and transformation. The events affected her deeply—especially through the eyes of her then-eightyear-old son. “They sparked urgent conversations in our household and my classrooms about justice, equity, and the emotional lives of children.”
Through it all, Cameile Henry lives by a single, unwavering mantra from Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” And she has…
Written by Paul Junor Toronto Caribbean News
Discriminatory language in schools is not just “Kids being Kids!”
simone@carib101.com
Let us talk real for a minute. What happens when your Black or Brown child walks into a school where words like “cotton picker,” “terrorist,” “fob,” or “slow” are thrown around like slang? What happens when the teacher hears it, but looks away? When guidance counselors remain silent? When the principal is more worried about optics than accountability?
You already know what happens. That child starts to shrink. Not physically, but emotionally, psychologically. Slowly, they begin to question their value. Their worth. Their identity, and what we end up with is a wounded soul navigating a system that was never built with them in mind. This is why the Words Matter Campaign is a blueprint for transforming school culture from one that tolerates harm, to one that cultivates: healing, respect, and collective power.
The real cost of “It’s Just Words!”
As a community psycho-educationalist, I have sat across from too many families: Afro-Caribbean, Indo-Caribbean, African, South Asian, who watched their child spiral into anxiety, depression, or rage, and the thread that connects these stories? It
almost always starts with language. With names. With jokes. With that subtle dismissal of dignity.
Language has always been a weapon of colonialism, and in these classrooms, it continues to function as such. When children are dehumanized with words, it sets a precedent. It becomes easier to suspend them. To stream them into “basic” classes. To overlook their potential. It becomes easier not to protect them.
The Words Matter Campaign, led by Harmony Movement, flips that script
This campaign does not just hand schools a pretty poster and a platitude. It offers comprehensive, practical resources: scenariobased training, video stories, workshop guides for every age group, and live webinars on how to dismantle ableism, antiBlack racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and more.
What makes it real for our community is this: it is a way for schools to stop pretending neutrality is justice, because neutrality only serves the status quo, and we know who that favours.
When a teacher is equipped with the tools to intervene; not later, not tomorrow, but in the moment, then that space becomes a little safer. When parents are brought into that learning and given language to advocate for their children, we shift the power. And when students see that adults take a stand? That is when they begin to understand their worth.
Our diaspora, our responsibility
If you are reading this as an: elder, a parent, an educator, or even just someone from our community watching from the side -
lines, understand this; we have a responsibility to protect our youth by challenging systems that continue to inflict harm.
We cannot afford to look away because the trauma is quiet, because the hurt is tucked into school bags and masked with silence. No one died, but something did die. Slowly. The belief that they belong. That they are enough. That they matter.
If we, as a community, stay silent while our children endure that? Then we are complicit.
Take the pledge. Raise the bar
The Words Matter Campaign invites
schools across the country to sign a pledge, a real commitment, to create change. Once on board, schools gain access to tailored tools, peer support, and a national network of schools rising to meet this moment. Our kids are not asking for charity. They are demanding equity, and with this campaign, we can begin to give them what they deserve: environments that honour their identities, protect their spirit, and elevate their potential.
So, I ask you, will you wait for another child to come home broken, or will you stand up now and say: words matter here?
Dr. Natasha Bridgmohan AMP A Legacy of Financial Empowerment and Community Leadership
For over 22 years, Dr. Natasha Bridgmohan has been at the forefront of financial services, helping to shape the future of thousands individuals across North America and beyond. As the founder and CVO of The BridgGroup of Companies (TBGOC), Mrs. Bridgmohan has built a network that addresses a diverse range of financial needs, from mortgages to investments, real estate, and so much more.
to first-time home-buyers, young families, seasoned investors, retirees and seniors.
A Journey of Resilience From Guyana to Industry Leadership
At the core of TBGOC’s operations is Natasha’s innovative MIRACLE Model — a comprehensive financial framework that encompasses Mortgages, Investments, Real Estate, Aid (including Philanthropy and Pharmaceutical ventures), Consulting, Credit, Legal, Lending, and Entertainment. This model allows clients to access diverse services under one roof, providing a unique opportunity for individuals at all stages of life to plan for financial independence and generational wealth. The approach is personalized, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client, from financial literacy for students
Dr. Bridgmohan’s journey is one of perseverance and dedication. A proud Guyanese immigrant, she has risen to become a respected figure in the Canadian financial landscape. She is the only West Indian woman to receive an honorary doctorate in business at the international level, a milestone that marks her contributions to both the financial industry and her community. Natasha’s story is an inspiring example of how one individual can overcome adversity to become a leader and role model for others. Her community outreach efforts are far-reaching, having led seminars and workshops that aim to educate and empower West Indian and Indo-Caribbean households across the country and now all over the world!
Advocating for Financial Literacy and Community Impact
Through The Financial Room, a televised program that has aired over 500 episodes since 2016 on Global and CHEX TV, Natasha has shared her expertise with viewers across the world. Her insights on wealth management, credit repair, and investing have resonated with a wide audience, making her a trusted voice in financial education. Beyond her media presence, Natasha’s commitment to giving back is exemplified in her upcoming Canadian Changing Lives Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to relieving poverty, empowering education, and supporting vulnerable communities through essential resources, financial literacy programs, and targeted aid. Our mis-
sion is to create lasting change by providing access to basic needs, educational opportunities, and life-enhancing support services in her own backyard here in Canada!
Save the Date: Key Upcoming Events TBGOC is set to host a series of events designed to educate, connect, and inspire attendees. These events provide valuable opportunities for those looking to enhance their financial knowledge and make lasting changes in their financial futures:
• June 6-8: Niagara Canada International Film Festival (NCIFF)
• June 10: EarnX Referral Program (see ad below to register)
• August 14: Financial Literacy Summer Camp
For more information on upcoming events or to register for one of the above, call (289) 371-1967 or email haps@thebridggroup.ca
Looking Ahead to a Legacy of Financial Freedom
As Natasha and her team continue to serve their clients, they remain unwavering in their mission to empower communities and promote financial independence. The BridgGroup is paving the way for individuals and families to transform their financial futures. Stay tuned as we’ll be sharing insights on different topics each month to guide you on your journey toward financial success.
Staying Rooted in Each Other
Every now and then, I catch myself wondering where the time has gone. One minute we’re brushing snow off the front steps, and the next, the sun’s out longer, the jackets are lighter, and the scent of barbecue is floating through the neighbourhood again. Time moves quickly, and life doesn’t often pause to let us catch our breath—but I think that’s why moments like this matter so much.
I just want to take a moment—here, with you—to say thank you. Thank you for picking up this paper, for supporting your local businesses, and for continuing to believe in the power of community. These pages aren’t just about the news or ads. They’re about people. They’re about you. And it’s your stories, your kindness, and your resilience that keep us going week after week.
It’s no secret that we’re living in uncertain times. Some days feel heavy. Some weeks feel long. There are headlines that overwhelm, and changes that make us question where things are headed. But when I look around—at our friends, our neighbours, our church groups, our youth, our elders—I still see something deeply beautiful: I see connection. I see love. I see the unshakeable spirit of community, even when things feel a little shaky around us.
You’ve probably heard me say this before, but I’ll say it again: community isn’t just about location—it’s about how we treat each other. It’s about checking in when someone’s been quiet. It’s about offering help before it’s asked for. It’s about celebrating each other’s wins, big or small. And yes, it’s about holding space when someone is grieving, struggling, or simply trying to keep it together.
We don’t always know what the person next to us is carrying. Ev-
eryone has their own journey, their own worries, their own quiet hopes. That’s why grace matters. That’s why compassion matters. A little kindness goes a long way—especially when someone feels like they’re walking alone.
If you’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, please know this: you’re not the only one. And more importantly, you’re not alone. You’re part of something bigger. You belong here. Whether you’ve lived in this community for decades or just arrived last month, your presence adds something valuable. You matter.
And for those who are thriving, who are feeling strong right now—keep shining that light. It helps more than you know. Keep reaching out, keep showing up, and keep being that steady hand for someone else. We need each other. We always have.
As we move into the warmer months, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down where you can. Take time to rest. Take time to enjoy the sun on your face, the laughter of friends, the simple pleasure of a walk with no destination. Joy is not selfish. Rest is not a luxury. These things help refill our cups so we can continue to show up for ourselves and each other.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey with us. Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for supporting not just this paper—but the people and stories behind it. It’s easy to feel like we’re all caught in something much bigger than us—but at the local level, where real life happens, we still get to choose what kind of community we build.
Let’s keep building something that lasts. Something grounded in kindness, in honesty, in love.
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Let me ask you a serious question: If someone told you the government had a secret list of people who “might” commit murder in the future… would you believe them? No trials. No crime committed. Just numbers. Just vibes. Just you. Flagged. Well, believe it, because the U.K. government is currently investing in a chilling new research project that aims to predict who will commit murder before it even happens using data from: police files, health records, trauma history, and social circumstances. It is being designed to “protect society,” but protect who? From what?
This ain’t science fiction. This is
The passing of Hameed Shaqq has left a profound void in Canada’s Steelpan and cultural arts community. Just over a week ago, Shaqq succumbed to complications stemming from multiple illnesses. On Friday, May 9th, 2025, a heartfelt tribute brought together members of Toronto’s: Black, African, Indian and Caribbean communities (as well as allies from across the city) to honour his life, legacy, and immeasurable impact at the Tropicana Community Centre in Scarborough.
The gathering was a powerful testament to his influence. Members of the Steelpan fraternity who knew him personally were in attendance, including Pen Man Pat, Garrett Burgess, Pan Pioneer Andy Phillip, King Cosmos (Henry Gomez), Wendy Jones, and Herman Lochan. Together, they reflected on the music, memory, and contributions of a cultural pioneer whose instrument sang with both purpose and
Who’s the killer? The rise of pre-crime AI and the quiet targeting of our minds
a real-world algorithmic nightmare, one that echoes the infamous dystopia of Minority Report, only this time the actors are: AI engineers, government agencies, and bureaucrats with a little too much faith in their flawed datasets.
Let me break it down from a psychological and human rights lens, especially for our people in the Afro/IndoCaribbean diaspora, because this technology is racially coded, socially blind, and psychologically abusive.
The UK’s “Homicide Prevention Program” pulls from massive datasets that include personal info like mental health struggles, addiction, poverty, race, and trauma history. That means: Black folks, immigrants, people from working-class, or marginalized backgrounds, we get tagged as “high risk,” because of how we live.
Think about that; your experience with violence, your pain from being assaulted, your attempt at therapy, all that could now label you as a potential murderer in some bureaucratic prediction engine. That is profiling. That is systemic bias, and yes, that is psychological warfare.
In Louisiana, a similar system
called TIGER is already being used to make parole decisions. A nearly blind 70-yearold man was denied parole because the algorithm said he might reoffend. This is not justice.
When people try to ask, “How did you come to this decision?” The answer is, “The math told us to.” That is what experts call the “accountability sink.” Nobody can be blamed, and nobody can appeal. Sound familiar? That’s what systems built for control (not freedom) look like.
Now let’s zoom out. How does this tie into Agenda 2030?
Agenda 2030, on the surface, is a global sustainability plan created by the United Nations full of goals like: ending poverty and building inclusive societies. Sounds good, but when governments start using it to justify: mass surveillance, AI policing, and social control under the banner of “safety” and “resilience,” we have to ask: Who is setting the terms? Who benefits? Who gets left behind, or locked up?
One of the targets in Agenda 2030 talks about “reducing violence” and “enhancing the rule of law.” When you use
AI to predict criminality based on race, income, or trauma, that is not the rule of law. That is the rule of pattern recognition, and pattern recognition is shaped by past injustice, especially in places where our communities were already overpoliced and under protected.
So yes, we must talk about “globalist” control. There is a legitimate concern around unchecked tech, centralized data, and elite decision-making without community voice. What happens when machines start deciding: who gets freedom, who gets punished, and who never even gets a fair shot? Two words; digital colonialism.
We, the diaspora, cannot afford to be passive. These tools are being tested now, quietly, in labs and policy circles. They will land on our doorsteps. They will shape our children’s futures. We need to understand how power cloaks itself: sometimes in code, sometimes in policy, always in silence.
So, let us not be silent. Let us ask questions. Let us resist, and most of all, let us defend our right to be fully human, not just data waiting to be judged.
the Life and Legacy of Hameed Shaqq
soul.
The Celebration of Life was hosted by Itah Sadu, award-winning storyteller and children’s author, and co-owner of A Different Booklist and the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, along with Miguel San Vicente. A moving land acknowledgment was delivered by Rad Groundation.
A particularly stirring tribute came from Ronald A. Taylor, founder of the Ronald Taylor Dance In. On Facebook, Taylor wrote: “A true pioneer, Hameed’s artistry with the steelpan resonated far beyond the stage, enriching the cultural fabric of the nation. As the first pannist for the renowned Ronald Taylor Dance, he brought rhythm and soul to movement, forging a legacy where music and dance met in harmony.”
He further reflected on Shaqq’s spirit and humanity, “Hameed’s passion, generosity, and commitment to the art form left an indelible mark on all who heard his music or shared a moment in his presence. His pan sang with the spirit of the Caribbean and the strength of a visionary, always echoing joy, resilience, and unity.”
Stars, and Solo Harmonites, exposing him to the rich arrangements and compositions of legendary virtuosos like Earl Rodney, Junior Puchette, Birdie Manette, George “Georgie” James, and Perry Martin. Toronto commuters and cultural enthusiasts will fondly remember Shaqq performing in subway stations, bookstores, libraries, community centres, schools, and major events across the city. Beyond the stage, his work had a strong social impact. He served for years as a Steelpan music instructor with the Toronto District School Board (the largest in Canada) and as a dedicated volunteer and community partner with the Ontario Ministry of Youth and Children’s Services. His contributions extended into correctional and youth facilities, including the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre in Brampton and others across Ontario.
Shaqq received several awards over his lifetime, including:
• 2006 Volunteer Award from Rexdale MicroSkills for community engagement and youth integration
• 2015 Volunteer Appreciation Award from Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre
mously serenaded Haile Selassie during his historic 1966 visit to Trinidad and Tobago.
A deeply intellectual artist, Hameed pursued graduate studies in SocialCultural Anthropology at York University. On his Facebook page, he explained, “As a social science researcher in Anthropology, I decided to focus my research on the only musical instrument ever designed into the cycles of fifths as certified by Pythagoras, the father of mathematics. I examined the physical environment, level of technology, social organization, and symbolic systems in rituals.”
In a post dated January 20th, 2025, he wrote, “I pay tribute to the most unique musical instrument invented since the 6th century B.C., where Greek history credits Pythagoras for calculating musical intervals. Our Steelpan inventors and innovators are the first in over 2,000 years to follow the Pythagorean use of intervals in the cycle of 4ths and 5ths in a counterclockwise design.”
The celebration also revealed lesser-known chapters of his journey. Hameed began his musical career with the Pan Pipers Steelband of Arima in Trinidad and Tobago. He later performed with renowned groups such as: Shell Invaders, Coca-Cola
He described the steelpan as a “Groundbreaking discovery” that introduced an entirely new orchestral and symphonic tonal quality to the global stage.
Hameed Shaqq will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every echo of the pan, in every rhythm that moves a soul, and in every student who dares to learn and dream through music. Toronto mourns and
Born in Arima, Trinidad, Shaqq first played with the Arima All Stars, the band that fa-
What happens when African Caribbean men are given the mic, and the mission?
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
When you have lived the kind of life Andrew Bond has, you stop performing resilience and start redefining it. This is a man who turned a prison cell into a planning room. Who looked at steel bars and saw blueprints. Who walked out not bitter but built. Now, through the REAL-SILIENCE Symposium co-presented by: Born Leaders Elite Sanctified Social Enterprise (BLESSE) and Black Mental Health Canada, he is creating space for other men like him to speak their truths and reshape their futures. In the Afro and Indo-Caribbean communities, especially in the diaspo -
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
ra, the word “resilience” is often thrown around like a trophy. This event? This was not about polishing pain for applause. This was about faith with works. Purpose with pressure. Legacy with love.
Held at The Don on Danforth in Toronto, the REAL-SILIENCE Symposium pulled together a lineup of speakers so raw, brilliant, and spiritually charged. Darren Nash. Troy Crossfield. Sean Watson. Solitair—yes, that Solitair—who gave us bars and then built bars of healing. Keith Geddes. Dalton Higgins, a mentor and literary giant in our space. Justin Brito. Lord Fury, a soul whose very presence demands you level up. Renford Farrier. Dr. Warren Clarke. Junior Ofori. Jerome Gabriel. James Bond. Joseph Mullings. Jason McDonald. Zikhali. Zomkhonto.
Each of them took the mic and made it an altar. They spoke on incarceration, mental health, cultural identity, street ethics, trauma, fatherhood, faith, and the real price of change. Not a single story was diluted. Nobody was here to be tokenized or tolerated. These brothers were celebrat-
ed and heard.
Andrew Bond, the founder of BLESSE, reminded us all that this work started not in a boardroom, but in a jail cell. “My five-year plan started behind bars,” he said. “I stopped waiting to be saved. I started building a system that would not let others fall through the cracks.”
That is what BLESSE and Black Mental Health Canada are doing; offering not just jobs, or services, but a whole mindset shift. They are rebuilding men, not with pity, but with power. With principle. With platforms.
It takes psychological fortitude to heal in public. It takes emotional intelligence to guide others while you are still growing, and it takes cultural competence to know that healing in African Caribbean communities must come through more than textbooks; it has to come through: truth-telling, soul work, and spiritual accountability.
REAL-SILIENCE offered that. Panel discussions got deep. Keynote speeches got personal, and the room filled with
laughter, tears, claps, and deep, guttural “mmhmms” became a vessel of transformation.
This was a gathering that did not just ask men to survive. It called them to thrive. To lead. To forgive themselves. To show their sons a new blueprint. To be fathers, brothers, founders, and forces of change.
For too long, the narrative about African Caribbean men, especially those who have been incarcerated, has been painted by systems that never saw them fully, but here, they told their own stories. In their own rhythm. On their own terms. REAL-SILIENCE reminds us: change is not reserved for the few. It is possible for the faithful, and it is already happening; in rooms like this, in minds like theirs, in missions like Andrew Bond’s.
Keep your energy clean. Your crew solid. Your faith loud. You are part of the healing now. That is what it looks like when purpose meets preparation. That is what it means to walk in your works.
Education Week 2025; Elementary educators urge Ontario Government to take immediate action
sage that read: “During the week, we will celebrate the great things happening across the Board that demonstrate how students, staff, and the TDSB community achieve, belong, and thrive in revitalized environments that are: inclusive, safe, and modern.”
The celebration of Education Week 2025 is a much-anticipated event across Ontario school boards. This year, it was observed from Monday, May 5th to Friday, May 9th under the theme “Reimagining Education for Better Futures.” The week acknowledges the critical roles played by key education stakeholders, students, parents, teachers, and education workers in shaping the province’s education system.
Among the most vocal stakeholders this year was the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), which used the week as an opportunity to spotlight systemic issues and demand action from the Ontario Ministry of Education. In particular, the union called attention to the detrimental impact of chronic underfunding on public schools.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) marked the week with a public mes-
The TDSB also emphasized daily highlights of programs and events throughout the week, stating: “Every day during Education Week, we will take the opportunity to spotlight some of the incredible: programs, initiatives, and events that happen across the TDSB.”
Similarly, the Peel District School Board (PDSB), one of the largest in the Greater Toronto Area, affirmed its support for the provincial initiative, stating that, “It will be joining school boards across the province May 5th to 9th, 2025, under the theme ‘Igniting Minds, Inspiring Futures.’”
The 83,000-member strong ETFO released a statement on Monday, May 5th to coincide with Education Week. In it, the union highlighted the: resilience, creativity, and professionalism of Ontario’s elementary educators, who continue to deliver high-quality education despite increasing obstacles.
ETFO President Karen Brown affirmed, “Every day, ETFO members bring compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting student learning and
well-being.”
Brown acknowledged the significant role: teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, and professional support personnel play in ensuring student success. She emphasized, “Their contributions are the foundation of a strong public education system, but to maintain that strength, meaningful and adequate investment is essential.”
In its statement, the ETFO identified several critical challenges currently facing Ontario’s public schools, including:
• Chronic underfunding
• Growing class sizes
• Reduced access to special education supports
• Rising incidences of violence in schools
• The impact of inflation on families, making it harder for students to thrive
These issues, Brown noted, are intensified by the increasing complexity of student needs, with educators being, “Stretched thin, often having to do more with less while supporting students with limited access to mental health and community services.”
President Brown also reflected on the broader significance of Education Week:
“Education Week is a time to celebrate the incredible work happening in
classrooms, but it’s also a time to face the facts: our public schools urgently need investment. We need real commitment from Education Minister Paul Calandra and the Ford government—one that prioritizes smaller class sizes, better supports for students with disabilities, and ensures schools are safe and supportive for all.”
As part of its advocacy, ETFO outlined “Eight Building Blocks for Better Schools,” a framework it believes is essential for rebuilding and strengthening public education in Ontario. These include:
• Smaller class sizes for elementary students
• Safer and healthier schools
• Increased resources for students with special needs
• More meaningful assessment and learning tools
• Enriched learning experiences
• A stronger voice for educators and their unions
• A single, secular school system
ETFO remains hopeful that the Ford government will take these concerns seriously. As public education continues to face cutbacks, the pressure on teachers and students alike grows more intense.
Canada’s travel crackdown and the Caribbean question
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Behind the tightening of visas and travel advisories lies a deeper story about sovereignty, identity, and global control. Caribbean people, especially in the diaspora, must stay wide awake.
I am going to ask you a question straight out the gate: Why are Caribbean countries, specifically Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, suddenly the focus of: new travel restrictions, stricter visa scrutiny, and government-issued advisories from countries like Canada?
At first glance, it sounds like standard border policy. More crime? Tighter checks. Health concerns? Mandatory insurance. When you dig deeper, something does not sit right, and if you are from the Caribbean, or you grew up watching your elders hustle two jobs to send barrels home, you know exactly what I am talking about. These are not just “travel advisories.”
Let us break this down properly.
The quiet rebuilding of borders
As of 2025, the Government of Canada has ramped up travel advisories against several Caribbean nations: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. The official language says, “Exercise a high degree of caution” due to violent crime and scarcity of basic goods.
Now do not get me wrong, violence is real. Crime is real, but so is context. These countries have faced decades of destabilization through exploitative trade policies, heavy foreign debt, and underinvestment in critical infrastructure. Much of that is directly linked to former colonial powers, powers that now want to paint these same nations as “dangerous” and “unstable” places you
should be wary of visiting. This is where it gets personal.
Tighter noose on the diaspora New policies require Jamaican and Trinidadian nationals, even those previously visaexempt, to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. On top of that, visa applications from these nations are being met with heightened scrutiny. Processing takes longer. More documents are required. Financial proof is tighter. Even sponsors are now being investigated for their ability to ensure compliance.
Translation? If you have family back home trying to visit for your daughter’s wedding, or your mother’s funeral, it just got harder. This is a cultural restriction. This is an erosion of our freedom to stay connected.
I call it what it is: bureaucratic racism. We are watching the Caribbean become collateral damage in the global theatre of migration control, but who benefits when the working-class Caribbean immigrant gets blocked from: traveling, investing, or reuniting with their family? Hint: It is not us.
Canada’s new travel rules for Jamaicans & Trinidadians
Let me present to you the series of new travel and visa requirements impacting Jamaican and Trinidadian nationals. These measures reflect growing global migration control efforts aligned with broader security, economic, and population monitoring strategies, such as those outlined in the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
• Mandatory eTA for air travel: All Jamaican and Trinidadian air travelers must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding flights to Canada.
• Increased visa scrutiny: Applicants face stricter background checks, more documentation, and longer processing times.
• Updated travel advisories: Canada warns travelers about rising violent crime in Jamaica and Trinidad, especially in areas like Laventille and Beetham Gardens.
• Enhanced airport security: Travelers should expect more detailed question -
ing and inspections on arrival.
• Higher financial thresholds: Proof of sufficient funds and travel insurance is now mandatory.
• Visa type restrictions: Priority is given to tourist, family, and business visas, while others are limited.
• Community sponsorship under review: Sponsors are now subject to increased checks and accountability.
• Public health compliance: Vaccination and health screenings are enforced in line with global health tracking.
The Globalist Agenda and the 2030 Playbook
To understand the bigger picture, we need to talk about the 2030 Agenda. On paper, this sounds progressive. End poverty. Promote peace. Strengthen global partnerships.
In practice? Many policies enacted under this umbrella enable: unprecedented surveillance, digital ID systems, and new restrictions on cross-border movement, especially for people from the Global South. Mandatory health screening. Proof of insurance. Financial audits. Monitoring of return compliance. These are coordinated mechanisms for limiting the mobility of “undesirable” travelers.
Who fits that description most often? Afro/Indo Caribbean migrants from post-colonial countries. The Caribbean, as small as it is, is strategically located. Rich in culture, resources, and geopolitical value, but it has also been targeted over and over again for: regime change, economic manipulation, and social engineering. The 2025 version of that colonization? It is not with guns. It is with biometric scanning, AI-based risk profiling, and subtle visa denial.
The Optics of “Safety”
Let me be crystal clear, safety matters. Nobody wants to see innocent people hurt, but using safety as a blanket justification for profiling entire nations is dangerous. If we apply the same “high crime” metric to other nations, would the United States, with its mass shootings and racial violence, be on Canada’s warning list? What about parts of Europe ex-
periencing terrorism or civil unrest?
Of course not, because the issue here is not crime. It is control.
This is how systemic bias hides in plain sight: behind policy language, behind government websites, behind so-called safety precautions.
The psychological toll on our people I have studied what it means when people feel like their heritage is criminalized. It leads to identity fragmentation. To intergenerational trauma. To disconnection from cultural roots. When immigration policy becomes a wall between diaspora and homeland, we lose ourselves.
I have spoken with young people who are afraid to apply for a Jamaican passport, thinking it will block job prospects, or limit travel freedom. I have met elders who cry quietly at night because they missed their brother’s funeral, all because the visa never came through. This is not okay.
What can we do about it?
Stay informed. Read government policy updates regularly. Ask questions. Push back when narratives do not line up.
Organize. Diaspora communities must build stronger advocacy networks. If you are part of a: church group, cultural organization, or alumni association, start conversations about mobility rights. Write letters. Demand representation. Connect. Reclaim your ties to the Caribbean. Visit when you can. Support local Caribbean-owned businesses in Canada and abroad. Let them know we are still here, still strong, still watching.
In this world where algorithms determine who gets flagged, who gets tracked, and who gets denied, we must remain wide awake. Caribbean people have survived enslavement, exile, and exploitation. We are not about to be erased by red tape.
Travel is about freedom. About roots. About returning to where your ancestors first touched soil. If we let policy override people, then we are no longer in a democracy. We are in a digital plantation. So, ask yourself again: Are we the target? Or are we just the first ones being tested?
The 10th Annual Remarkable Mother’s Awards Gala honours the beauty and strength of motherhood
carpet host Elaine Robinson. These women, representing diverse backgrounds and accomplishments, were celebrated for their enduring impact on their families and communities.
paul@carib101.com
TC
It was an evening of glitz, glamour, and heartfelt gratitude at the 10th annual Remarkable Mother’s Awards (RMA) Gala 2025. The prestigious event brought together: dignitaries, business owners, entrepreneurs, civic officials, guests, and community partners to honor the power of motherhood.
Held under the theme “A Decade of Celebrating Motherhood: Empowering Women, Enriching Lives,” the gala was founded by Ngozi Gertie Ugoh, Publisher of the Nigerian Canadian Newspaper. A fierce advocate for honouring women while they are still present to receive their flowers, she opened the night by affirming her signature message: “Give me my flowers while I’m alive.” Her powerful words set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
The Panemonte Banquet & Convention Centre glowed with elegance as 44 remarkable mothers were honoured and interviewed before the ceremony by red
Leading up to the event, RMA 2025 was promoted on Eventbrite as “A prestigious event dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of extraordinary mothers.” This milestone 10th anniversary brought together: families, community leaders, and supporters to recognize the invaluable work of mothers from across multicultural backgrounds and professional fields.
In her welcome address, Ngozi underscored the significance of motherhood across cultures. “Mothers are the quiet heroes who shape the world with love, grace, and unwavering devotion,” she said. “They are our first teachers, our fiercest protectors, and our most enduring champions. Their sacrifices are often silent, their efforts tireless, and their love unconditional.”
Speaking directly to the award recipients, she continued: “To the extraordinary mothers being recognized tonight: your stories: inspire hope, your journeys reflect strength, and your lives are a testament to the power of love. You are more than role models, you are beacons of resilience, grace, and determination. We are honoured to celebrate with you.”
Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, attended the event, greeting guests and posing for photographs. In the program booklet,
he expressed his appreciation: “I would like to thank the Nigerian Canadian Newspaper for their continued dedication to celebrating excellence, promoting cultural pride, and supporting community engagement through initiatives like this gala. Your ongoing commitment to highlighting the achievements of women and fostering unity within the Nigerian community is truly commendable.” He also personally acknowledged Ngozi for her vision and commitment.
Anthony Perruzza, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 7 Humber River–Black Creek, shared his support as well: “Mothers are the cornerstone of our lives, and this gathering serves as a testament to their resilience and strength. Motherhood is an extraordinary journey that requires resilience, sacrifice, and boundless love. The impact that mothers have on their families and communities is immeasurable, and this celebration put on by the Nigerian Canadian Newspaper provides a beautiful opportunity to recognize and honor their contributions.”
The evening also featured memorable performances. Notable among them were Eric Dale and Jeremiah Sparks, an accomplished Canadian actor and singer widely known for his role as Mufasa in the Toronto production of The Lion King. Sparks has an extensive body of work across theatre, commercials, and animation. The Young Legends of Pan also performed, adding vibrant musical energy to the evening.
Following the event, Ngozi shared
a thank-you message on her Facebook page. “To all the distinguished awardees, I am deeply grateful for your invaluable support. Thank you for your selfless contributions to your various communities; I encourage you to persist in your endeavours. I wish you all the best in your future aspirations. May you continue to achieve great heights.”
Among the honourees was Marjorie Taylor, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement in Community Leadership Award. According to the program, she was “Recognized for her lifelong dedication to community service, leadership, and advocacy. Through decades of volunteerism with organizations like the United Achievers’ Club, Kiwanis Club of Brampton, and the Canadian Cancer Society, she has made a lasting impact. Her commitment to uplifting others and fostering inclusivity continues to inspire and strengthen the community.”
Marjorie expressed her appreciation, “I was honoured to be named alongside these remarkable mothers who simultaneously raise their families and give back to their communities. I extend my congratulations to Ngozi Ugoh and her event team for an excellent presentation.”
Princess Boucher received the Community Impact Award for her “Exceptional dedication to community service, leadership, and empowerment initiatives that have significantly improved lives.” On May 13th, Boucher wrote on Facebook: “Thank you, Ngozi. I am truly humbled.”
Africa finally gives America a taste of her medicine
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
My Jamaican friend once told me, “Donkey seh the world nuh level.” Unfortunately, America is finally finding out the true meaning of this age-old Jamaican proverb.
For many decades, America has used Africa as her backyard and Africans as her slaves. They were allowed to arrive in African countries without any hassle and do as they pleased. However, whenever Africans wanted to come to America, the goalposts were always moving.
Africans needed to wait forever at American embassies, which requested that they be interviewed. Most times, they were told they were not qualified to have a vacation in the U.S.A, either because these Africans were not considered to be making enough money at their jobs, or their bank accounts were not heavy enough according to American visa standards.
Even though plans to slap visas on those from “non-reciprocating countries” (that don’t offer Namibians visa-free entry) have been in place for some time now, Namibia’s new government made it official as
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
of April 1st, 2025. A total of 31 countries fell under this rule, including the U.S and the UK.
Americans must acquire a visa before entering the country. Namibia’s new government, headed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, clarified, “If Namibians need a visa to enter America, then Americans must obtain a visa to enter Namibia.” This move responds to the U.S. and other Western nations denying visa-free entry to Namibians.
This new visa regulation will cost around 90UDS per person. American visitors must apply for their visas online in advance, though visas on arrival will still be available at key entry points, according to the U.S embassy. As would be expected, U.S President Donald J Trump did not take this recent development very well. Recently over 500 Americans were told to leave after it was discovered that they were in violation of Namibia’s visa regulations.
Just like any country that has immigration procedures to follow, it is normal for that country to take steps to remove persons who are not in sync with its regulations, however, the usual so-called factcheckers are trying their best to downplay this information as though it is false. They are acknowledging that the visa on US visitors is a fact, and the price is correct while saying that everything else will be handled with quiet diplomacy but denying that deportations are forthcoming. This is like trying to fry fish without oil.
This long overdue and bold state -
ment by Namibia’s new government sends Trump and the U.S a clear message: America’s colonial double standards would no longer be tolerated in Africa.
What is even worse is that not all of these folks are tourists. According to the report many of these violators are involved in mining and extraction of the country’s resources like uranium, diamonds, copper, and rare earth metals, meanwhile, they have no legal work permit, or proper immigration documents. There are also some who engage in shady missionary activity with no accountability to local laws.
According to the report, the newly sworn-in President Nandi-Ndaitwah plans to make her country visa free for all Africans. This move is about turning Africa from a fragmented continent of 54 checkpoints to a borderless home where African passports matter, where no African is treated like an outsider in his, or her homeland.
Pan African movements are giving this move a thumbs up, while western clans and their diplomats are panicking in silence. They are thinking that if Namibia can do this, the whole of Africa can. Just think for a moment what this will do to the plunderers of the African continent.
Those in countries like Britain, who instead of returning the art that they stole from Africa, offered Africans their treasures on loan for a limited time, just think of that! Of course, let’s tell all those who see this information that it is misinformation.
I am guessing that when entire African families are being denied access to
the US for things like: family reunions, weddings, and even much-needed medical attention, this falls under misinformation and disinformation, too? America recently entered 40 countries on its visa-free list, yet not a single African country made the cut. Let this sink in. Whenever Africans try obtaining a U.S visa, they are greeted with long applications, expensive fees, and high rejection rates.
The U.S. demands full compliance with its immigration laws and has made deportations a homecoming party for many who overstay their welcome, including Namibians. Namibia should not make America an exception if they are breaking the immigration rules, after all, rules are rules, and Namibia is not backtracking. Her policy is about reversing a century of resource theft masked as development. In a speech to her government President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned, “There will be no business as usual; decisions taken must be implemented without delay. You must be ethical and beyond reproach. You must be exemplary and hard-working servants of the Namibian people,” she cautioned.
America has to realize that reciprocity is friendly, but double standards are hypocrisy. Why would you keep a friend who always comes to your house, but you cannot go to theirs? Or, if you ever do, there are tons of conditions? My Jamaican friend would say, “Nottun nuh guh suh.”
Who heals the healers? A red-carpet moment for Ontario’s Afro/Indo
Caribbean Nurses
The glam was heavy. The red carpet rolled tight. Flashbulbs popping. On May 8th, the Milton Banquet & Conference Center transformed into something more than a celebration. A moment of deep breath for nurses, particularly those who carry centuries of resistance and restoration in their hands. The event, “Lights, Caring, Action!”, a cinematic ode to Ontario’s nurses hosted by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) as part of Nursing Week 2025.
Let us be honest; how often do we talk about the emotional labour of Afro/Indo Caribbean nurses? How often do we celebrate their brilliance without burying it under policy jargon or calling it “Diversity hire success?” For many of us raised by: nurses, mothers, aunties, cousins, we know nursing is less about charts and vitals and more about soul work. That is what made this celebration feel like a shift. It pulled our healers from the shadows and gave them the stage.
Front and center was Paula Manuel, a 30-year veteran, walking the dual path of nurse and advocate. She stood as emcee and guest speaker; a rare combo, but appropriate. Paula has served on RNAO’s Board, won lifetime awards, and authored “Life of a Nurse,” a blog-turnedbattle cry for nursing justice.
That same week, Dr. Bukola Salami and Dr. Adedoyin Olanlesi-Aliu dropped knowledge at the RNAO’s Nurs-
ing Week panel on Black Canadians’ mental health. It was layered with intersectional truth. It was not soft talk. From the microaggressions in hospital hallways to the trauma carried home after every shift, the psychological toll is real, and largely unspoken.
Why? Well, because the system still sees us as bodies that care, not minds that feel.
I was able to sit in on some of the sessions, and what I learned is that Afro/Indo Caribbean nurses translate pain. They navigate code-switching, credential-gazing, and systemic dismissal, and yet they still nurse with grace. Even though the rooms were quiet, you could feel the vibration; ancestral pride mixed with clinical truth.
Let us not forget the next generation. Nursing students and newcomers took part in the week celebrations: stylish, sharp, ambitious. Many of them are
children of immigrants, carrying degrees for career advancement. This is the part that gets lost in media cycles and ministry press releases. Our people redefine healthcare. From home remedies passed down in patois and Twi, to mental health advocacy rooted in community care, we bring something sacred to this system, and in rooms like the one on May 8th, 2025 that spirit finally got its flowers.
So, as RNAO marks its 100th year, let us remember: the legacy of nursing in this province is not complete without naming the Afro/Indo Caribbean hands that held it up. Let us move beyond optics and tokenism. Let us fund culturally competent care. Let us protect nurses’ mental health with more than hashtags.
Most of all, let us ask again: who heals the healers? The answer is not simple, but the red carpet is a start.
Malton Black Development Association celebrates its 50th Anniversary at Post-Secondary Awards Gala
paul@carib101.com
TC
It was a memorable, incredible, and sensational evening on Saturday, May 3rd, at the Pomegranate Banquet Hall. The occasion marked the 50th Anniversary Celebration and 2025 PostSecondary Awards Gala hosted by the Malton Black Development Association (MBDA).
In attendance were long-time Malton residents, community members, a contingent from the Peel Regional Police, members of the United Achievers Club, representatives from the Public and Catholic school boards, and many others.
MBDA was founded in 1975 in response to concerns voiced by many Malton parents regarding the challenges, struggles, and systemic issues their children were facing within the public education system. The organization began with a homework club at Lancaster Senior Public School, with support from the Peel Board of Education and dedicated community volunteers. After achieving charitable status in 1980, MBDA launched a building fund and scholarship foundation in 1992. Since then, over $85,000 in scholarships has been awarded.
Clovalyn Wilson, President of MBDA, shared her reflections in a mes-
It’s January again, or maybe it’s July. You open your phone, scroll through Instagram, and somewhere between a friend’s curated vacation reel and yet another viral think piece about hustle culture, a question creeps in: “What am I even doing here?”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, especially if you are part of the African Caribbean diaspora trying to navigate multiple worlds while keeping your mind intact.
According to new data from NordVPN, every January, millions of Canadians, and especially those aged 17 to 29, search for ways to delete social media accounts. The numbers spike again in July. The reasons? Mental exhaustion, anxiety, and a craving for privacy. For our community, it’s deeper
sage titled “Reflecting on 2024, Anticipating 2025” featured in the event program. She wrote, “Our mission has always been to empower, uplift, and support our community and this year has been a testament to that commitment.”
Several dignitaries offered greetings at the celebration.
MPP Deepak Anand (Mississauga–Malton) stated, “For five decades, MBDA, a non-profit organization, has played an instrumental role in empowering our youth, uplifting families, and strengthening the Malton community. Your tireless dedication to education, equity, and service continues to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact in the lives of so many. Congratulations on this incredible milestone and thank you for your continued commitment to building a brighter future for generations to come.”
Mayor Carolyn Parrish (City of Mississauga) added, “The Post-Secondary Scholarship Awards Gala is a beautiful reflection of your values in action. Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways we can uplift and transform lives. I commend your commitment to supporting young people and adult learners in Peel as they pursue their academic and career goals.”
Susan Benjamin, Trustee for Ward 5, remarked, “MBDA has made a name for itself as one of the leading organizations in the Malton area, promoting the needs of its residents for 50 years. As Trustee of the PDSB for Mississauga/Malton since 2018, I have worked with MBDA to champion the interests of our local schools. It has been my
pleasure to recognize one graduating student heading into post-secondary education with an award.”
Councillor Natalie Hart (Ward 5) contributed a message in the program, “Councillor Hart is proud to support this milestone celebration and remains deeply committed to the Malton community. Her advocacy for youth, education, and equity continues to reflect the spirit of this event uplifting the next generation and honouring the legacy of those who paved the way.”
The event was emceed by Nichole Samuels-Bell, CEO of Step Out Right Consulting Group. A special segment featured reflective interviews with:
• Dene Pellington – A University of Toronto graduate and current volunteer in the Malton community
• Biruk Workman – MBDA scholarship recipient and MASc graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University
• Celia Vernal – Lead of Public Programs at the Art Gallery of Hamilton
2025 Scholarship Recipients:
• Ifeoluwa Diru – English major at York University; plans to attend Osgoode Hall Law School
• Clifton Pinnock – Enrolled in the Electromechanical Engineering program at Centennial College
• Cujour Chambers – Studying Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University
• Ted Gyanami Anokye – Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies at University of Guelph-Humber
Is your mind asking for a timeout?
than that.
Digital burnout is a trauma response
For African Caribbean folks in the diaspora, social media can be a doubleedged sword. On one hand, it’s our connection to: culture, family, the Caribbean, or African continent, and the diaspora-wide pulse of melanated joy. On the other hand, it’s a daily reminder of racial injustice, performative allyship, and constant comparisons that leave us spiritually depleted.
Think of it like this; we are consuming trauma one scroll at a time.
Add to that the cultural pressure to “keep face;” to look successful, put together, thriving, and suddenly, Instagram becomes an emotional battlefield.
The psychological toll of always being “On”
Psychologically, being always connected activates your brain’s stress response. Cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone, stays elevated when you’re constantly alert to notifications, DMs, and curated updates that don’t reflect your actual lived experience.
University of British Columbia
• Elijah Sagna-Layne – Majoring in Astrophysics at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Kaneil Thompson – Planning to study Business Administration at University of Guelph-Humber
• Tayviyah Newell – Aspires to pursue a Nursing degree while in university
• Ada Kpewoan – Currently studying Early Childhood Education at Humber Polytechnic
• Serah Mantey – Enrolled in a postgraduate diploma in Addiction and Mental Health at Oxford University
• Cienna Mitchell – Pursuing a degree in Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University
• Alexandria Brown – Graduating student from St. Edmund Campion Secondary School
The keynote address was delivered by Claudia McKoy, Founder and Principal of UpSurgence, a public engagement firm that utilizes co-design to develop inclusive public and corporate policies. Her speech highlighted vital elements for elevating communities through meaningful engagement.
Performers included:
• Jay Martin
• Tineyah
• Cynthia Pragrash
• Alisia Pinnock
• Malton Arts Collective Studio Dancers (Ethereal Essence)
To learn more about the important work of MBDA, please visit: www. maltonbda.org
research shows that when young Canadians take a break from social media, or engage more mindfully, their anxiety drops and well-being improves, but here’s the thing: when you are melanated, you don’t get the luxury of logging off from the weight of identity. Even offline, we carry it: in the boardroom, at school drop-offs, in microaggressions we absorb silently.
So, when we hit that digital wall in January, or July, it’s accumulated psychological debt, and we’re overdue for a reckoning.
Let’s normalize logging off to log in
When NordVPN’s data revealed that 41% of Canadians would erase themselves from the internet if they could, I wasn’t shocked, but I was moved, because it means people are waking up. We are no longer okay with being profiled, marketed to, and psychologically drained by systems we didn’t design.
If you’re feeling this heaviness, here’s what I recommend; not as a social media “hack,” but as a mental health ritual rooted in self-respect.
Digital detox, diaspora style:
• Go grayscale: Make your phone less
appealing. It’s a small tweak with a big impact.
• Schedule silence: Pick an hour a day where your phone goes in a drawer. Replace it with music, journaling, or prayer.
• Exit the algorithm: Curate your feed like you would your guest list. Only vibes you want in your spirit.
• Track your triggers: Notice which apps leave you feeling depleted. Then ask why you keep going back.
• Swap scrolling for stillness: Walks, domino games, dancehall playlists, poetry. Fill the space with things that fill you.
Real Talk: You don’t owe the internet your peace
There is a reason we hit this emotional wall twice a year. We have reached our limit, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re aware, and that awareness? That’s power. So, the next time you feel like deleting an app, do it without guilt. You are reclaiming. You are choosing joy over performance. Presence over perception. Yourself over the scroll, and that, my people, is the most radical thing you can do right now.
Uplifting Afro/Indo & Caribbean Excellence Across Borders
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
From Toronto to Kingston, from health concerns to global summits, our community continues to: thrive, question, build, and lead. This edition’s Community Highlight section shines a light on stories that matter, because we are movements in motion. Whether you are a changemaker with a bold idea, a truthseeker digging into health myths, or a global thinker tracking Africa’s seat at the G7 table there is something here for you.
TO Live is putting real money behind real ideas, inviting visionaries from the arts and culture scene to step forward. Meanwhile, GACN-OLF’s upcoming townhall is holding space for healing and justice; two powerful causes, one unapologetic purpose. We also take a look at how too many vitamins might be sabotaging your hair goals, and we celebrate COJO’s tireless efforts to uplift Jamaican youth through scholarships and care.
This is community in action. This is what power looks like: local and global.
Got a bold idea? TO Live wants to fund it Explorations 2025 invites Toronto artists to stretch their creativity with $7,000 grants and zero pressure to produce a final product.
If you are an artist with a wild idea, a fresh technique, or a burning question about your craft, TO Live’s Explorations 2025 may be your shot to go deeper. Now in its fifth year, this groundbreaking initiative is offering $7,000 each to six Toronto-based: artists, collectives, or project-based organizations to explore new ideas without the stress of delivering a finished work.
This is not your typical grant. There is no expectation of a final performance, show, or product. Just time, space, and money to experiment.
“Creative research is the heartbeat of artistic innovation,” says TO Live President & CEO Clyde Wagner. “Artists need the freedom to breathe—and explorations gives them that.”
Past grant recipients include artists like Natasha “Courage” Bacchus, who fused deaf culture and signed music into dynamic performance, and Radhika Baskar, who reimagined jazz through the strings of the South Indian veena. Projects have ranged from motion-capture theatre and Indigenous tap dance to ceramic wood joinery and
breakdance partnering.
If you identify as Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, living with a disability, or from any equity-deserving group, TO Live encourages you to apply.
• Deadline: Monday, June 16th, 2025, by 5:00 PM
• Learn more and apply at: tolive.com/explorations
This is your chance to create without limits. Ready to push the boundaries of your practice? Let us see what you have got.
Two powerful causes, one purpose: GACNOLF Hosts Townhall for Liberation & Lost Children
African Liberation Day meets Canada’s National Day for Missing Children in a unifying call to action.
On Sunday, May 25th, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Global African Community Network (GACN) and the One Love Foundation (OLF) invite the community to a meaningful Townhall gathering at the East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club, 100 Galloway Rd.
This is a sacred convergence of: remembrance, resistance, and responsibility. The date marks two powerful observances: African Liberation Day, honoring global Black resilience and self-determination; and Canada’s National Day for Missing Children, bringing awareness to the ongoing crisis affecting families, especially within marginalized communities.
The GACN-OLF Townhall creates a space for honest dialogue, cultural connection, and collective healing. Community leaders, elders, families, and youth are all encouraged to attend, engage, and uplift one another.
Vendor tables are also available providing a chance for: local businesses, artisans, and cultural advocates to be part of this vibrant occasion. For vendor inquiries, please call (416) 904-7427.
Bring your presence, your purpose, and your people.
This is our community. These are our stories. Let us stand together in memory, in movement, and in love.
• Sunday, May 25th, 2025
• 2PM–5PM
• East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club, 100 Galloway Rd
• Hosted by the GACN Steering Committee
• Unity. Liberation. Protection. Community.
Too much vitamins? It might be making your hair fall out New research warns Afro/Indo-Caribbean
Canadians to rethink their vitamin routine Hair loss affects 85% of men and 40% of women by age 50, but what if the culprit is not just stress or genetics?
According to new research by Masumi Headwear, excessive vitamin intake may be thinning your crown without you even knowing it. In a culture that celebrates supplements as health hacks, this revelation hits hard, especially for the Afro/Indo-Caribbean community where hair is legacy, identity, and pride.
Masumi experts reveal four major players: vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. While essential in small doses, these nutrients turn against you when taken in excess often through 2–4 common supplement pills per day.
Let’s break it down:
• Vitamin A: Over 3,000 mcg/day can trigger hair loss. Go natural with spinach, carrots, and eggs.
• Selenium: Just two Brazil nuts meet your daily needs. More than 400 mcg/ day is too much.
• Zinc: Over 40 mg/day can cause shedding. Balance with lentils, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
• Vitamin E: Too much (1,000 mg+) leads to thinning. Stick with sunflower seeds and avocados.
Ali Nowroozi, Director at Masumi, cautions, “Many people self-diagnose and over-supplement without realizing the risks. With vitamins, more is not better.”
The bottom line? Whole foods first. Know your limits, and before you reach for another pill, ask yourself; am I feeding my roots, or frying them? Your health is in your hands and on your head.
Africa at the G7: Where power meets purpose
What happens when Africa’s brightest minds connect with Canada’s top policymakers and investors? You get Africa at the G7, an exclusive, high impact gathering set to take place in Calgary on June 12th, 2025.
More than just another summit, Africa at the G7 is a bold movement to elevate African leadership in global conversations. This is where: cutting-edge startups, visionary investors, global executives, and academic trailblazers converge to rewrite the playbook on international cooperation.
Key themes include:
• Driving trade, investment, and innovation
• Strengthening public–private partnerships
• Empowering the African diaspora to lead transformational change
This event is laser-focused on amplifying Black and African excellence: not through charity, but through capital, influence, and global strategy.
Africa at the G7 is calling on those who lead with purpose: entrepreneurs, diplomats, scholars, investors, and diaspora change makers. If you are ready to shift systems and shape futures, this room was designed for you.
This is not about exclusivity, but yes, spots are limited.
If you believe in equity-driven markets and the power of collaboration between Africa and Canada, this is your moment.
• Location: Calgary, Alberta
• Date: June 12th, 2025
• Visit africaattheg7.com to express your interest.
• Let us shape the future; together.
From New York to Kingston: COJO brings scholarships, support, and hope to Jamaica’s youth
COJO’s 2025 Mission Trip Set to Empower 18 Wards of the State and Uplift Communities in Need
Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc. is once again proving that diaspora-driven impact is real, lasting, and powerful. From May 18th–24th, 2025, COJO will return to the island for its annual mission trip; an inspiring week of: service, scholarship, and celebration that shines a spotlight on Jamaica’s most vulnerable youth.
The week’s crown jewel is the highly anticipated Scholarship Awards Luncheon, taking place Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, at the iconic Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. Eighteen bright, resilient wards of the state will be awarded scholarships to pursue postsecondary education giving them a lifeline to brighter futures.
“It is always a privilege to invest in the lives of Jamaica’s youth,” says COJO’s Founder and Executive Director, Gary Williams. “This year, we are expanding our reach to support even more students and deepen our commitment to community development.”
The mission also includes a powerful act of compassion at Granville Place of Safety in Trelawny. In partnership with Bahia Principe Jamaica, COJO will host a special luncheon for residents on May 23rd, 2025 and donate vital appliances to enhance the facility’s living conditions.
Backed by the generosity of sponsors like: JetBlue, Dr. Sandra L. Lindsay, Bahia Principe, and CARIMED, COJO continues to make an undeniable difference for children in state care across Jamaica.
Founded in 1994, COJO Inc. remains a force for good; bridging borders with love, mentorship, and opportunity.
New Prime Minister, same party; are we in for more of the same politics?
BY ADRIAN REECE TORONTO CARIBBEAN REPORTER
Four more years of liberal government. Canadians have chosen to uphold the same leadership that has frustrated so many of them for almost a decade, and now they will continue the same direction that has brought them higher housing costs, and higher costs of living.
Mark Carney is the new leadership that Canadians have to look to. The Liberal party did not win the majority government and as such will have a harder time implementing policy and new laws, which to many people is a good thing. A minority government means that the Liberals will have to work significantly harder to make changes to Canada’s economy and what affects its citizens. Judging from the past two terms this is a valuable asset for the parties who aren’t in
power.
There were rumours that Canadians were leaning towards conservative leadership. Paul Polievre had strong support and verbal backing from fed up Canadians that were struggling under the current leadership.
However: many Canadians are torn, homeowners relish in the rising housing prices, while those who are trying to get into the market are frustrated at how much money they need to put down in order to one day accomplish their dream of being just that!
The thought of more liberal policy is a stress point for many people. Canadians are expecting four more years of struggle and hardship and are in the process of making contingency plans for what could be another difficult few years.
Social media is a buzz with anything but political talk, as most have simply accept-
ed the current status quo and are more focused on finding ways to survive, or in some cases even leave the country for easier living and a better life elsewhere.
Within Canada’s political climate, lies unease with international relationships particularly the United States, as President Trump has instituted new policies that are making things more difficult for Canadians as well. Higher import fees and taxes mean that it will be more difficult to obtain goods that come across the border, and even goods produced in Canada, but are supplied with materials from outside the country will be more expensive. Of course, consumers will bear the brunt of these changes, pulling more money out of the pockets of citizens and making it more difficult to create a comfortable, or even sustainable life.
Most Canadians live paycheck to paycheck, but now they are being pushed
even further down the rabbit hole and in some cases are even closer to poverty, or homelessness in some cases. Young people aren’t able to move out on their own, housing is scarce, or so expensive that in order to afford a home your income needs to be in the range of the 1%, which in its essence means that more will never have the type of income they need to afford a better quality of life. Canadians can only hope that Mark Carney can be the kind of leader that Trudeau had portrayed himself as in early office, and make sure that Canadians are taken care of without the scandals and issues that surrounded the Liberal government for eight long years. They are hoping and praying that things change, but hope is stagnant and at this moment most are doing what they need to survive in any way that they can.
Why Gain-of-Function Research should and must be banned
MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
When most of us, who are still alive, especially those of us who lived through these last five years, hear the words “Gain-of-function,” it brings a lot of questions to mind, and the first one is, what the hell does gain-of-function mean? Let us analyze this ungodly act now with two similar explanations.
Gain-of-function research involves giving a pathogen a new “ability” and is controversial, because if a pathogen is mutated to become more infectious or deadly and then escapes from a lab, it could infect local and global populations.
Gain-of-function research refers to scientific experiments that genetically alter an organism to enhance its biological functions, such as increasing its transmissibility, virulence, or ability to infect different hosts. This type of research aims to better understand pathogens and develop vaccines, or treatments for diseases.
Now these two explanations above are similar, yet one is direct and the other seems a bit misleading, and here is why. In the second paragraph anyone can understand why this should
not be done; it is just too dangerous yet, the second explanation in paragraph three would like to have us believe that this is for our good. This is the kind of so-called good that has produced Big Pharma and billionaires with no heart.
By saying that, “This type of research aims to better understand pathogens and develop vaccines or treatments for diseases,” is an unfinished sentence. This needs to be followed by, “In a perfect world,” and certainly not a world where the health of nations depends on the deceptive likes of: Anthony Fauci, Bill Gates, Donald J Trump, Big Pharma, the bankers, 99% of the world’s compromised politicians, doctors and the corrupt money-hungry list goes on.
When these scientists and medical researchers are allowed to use hard-working taxpayers’ dollars to alter organisms, to enhance their biological functions, to increase their transmissibility, their virulence, and their ability to infect different hosts, who knows what they are using this for? How do we know that we are not the lab rats? It is becoming quite easy to see why the world governments are being pushed to sign a pandemic treaty without consulting the citizens.
We now know that this gain of function is being used as an excuse to perfect bioweapons (e.g.- the COVID injection). Isn’t bioweapons development illegal you might ask? The way the military-industrial complex gets around that is by disguising bioweapons creations as the development of vaccines for either other countries’ emerging, or home-
grown diseases.
Dr. Meryl Nass explained it best when she said that if the masses understood what is been done with gain of function, they will gain the knowledge and understand that there is strength in numbers to stop and defund the biowarfare industry, revoke these terrible laws, and lay down our deep, unconscious fears regarding contagion.
Over the last few years, we have all seen how the compromised mainstream media has used fear of so-called mutating viruses to frighten the masses into taking the experimental bioweapon called the COVID-19 vaccine.
What many of us never did was ask ourselves who was all this information coming from? Who told these TV anchors to frighten us? What are their motives for doing so? Who benefits from all this? How come they were able to predict all these non-existent outbreaks around the globe? The answer is simple – it is the same people doing the gain-of-function scams. They create the disease and have what you believe is a cure ready in minutes. This is the type of diabolical danger we are up against.
Just in case anyone is thinking that this gain-of-function game is new, it is not. The U.S got involved in what was called “Operation Paperclip” meaning instead of putting these evil scientists from the Nuremberg trial where they rightly belong, as far back as 1947, America made secret deals with them. Deals that saw these nefarious men migrating to America, given new identities in exchange for their expertise in creating
bioweapons for America.
Before Robert F Kennedy recently changed his tune, he testified to this effect. “The bioweapons program in our country became very big so that by 1969, it had achieved nuclear equivalence. We could kill people with bioweapons effectively as we could with nuclear weapons,” Kennedy said.
“It was calculated that we could exterminate the entire U.S. population at a cost of about 29 cents per life,” Mr. Kennedy said.
When asked what bioweapons research has to do with vaccines, Kennedy answered in an interview by saying, “Every offensive bioweapon research requires a vaccine.” “Unlike chemical weapons,” Kennedy told the interviewer, “With bioweapons, there is always blowback 100% of the time, which means, if you infect your enemy, your troops are also going to get infected, and so, you cannot launch bioweapons unless you first have the antidote, and you’ve inoculated all of your group and civilians too with the antidote. So, anytime you release a bioweapon, you have to develop a vaccine.”
As if all this was not enough, Kennedy also revealed that those involved scientists also used a new technique called the “no-see-um” technique which makes it impossible to prove human tampering (aka Gain-of- Function).
Since we, the people, did not get an antidote, one need not be very bright to find out who was targeted and still are the victims of the bioweapons.
How many more must be displaced before we care?
States, often seen as the land of security and privilege, led the world in disasterdriven internal displacements in 2024 with 11 million people uprooted. Now pause. Ask yourself: Why isn’t this a headline every day?
The psychology of “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
Let’s be real. When we think about people fleeing a crisis, we often picture dramatic sea crossings, refugee camps on the edges of nations, and dramatic news stories that vanish after 72 hours, but what if I told you that the real crisis, the one nobody’s talking about, isn’t even about crossing borders? It’s about being stuck inside them, running in circles, displaced within your own homeland.
As of the end of 2024, a staggering 83.4 million people were living in internal displacement. Let that sink in. That is more than the population of Germany. More than double what it was six years ago, and nearly 90% of them were forced from their homes by conflict and violence, not even climate. The numbers come from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre’s 2025 Global Report, and they don’t lie.
Sudan tops the list with 11.6 million people internally displaced; more than any country has ever recorded. Meanwhile, Gaza’s entire population remains displaced, and here is a statistic that’ll keep you up at night; the United
The issue with internal displacement is that it’s invisible by design. Unlike international refugees who cross borders and trigger global concern, IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) often remain within national boundaries. They don’t make the same noise on the world stage. They are not in your feed, your papers, or your talking points.
Internally displaced people suffer just the same; if not more. They are often without legal status, access to aid, or a political voice. Many flee not once, but multiple times in a single year. They are trapped in limbo: no safety, no security, no home.
As a psycho-educationalist, I see how displacement erodes mental health and identity. Being stripped of home, community, and future creates what could be called “psychic homelessness,” a deep-rooted trauma that no emergency shelter can fix. For children, it disrupts development. For adults, it breeds hopelessness, and for families, it fractures generations.
How displacement ties into Agenda 2030
I want us to look at a connection: Goal 11 of the SDGs focuses on “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” and Goal 13 on “Climate Action.” Governments are being encouraged to make cities more “resilient” and “sustainable,” and to “relocate vulnerable populations” to reduce exposure to climate risks. This can include internal migration, managed relocation, and even “smart city” initiatives.
Now combine that with what we know:
• Conflict, disasters, and climate events are forcing record numbers of people to move.
• Governments and global entities are proposing relocation as a solution.
• The SDGs position this as a “Positive coping strategy.”
That is where some people say, “Hold up! Are these goals about sustainability, or control?”
Enter the globalist
A growing number of people, especially online, claim Agenda 2030 is a smokescreen for centralized global control. The theory suggests that a powerful elite (the globalists) are using crises like war, pandemics, and climate change to:
• Herd populations into hyper-surveilled “15-minute cities”
• Limit mobility under the guise of car-
bon footprints
• Implement digital currencies and digital ID systems
• Destroy small businesses in favour of corporate monopolies
• Control food supply through synthetic, or genetically modified foods
• Create “a one-world government” where individual freedoms are reduced
This is important; the fuel for these theories often comes from real-life patterns of exploitation, colonial history, and institutional abuse. Especially in Afro/Indo Caribbean communities. So, we can’t just dismiss them as “conspiracies.” We have to ask: what is the root of the mistrust?
Call to action: Let’s move differently Let us put internal displacement on the map. In: our sermons, our school curriculums, our WhatsApp chats, and yes, even in our fashion shows and music videos. Let’s: host community talks, fund grassroots solutions, and pressure governments to treat internal displacement like the full-blown crisis it is. Stay aware. Ask questions. Demand transparency. Build your own resilience. Create local solutions that don’t rely on global systems, and most importantly, make sure that “sustainability” doesn’t become the new face of displacement and control in your own backyard.
Justice demands we remember them; even when the cameras don’t.
There’s an old quote often misattributed to Winston Churchill: “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” Whether Churchill said it or not, the message is true, and nothing proves it better than the simple, life-saving act of donating blood.
Any doctor who has spent decades in the operating room will tell you, donated blood is a critical part of major surgeries that are happening day in and day out in hospitals everywhere. The lives of women experiencing a hemorrhage during childbirth depend on a blood transfu-
simone@carib101.com
Let’s get one thing straight; mental health and mental illness are not the same. If you listen to the way we talk about these terms, especially in African and Caribbean communities across the diaspora, you would think they were interchangeable. They are not, and that confusion is hurting us.
Too many of us are out here saying things like, “I don’t deal with mental health,” or “I don’t believe in mental illness,” as if we can opt out of either. Nah. Whether you acknowledge it or not, we all have mental health just like we all have physical health. Just like our bodies can catch a cold, or a chronic condition, our
sion. People undergoing cancer treatment may also need transfusions. Accident victims. Children with anemia. The list goes on. Surgeons, patients and their families are all witness to the frustration when supplies run low. Yet here we are, in 2025, still pleading for donors.
According to the World Health Organization, every two seconds, someone needs blood. In fact, the Canadian Blood Services reports that over 100,000 new donors are needed each year just to keep pace with demand. Yet fewer than 4% of eligible Canadians and Americans donate.
So, what’s stopping people? A 2022 study from the University of Oxford found that the top reasons people avoid giving blood include: fear of needles, a lack of time, and simply not realizing how urgent the need is. The same study also revealed that people who are reminded of the social impact of their donation—how many lives they could touch—are twice as likely to become regular donors.
It’s time for a dose of common sense During World War II, blood drives were considered acts of patriotism. Posters read, “Your blood can save a life on the front lines!” In the 1940s, Americans rolled up their sleeves in record numbers, not because it was convenient, but because it was the right thing to do. Where is that spirit today?
In the operating room patients are counting on someone else’s generosity, and it doesn’t appear magically. It has to be stored, processed, and ready to go—long before the need arises.
Modern medicine relies on this invisible safety net. Red cells last 42 days. Platelets only five. That means the donation you make today may already be used by the weekend. It’s not about stockpiling; it’s about a steady stream of humanity doing its part.
Yes, it is part of good citizenship. We live in a time where the word “community” has been replaced by “individuality.” Community is what holds a society togeth-
Is it your mind, or your mental health?
According to the CDC, mental illness refers to conditions that affect a person’s: thinking, mood, or behavior. We are talking about diagnosed conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, things that are recognized by health professionals and have treatment pathways.
On the flip side, mental health is about our: emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It’s how we cope with life, connect with people, and make decisions. You don’t need a diagnosis to struggle with your mental health: stress from work, grief, cultural pressure, or relationship issues can all take a toll.
Dr. Christopher Palmer, a top mind at McLean Hospital, puts it like this, “Mental health and mental illness are similar to the concept of physical health and physical illness. It’s not all or nothing.”
We get that someone with asthma may still live a full, healthy life; why can’t we apply that same understanding to someone with PTSD, or bipolar disorder?
Why this misunderstanding matters; Especially to us
Let’s keep it real. In our communities, there’s often a double stigma. We are already facing racism, systemic inequality,
and generational trauma, so talking about mental health can feel like airing out dirty laundry. Here’s the catch; when we conflate mental illness with poor mental health, we miss the early signs, we downplay our struggles, and we delay getting help.
er. Giving blood is one of the few acts that is entirely selfless—you gain nothing material, but what you give is immeasurable. You may not think of yourself as a hero. Most people don’t, but research from the University of Michigan found that regular blood donors often share one trait: a strong sense of civic duty. They don’t wait to be asked. They act because they can. So, here’s the prescription— not pills or potions, but a plea. If you are healthy and eligible, give blood. Not once, but regularly. Encourage your friends and family. Make it a habit, not an afterthought. Think of it as paying forward your own insurance policy. You may need it one day, too.
In the words of the Roman philosopher Seneca, “No man becomes great without a touch of divine inspiration.” Giving a piece of yourself to help others is one of the most inspiring acts you can do, and it’s right there, in your veins.”
So, roll up your sleeve. Be the reason someone lives.
standing mental health makes you wise. It helps you see the signs in your: sister, your bredren, your child, or even yourself. It gives you tools to: manage stress, support others, and heal.
So, what do we do?
Some of us are walking around with poor mental health; burnt out, overwhelmed, angry, sad, and we don’t even know it. Others have been diagnosed with a mental illness but feel forced to “Stay strong” or “Pray it away” instead of getting support.
The World Health Organization says mental and neurological conditions account for 30% of the global burden of non-fatal diseases. Depression alone affects 264 million people. That is not a small issue. That is a public health crisis.
Still… in 2025, many in our diaspora don’t know the difference between a panic attack and a bad day.
Literacy Is
Power
Studies show that people with low mental health literacy are less likely to get help and more likely to stigmatize others. That includes self-stigma, where we: judge ourselves, hide our pain, and believe we should “Just deal with it.”
Knowledge is power. Under-
Global politics in the early Trumpian Era SIMONE SMITH
they were once: allies, friends and associates.
Several months into the administration, President Trump is appearing to be a peacemaker. Does not matter why he desires peace, but that he does whether for selfish personal, or national reasons. Trying to coral the Israeli Army, threatening Putin to seek a lasting truce with Ukraine, or face economic sanctions, and meeting China for talks. What were these talks about you may ask yourself?
Well, you remember when the Allied Leaders of WW2 gathered at Potsdam to divide the world between America, Britain and the Soviet Union? Chaos caused by the war had ended, and so the victors began to fight over the scraps and landmasses of their former enemies. Consider the tariff wars similarly. Slowly, America
will solidify its financial power by making deals with all their trading partners, including China. Did America make a deal with China, favourable to America, trading its concern for Taiwan for a better financial state of affairs? Should Taiwan be shaking in its boots right now?
Both world wars were brought about through interactions where alliances and treaties between nations often remained hidden from public view until it was too late. Transparency with accountability in Washington DC continues to be a problem even with the new administration. There seems to be do reliable structure of government policy or its directives. The President continues to favour strong men as allies, or friends. A return to the nasty 1950-70. If a country was anti-communist, America was its ally. Anti-Chinese
We need to normalize talking about mental health without always linking it to mental illness.
Just like we drink sea moss, walk in the mornings, or detox when we are feeling off, we need to check in on our mental state, talk to professionals when needed, and take our minds seriously.
That is why culturally rooted, community-based programs, peer support circles, and African Caribbean mental health advocates are so vital. They make space for us to: learn, grow, and release without shame.
Mental illness doesn’t define who you are, and poor mental health doesn’t make you broken. What we need is: clarity, compassion, and cultural care. Stop thinking it’s either “I’m fine,” or “I’m crazy.” It’s a spectrum, and we’re all on it.
Your mind deserves the same love you give your body. Don’t wait until it breaks to start paying attention. Let’s do better for: ourselves, our families, and our future generations
fever is growing in America while the rest of the world considers China a flexible partner economically and politically. The entire geo-political field has been overturned.
America’s new political diplo speech seems to be “What’s in it for me?” Want an ally. Pay for our military service. Want to trade with America, lower your tariffs and regulatory demands? Rose colored glasses once worn by the Democrats no longer work.
Secretary Blinkin states the most important policy America needs to implement is to create a New World Order, a new geo-political sphere of influence. We all face the difficulty of realizing what this new order is capable of, what its intentions are and who the heck is a member of the Trumpian Club.
THE ALBERT WIGGAN STORY
How a Jamaican son, diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, built a culinary empire from grit, grief, and pure gut instinct
“I said to myself, I can do better than this. So, I did.”
The first day Albert Wiggan opened the doors to Albert’s Real Jamaican Foods, the air outside St. Clair West was cold, but inside the former Pizza Pizza, the smell of: curry chicken, scallion, and pimento smoked a promise into the neighborhood: something real had arrived.
He was exhausted. Working afternoons at a separate job, closing the restaurant at 3:00 a.m., and returning to unlock the door again by 10:00 a.m., Albert pushed forward on fumes and faith. “I would come in even when my workers did not,” he recalls. “Sometimes I felt like I was the only one who believed.”
Belief is powerful when it meets preparation and purpose, and that first pot of rice and peas. It was a revolution in a styrofoam container.
It is easy now to see Albert as the fixture he is; Toronto royalty in a chef’s apron, but to understand the full flavour of his journey, you have to go back to a humid kitchen in Jamaica, where a young boy watched his mother turn “Whatever she had” into something satisfying. “She would season the meat overnight. Use scallion, thyme, anything she had. She taught me that love shows up in how you feed people.”
Albert never knew his father; he passed young, but that absence was filled by his mother’s resilience and survival instincts. It planted the seed of self-reliance. “If you ever get married, and the food doesn’t taste good, you should know,” she would say with a wink. What she meant was: learn to carry yourself. Learn to provide.
So, Albert did. Flash forward to Toronto in the early 1980s. A younger Albert walks into a Jamaican restaurant to grab lunch before work. He eats. He sits. He thinks. “I can do better than this,” he says out loud.
Just like that, the dream is plated. He finds a space; an old Pizza Pizza on St. Clair West. He researches the community, talks with his wife, and does the math. There is nothing flashy about the move, but there is intention. “I knew there were people here craving something real. Not just food, but a piece of home.”
From day one, he cooked with memory. Ackee the way his mother made it. Jerk chicken that stung the lips and healed the soul. Callaloo that spoke in low tones of comfort, and people came for the feeling.
Still, the journey was not jerk chicken and sunshine.
There were: staff no-shows, broken fridges, slow winters, and missed birthdays, but nothing shook Albert more than the day he found out he had dyslexia.
“I was going to adult school and not doing well. I felt stupid,” he says. “One day, I heard a radio show about dyslexia and it hit me. I might be different, not dumb.”
He got tested. The diagnosis came back. “Mr. Wiggan,” they told him, “You are 100% dyslexic.” His stomach dropped. “I got upset. I asked her, ‘Do you think I am stupid?’”
The woman shook her head. “No, Mr. Wiggan. I think you are brilliant. Just wired differently.”
That moment? It changed everything. “Once I knew the truth, I embraced it. I found out great people: Einstein, Da Vinci had dyslexia. I was
in good company.”
He started reading about it, speaking about it, and in doing so, he became more than a restaurateur; he became an advocate.
That is what makes Albert’s Real Jamaican Foods different. It is a classroom. A therapy room. A church of culture and community. It is where students come to learn, elders come to reminisce, and the hungry come to be made whole.
Albert began speaking to groups about disability and difference. He served on human rights boards. “We all have some kind of disability,” he says. “That is human. That is life.”
Surrounding himself with brilliant people became his strategy. “I know what I know, but I also know what I do not. So, I learn from those around me.”
He became a quiet mentor. A loud advocate, and a man who, despite the odds, fed his community with courage.
There were rough patches: some say the staff can be impatient, the lines long, the cash-only policy a nuisance, but those who know Albert’s know this: the food is worth the wait. The jerk chicken hits differently. The curry goat tells stories, and the coleslaw? Surprisingly divine.
Albert agrees. “It ain’t about me. It is about the mission. Much is given to me, so much is expected. If you walk through my doors hungry, I am feeding you.”
The restaurant has stood strong through 40 years of: urban development, economic shifts, and gentrification. St. Clair West has changed, but Albert has not. He is still serving
up soul. Still mentoring staff. Still talking about dyslexia. Still giving.
“Food carries history,” he says. “Every spice tells a story. I just want to keep telling ours.”
So, what is the one sentence this whole journey boils down to? It took a learning difference for Albert Wiggan to discover his true power so he could help others find theirs. That is why Albert matters. Not because he makes the best jerk chicken in Canada (which he might). Not because he has been holding it down for 40+ years (which he has), but because he turned a diagnosis into a dialogue, a struggle into a statement, and a restaurant into a revolution.
As the sun sets on another busy day on St. Clair West, Albert stands near the kitchen, greeting familiar faces. A young boy, maybe seven or eight, stares up at the menu board.
“You ever try oxtail?” Albert asks, smiling.
The boy shrugs. “Come here, mi youth. Let me show you something real.” Just like that, the legacy continues.
Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News
Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography
Alimi A. Banjoko
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A quarter-sized breakthrough in Parkinson’s care
Parkinson’s disease is a thief. It creeps in quietly, often misdiagnosed, or unnoticed, and steadily robs its victims of: motor control, independence, and quality of life. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition on the planet, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide. There’s a remarkable bit of hope, the size of a quarter, coming out of what’s called “frugal biomedical innovation” at Western University.
There’s a sobering reality about Parkinson’s. In North America, we at least have the advantage of access to care. Yet, even here, diagnosis often comes far too late. The first signs: shaking hands, stiffness, slowness of movement are often chalked
up to “Just getting older.” Family members may notice something, but they don’t connect the dots. By the time a formal diagnosis is made, precious time has been lost.
Take the same scenario in a country like Nigeria, where access to neurologists and specialized care is scarce. There, Parkinson’s is not only underdiagnosed, it’s barely tracked. People suffer in silence, with limited support, and little hope for a meaningful intervention.
Enter Professor Ana Luisa Trejos, a mechanical engineer at Western University, and one of the stars of the recent Frugal Biomedical Innovations Symposium. Her team is developing something extraordinary; a low-cost wearable device, designed to detect and monitor Parkinson’s symptoms using sensors no larger than a 25-cent coin. Students are making a difference too. Olusoji Ogunbode, in Western’s Engineering Health Equity training program, is undertaking a field research placement in Africa to gather data.
This tiny piece of technology could have an outsized impact. Worn on the body, the device tracks motor symptoms— like tremors and changes in movement
patterns—in real time. The data can help clinicians catch Parkinson’s earlier, monitor progression, and even adjust treatment as the disease evolves, and because the sensors are affordable and easy to produce, they hold promise for widespread use, even in places where medical technology rarely reaches.
Perhaps most importantly, this research isn’t happening in a vacuum. Dr. Trejos and her colleagues at Western are working closely with Kwara State University in Nigeria. It’s a refreshing and encouraging example of global collaboration, where the needs of underserved populations are driving innovation that could eventually benefit everyone.
Innovation designed for the developing world has had global impact before. In the early 2000s, the World Health Organization helped bring rapid diagnostic tests for malaria to rural parts of Africa—tiny, cheap, easy-to-use kits that could identify malaria in minutes without a lab. At the time, many in the West viewed them as tools only for developing nations, but those same tests are now used in North America and Europe, not just for
travel medicine, but in emergency settings where quick answers save lives.
Necessity breeds not only invention, but smarter invention—simpler, more efficient, and more accessible.
Dr. Trejos’s work is a case in point. There’s more work to do before these devices go to market, but soon enough they may be found not just in Nigeria, but in North America: medical clinics, long-term care homes, and even tucked discreetly into Grandpa’s clothing. Early detection makes all the difference, especially with Parkinson’s, where symptoms worsen and treatment options become more limited the longer one waits.
“Frugal innovations” are not second-tier solutions. As Dr. Trejos’s research shows, affordability and accessibility do not come at the expense of quality—they may be the key to unlocking it.
In an age where medical devices can cost thousands and even millions, it’s heartening to see that sometimes, the biggest impact can come from something no bigger than a coin, and not much more expensive either.
Let’s get one thing straight—bake and salt fish isn’t just breakfast. It’s not just a dish. It’s a piece of cultural real estate in the hearts of Caribbean people, especially in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just fill your belly—it reaches back into history, touches your roots, and reminds you exactly where you come from.
This is food that travelled. It crossed oceans with slaves, got twisted by colonizers, was salvaged by the poor, and perfected by generations who knew how to turn humble ingredients into something memorable. You don’t need a white tablecloth or an Instagram filter to appreciate bake and salt fish. You just need to sit down, rip open a warm, golden bake, and load it up with flaked, seasoned, peppery salt fish that’s been cooked down with sweet onion, garlic, and tomatoes. That’s the moment it hits you—this isn’t just food. This is legacy.
What Is Bake and Salt Fish?
The name’s simple. It’s “bake”—a fried dough that puffs up when cooked—and “salt fish,” which is salted and preserved cod (most often), boiled and cooked down with seasoning, onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and hot pepper. But like most things in Caribbean culture, there’s a whole lot more behind the name.
Bakes are slightly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and usually sliced open like little pockets. They’re not quite bread, not quite dumpling, and definitely not your typical sandwich bun. But put salt fish inside one? You’ve got something that hits like comfort food but carries the weight of history.
This dish is a breakfast staple in Trinidad, but it’s just as likely to show up at a beach lime, packed into a brown paper bag, or sold from the back of a van on a Saturday morning. It’s casual, it’s soulful, and it’s the kind of thing that brings people back home—even if “home” is now thousands of miles away.
History: Salted Fish, Survival, and Making Something Out of Nothing Salt fish didn’t start in the Caribbean. It came from Europe. More specifically, from a time when European fishing vessels would pack their hauls in salt to keep them preserved during long voyages. Cod was the most common, caught in
Bake and Salt Fish: The Soul of a Trinidadian Morning
the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. The fish was cheap, durable, and didn’t spoil easily, which made it a perfect staple for slave ships and plantation provisioning.
When enslaved Africans were brought to the Caribbean, they were often given rations of salt fish—one of the cheapest forms of protein. This wasn’t food for pleasure. It was food for survival.
But as always, Caribbean people took what was handed to them and transformed it. They soaked out the harsh salt, added fresh ingredients from the land— onions, peppers, tomatoes, herbs—and created a dish that wasn’t just edible, but beautiful. A kind of quiet rebellion on a plate.
The “bake” part likely evolved from a combination of African and Indian cooking influences. Fried doughs were common across multiple cultures, and the Caribbean, with its crosscurrents of African, Indian, Spanish, French, and British influence, gave birth to its own version.
Together, bake and salt fish became a working-class meal that stood the test of time. It was inexpensive, filling, and flavourful. But more than that, it was identity. A dish that echoed through plantations, villages, kitchens, and now, street corners and cafés.
Cultural Roots: The Heartbeat of a Trinidadian Morning
Ask any Trini and they’ll tell you—bake and salt fish is a weekend thing. It’s the meal you crave when you’re coming off a Friday night out. It’s what you eat with your family on a lazy Sunday morning. It’s what you grab before heading to the beach. And it’s what connects you to your grandmother’s kitchen—even if she’s long gone.
This dish is passed down. No one learns to make it from a cookbook. You learn it by standing at the side of your mother or your auntie or your neighbour, watching them knead dough, tasting the salt levels in the fish, knowing by feel when the oil is the right temperature.
In Trinidad, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s how stories are told. Bake and salt fish carries the story of a people who made flavour from scarcity, who learned to survive and thrive, who turned struggle into tradition.
Let’s Get to the Recipe
Here’s how to make Trinidad-style bake and salt fish—real, unapologetic, and packed with the kind of flavour that doesn’t ask for permission.
For the Bake (Makes 6–8)
Ingredients:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional—but most Trinis add a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• About 1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works best)
Instructions:
• In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
• Rub in the butter until it resembles crumbs.
• Slowly add warm water and knead into a soft dough.
• Let the dough rest, covered with a damp towel, for about 30–45 minutes.
• Divide the dough into small balls and roll out into ½ inch thick circles.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan until hot (not smoking).
• Fry each bake until golden brown and puffed—about 1 minute per side.
• Drain on paper towels and set aside.
For the Salt Fish
Ingredients:
• 1/2 lb salt fish (salted cod)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 sweet pepper (red or green), sliced
• 1 hot pepper (Scotch bonnet or wiri wiri), finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1–2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh thyme or green seasoning (optional but boosts flavour)
• Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
• Rinse the salt fish under running water to remove surface salt.
• Boil in water for about 15 minutes, drain, and repeat once or twice until most of the salt is gone. Taste to check.
• Once cooled, remove any bones and flake the fish with your fingers.
• In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, sweet pepper, and tomato.
• Add the flaked salt fish and stir to combine.
• Add thyme, black pepper, and hot pepper to taste.
• Cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and fragrant.
How to Serve It
Slice a bake open and stuff it full with salt fish. That’s it. No fancy garnish. No cutlery needed. Just hot, steamy, savoury perfection in your hands.
Some folks like to throw in slices of cucumber or avocado on the side. Others eat it with a splash of pepper sauce and a cold drink. However you do it, just make sure you eat it while it’s hot. The Modern Revival
What used to be peasant food is now making a comeback. Caribbean food festivals, high-end brunch spots, and diaspora kitchens are bringing back bake and salt fish in a big way. Some chefs are putting their twist on it—adding avocado crema, pineapple slaw, or stuffing it in gourmet buns—but the essence stays the same.
Still, nothing beats the original. The kind you eat on a front step with your fingers, wiping your hands on a napkin that barely holds together. That’s the real thing.
Bake and salt fish is the kind of dish that refuses to be forgotten. It speaks to the Caribbean spirit—resilient, creative, bold, and proud. It’s not complicated. It’s not delicate. But it’s honest. And in today’s world, that’s rare.
If you’ve never had it, now’s the time. Don’t just cook it—feel it. Make it on a Sunday morning, share it with someone you love, and take a bite of history that still has something to say.
110 Nations celebrate 33rd Falun Dafa Day. Will China stop persecuting Falun Gong members?
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
INSIGHT TO SOCIETY
for long terms, and once released socially ostracized by their employers, local com-
BY HERBERT HILDEBRANDT POLITICAL PARLEY
In the last federal election, Canadians were not asked to choose a leader. We were asked to pick a side in a foreign political soap opera. Our corporate media, propped up with hundreds of millions of dollars of your hard-earned tax dollars, colluded with the governing party to hijack the narrative and turn the whole election into a referendum on Donald Trump.
Trump, a man who does not vote here, does not govern here, and has nothing to do with the issues that have been destroying prosperity in this country for the past decade. There we were, debating the orange boogeyman while our immigration policies have hit the breaking point, food prices have soared, and carbon taxes threatened to bankrupt families and businesses alike.
Why? They didn’t want to talk
munity governments and education centers. Why?
Someone in the Central Politbureau has a long-term distaste for these innocent practitioners of Falun Dafa. Totalitarian governments often are suspicious of smaller groups of people gathering for a reason; a Communist could not understand spiritual and communal reinforcement. The organization is so popular internationally especially among the Chinese Diaspora the Chinese Government considers this organization much like a counter revolutionary organization. Those leaders who practice internationally are often spied upon, followed and sometimes physically attacked. Attempted manipulation and malevolence towards those who promote Falun Dafa continues daily worldwide.
May 13th was the 33rd Falun Dafa Day, celebrated by hundreds of thousands of members and supporters worldwide. The media sucked up this event broadcasting its wholesomeness and ritual, but did the media mention the thousands of members who have suffered and
perished at the hands of Chinese Security Hoodlums? Not often enough. Have they continually interviewed members who have been persecuted? Sometimes yes, but the topic of Chinese governmental persecution of this organization is viewed as an unpopular subject, a story once heard to be passed for a more positive story. Furthermore, many media outlets and local newspapers are owned by Chinese corporations whose allegiance is owed to the Communist Party Central Security Organ. Every Chinese corporation, including the many that own global media outlets must show undue loyalty to Chinese military and security needs.
So, you have a group numbering well over a million members worldwide facing persecution from a major superpower, yet each individual member continues to practice their craft, their spirituality while supporting their membership. That is something to talk about is it not?
Truly honorable!
Will China ever respect the rights and privileges of its own citizens, rights which are enshrined in the Chinese Con-
Canada needs a leader, not a media puppet
about our problems. They declined to talk about affordability, or the collapse of productivity, or the fact that we have shackled our own economy with ideological green policies that punish the very industries that once built this nation. It was never truly about Trump, it was about distraction. If Canadians focused on the issues that matter, the ruling class knows they would be out of a job.
Canada is sitting on one of the greatest deposits of natural resources on the planet. Oil, gas, lithium, uranium, nickel - you name it, and yet, we act like we are ashamed to use them. We have let bureaucrats, international activists, and media elites convince us that prosperity is something to apologize for. Meanwhile, countries like Kuwait and UAE have taken what nature gave them and turned it into leverage. They extract, they reinvest, and they build. They understand that wealth creation is funda-
mental to the survival of a nation. Canada could be the richest country on earth within five years. That is not hyperbole, that is basic math, but it would take a leader with a spine and someone who does not flinch when the CBC throws a tantrum. Someone who does not let Twitter mobs dictate national policy and someone who understands that: cheap, reliable energy is not a luxury, it is the foundation of modern civilization. Look back at the post-WWII era. The rise of the Western middle class was not powered by policy panels and climate pledges; it was powered by affordable energy. When you make it easy to heat your home, run a factory, ship goods, and build infrastructure, people thrive. Businesses grow and nations rise. Canada - blessed beyond belief - is watching itself slide slowly, but surely into thirdworld status because the ones in power are unwilling to fight for the basics. We have priced housing out of reach by jam-
stitution? Will Falun Dafa ever be practiced in Tiananmen Square in the future? Perhaps it can happen, but only once the aged members of the central committee are dead and gone.
Perhaps a selection of the Falun Dafa will explain why those who respect power, influence and forced loyalty (like the CCP) oppose Falun Gong.
“Some ponder what true faith in the Divine may be. It is not about staunchly defending one’s religion. The only way to Heaven is to forsake attachments and become gentle as lambs like divine ones. Holy Wars are meant to be affairs of the divine alone. To fight one’s fellow man over faith is to harm humanity and allow. Man’s evil side grows stronger as his kindness ebbs. True faith in the Divine is shown when We forsake all worldly attachments and wicked thoughts, for Heaven welcomes only the good and kind” (January 6th, 2016 ) Hong Yin V - The Grand Verses.
ming our cities with unsustainable and unproductive immigration targets. We have demonized the industries that pay our bills, and we have replaced national pride with performative guilt. We need a leader who will stop apologizing for our success and start unlocking it again. A Prime Minister who looks Canadians and the world in the eye and says: we are open for business. We are proud of our resources, and we are going to build pipelines, extract minerals, and produce energy. Not for the global elite, but for the hardworking families who call this country home.
Until that happens, our elections will remain meaningless distractions. A media-scripted soap opera designed to keep you angry at the wrong things while the country quietly falls apart. Canada cannot survive another actor, we must have a visionary, fearless builder.
Decluttering: A guide to removing the excess around us and within us
BY GEORGE SHEPPARD
The optimist in me says Spring is indeed at hand. The object we call the sun seems to be making a regular appearance, and we can shed a layer or two of clothing. Bliss at its finest. However, one must always make room for caution as it is not unheard of for our geographic and climatic demons to conjure an errant brisk wind or, dare I say it, snowflake. I will go against the pessimistic overtone and look to Spring as a welcome and much needed friend.
As we look for closet space to store: heavy boots, scarves, and bulky coats, we embark on a biannual rite of passage – decluttering. We all tend to have an excess of each type of clothing, hats, and dare I say shoes. We hang onto our favourite t-shirts, the outdated shirt “just in case”, and who knows what other long forgotten fashion icon lurks on our
coat hangers.
Just as Spring (and Fall) presents us with the urge to declutter “our stuff”, it is also an opportunity to take stock and declutter our most precious possession – ourselves. As the seasons of the year change, so too do the seasons of our existence. The various stages and circumstances we go through bring earmarks of joy and celebration, but there comes with it aspects of our lives that have thrown us off track, brought unexpected and unwanted changes. If we do not periodically check in with ourselves, take stock of what we value, the journey we find ourselves on today can be riddled with latent obstacles that resurface, that clutter our path.
Self-decluttering requires more than boxes and shelves. I tend to hang onto past events that do nothing for my well-being. Dwelling on events I never
thought I would get through, or feelings of desperation that hit me to the core are difficult to wipe away. I ponder what I could have done differently, how I failed to realize I had better choices to make if only I could have had a greater presence of mind. As a result, instead of handling the unexpected darkness with greater resolve, I grabbed whatever hat I could find that fit any given day.
When life gives you lemons, hold on, not so fast. Transitioning from difficult times has not always been automatic for me. I lament too much on supposed friends I expected to be supportive, yet I fail to recognize that maybe, just like the hat I have pulled from the closet, I have outgrown certain people. That in no way infers I put myself on a pedestal, far from it. As we move from place to place, change jobs, develop new relationships, we are not the same now, as we were then. Yet,
instead of glancing in the rearview mirror, we become transfixed on a long gaze looking back. Excessive reflection has the danger of reliving past judgement from others, attitudes that did not fully comprehend our life choices, all hanging on hooks begging to be decluttered. Henry David Thoreau said, “I love to be alone. There is no greater friend than solitude.” As social beings, solitude is not as easily attained or valued. Yet, to confront demons, decisions, and choices, conversations with ourselves are what is most necessary. Our self-worth is not dependent on those who recklessly judge us. Knowing what you truly stand for, and who you stand with, requires us to assess our values- what we truly value, and who we feel values us. That sense of place and purpose only comes by being true to ourselves as we stand today.
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
“I give everything to my work, and that’s the tension, because love deserves everything too.”
That line hit me like a quiet confession, spoken with the rawness of someone who’s been on both sides of ambition: the hunger for achievement and the ache of distance.
In our hustle-drenched world, where productivity is praised and output is currency, it’s easy to romanticize relentlessness, but when love becomes the casualty of career success, what are we really building?
I have spoken to entrepreneurs, executives, artists, high achievers with extraordinary vision, who confess a quiet, unspoken struggle: they lose intimacy before they notice it’s gone. Not because they don’t care, but because their nervous system has been hijacked by cortisol. Stay with me here.
Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is an incredible ally in a crisis, but when it overstays its welcome (as it often does in the lives of ambitious professionals) it dulls empathy, narrows focus, and numbs the very sensations that make intimacy possible. One psychologist I inter-
Is your career costing you connection?
viewed shared a compelling study of 172 newlywed couples: when one partner’s workload increased, the other’s satisfaction in the marriage declined, often six months later. The time delay is the most dangerous part. You don’t see the emotional erosion until it is too late.
Here’s the paradox: the very thing that can heal stress, intimacy, becomes inaccessible under stress. There’s good news. The antidote is: biological, practical, and profoundly human.
Oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone, rises when we’re physically close, emotionally safe, and fully present. It’s what makes a 20-second hug feel like medicine, because, biochemically, it is. That simple act can reduce cortisol levels by half, and when you’re on your fifth Zoom call, dinner’s gone cold, and your partner’s eyes are quietly pleading for connection, a hug might just be the bridge back to each other.
Here’s what I’ve learned from the most grounded, high-performing couples: it’s not about balance. It’s about intention.
Love doesn’t scale through grand gestures; it grows through daily rituals. Micro-moments. Check-ins. A 60-second voice note in the morning. A recurring “walk-and-talk” on Saturdays. A message that says, “I see you, even when I’m busy.”
A fellow entrepreneur told me, “The risk isn’t that work takes too much. It’s assuming love will keep running in the background.” That assumption is fatal.
We don’t expect our startups to run themselves. We don’t let our investments manage themselves. Why would we treat our relationships, the most mean-
ingful, emotionally vital partnerships we’ll ever have, with anything less than strategic care?
When work ramps up during a launch, a transition, or a crisis the most powerful tool we have is honesty. One simple phrase can make the difference between disconnection and understanding: “I’m in my head a lot right now, and I don’t want you to feel like I’m not here. I just need a little extra grace this week.”
That level of self-awareness does something remarkable: it disarms resentment before it builds. It turns stress into shared context, instead of silent distance.
Here’s the truth: if we only give our partners what’s left after the grind, we’re feeding love scraps. When we let our sen-
suality, our emotional availability, and even our erotic intelligence lead, not just in the bedroom, but in how we lead ourselves and our businesses, something shifts. The boardroom benefits from the softness we cultivate in the bedroom. The strategy sharpens when we’re emotionally nourished.
Love isn’t a distraction from success. It’s the source of it, so ask yourself, not “Am I giving enough?” but “Am I being intentional enough?” If you are brave, ask your partner: “How are we doing?” It might just open a door that relentless work had quietly shut. In the end, the greatest ROI isn’t revenue. It is your relationship.
Sunk-cost fallacy and optimism bias: Knowing when to quit what’s not working
DANIEL COLE daniel@carib101.com
The adage “Winners never quit, and quitters never win” is often wielded as a motivational weapon, a call to relentless perseverance. Yet, upon closer inspection, this maxim reveals itself as a dangerous oversimplification—one that ignores the nuanced interplay between: persistence, adaptability, and strategic foresight. True success is not merely a function of endurance, but of discernment—the ability to recognize when persistence becomes obstinacy, when effort devolves into waste, and when the cost of victory outweighs its worth. Most successful individuals are not those who never quit, but those who possess the wisdom to quit strategically, redirecting resources toward more fruitful endeavours while avoiding the pitfalls of sunk-cost fallacy and optimism bias.
The fallacy of blind persistence
The problem with motivational platitudes
Simplistic motivational quotes often lack contextual depth, leading individuals to conflate
persistence with stubbornness. Research in cognitive psychology (e.g., Kahneman & Tversky’s work on loss aversion) demonstrates that humans are predisposed to overcommit to failing endeavours due to emotional investment rather than rational calculus.
Thomas Edison’s famous assertion— ”Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up”—contains a kernel of truth but fails to account for scenarios where continued investment yields diminishing returns. For every Edison who succeeded through trial and error, there are countless others who exhausted themselves on futile pursuits.
The role of strategic quitting in high-stakes decision making
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War provides a crucial framework: “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” This principle extends beyond warfare into business, innovation, and personal growth.
Case Study: Amazon’s “fail fast” philosophy Jeff Bezos institutionalized strategic quitting through Amazon’s willingness to abandon underperforming initiatives (e.g., the Fire Phone) while doubling down on high-potential ventures (AWS, Prime). This approach underscores the difference between reckless abandonment and calculated withdrawal.
The sunk-cost fallacy in action
Behavioral economists note that individuals
often persist in failing projects due to prior investments (time, money, ego). The ability to quit despite sunk costs is a hallmark of elite decision-makers.
When to quit
Evaluating opportunity cost
Every endeavor carries an opportunity cost— the potential gains forfeited by not pursuing alternatives. Before doubling down, ask:
• Is this the most effective use of my resources?
• What could I achieve if I reallocated this effort?
The “zero-based thinking” approach
Popularized by leadership expert Brian Tracy, this mental model asks: “Knowing what I know now, would I start this again today?” If the answer is no, quitting may be the optimal choice.
Intellectual flexibility
Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid struggle exemplifies adaptive strategy. Rather than relying solely on protest, he leveraged legal expertise to dismantle systemic injustice. Similarly, entrepreneurs must pivot when initial methods fail—loyalty should lie with the vision, not the method.
The “meaning vs. momentum” test
Even if a goal is achievable, one must assess:
• Does this victory hold enduring significance?
• Is the effort justified by the outcome?
Many battles are won only to reveal they were never worth fighting. Society often stigmatizes quitting as weakness, but this view neglects the moral and pragmatic dimensions of strategic disengagement. Consider:
• Personal wellbeing: Chronic persistence in toxic environments (e.g., abusive workplaces, dead-end relationships) exacts psychological tolls.
• Resource stewardship: Time and energy are finite; wasting them on lost causes deprives the world of more meaningful contributions.
The true mark of intelligence is not inflexible grit, but adaptive resilience—the capacity to pivot when evidence demands it. Challenge yourself to:
• Audit your commitments: Are they yielding value, or vanity?
• Embrace intellectual humility: Admit when methods fail.
Quit with purpose: Redirect energy toward endeavors that align with your highest potential. In the end, the courage to quit may be the very thing that saves your success.
Why Print Advertising Still Matters in the Toronto Caribbean Community
BY GRANT BROWNING DRIVEN TO SUCCEED
In today’s fast-paced digital world, print advertising might seem outdated, but it remains an incredibly effective tool for businesses— especially for those targeting Toronto’s Caribbean community. While digital ads dominate, print offers a level of engagement that digital simply can’t replicate. Let’s dive into why print advertising is still a powerful strategy, especially when placed in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper.
Why Print Advertising Still Works
Print advertising works because it has staying power. Unlike digital ads, which can be skipped or ignored with a simple click, print ads stay in front of the audience longer, often being seen more than once. Studies show that print ads are 70–80% more memorable than their digital counterparts. This is because print creates a physical interaction; people hold it, pass it around, and even keep it around for later.
In a world of endless digital noise, print ads cut through the clutter and demand attention. They engage readers more deeply, as they’re more likely to read through print material thoroughly compared to quickly skimming through an online ad. Whether it’s
A common trait people often notice about Black men who make rude comments about Black women is their hypocrisy. Something that played again in a recent viral video.
In a TikTok video posted by @ohmiss_jess, the TikToker along with her friend
a flyer, a direct mail piece, or a newspaper ad, print ensures your message gets the attention it deserves.
Why Advertise in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper?
Advertising in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is a unique opportunity to connect with an engaged and loyal community. Our readers are a key part of Toronto’s Caribbean population, and they are deeply invested in local businesses that understand their needs and values. By placing your ad in our publication, you’re doing more than just advertising a product or service; you’re building trust within a community that appreciates businesses that genuinely support their culture and contribute to their success.
The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is not just another publication—it’s a trusted voice that resonates within the Caribbean community. Readers are more likely to engage with content in a physical newspaper than with an online ad that can easily be ignored or lost in a feed. This makes print advertising here not just effective, but also a valuable opportunity to be part of an ongoing community conversation.
Reaching Local Consumers
For local businesses in Toronto, print advertising provides a significant advan -
were out at a restaurant enjoying one another’s company and not bothering anyone when an older Black man came out of nowhere to talk down on them. In the video, the man tells the two Black men are not interested in them because they’re too bougie. He also brings up how he has an Asian fiancée because he can’t stand Black women and refers to the women as “Black b******.” “But I love my three Black daughters,” were the last words he said before being escorted out.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing new under the sun about Black men going on these rants against Black women, all the while uplifting their preference. However, it’s becoming tiring. If you want to date out, that’s fine, but you don’t have to disrespect your own, or any other group of people while stating your preference. There are men of other races who
tage—it allows you to target specific neighborhoods, demographics, and consumer segments with a higher level of precision. While digital ads have a broad reach, print ensures that your message reaches the right people at the right time.
Print ads in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper also allow for greater credibility than digital advertising. People generally trust print materials more than digital ones, and this trust is crucial when building longterm relationships with customers. Whether you’re promoting a product, announcing an event, or offering a special promotion, print ads create a tangible connection between your business and the people you want to engage with.
Tips for Crafting Effective Print Ads
To make your print ad stand out and work harder for you, here are a few key tips:
• Tailor Your Message: Understand your audience and craft a message that resonates with their values and interests. The Caribbean community in Toronto is diverse, and your message should speak directly to their needs.
• Design for Impact: Use strong visuals, bold colors, and clear fonts to make your ad eye-catching and memorable. Keep
would prefer to date outside of their race. However, they don’t disrespect their own, all the while uplifting what they prefer.
Another topic to note is how some of these Black men who have talked down on Black women have daughters who are Black. What always comes to mind in these situations is if those same men would be okay with another man making those same comments towards their daughters, because one thing about these men is that they can dish it but cannot take it.
A situation that comes to mind is when rapper Snoop Dogg told singer Ari Lennox to wear her real hair back in 2020. In response to that comment, people went in on his daughter, Cori Broadus, who unfortunately has struggled with colorism and bullying prior to that.
it simple but striking, ensuring that your brand stands out.
• Get to the Point: People don’t have time to read long-winded ads. Be clear, concise, and direct with your message. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
• Include a Call to Action: Make it easy for your audience to know what to do next—whether it’s calling, visiting your store, or checking out your website. Make sure your contact information is clear and prominent.
Leverage Social Proof: Including testimonials or reviews in your ad can increase trust and encourage potential customers to take action.
Print advertising may seem old-school in a digital-first world, but it’s still one of the most effective ways to connect with your target audience. In particular, advertising in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper gives your business the chance to engage with a loyal, culturally connected community that values authenticity and support for local enterprises. Print ads offer an opportunity to make a real, lasting impact—so if you want your business to be remembered and trusted, print advertising is still the way to go. It’s time to embrace the power of print and see the results for yourself.
I empathize with his daughters, and if I were one of them, I would feel embarrassed, hurt, and wonder if I would have to pay for his distasteful comments in the future.
Both women handled the situation well. They did not feed into the negative stereotype about Black women being loud and aggressive. They both smiled and enjoyed their day together. I also love how other Black men took to TikTok to defend the two ladies and condemn the man for disturbing their peace.
Black women can exist in a positive light and be a positive representation. People need to stop criticizing Black women for having their life together and wanting to enjoy the finer things in life. A positive narrative is what we need to knock down the negative stereotypes about Black women.
The 3 Commandments: A fashion legacy forged in friendship
vision continues to inspire the brand in the wake of his untimely passing last September.
The evening unfolded at a stylish urban venue, transformed into a space where the threads of fashion and friendship intertwined seamlessly. Guests, a mix of industry insiders, friends, and family, were treated to a sensory experience that extended beyond the runway. The air was thick with anticipation, punctuated by the tantalizing aroma of a carefully curated menu that spoke to the brand’s vibrant spirit.
Forget the usual canapés; Chef Alana Malden of Lalas Fusion Kitchen opted for a bold and flavourful spread that mirrored the brand’s commitment to authentic expression. Trays laden with Jerk & Sweet Chili Thai wings offered a fiery kick balanced by a sweet, Asian-inspired glaze, a testament to the fusion of cultures and experiences. The Saltfish sliders, a nod to her Caribbean heritage and comfort food, provided a savoury bite with a hint of nostalgia. For those craving a bit more heat, the Pepper Shrimp delivered a punch of spice that awakened the palate. Completing the culinary lineup were the ever-popular Fried Chicken Sliders, offering a familiar yet satisfying indulgence.
As guests mingled and savoured the diverse menu, the story behind The 3 Commandments began to resonate. The brand’s ethos was born from a deep-seated friendship between Kavan “Fudge” Layne and Tim Solomon. Their bond, forged in the crucible of high school camaraderie, was defined by three simple
yet profound principles: respect, trust, and loyalty. These weren’t just words; they were the bedrock of their relationship and, ultimately, the guiding force behind their shared vision.
By 2021, Tim was ready to translate these values into a tangible expression, a clothing line that stood for something more than fleeting trends. When he approached Fudge with the idea, the name came organically – The 3 Commandments. It was a code they had lived by for years, a testament to honoring relationships and navigating life with integrity. Their vision was to create a brand with a universal message, one that transcended demographics and connected with individuals who valued genuine connections and lived with intention.
The atmosphere shifted as the runway show commenced. Models, embodying a diverse range of ages, styles and backgrounds, showcased the debut collection. The pieces spoke of quality, durability, and a quiet confidence – reflecting their creator and the enduring nature of true respect, trust, and loyalty. Each garment appeared to be crafted with purpose, hinting at stories waiting to be told and values meant to be worn.
Tim’s commitment to our community is demonstrated through him providing opportunities for growth to young, upcoming creatives like Malachi Gonzalez-Callum who was collaborating on the artwork for several pieces of the launch collection. Malachi’s unique anime style of art bridges the gap between past and future, ensuring the brand will endure for generations. Carrying forward the shared dream was no longer just about launching a brand; it was about honouring Fudge’s legacy and celebrating everything he stood for.
The launch party served as a powerful reminder that fashion can be more than just clothing; it can be a medium for expressing values and celebrating human connection. The 3 Commandments have clearly set out to be just that – a brand that resonates with those who understand the importance of the people in their corner, and who believe in living by a meaningful code.
As the evening drew to a close, the lingering taste of the flavourful food mingled with a sense of hope and anticipation for what The 3 Commandments will bring to the fashion landscape – a legacy built on: friendship, flavour, and the enduring power of respect, trust, and loyalty.
Make them fall in love: How to sell your home faster this spring
Spring is traditionally the best season for real estate, but the bloom is a little different this year. While April brought a wave of new listings, May is showing a shifting tide. Buyer enthusiasm is cooling as the tariff impacts the real estate market. Interest rates are unlikely to drop significantly due to inflation, and mortgage approvals are becoming more challenging.
In this new landscape, homes stay on the market longer, bidding wars are fading, and sellers are learning that pricing alone isn’t enough to sell a home.
A beautifully presented home captures hearts and conveys a sense of warmth. In today’s market, buyers have more choices, so your house must stand out from the crowd. Think of your home as a first date: polished, welcoming, and full of potential. Here’s how to charm every visitor from the curb to the closing table.
Curb Appeal: Make a grand first impression
Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s grow!” Your front yard should echo that sentiment. Trim the lawn, edge the walkway, and power wash the driveway until it gleams. Sweep away winter’s leftovers and stash garbage bins out of sight. A few wellplaced flowerpots, fresh mulch, and an updated porch light can work magic. Want to impress? Set up a cozy patio set or BBQ station. Buyers should walk up thinking, ‘I can imagine summer nights right here.’
Create the illusion of space
Space sells, and the secret to showcasing it isn’t square footage—it’s simplicity. Remove bulky furniture, clear out clutter, and avoid using the garage for overflow storage. Consider renting a unit if needed. You’re not just selling a home; you’re selling a possibility, and possibility needs room to breathe.
Let the light in
Natural light is one of a home’s most significant assets. Replace heavy drapes with sheer panels, clean the windows until they sparkle, and make sure those stunning views—especially if you’re fortunate enough to back onto a ravine—are visible and unobstructed.
Don’t forget interior lighting, either. Replace tired fixtures with modern designs and opt for soft, warm bulbs. A fresh coat of paint and beautiful lights can turn any tired space into a showstopper.
Win over the heart of the home
Buyers shop with their hearts, and often, the kitchen seals the deal. Clear the counters, polish the appliances, and add simple, homey touches like a coffee station, a curated cookbook display, or a bowl of fresh fruit. If your appliances are outdated, consider upgrading; the ROI can be significant, providing you with a positive outlook on the selling process.
Remember, if a potential buyer can see themselves living there, they’re already halfway to making an offer.
Revive the bathroom
Bathrooms can be deal-makers, or dealbreakers. Keep them sparkling. Remove old mats, brighten the lighting, refresh the grout, and hang new shower curtains. Less is more here: keep surfaces clean and cabinets nearly empty to showcase ample storage. Remember to keep the toilet lid down
and add a fresh pot of potpourri. A simple piece of calming, natural art can complete the look.
Neutralize and depersonalize
Your family photos and vacation magnets may hold great significance for you, but to potential buyers, they can be distractions. Remove personal items to create a clean slate. Organizing closets with doors slightly ajar and placing mirrors in smaller rooms can enhance the illusion of more space. Additionally, avoid using artificial fragrances.
Set the stage for an emotional connection
Before each show, turn on all the lights and let in some fresh air. Bake cookies, light a gentle candle, or display fresh flowers. Encourage buyers to explore the home freely—allow them to linger. The longer they stay, the more they can envision them-
selves living there. We want the buyers to feel an emotional connection, which we can achieve by appealing to their sight, smell, and taste.
Stand out with strategy
In this more competitive market, presentation is only half the battle. The picture is complete with a skilled realtor, savvy online marketing, and a realistic asking price. When combined with a beautifully prepared home, these elements will attract serious buyers and reduce your time on the market, giving you the confidence to navigate the selling process. Today’s real estate market may change, but a well-styled home still stands out. Your spring sale can flourish with the right touches and a strategic approach, empowering you to take charge of your selling journey.
Share your thoughts on demonstrations in Toronto.
Participate in the public consultation for a proposed new bylaw about demonstrations near locations such as places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
YOUR HOROSCOPE
for the week of May 18 to May 24, 2025
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: GEMINI, SCORPIO, AND AQUARIUS
ARIES: You’re fired up this week, Aries—but don’t let frustration lead. People may move slower, but that doesn’t mean they’re wrong. Channel impatience into action, not arguments.
TAURUS: Comfort zones are cozy, but growth doesn’t live there. Something’s nudging you out of routine. Play it smart, but don’t be afraid to leap.
GEMINI: You’re pulled in too many directions. Everyone wants your time, but who’s checking on you? Set boundaries. You’ll earn more respect than you think.
CANCER: You’re deep in your feelings—and that’s okay. Just don’t spiral. Talk to someone who grounds you. Avoiding that conversation is only making it harder.
LEO: You’ve been holding it together, but even you need a break. Let someone else step up. Asking for help isn’t weakness— it’s wisdom.
VIRGO: You’re in fix-it mode again, but not everything needs fixing. Listen before acting. Sometimes the best support is simply showing up quietly.
LIBRA: People-pleasing is creeping back in, Libra—and it’s draining you. Don’t explain every move. Real balance includes standing firm when it truly matters.
SCORPIO: You’ve changed more than you realize. That discomfort? It’s growth. Lean in. This new version of you is sharper, stronger, and more focused.
SAGITTARIUS: Your energy is magnetic—but don’t waste it. Choose where you show up. Not everyone deserves front-row seats to your story. Keep it moving.
CAPRICORN: You’ve been grinding hard. Just don’t let ambition blind you. Take a moment to enjoy what you’ve built—and who you built it for.
AQUARIUS: You want something new but fear starting over. That tension? It’s growth. Don’t overthink. Make the call. The momentum follows your courage.
PISCES: Your intuition is sharp, but don’t let emotions rule everything. Stay grounded in important conversations. Kindness doesn’t mean being soft-spoken or passive.
CROSSWORDS
HOW TO PLAY :
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO. 131
PUZZLE NO. 841
