Arms Scandal

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Volume 14 • Issue 14

Wednesday, August 13 2025

“The report shows Canadian‑made components integrated into F‑35 fighter jets (the very jets used in high‑casualty strikes) and calculates roughly $2.1 million in Canadian components per F‑35...”

FULL STORY - PAGE 8

PAGE 2

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Photo Credit: Helen Gaidatsis

Written by Lisa Thompson Toronto Caribbean News

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!”

The inspiring journey of Soule and Sade Small; Two sisters rising above adversity For young women of colour, the world’s gaze can feel both unyielding and harsh, a spotlight that illuminates every perceived difference, every moment of vulnerability. Yet, it is in these very moments, the struggles with self-image, family instability, racism, and the relentless pressure to conform, that the seeds of resilience are sown. This is the story of Soule and Sade Small, two remarkable sisters whose journeys speak to the unbreakable spirit that lies within so many young women of colour.

Early challenges: Battlegrounds of self-worth Soule and Sade were born to parents of Jamaican and Barbadian heritage, their childhood marked by the cultural richness of the Caribbean, but also by the turbulence of a marriage that took many sharp turns. For Soule, the path was never smooth. She entered school as a quiet, shy girl, her complexion and weight making her a target for bullying. “Once I entered public school, I was teased for either my complexion, weight or my odd shyness,” Soule recalls. “Always pointed out for being different.”

The academic system didn’t make things easier. Soule struggled within an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that, instead of uplifting her, seemed to box her in. “Her parents were told that she would never excel outside of IEP and that trade schools were her best option moving forward,” the story goes, but Soule’s tenacity refused to let these external voices dictate her future.

For Sade, the challenges were different, but just as daunting. She excelled academically, was encouraged to pursue science, or medicine, and always had friends by her side.

A mysterious medical condition during middle

school, the loss of her best friend, and the isolating impact of the pandemic sent her into a spiral of self-doubt and depression. “I guess I felt powerless because I knew there were things I desired and things I wanted in my life, but I just didn’t know how to achieve them,” Sade shares.

Finding strength: The power of self-reflection Soule’s resilience is rooted in her ability to quiet the outside noise and listen to her own voice. When asked when she realized she had to stop listening to others and start following her heart, she says, “Throughout my life, I’ve known that being of a different culture frees me to have many possible ideas of the person I could be. One quote that spoke out to me was, ‘the only person that’s standing in your way is yourself.’ I kept that one close. Even closer is the quote tattooed on my hand, ‘Everything happens for a reason.”

Soule’s journey to self-love was not linear. She recounts periods of insecurity, particularly after college when she regained weight she had lost. Yet even then, she reminded herself, “I just reassured myself again now knowing that I had once been in that positive space before, so I know I’m able to get to that space again.”

For Sade, self-reflection came through confronting the darker parts of herself. She speaks candidly of her struggles with mental health and low self-esteem, “When my mental health was the lowest, I was projecting a lot of insecurities I had towards myself onto other people. That’s how I viewed myself. I had very low self-esteem. I didn’t have much confidence, I didn’t know who I was, so that made me look at myself with a very low value and I

thought everyone else was looking at me in the same way.”

Sade’s turning point came with the realization that self-reflection is only meaningful if paired with action. “Self-reflection means nothing if you don’t do anything about it—if you don’t work on your self-confidence, if you don’t analyze who you are, your patterns, your behaviors. If you’re not doing that, then you’re not going to see any improvements.”

Rising above: Achievements forged in adversity Despite being told what she couldn’t achieve, Soule forged ahead. She left the IEP program, graduated with regular college courses, and went on to earn a business diploma. She worked as a Resident Assistant while living on campus and eventually found her wings—literally—as a flight attendant, traveling across North America. “I didn’t give up until I was able to acquire my first document of independence, a driver’s license. Much like my peers in high school, I can see that I have grown, and I know I can grow more.”

Her perseverance is echoed in her words about change: “It’s just the fear of change, but once that happens, I have been able to adjust. It will just take one or two days and then I’m in that position of the change I wanted.”

Sade, meanwhile, discovered healing through art. The same hands that once curled in anxiety now create vibrant works of self-expression. Her pieces gained attention on social media, she received a scholarship from Warner Bros. to attend CMU in Toronto, and she has already contributed to creative projects while still studying. “Now knowing myself and on a

self-journey today, I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a person. I feel like I’ve improved with my mental health a lot and my relationships with the people around me. It is because of that; I look back and I’m proud of myself because of how many moments I’ve had and how many times I felt like I was at my lowest.”

Sade’s wisdom resounds, “It means taking any obstacle in your life and treating it as a lesson. Anytime you feel like you hit rock bottom, or anytime you feel your lowest, knowing that you can only go up from there and knowing that you can grow from it, learn from it, and it helps you become stronger as a human being.”

Lessons for young women of colour Soule and Sade’s stories shine with the promise of hope and self-acceptance. In a world that tries to define young women of colour by their obstacles, these sisters remind us: “You are not defined by your obstacles, but by your ability to rise in spite of them.”

The journey of Soule and Sade Small is one of transformation, a testament to the strength found in adversity and the beauty that emerges from the most difficult trials. Their stories are a rallying cry for all young women of colour, “That which doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” Every hardship conquered, every lesson learned, becomes a steppingstone across the unbreakable bridge to new futures.

Let their journey inspire you to embrace your own story, to cherish your growth, and to know that you, too, are lighting the way for those who will rise after you.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 3

Don’t be the only one missing Toronto’s Historic 35th Jamaica Day Festival SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There’s something magical that happens when summer winds down in Toronto. The air grows thick with anticipation, and somewhere between the city’s towering skyscrapers, the unmistakable sound of reggae begins to pulse. This year, that pulse grows stronger as we prepare for the 35th anniversary of the Jamaica Day Family Food & Music Festival.

I remember my first Jamaica Day festival like it was yesterday. The colours seemed brighter, the music louder, the food more flavourful than anything I had experienced. I was just a girl then, wide-eyed and mesmerized by the sheer force of Jamaican culture on display. Now, as a Jamaican/Canadian journalist and social influencer, I understand what I was witnessing, a sacred act of preservation.

The festival, running September 6th - September 7th, 2025, at Brampton Sports Park, represents a physical manifestation of a promise

made 35 years ago by the Sunrise Talent Program; to never let our heritage fade, to create spaces where our children can see themselves reflected, and to build bridges between generations through the universal languages of: music, food, and art.

What strikes me most about this milestone year is how the festival has evolved while staying true to its roots. The headliners: Mr. Vegas, Spragga Benz, Anthony Malvo, alongside Canadian talents like Kirk Diamond and Kim Kelly, represent the perfect balance between international recognition and homegrown pride.

In a world that often tries to flatten cultural experiences into marketable tropes, events like Jamaica Day face an ongoing battle. How do we honour tradition while embracing evolution? How do we share our culture without letting it be co-opted? These are the daily negotiations of diaspora communities everywhere.

What the Jamaica Day festival gets right is its refusal to choose between preservation and progression.

The traditional folk dances share the stage with contemporary dancehall moves. Grandmothers’ recipes sit beside innovative culinary creations. The art market features both time-honored crafts and modern interpretations.

The community impact cannot

be overstated. Beyond the two days of celebration, Jamaica Day supports: food banks, senior initiatives, youth scholarships, and artistic development programs. It’s a reminder that celebration and responsibility are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they are most powerful when intertwined.

As we count down to this milestone event, I am particularly excited especially after attending the Launch Mixer on August 7th, 2025, at Calypso

Hut. This intimate gathering honoured the architects of this cultural institution, the unsung heroes who have kept the flame burning for 35 years.

In a world that often feels divided, the Jamaica Day Festival stands for what is possible when community comes first. It is where memories are made, identities are strengthened, and the future is envisioned together. I can tell you this: the best is yet to come.

NEWS & VIEWS

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 5

The power of small acts: how little moments build strong communities When we talk about making a difference in our community, it’s easy to picture the big moments — a huge fundraiser, a festival, or a project that takes months to put together. Those things are important, yes, but I’ve always believed the real heart of a strong community beats in the small, everyday acts of kindness we share with one another.

We sometimes forget how much a simple gesture can mean. A smile for a stranger. A quick phone call to check on a friend. Helping a neighbour carry in their groceries. Stopping to talk to someone who just needs a moment of your time. These are little things, but they can change the whole tone of someone’s day — sometimes even their week.

I’ll never forget one particular day when nothing seemed to be going right. I was behind on everything, feeling worn out, and truthfully, just about ready to give up on the day altogether.

Out of the blue, a friend popped by with my favourite tea and a few flowers from her garden. She didn’t stay long — just enough to say hello and wish me well — but that tiny act shifted my whole mood.

I don’t remember every detail of that week, but I still remember that moment years later, not for the tea or the flowers, but for the reminder that someone cared enough to show up.

Kindness like that creates ripples. When someone does something kind for us, it often inspires us to pass it along. One warm interaction can quietly start a chain reaction that travels much further than we’ll ever see.

These days, life moves so quickly that kindness can feel like something we fit in “if there’s time.” But what if we made it part of our daily routine? It doesn’t have to be complicated — sending a quick “thinking of you” message, holding the door a little longer, or introducing yourself to a new face in the neighbourhood. Those moments are the threads that stitch a community to-

gether.

And the best part? Kindness is for everyone. You don’t need special skills, a certain title, or a big budget. You just need to notice the people around you and care enough to act. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply make time for someone — to listen without rushing, to cheer them on when they’re unsure, or to be there in their moment of need.

We’re surrounded by quiet heroes. The neighbour who clears a driveway after a snowfall. The volunteer who shows up rain or shine. The young person who offers an arm to help someone cross the street. These aren’t acts that get awards, but they are what keep our community strong.

If you’re not sure where to start, think about what you already have to give. Can you cook? Drop a meal off for someone recovering from illness. Can you drive? Offer a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Can you listen? Give someone your undivided attention when they need to talk.

And don’t forget — kindness isn’t just for others. It’s for you, too. We can’t give from an empty cup, so make sure you rest when you need to, forgive yourself when you stumble, and treat yourself with the same compassion you’d show a friend.

This month, I encourage you to look for those little moments to make someone’s day brighter. Wave to a neighbour. Thank the cashier. Offer a kind word. These might feel like small pebbles, but they create ripples that travel far beyond what we can see.

In the end, communities aren’t built on grand gestures alone. They grow from countless quiet moments where we choose to care for each other.

And when we do, we learn that those “small” acts aren’t small at all — they are the very thing that holds us together.

CANADA’S LEADING CARIBBEAN NEWSPAPER Selina McCallum TC REPORTER selina@carib101.com

Noel Cunningham FOOD | CULINARY noel@carib101.com

Dave Rankin AFRICAN HISTORY dave@carib101.com

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PAGE 6

NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Are we sacrificing freedom for safety?

The truth behind Atlantic Canada’s forest restrictions SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Today, Atlantic Canada finds itself at the center of a profound debate that encapsulates our global climate dilemma. The recent forest access restrictions implemented in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are a window into our collective future as we navigate the escalating climate crisis.

Nova Scotia’s implementation of strict bans on hiking, camping, fishing, and ATV use in wooded areas (with penalties reaching $25,000 for violations) has sent shockwaves through communities. Landowners can access their own property but cannot host others. All trail systems are closed until October 15th, 2025, or until conditions improve. These measures follow a province-wide burn ban which is reportedly designed to prevent a repeat of the devastating 2023 wildfire season.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland has dramatically increased fines for violating fire bans: up to $50,000 for first offenses, $75,000 for second offenses, and $150,000 plus imprisonment for third violations. New Brunswick, while currently under a burn ban, has not yet imposed similar woods access restrictions.

These measures have sparked intense debate. Residents feel trapped, tourism operators face devastating losses, and questions about governmental overreach abound. As I have examined these policies through both a scientific lens and with concern for community wellbeing, I have found myself grap-

pling with the same question many Atlantic Canadians are asking: Where do we draw the line between collective safety and individual freedom?

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, our nation is experiencing wildfire seasons that are starting earlier, ending later, and becoming more intense. The 2023 wildfire season was unprecedented in Canadian history, burning over 18 million hectares of land, more than double the previous record set in 1989. The economic costs exceeded $9 billion, not counting the immeasurable human toll of displacement, health impacts, and loss of life.

From a scientific perspective, reducing human-caused ignition sources during critical periods makes logical sense. Government statistics indicate that most wildfires are indeed humancaused. However, the implementation of these restrictions raises legitimate questions about rights and freedoms.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms doesn’t explicitly protect property rights, which complicates legal challenges to these bans. While mobility rights and freedom of assembly are guaranteed, courts have generally accepted reasonable limitations when public safety is at stake. Still, the term “climate lockdowns” has entered mainstream discourse, creating a narrative that these measures represent government overreach rather than necessary precautions.

This narrative gained traction after the COVID-19 pandemic, with some suggesting that “climate lockdowns” would become the new normal.

As we analyze these policies, we must acknowledge who benefits and who bears the burden. Public safety is certainly enhanced when human-caused wildfires decrease. Governments avoid the tremendous costs associated with

firefighting and evacuation. Insurance companies face fewer claims. Forest ecosystems and wildlife receive protection from catastrophic fires.

Yet, the costs are unevenly distributed. Tourism operators lose income during peak season. Outdoor enthusiasts find their recreational activities curtailed. Local economies that depend on nature-based tourism suffer.

What’s particularly concerning is how these restrictions intersect with broader climate justice issues. The wealthiest elites (especially the top 1% and 10% of the global population) contribute disproportionately to climate change, with the top 1% responsible for about 15-16% of global emissions, more than the total emissions of the bottom two-thirds of humanity. Their carbon-intensive lifestyles, including frequent private jet travel and investments in polluting industries, drive the climate crisis, while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of both climate impacts and restrictions.

This disparity raises fundamental questions about fairness. Are we addressing climate change in ways that burden those least responsible while allowing the biggest emitters to continue business as usual? The current restrictions, while scientifically justified in terms of wildfire prevention, highlight this troubling imbalance.

The debate over forest access restrictions has become polarized, with environmental advocates pitted against civil liberties proponents. This false dichotomy prevents us from finding sustainable solutions.

What if we could reimagine our relationship with forested lands? Indigenous fire management practices offer valuable insights. For millennia, Indigenous peoples across North America used controlled burning as a land man-

agement tool, reducing fuel loads and preventing catastrophic wildfires.

These practices were suppressed during colonization but are now being recognized as vital components of sustainable forest management.

The Antarctic Treaty of 1959, while not directly related to Canadian forest policy, offers a model for international cooperation on environmental protection. It demonstrates how competing interests can find common ground in preserving shared resources.

We must also recognize that climate adaptation requires nuanced approaches.

We need policies that both protect communities and preserve civil liberties. This means: 1. Investing in predictive technologies that allow for more targeted restrictions rather than blanket bans 2. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge and traditional fire management practices into forest management 3. Developing clear, science-based criteria for when restrictions are implemented and lifted 4. Creating compensation mechanisms for those economically impacted by necessary restrictions 5. Addressing the root causes of climate change by implementing policies that target the largest emitters What we need now is honest dialogue that acknowledges both the urgency of climate action and the importance of civil liberties. We must move beyond rhetoric and bans toward solutions that protect both people and the planet.

Brampton’s Black Empowerment Unit launches bold community consultation PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Hundreds from: Black, African, and Indo-Caribbean communities, along with members of the wider Canadian diaspora, gathered on Tuesday, January 29th, 2025, at Brampton City Hall’s Atrium for the launch of the Black Community Voice Consultation.

Hosted by the Black Empowerment Unit (BEU), the event aimed to inspire, connect, and mobilize. Promotional materials promised an evening of “Conversations, networking, and community connections,” while introducing residents to the BEU’s mission and

opportunities for involvement.

The BEU, officially launched in June 2020 with the appointment of Gwyneth Chapman as Senior Advisor, operates under the City of Brampton’s Black, African, and Caribbean Social, Cultural, and Economic Empowerment and Anti-Black Racism Unit. Its mandate is ambitious: to tackle systemic anti-Black racism and empower Black residents through civic engagement, cultural programming, youth initiatives, and economic development.

The Unit’s mission is clear; improve the economic status of the Black community by building pathways to ownership, opportunity, and financial resilience. Its vision: to make Brampton a place of belonging, pride, and opportunity.

BEU’s Key Priorities Include: • Environmental justice initiatives • Volunteering and mutual aid • Newcomer settlement and integra-

• • • •

tion Social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue Youth civic education and service learning Affordable housing advocacy Emergency planning and public health response

Practical work to date includes political activism, environmental advocacy, newcomer settlement support, and partnerships with the Region of Peel to expand access to affordable housing and community safety resources.

Community Consultation Process A project consultant outlined the next steps: • Hold 10 comprehensive community consultations • Collaborate with a task group of Black leaders, advocates, and residents to shape the process • Engage diverse community mem-

• •

bers including African Canadian seniors, youth, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and faithbased groups Analyze findings and publish an accessible, engaging report Develop recommendations for Brampton’s 5-Year Action Plan in partnership with BEU

Creative consultant and visionary strategist Patrick Cole delivered a powerful presentation, naming the pressing challenges facing African, Black, and Caribbean residents and offering actionable strategies.

The consultation will run from August to November, with local school boards ensuring that students’ voices are heard in October. Youth will have dedicated platforms to share their concerns, ideas, and solutions.

For more information on the BEU and its initiatives, visit Brampton. ca/BEU.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 7

Why are Black Canadians still fighting the same justice battles 30 years later?

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The numbers don’t lie, but they do cry.

As I pored over the “Uneven Scales” report late last night, highlighter in hand, coffee growing cold, I found myself returning to one haunting question: How have we failed so completely, so consistently, for so long?

The report reads like a thriller you can’t put down, except this isn’t fiction, it’s the lived reality of Indigenous and African Caribbean Canadians. What we’re witnessing is a carefully constructed system of inequity that operates with terrifying efficiency.

Let’s be clear about what we’re facing: African/Caribbean Canadians

are significantly overrepresented at every stage of the criminal justice process. From street checks to sentencing, the system is calibrated differently when African bodies are involved. The data shows what our communities have felt for generations; racial profiling is standard operating procedure.

What keeps me up at night is the fact African/Caribbean individuals face harsher sentences for the same crimes, when bail is denied more frequently, when alternatives to incarceration are rarely offered, we’re dismantling families.

I sat with Angela, a mother whose son has been in pretrial detention for 14 months awaiting trial. “He’s missed birthdays, holidays, graduations,” she told me, her voice steady but her hands trembling. “Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

The report connects these dots we have long suspected. Higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and

housing instability create pathways to prison. When quality education and employment opportunities remain out of reach, the justice system becomes less a safety net and more a spider’s web.

Our youth are particularly vulnerable. They enter the school-to-prison pipeline earlier, face disciplinary actions more frequently, and encounter law enforcement at rates that would shock any reasonable person. By the time they reach adulthood, many have already internalized what the system apparently believes: they are suspects first, citizens second.

What the “Uneven Scales” report makes painfully clear is that this isn’t an African/Caribbean problem, it’s a Canadian problem. When justice isn’t blind, but instead peeks through one eye, checking skin color before administering consequences, we all live in a diminished society.

The solutions proposed are neither simple, nor quick, but they are

possible. The report calls for systemic reforms that would: eliminate racial profiling, ensure judicial accountability, and provide proper anti-racism training. It advocates for communitybased solutions that empower rather than punish.

What gives me hope is seeing the resilience of Black-led organizations already doing this work: creating restorative justice programs, supporting youth, building pathways to success despite systemic barriers. They are not waiting for permission to save their communities.

The “Uneven Scales” report is a mirror held up to Canada’s justice system, reflecting back uncomfortable truths we can no longer ignore. The question now isn’t whether we’ll act, but how quickly, and whether we’ll finally learn what previous generations tried to teach us: justice delayed is justice denied, and justice denied to some is ultimately justice denied to all.

BIPOC youth-led art movement redefines cultural unity in Canada PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Bridging Generations: A Cultural Tapestry in Art debuted on Thursday, July 30th, 2025, at the Markham Civic Centre, drawing a full house for its VIP launch. The event invited guests to “Step into a night where creativity moves you, voices speak truth, and BIPOC changemakers lead with heart.”

The project’s driving force is 17-year-old Afro-Caribbean visual artist Ava Jasmine Dedier, founder of Ava Jasmine Artistry and RISE Collective Canada. She’s a: youth speaker, creative entrepreneur, and visual storyteller passionate about: equity, cultural expression, mentorship, education, and healing.

“This exhibit represents more than art,” said Diane Macklin, Director of Community Engagement at Markham Public Library. “It’s a dynam-

Located in Mattawa, Ontario

$189,900

ic, timely initiative that bridges generations and cultures while amplifying BIPOC voices in lasting ways.”

The RISE Collective Canada Foundation, founded by Dedier, reimagines youth leadership, creativity, and cultural unity. Its four pillars: 1. Evaluate systemic gaps limiting BIPOC youth and communities.

2. Elevate emerging leaders and changemakers.

3. Express identity and pride through art, education, literature, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.

4. Empower communities with knowledge, mentorship, and action.

The mission transcends an exhibition.

It’s a movement to: reclaim creative spaces, bridge cultural and generational divides, empower BIPOC artists, transform libraries into vibrant cultural hubs, and affirm that every voice in Canada deserves to be seen and heard.

Alongside Dedier, four women artists contribute to the tour’s cultural impact: • Fei Lu – Published visual artist, illustrator, and educator.

• • •

Candice Dixon – Afro-Caribbean fashion and Carnival arts designer, professor at TMU. Tiffany Joy Villahermosa – Abstract-poetic-calligraphy artist and educator.

Toni-Marie Ferreira – Visual artist and educator.

The exhibit addresses urgent disparities: • Only 12% of major galleries feature BIPOC artists.

• Just 9% of arts funding goes to BIPOC-led organizations.

• Fewer than 25% of BIPOC youth participate in arts education.

The demand is clear: • 85% want more funding for BIPOCled art.

• 80% believe public art collections must diversify.

• 75% call for investment in youth art programs.

Dedier describes RISE as “a blueprint, not a band-aid, “Transformative, not performative.”

Tour Schedule — August 2025

The exhibit travels to four Markham libraries, each with a unique theme: • August 7th–10th – Milliken Mills Library Wearable Culture: Fashion & Carnival Arts — Candice Dixon • August 14th –17th – Angus Glen Library Foundations of Art: I Love Who I Am — Fei Lu • August 21st –24th – Markham Village Library Roots & Reflections: Storytelling Through Culture — Ava Jasmine Dedier • August 28th –31st – Thornhill Village Library Ink & Identity: Culture Through Poetic Expression — Tiffany Joy Villahermosa Workshops and gallery experiences will connect residents with heritage, family, memory, language, spirituality, and cultural legacy.

For more information: www.bridginggenerations.art brampton.ca/BEU

PAGE 8

NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

New forensic tracing shows Ottawa’s pause on permits didn’t stop weapons flowing to Israel MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Do you want to believe your government when it says it stopped exporting weapons to a country accused of mass civilian slaugh‑ ter? I asked that question because the public record and commercial shipping data refuse to let the government’s statements stand unchallenged.

A 53‑page forensic report by the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), World BEYOND War (WBW), and the Arms Embar‑ go Now campaign reconstructs a Canadian arms trail to Israel using two complemen‑ tary techniques: commercial shipping data and Israeli Tax Authority import records. The study documents dozens of shipments, de‑ tailed commodity codes, and permit records that together show military‑related items (including ammunition and aircraft compo‑ nents) moved from Canadian manufacturers toward Israeli defence firms between Octo‑ ber 2023 and July 2025. Arms Embargo Now World Beyond War Here are the clearest findings that demand public answers. The report identi‑ fies 47 commercial shipments traced from Canadian manufacturers to Israeli weapons companies and 391 import declarations in Israeli Tax Authority data, covering: bullets, weapons parts, aircraft components, and communications equipment. It also tallies 421,070 items classified by Israeli customs as “bullets,” including a single April 2025 ship‑ ment of 175,000 rounds. Those figures are exact and sourced from the ITA classification codes the authors examined.

Those are not abstract numbers.

The report shows Canadian‑made compo‑ nents integrated into F‑35 fighter jets (the very jets used in high‑casualty strikes) and calculates roughly $2.1 million in Canadian components per F‑35. It also documents $18.9 million in direct military exports to Is‑ rael under 164 permits, even after a govern‑

ment announcement that it would pause new permit approvals on January 8th, 2024.

In short, previously authorized permits, and ongoing commercial flows, allowed lethal material to continue moving.

The shipping methods matter. Ac‑ cording to the report, most of the tracked shipments moved by air (45 of 47 identified commercial shipments), with some travel‑ ing on passenger aircraft that carried civilian travellers in the same holds as military cargo.

The logs point to routes through: Frankfurt, Paris, New York, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi, and identify Elbit Systems and subsidiaries among primary recipients. The investiga‑ tors also detail a chain of companies: Nexeya Canada, CMC Electronics, and Stelia Aero‑ space North America, implicated in supply‑ ing critical F‑35 systems.

The human cost is the anchor here.

Since October 2023 tens of thousands of Palestinians have died in Gaza. The report frames Canada’s exports not as benign com‑ merce, but as material support enabling weapons systems used in strikes on densely populated areas, including an F‑35 attack on July 13th, 2024, that dropped multiple 2,000‑pound bombs on Al‑Mawasi, killing and wounding scores of civilians. If Canadian components help keep those jets airworthy, those parts are not peripheral. They are part of a chain that enables deadly force.

Government statements do not line up with these records. Ministers and prime ministers have repeatedly said Canada re‑ stricted arms exports to Israel; the report shows that previously issued permits and commercial transfers kept the flows going.

The Library of Parliament and permit records cited in the study show 164 permits and $18.9 million in direct exports in 2024 alone, hard figures that contradict public reassur‑ ances.

The report also names troubling commercial practices: shipments routed via intermediaries, cargo on passenger flights, and brokers such as the Canadian Commer‑ cial Corporation appearing in export chains.

The fact pattern raises legal and ethical questions about compliance with Canada’s export controls and international obliga‑ tions, not least the obligation to avoid en‑ abling internationally prohibited conduct.

Civil society and lawyers compiled

a series of precise, public Yes/No questions directed at Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Indira Anand.

I leave that list exactly as submitted; it func‑ tions as an evidence‑based demand for clarity and documents the kind of answers a democratic government must provide in public. (Full list preserved below.)

Why does this matter beyond out‑ rage? A democratic state answers to facts.

When permit records, commercial bills of lading, and foreign import classifications line up, they create a public record that either confirms or refutes ministerial statements.

This report supplies a record. If ministers in‑ sist their earlier claims were true, they must now release shipping manifests, permit de‑ tails, and communications that show how these shipments were authorized, routed, and cleared. The public record should either prove government claims or force political consequences.

What should journalists and the public demand next? First, immediate trans‑ parency: publish the manifests and the permit files for each shipment identified in the report. Second, an independent audit of Canada’s export control decisions since October 2023, focused on the use of previ‑ ously authorized permits and the legal crite‑ ria applied to “paused” approvals. Third, an inquiry into passenger aircraft carriage of defence‑adjacent cargo that could imperil ci‑ vilians. These are specific, achievable actions that align with the evidence presented.

This article scratches the surface of a complex commercial and regulatory net‑ work. The report is the starting point, not the end. If Canada values the rule of law and hu‑ man rights, it must answer the questions the evidence demands. If it refuses, citizens and parliamentarians must press for the trans‑ parency and legal review needed to restore trust.

YES or NO QUESTIONS for Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand (kept exactly as submitted — pre‑ served as a public accountability demand) On Export Data: • YES OR NO: Is Canada arming Israel?

• YES OR NO: Will you admit that Canada exported 421,070 items classified as

•

•

“bullets” by the Israeli Tax Authority while the IDF gunned down Palestinians awaiting aid?

YES OR NO: Is your own Library of Par‑ liament report (showing 164 permits worth $18 million used in 2024, plus 2 new permits issued) incorrect?

YES OR NO: Will you release shipping manifests to prove you’re telling the truth this time, or continue hiding evi‑ dence while Gaza burns and Palestin‑ ians starve?

On Government Deception: • YES OR NO: Can you provide any evi‑ dence that 421,070 “bullets” document‑ ed by Israeli customs are actually “paint‑ ball-style projectiles” as you claimed?

• YES OR NO: Will you clarify if your gov‑ ernment’s stance is that providing equipment to assist in the “training” of the IDF, while it commits war crimes in Gaza and violates international law in the occupied West Bank, is acceptable under our current export regime?

• YES OR NO: Is Kenny Ade from Nexeya lying when he confirmed to “Toronto Today” that he shipped F-35 compo‑ nents to Elbit Systems on Lufthansa pas‑ senger flights?

• YES OR NO: Will you provide proof that Canadian weapons aren’t killing Pales‑ tinians in Gaza, or admit you have no evidence or control over how Israel de‑ ploys its weapons?

• YES OR NO: Will you retract the straw man refutations about mortars and ex‑ plosives on commercial planes—claims the report never made— that you made to distract from your government’s complicity in genocide?

• YES OR NO: Will Prime Minister Carney fire Minister Anand for lying about arms exports?

On Complicity in Genocide: • YES OR NO: Can you prove that Canada is not violating international law by arm‑ ing a documented genocide that has killed over 62,000 Palestinians?

• YES OR NO: Will you immediately can‑ cel all export permits and implement a full two‑way arms embargo within 48 hours?

Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2025 bursts with colour, culture, and energy tion.

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The 58th annual Toronto Caribbean Carni‑ val Grand Parade shimmered with glam‑ our, pulsed with infectious rhythms, and overflowed with cultural pride. This spec‑ tacular finale to the three-week festival saw thousands of costumed masqueraders from ten competing bands fill the streets with vibrant energy.

The parade began at Exhibition Place Grounds, winding along Canada Boulevard and Lake Shore Boulevard be‑ fore looping back to British Columbia Road.

Since its launch in 1967, the Toronto Carib‑ bean Carnival has grown into North Amer‑ ica’s largest Caribbean celebration, and in 2025, it once again lived up to its reputa‑

Along the route, non-stop Soca, calypso, and live music kept the crowd moving. Masqueraders dazzled in brightly coloured, intricately designed costumes, captivating onlookers from start to fin‑ ish. While most of the Lakeshore viewing area was free, spectators paid for premium spots inside Exhibition Place.

Before the parade began, civic leaders took the stage. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, MPP Charmaine Williams, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow joined the festivities. Chow, wearing a colourful cos‑ tume, danced gracefully to the music and posed for photos with attendees.

This year’s participating bands were: • Toronto Revellers • Saldenah Carnival • Tribal Carnival • Carnival Nationz • E.P.I.C Carnival • Lux Carnival • Sunlime Mas • Lavway Mas • Costume Creators • Freedom Mas

The top four winners were: • Toronto Revellers • Tribal Carnival • Carnival Nationz • Saldenah Carnival Media coverage this year also spotlighted a decline in band participation. An August 1st, 2025, Toronto Today article by Kathryn Mannie noted that rising costume costs have discouraged many from taking part.

On August 2nd, 2025, Ontario MPP Ray‑ mond Cho announced a $1.5 million pro‑ vincial investment in the festival. “Our government is proud to recognize the im‑ portance of the Toronto Caribbean Carni‑ val and to support the diversity, creativity, and resilience of Ontario’s Caribbean com‑ munities,” he said.

The press release emphasized: • $180 million contribution to Ontario’s economy • Over two million visitors • Approximately 3,300 jobs Tourism Minister Stan Cho called the fes‑

tival “One of Ontario’s most cherished summertime celebrations,” adding that it strengthens the province’s economy and showcases its cultural richness.

On August 3rd, 2025, MPP Char‑ maine Williams shared on social media: “Yesterday’s Grand Parade was nothing short of magic: vibrant colours, powerful rhythms, and the undeniable energy of Caribbean culture filled Toronto’s streets.

From the dazzling mas bands to the infec‑ tious Soca and calypso beats, Carnival re‑ minds us why this tradition is such a cher‑ ished part of Ontario’s summer. Grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate free‑ dom, culture, and community! Until next year!”

Security along the parade route was visibly stronger this year, a welcome improvement. However, the long-standing problem of “stormers” (unregistered in‑ dividuals disrupting the bands) persisted.

Organizers continue to seek solutions to preserve the parade’s flow and spirit.

For details on upcoming events, visit torontocarnival.ca.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 9

Is your AI therapist betraying your confidentiality?

What Sam Altman’s warning means for our community SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Here you are pouring your heart out to what they believe is a confidential confidant, unaware that your deepest secrets could one day be laid bare in a courtroom.

As a community that has historically been cautious with trust, we need to listen closely to what Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, recently revealed about our intimate conversations with AI. In a startling admission on Theo Von’s podcast, Altman acknowledged what many of us have instinctively felt, but couldn’t quite articulate: when we share our pain, our relationship struggles, our trauma with ChatGPT, we’re speaking to a

product that could be compelled to testify against us.

This is a profound violation waiting to happen. Especially for our communities, where mental health support has often been inaccessible, or stigmatized, AI has emerged as an appealing alternative. Young people, in particular, have embraced these digital companions, seeking guidance they can’t find elsewhere, but in doing so, they are leaving digital breadcrumbs of their most vulnerable moments, unprotected by the legal safeguards that govern human professionals.

We heard and felt the concern ripple through our community discussions. How could something that feels so safe be so exposed? The answer lies in the gap between innovation and regulation, a gap that our communities often fall through first.

Altman’s honesty about this problem is refreshing, if unsettling. “I think that’s very screwed up,” he admitted about the lack of privacy protection. This is recognition that our digital intimacy

deserves the same respect as our human connections.

As someone who has worked at the intersection of mental health and community empowerment, I see both sides of this complex issue. AI has democratized access to emotional support for many who would otherwise go without.

It’s there at 3:00 AM when traditional services are closed. It doesn’t judge. It doesn’t carry the cultural baggage that can make seeking help feel impossible.

This convenience comes at a cost we are only beginning to understand.

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we witnessed how quickly digital data could become evidence. Periodtracking apps, search histories, and now potentially our AI conversations could be weaponized against us.

What does this mean for our community moving forward? First, we must approach AI with the same cautious wisdom we have applied to other systems.

Share, but don’t confess. Seek guidance but hold back the details that could com-

promise you.

Second, we must advocate for ourselves in this digital frontier. The legal frameworks Altman mentions will be shaped by those who demand them. Our voices must be part of that conversation, ensuring privacy protections reflect the needs of communities most at risk.

Finally, let this moment remind us of what makes human connection irreplaceable. As Altman himself noted, “The things that are most deeply human will become more precious, sacred, and valued.” In our rush toward technological solutions, we must not forget the healing power of being truly seen, heard, and protected by another human being.

The plot twist in this story is that we have placed expectations on it that it cannot yet fulfill. Our task now is to navigate this new landscape with both open hearts and clear eyes, ensuring that as we embrace innovation, we never leave our right to privacy behind.

The Jerkfest moment no one saw coming; Including me MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

I’ve been to Jerkfest before, but never on a Friday. This year, I thought, why not? I arrived early with a plan: talk to the food vendors before the rush. That decision paid off.

The first to greet me was Chef Rayon Campbell of Coal Pot Jerk. “The name came from seeing my parents cooking on the coal pot,” he said. Similar to a wood

stove, the coal pot is a fixture in many Caribbean backyards. “Growing up in Jamaica, that’s what I knew.”

Campbell brought that tradition to Canada, serving jerk chicken, pork, and brisket that pulled people in from across the park.

Next up was Errol from Flava Pon The Rocks, making his family’s debut at Jerkfest. “It means a lot to be here as a startup,” he told me. “We’re looking forward to serving our: pork, fish, and chicken.”

Even in the middle of setting up, vendors were eager to chat. Jacky of 169 Jerk shared, “We’ve been doing festivals for decades: every weekend, we’re somewhere. Jamaican culture is rich, and the food speaks for itself. Being at Jerkfest is amazing.”

Ramon Williams of Jerk Express called the event “A festival to spread culture,” adding, “The trucks, vendors, and people come together to celebrate Caribbean heritage and show Toronto what Jerkfest is all about.”

Then there was Ralph of West Indian Delights, back for his second year.

His menu? Jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, fried dumplings, escovitch fish, rice and peas, and white rice. “Oh, Gad man, it’s lovely,” Ralph said with a grin. “Second time here, and it’s nice.”

The house DJ kept early guests swaying to lovers rock from: Beres Hammond, Sanchez, and other reggae icons.

While the Friday crowd started small, the music quality never dipped; Canadian performers shone, and Jamaican dancehall sensation Valiant closed the night with

undeniable energy.

By the time I edged toward the exit, the scene had shifted. What had been an easy stroll to the stage earlier was now a packed, almost shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, most of them young, and all of them ready to party.

They sang every lyric, danced without pause, and made it clear: Jerkfest belongs to them as much as to anyone.

This year’s festival runs August 8th–10th, with international reggae star Tarrus Riley closing the weekend. Jerkfest 2025, where good food meets great music and even greater people, an event you’ll remember long after the last drumbeat fades.

Our Ontario, Our Adventure: Toronto Caribbean Newspaper unlocks staycation magic for Caribbean families SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As I stood at the summit of Blue Mountain, watching children laugh while zip-lining through the clouds and elders resting in oversized chairs taking in the panoramic views, I felt something deeper than just vacation excitement. I witnessed our community (Black, Caribbean, racialized families) claiming space in outdoor recreation that hasn’t always felt like ours.

Let’s be honest: when many of us think “outdoor adventure,” we don’t necessarily see ourselves reflected. The marketing, the imagery, the very culture of outdoor recreation has historically excluded us. Yet, here at Blue Mountain

Resort in Ontario, something different is happening. During my visit, I noticed multigenerational Black families navigating the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, groups of friends challenging each other on the Timber Challenge ropes course, and children of colour experiencing the joy of the Canopy Climb Net Adventure without hesitation.

What makes this significant? As a community educator and cultural curator, I’ve observed how access to nature and recreational spaces directly impacts our collective wellbeing. When we gather in places designed for joy and connection, we are having fun, reclaiming narratives, building memories that counteract the stress of daily microaggressions, and creating intergenerational bonds that strengthen our community.

Blue Mountain’s summer offerings speak to this need for connection.

The Wind Rider Triple Zip Line offers a new perspective; literally and figuratively. As I soared above the treetops, I couldn’t help but think about how our ancestors might

have dreamed of such freedom. The private beach on Georgian Bay, with kayaks and paddleboards available, creates space for both adventure and contemplation, two things our community desperately needs.

I spoke with members of the Blue Mountain Team Tara Lovell, and Matt McFarlane about their commitment to inclusivity. “We’ve been working to ensure our activities and marketing reflect the diversity of Ontario,” they shared. “But we recognize there’s more work to do.” This transparency matters. When institutions acknowledge their growth areas while demonstrating genuine welcome, it creates space for authentic belonging.

The dining and shopping options in Blue Mountain Village offer another layer of connection. As I moved between restaurants, I noticed how these spaces naturally facilitate community networking. There’s something powerful about breaking bread together after a day of adventure that deepens relationships in ways formal meetings cannot.

With summer still in full swing, there’s ample opportunity to experience what Blue Mountain offers. As staycationing becomes increasingly popular, particularly among communities seeking meaningful experiences without the complexities of international travel, destinations like this are creating sanctuary spaces where we can be our full selves.

The practical considerations matter too. Most activities accommodate various ages and abilities, with the “Play All Day Pass” offering inclusive access at reduced rates when booked in advance.

From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with night passes available, the resort accommodates different schedules and energy levels.

As I descended the mountain in the Open Air Gondola, watching families prepare for evening activities, I felt hopeful. When we prioritize spaces that bring us together in joy, we are investing in our collective resilience.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Miss This, Miss Out: How BSSLP 2025 is shaping Toronto’s next Black leaders SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

July 2025 was a month of transformation for students in the Black Student Leadership Program (BSSLP). Their journey (documented in the BSSLP magazine) showcased events, stories, and connections that reflected the year’s theme: “From the Village to the Vision: Leadership Born of Community.”

Inspired by the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child,” the program highlighted the: collective care, cultural pride, and intergenerational wisdom that fuel Black youth leadership. As the magazine put it, leadership “Doesn’t grow in isolation, it’s nurtured by the hands, hearts, and histories of those who uplift, guide,

and believe.”

The program officially launched on July 2nd, 2025, at George Brown College. Orientation began with a welcome from Clayton La Touche, Director at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), who called each leadership journey “A reason for celebration.”

Dr. Terry McQuaid, George Brown’s community liaison, introduced a video message from President Dr. Gervan Fearon. His words focused on the power and purpose of student voices, “Your voice, your action, and your decisions matter.

Others are watching, learning, and inspired by you.”

The day was energized by Audley Salmon, TDSB Associate Director, who led a lively roll call of schools, urging students to speak proudly and connect with each other. Karen Murray, TDSB System Superintendent, reinforced the theme, reminding students that leadership is never a solitary pursuit, it’s supported by a “protective village” devoted to their success.

BSSLP’s 2025 magazine, spearheaded by Senior Research Coordinator

Tanitia Munroe, spotlighted over 100 Black youth in: experiential learning, research, and professional development across Toronto.

Highlights included: • If I Were Mayor: Youth Envision Change - Peer mentor Sophia Barnett guided junior leaders as they designed proposals on housing, food security, unemployment, community safety, education, and mental health. The activity honed critical thinking and amplified youth voices.

• Balancing Checks and Avoiding Strikes - Donuelle, a peer mentor, described a financial literacy workshop led by Dean Chambers and Craig Brown, founders of Check Over Strikes.

Their message was clear: “Make money work for you—not the other way around.”

• Preparing for Success - Peer mentor Akaiah detailed a day of professional development. Morning workshops included “What Would You Do?” and “Speak Up: The Art of Public Speaking”.

•

•

Afternoon sessions focused on professional communication and leadership in action.

Strong Minds, Strong Careers Amontaye Mullings shared how Patricia Bailey Brown, a registered social worker, taught the importance of boundaries, stress awareness, and selfcare in workplace success.

The Class of 2025 - Peer mentor Sachiel Andre celebrated 65 graduates who earned scholarships, awards, and bursaries for their academic excellence.

In her closing reflection, Tanitia Munroe captured the heart of BSSLP’s mission, “This theme is more than a guiding phrase, it’s a daily practice. Through workshops, mentorship, and reflection, we see that Black youth leadership is sustained by love, wisdom, and a shared commitment to transformation.”

The BSSLP 2025 experience proves that when a community invests in its young leaders, those leaders return the investment tenfold.

Pan-African history comes alive in Wendell Adjetey’s powerful new book PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The launch of Cross-Border Cosmopolitans: The Making of a Pan-African North America

by Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey drew a captivated audience on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre in Toronto.

Adjetey, who also goes by Nii Laryea Osabu I, Oblantai Mantse of Atrekor, is an Assistant Professor of post-Reconstruction U.S. and African Diaspora history at McGill University in Montreal, where he holds the William Dawson Chair. His delivery (rooted in lived history and sharp insight) held the audience’s attention from start to finish.

Although the University of North Carolina Press published the book in 2023, its Toronto launch felt especially fitting. In

this multicultural city, home to vibrant African, Black, and Caribbean communities, Adjetey’s thesis resonated: immigrants’ experiences extend beyond economic survival. They lead to activism, advocacy, solidarity, and enduring networks.

During the question-and-answer session, attendees explored the book’s central themes—how communities across the Canadian-U.S. border fought systemic racism while confronting the intertwined forces of colonialism, exploitation, marginalization, and capitalism. These struggles, Adjetey emphasized, are rooted in historical realities that still shape the immigrant experience.

Cross-Border Cosmopolitans unfolds in two parts, divided into six chapters: Part One 1. The Messianic Movements, 1919–1931 2. Borderland Blues, 1930–1950 3. Civil Rights or Human Rights? 1950– 1966 Part Two 1. Immigration, Black Power, and Draft Resisters 2. The Mind of the State 3. Cold Wars, Hot Wars

From messianic movements to draft resisters, Adjetey traces the birth of “borderless communities” that predate globalization.

The “race-first” model, he explains, was central to liberation movements. Despite infiltration and counterintelligence operations aimed at halting Black liberation, the fight endured. “Like in previous centuries, a race-conscious global Black cosmos remains incompatible with imperialism and neocolonialism,” Adjetey stated. “So long as these geopolitical forces continue to subjugate the Black masses and disembody the African continent, Pan-Africanisms will live. The past offers many lessons for those who continue to dream and organize.”

The book has drawn praise from leading scholars: •

Joy William Trotter Jr., author of Workers on Arrival: Black Labor in the Making of America, calls it “A stellar work of global diasporic Black history that tells a new story about how Americanborn people of African descent, as well as Caribbean Black immigrants, forged both a Pan-African movement and a Pan-African community in English North America along the Canadian-

•

•

•

U.S. border.”

Russel Rickford, author of We Are an African People, describes it as “A fascinating and original examination of the transnational orientation and bordercrossing practices of African North Americans in the long twentieth century.”

Michael Gomez of New York University says, “An impressive study of Pan-Africanism and the Black Power movement in twentieth-century North America… a signal achievement, as welcome as it is sorely needed.”

Toyin Falola of the University of Texas at Austin adds, “This powerful book pays a deserving homage to the architects and transnational actors in the imagination and pursuit of a collective Black world… revealing with clarity and eloquence the depth of activism and the seriousness of struggles to confront domination, exploitation, and colonization.”

Cross-Border Cosmopolitans is available through Indigo-Chapters, Amazon.ca, Oxford University Press, and University of Toronto Press.

How can hurricane forecasts keep our communities safer this season?

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As I reviewed AccuWeather’s hurricane forecast this morning, my thoughts turned to the families along Canada’s Atlantic coast, in the Caribbean, and those with loved ones in storm-prone regions.

The prediction of three to five named storms this August, including Erin and Fernand forming within weeks, is a call to readiness.

The problem we face is straight-

forward: storms don’t respect borders.

When Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill explains that “The tropical activity we’re seeing right now is normal,” I feel both reassured and vigilant. What’s “normal” in hurricane season demands our full attention, especially as these systems can influence weather patterns far beyond their origins.

In investigating how these forecasts impact us, I have discovered something profound: predictability is power.

Knowing Erin and Fernand will likely develop in the Atlantic within two weeks gives communities precious time to prepare. Merrill’s timeline (August 17th -22nd for potential Caribbean or U.S. impacts) is a lifeline for emergency: planners, fishermen, and coastal families.

What I have come to understand is that hurricane season creates a unique

rhythm of community responsibility.

When AccuWeather identifies four development zones (from the Gulf to the central Atlantic) they are mapping not just atmospheric pressure, but human vulnerability. Merrill’s note that one high-risk system “Will get caught in the jet stream and recurve near Bermuda” is geography that shapes lives.

Finding common ground means acknowledging that safety transcends opinion. Whether we’re in Halifax or Miami, the need for accurate, actionable forecasts unites us. As Merrill notes, we typically see four named storms in August. This consistency allows us to build systems, from emergency kits to evacuation routes, that turn warnings into wellness.

Moving forward requires seeing these forecasts as community blueprints.

The AccuWeather team’s transparency, “We typically see four named storms,” models the clear communication that saves lives.

As I write this, I’m reminded that journalism’s role is to strengthen our collective response. When we learn that “rough surf and strong rip currents are likely from Florida to Cape Cod,” we’re receiving a responsibility: to check on elderly neighbors, to secure boats, to swim near lifeguards.

The emotional work of connecting forecasts to daily life is how we build resilient communities. Each storm season becomes a chapter in Canada’s story of readiness and care. Our response to these weather patterns: heeding warnings, preparing supplies, looking out for one another, ultimately defines how we protect what matters most.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 11

Community Highlight Section - Don’t miss these cultural shifts; the stories that will shape our Caribbean community in 2025 SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

In a rapidly changing cultural landscape, missing the latest voices, returns, and opportunities could mean falling behind on the stories that matter most to us. This week’s Community Highlight brings you unmissable moments in literature, music, and local opportunities.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: A Masterful Exploration of Love, Identity & Belonging; Love Has Two Moons And Other Stories

by Franklin Mohan A debut collection that bridges hearts across cultures “A remarkable debut that tackles complex themes with both courage and compassion” Franklin Mohan has crafted something truly special in this debut collection—four interconnected stories that fearlessly explore racial attitudes and cultural identity across the Caribbean diaspora. What sets this collection apart is Mohan’s masterful use of humor to illuminate the most sensitive aspects of human prejudice, creating moments that will make you laugh, wince, and ultimately reflect.

The stories that will stay with you: “Love Has Two Moons” - The title novella delivers an emotionally rich tale of Ram, who after ten years of widowhood, reveals to his son Charlie that his first love wasn’t Charlie’s mother. The planned reunion between Ram and his long-lost love Jing becomes a captivating exploration of how love transcends time and cultural boundaries.

“Bonobo The Beater” - A haunting look at colonial education systems through the eyes of young Charlie Bhat, whose encounter with the infamous teacher “Bonobo” leaves lasting scars that extend far beyond the classroom.

“Oh God, I’m Black” - Perhaps the most provocative story, following racist Byron McQueen who undergoes a forced chemical transformation that challenges everything he believes about race and identity. Mohan’s handling of this sensitive premise is both bold and thought-provoking.

“The Visit” - A tender yet tense story about cultural acceptance, as a Saskatchewan farmer visits his East Indian son-in-law’s family for the first time, confronting his own prejudices about “coloured people.”

Why this collection matters: Mohan draws from his rich life experiences across Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad, creating authentic narratives that feel both deeply personal and universally relevant. His ability to find humor in pain, hope in prejudice, and connection across cultural divides makes this collection essential reading.

After a 20-year absence, iconic dancehall performer Bounty Killer returns to centre stage in Canada After a 20-year absence, iconic Dancehall performer Bounty Killer returns to centre stage in Canada on Saturday August 23rd, 2025, at Markham Fair Grounds. Performing alongside Dexta Daps, Cham and Mr. Killa, the lineup has been curated by Patrick Shirley, producer of the Oasis Music Festival, a first for Canada.

Dancehall and Soca lovers will enjoy four award winning artists who will deliver catalogs of hit music live and backed by a band. Bounty Killer, who rose to prominence in the 1990s as the ‘poor people governor,’ represented his following with songs like “Coppershot,” “Seek God” and “Down In The Ghetto.”

Relatable to all who have struggled, Bounty galvanized Jamaica and her Diaspora through song.

Appealing to the ladies, Dancehall star Dexta Daps exudes smooth and sexy energy with songs such as “Call Me If,” “No Underwear” and “7Eleven.” Catering to ladies, Dexta’s energized performance is an attraction that has been requested in Toronto and surrounding areas for some time.

Continuing with the festival lineup, trendsetter and Dancehall star Cham, formally known as Baby Cham, brings swagger to the stage with the delivery of songs like “Ghetto Story,” “Vitamin S” and “This Is Why I’m Hot (Remix).” Regarded as one of the smoothest performers, Cham’s catalog appeals to ladies and gentlemen equally.

Grenada’s award-winning Mr. Killa, the sole artist representing Soca, walks with a hit factory of songs that include “Run Wid It,” “Do What Yuh Want” and “King of The Party.” Known for making waistlines roll and igniting a Soca avalanche, lovers of the genre will not keep still when Mr. Killa takes the stage.

The early evening event sees doors open at 2:00 pm, and showtime at 5:00 pm. Hosted by Spex Da Boss from FLOW 98.7 FM, opening acts for the show include Jamaican-Canadian artists: Wayne Passion, Kalico, Lindo P, Nazine, Exco Levi, Sample King, Eyesus and more. Additional entertainment is provided by Blaxz Dun Da Place, Firistic Steenie, DJ Flare, Nitro Sound, Black Reaction and Infamous Sound.

Tickets for Oasis Music Festival are available at Ticket Gateway.

Popular selector and music producer Richard ‘Lionface’ Thomas introduces the vocal artistry of Quan Dajai with the release of “Anger n Wrath.”

Quan Dajai Henriques came to interna-

tional prominence for portraying the role of young Bob Marley in the movie Bob Marley: One Love. His remarkable resemblance and young voice helped establish the storyline of the Reggae symbol’s genesis in music. Declared the ‘standout performer’ in the movie (by World Music Views), Lionface decided to record the rising star in the studio.

With a feature track on The Signal Riddim, Quan Dajai’s “Anger n Wrath” hears the artist gently deliver a powerful message to the kings of the earth asking them to live good so as to not unleash ‘anger and wrath’ from the Creator.

About the artist and song, Richard ‘Lionface’ Thomas said “I’ve known Quan for some time and felt the time was right to bring him to the studio. His future is bright.” Music runs in the family of Quan Dajai; his cousin is Sean Paul (Sean Paul Henriques). “From writing the song to recording and release, Lionface made sure everything was perfect. His guidance made everything come together.”

“Anger n Wrath” was produced

by Lion Face’s label Lion King Muzik. Included on the compilation The Signal Riddim, the riddim hears artists cover a range of topics such as: love, faith and inspiration on a Reggae one-drop beat.

Making its radio debut on Isle 95 n The Reef 103.5 FM in the US Virgin Islands as well as: MoodsRadio UK, and Urban Xtra Radio in the UK with MixmasterJ, listeners have given the riddim ratings of approval, with special note for the diversity of artists presented. Lion Face says, “This riddim is extra special, because we hear Reggae the way the genre originally released music, with multiple artists on the riddim.”

Lion Face’s success with music production dates back to the year 2000, with the release of the Unleaded Riddim. His success continued with Lyfe Turn Riddim in 2011, The Ark Riddim in 2020 and the Divorce Court Riddim in 2022 all of which have earned him worldwide acclaim. He has worked with the genre’s most notable artists including J.C. Lodge, Sean Paul, Shabba Ranks, Gyptian, Gappy Ranks and more.

City of Brampton set to open applications for 2026 Advance Brampton Fund The City of Brampton is opening applications for the 2026 Advance Brampton Fund on September 2nd, 2025.

About the Advance Brampton Fund The Advance Brampton Fund is a community granting program that supports non-profit sector development and provides municipal funding to eligible Brampton-based non-profit or charitable organizations for strong project proposals that align with strategic priorities.

Since its inception in 2020, the Advance Brampton Fund has approved more than $6.1 million in funding for 559 projects that enhance the quality of life for Brampton residents by supporting innovative, community-focused

programs.

Funding is aligned with the City’s priorities of Community Safety and Well-being, Arts and Culture and Recreation. Designed to strengthen community engagement, civic participation and artistic and cultural expression, the fund supports non-profit organizations through three distinct funding streams: • • •

New and small projects – Up to $5,000 for new or existing initiatives with smaller funding needs.

Developing – Up to $12,500 in matching funds for projects that have run at least once in Brampton.

Amplifying – Up to $25,000 in matching funds for projects that have run at least twice in Brampton.

New this year, the City is piloting a capital grant of up to $10,000 in matching funds through the new Arts and Culture Space Improvement Grant Stream.

Available to eligible arts and culture organizations, this funding opportunity responds to ongoing challenges faced by artists and arts organizations resulting from increasing costs and changing dynamics in the way arts spaces are utilized. It is designed to help enhance, improve and develop creative spaces across Brampton.

How to apply Interested non-profit and charitable organizations can apply online by visiting brampton.ca/abf. The submission deadline is September 30th, 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines and attend one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about eligibility, funding streams and the application process.

Register now! Join a virtual grant information session Non-profits and registered charities are invited to join a virtual grant information session to learn more about the 2026 Advance Brampton Fund. These information sessions will cover grant timelines and eligibility and will answer questions about the application process.

New and Small Projects Stream Date: August 12th, 2025 Time: 6: 00 pm to 8:30 pm Amplifying and Developing Project Streams Date: August 13th, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm All Streams Date: August 14th, 2025 Time: 1:30 to 4:00 pm Arts and Culture Space Improvement Grant Stream Date: August 19th, 2025 Time: 6:00 to 8:30 pm To register for an upcoming grant information session, visit brampton.ca/abf.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Can men really be victims of domestic violence?

The answer shatters everything we thought we knew SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The scene plays out; the angry man, the frightened woman, the silent children. It’s a narrative so deeply embedded in our collective consciousness that we rarely question its validity, but what if I told you this script is incomplete? What if the leading characters sometimes switch roles?

I have witnessed how our preconceived notions about domestic violence have created invisible barriers to healing.

The recent release of “The Routledge Handbook of Men’s Victimisations in Intimate Relationships” has validated what many of us in community work have known for years but struggled to articulate: men are not only perpetrators, but often victims themselves.

Let’s sit with that for a moment.

It’s uncomfortable, isn’t it? That discomfort is precisely why we need this conversation.

The research is staggering. In Canada, current intimate partner violence rates are actually higher among men (2.9%) than women (1.7%). Globally, men represent 25-33% of victims across countries including: Australia, the UK, France, Portugal, and South Korea. Perhaps most startling is that nearly half of all domestic violence is mutual, where both partners engage in abusive behaviour.

For African/Caribbean communities, these statistics carry particular weight.

The cultural expectations of Black masculinity, the “strong Black man” who remains stoic in the face of adversity, creates a perfect storm of silence. When I spoke with a Jamaican/Canadian survivor last month, his words still echo in my mind, “I couldn’t tell anyone. How would it sound? A big guy like me, afraid of his wife? They would laugh me out of the community center.”

What I want to ensure is recognized is that I am not shifting attention away from female victims. I know the reality of gender-based violence against women remains devastating and prevalent.

Rather, this is about expanding our understanding of violence as a human issue that transcends gender boundaries.

The most compelling evidence comes from research on lesbian couples, who report higher rates of intimate partner violence (44%) than heterosexual women (35%). If male aggression were the sole

driver of domestic violence, these numbers wouldn’t exist. Violence, it turns out, is more about: power dynamics, learned behaviours, and broken patterns than inherent gender traits.

So where do we go from here? As a community, we must create spaces where all survivors feel safe coming forward. This means training our: community leaders, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to recognize the signs of abuse regardless of gender. It means challenging the harmful stereotypes that prevent men from seeking help. Most importantly, it means acknowledging that healing begins when we see the full humanity in each other, not just the roles we’ve been assigned.

The movie scene is changing. The narrative is expanding, and in that expansion, there is hope for a future where all victims, regardless of gender, can find the support and validation they deserve.

Amah Harris: The visionary who shaped black theatre in Canada’s soul PAUL JUNOR

tion began in Dominica, where she distinguished herself through extraordinary achievements: •

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The passing of Beryl Amah Thelma Harris (affectionately known as Amah Harris) on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, has left a profound void in Black theatre in Canada. A celebrated: producer, artistic director, playwright, actress, facilitator, and educator, she shaped the cultural landscape for over four decades.

Born in Dominica, Amah made Canada her home in the late 1970s after studying at the Banff Institute of the Fine Arts. She became a pioneering force in professional Black theatre, seamlessly blending education and performance to elevate stories that had long been overlooked.

Her work in theatre and educa-

•

Co-founded The Little Theatre (formerly the Secondary Schools Drama Society) in Dominica Founded Theatre in the Rough in 1985

Amah’s contributions earned her numerous honours: • Commonwealth of Dominica Award for Best Performance in the 1964 Commemorative Shakespeare Festival • Harold Award for Artistic Excellence • Caribana Arts Group Award for Volunteerism • African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Lifetime Achievement Award for Education and Community Service • Rev. C. Holland Award of Merit from the Hamilton Black History Society • Named one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women (2018) Tributes poured in after her passing. On July 10th, 2025, Dr. Jill Andrew wrote on Facebook: “Miss Amah, your voice was sooth-

ing yet always commanded attention. Your commitment to art, theatre, creation, and community was inspiring. You never shied away from calling out racism and injustice.

As a trailblazer, you instinctively extended a hand to others. It was an honour to spend time with you and express our admiration before your final day in this physical form.

Now you join our ancestors, and our work is to keep making you proud.”

Henry Gómez (King Cosmos), President of the Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCAP), remembered her as “A dear, dedicated soul who gave her time, energy, and resources to the Black and Caribbean communities in Canada and the Diaspora.”

The Wellington Black Committee Centre called her “A proud Dominican Canadian who embodied the strength, brilliance, and spirit of the Caribbean. Through institutions like Black Theatre Canada and Theatre in the Rough, she used the stage to uplift stories, voices, and truths too often left untold.”

On July 30th, 2025, Toronto City Council officially extended condolences.

Councilor Josh Matlow, seconded by Coun-

cilor Jamaal Myers, honoured her as “an anti-racist advocate and cultural champion “Whose innovative blend of theatre and education reached audiences across Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, and South Africa.”

Her influence endures through her words, captured in the 2014 Caribana Presents Flags and Colours project: “Children are flowers in the garden of the world.

All flowers of tomorrow are seeds of today.

Whether they grow into beautiful flowers depends not on chance, but on teachers, who are the key fertilizing element.”

Amah summed up her life’s mission with clarity and conviction: “The driving force behind my efforts has always been to nurture peace and create a vehicle for positive, constructive change toward the harmonious coexistence of peoples.

Differences, when harmonized, become a powerful resource. Life is interdependent and interconnected; each person is vital to the success of the whole.”

Amah Harris lived these words. Her artistry, courage, and commitment to justice continue to inspire reminding us that theatre can be a force for transformation.

Is AI advancing too fast for our communities to keep up?

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The scene opens like a thriller: technology advancing at breakneck speed, experts sounding alarms, and communities standing at a crossroads. This is the reality of artificial intelligence development happening right now, and the African Caribbean community finds itself at a critical juncture in this unfolding narrative.

When we first began investigating AI’s trajectory, what struck us most wasn’t just the technological marvels; it was the speed. AI systems are developing capabilities decades ahead of schedule, demonstrating reasoning and planning

abilities that even experts didn’t anticipate reaching so soon. This acceleration creates a fundamental disconnect between technological development and societal preparedness.

We have heard the whispers in community gatherings, the questions in classrooms, the uncertainty in boardrooms, “Are we ready for this?” The anxiety is palpable, and it’s valid. When technology outpaces our collective understanding, we are all left vulnerable.

As we dug deeper, speaking with AI scientists, ethicists, and community leaders, a complex picture emerged. The concerns extend far beyond job displacement, though that remains significant. We are looking at potential risks that include loss of control over autonomous systems, unprecedented surveillance capabilities, and the erosion of democratic institutions through sophisticated misinformation.

The same systems that could revolutionize healthcare and education could also perpetuate historical biases if developed without diverse input.

Here’s where we must acknowledge something important: technological advancement isn’t inherently good, or bad it’s about who shapes it and who benefits. We recognize the valid excitement about AI’s potential to solve longstanding problems. At the same time, we share the legitimate fears about unchecked development.

It’s about finding the middle path where innovation serves community needs rather than undermining them.

When we listened to both AI developers and community advocates, we discovered surprising agreement on one fundamental point: the need for inclusive governance.

So where do we go from here?

The path forward requires three essential commitments from our community: •

•

First, representation. We must insist on seats at every table where AI policy is discussed. Our voices, experiences, and perspectives are necessary for creating equitable systems.

Second, education. Technological lit-

•

eracy can no longer be optional. We need community-wide initiatives that empower everyone from students to elders to understand and engage with these technologies critically.

Third, vigilance. We must establish community oversight mechanisms that monitor AI implementation in key sectors, ensuring these tools serve rather than harm our interests.

The final scene of this story hasn’t been written yet. AI will undoubtedly transform our world in ways we’re only beginning to imagine. Whether that transformation strengthens, or diminishes our community depends on the choices we make today as active participants in shaping our technological future.

This is our moment to ensure that the AI revolution works for us, not against us. The question isn’t whether we can afford to engage, it’s whether we can afford not to.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS & VIEWS

PAGE 13

Stop waiting for change: How one family created the culturally safe program their son needed ANYA NICOLA TORONTO CARIBBEAN NEWS As Toronto’s Black and Caribbean communities prepare for another back-to-school season, one local organization is changing the conversation. It is shifting focus from just books and backpacks to something far more critical: safety, dignity, and empowerment for Black and racialized neurodivergent youth.

The Youth Alliance for Intersectional Justice (YAIJ), co-founded by mother-and-son team Carolyn Tinglin and Jantz Richards, was born out of necessity.

Carolyn recalls searching for programs that could support her son: flexible, inclusive, and culturally competent spaces, and coming up short.

“When we couldn’t find what we needed, we decided to create it,” she says. “Most spaces lacked cultural understanding or couldn’t adapt to meet Jantz’s needs. We wanted to change that not just for him, but for other youth like him.”

Initially, YAIJ’s programming revolved around community-building activities like go-karting and movie nights, creating a rare social space where Black neurodivergent youth could meet others who shared their experiences. Over time, the focus expanded to peer support, ad-

vocacy, and employment readiness, skills Jantz wished he’d had access to earlier.

“If he’d had a peer mentor in high school,” Carolyn reflects, “Seventy percent of what he went through might not have happened.”

The current six-part Community Safety Forum series emerged from a deeply personal and troubling chapter in Jantz’s life. At just 12 years old, he was bullied relentlessly. One day, he wrote down the names of classmates who had been cruel to him and imagined “just punishments.”

When a staff member at his school found the note, the police were called without notifying his parents first.

“He was interrogated alone by two uniformed officers,” Carolyn recalls. “He was criminalized for being bullied. That moment never left either of us.”

The forums address the very real risks Black neurodivergent youth face: bullying, social exclusion, online predators, and police encounters that can escalate dangerously.

Carolyn is clear; this is not about “training” youth to accept injustice, but equipping them with: tools, context, and confidence while pushing for systemic change.

“We’re not saying, ‘prepare your kids instead of training police.’ We’re saying, do both,” she explains. “The reality is, we’re not there yet.”

Each forum is structured as a learning circle, a space for: listening, sharing, problemsolving, and connecting participants with resources such as the disability justice network, roots, peace builders, and Black lives.

“We don’t hold all the answers,” Carolyn says. “The power comes from learning together and recognizing that you’re not alone.”

Sometimes, the impact is immediate. Carolyn recalls a grandmother who attended a session and, for the first time, spoke openly about her grandchildren’s negative encounters with police, and how the system had also failed family members in law enforcement.

Carolyn agrees that a generational healing moment gave her context she didn’t have before.

For YAIJ, it’s non-negotiable: support must affirm cultural identity and neurodivergence. “You can’t ignore race to address disability, or ignore neurodivergence to address race,” Carolyn says. “If you do, you’re not seeing the whole person.”

This intersectional lens means rejecting the deficit-based models standard in education and replacing them with student-defined success metrics. “There’s more to a child than a label,” she emphasizes. “Relationship-building is where it starts.”

YAIJ is transitioning, with evolving staffing and resources, but the commitment remains firm. “We’re here when youth need us,” Carolyn says. “We might be small, but we’re mighty.”

A call to the community Carolyn is clear about how the Caribbean and Black communities can help: • • • • •

Check your biases at the door and come with an open mind.

Do your research about neurodivergence in Black communities.

Volunteer—after a vulnerable sector check.

Spread awareness by sharing YAIJ’s work on social media.

Donate to sustain programming.

Above all, she asks the community to lean in with curiosity and care. “Before you reach out, take a moment to reflect. Be ready to learn, not just about the community, but about yourself.”

For more information or to support YAIJ’s work, visit yaij.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook

Can one walk really change the future of breast cancer for Black women?

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The numbers don’t lie, and they tell a story that keeps me up at night. I have witnessed firsthand the alarming trend: African/Caribbean women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are facing rising rates of aggressive breast cancer, often diagnosed too late.

The recent Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal study didn’t surprise me; it confirmed what we have been seeing in clinics and community centers across the country.

What did surprise me, however, was the silence that followed these findings. When I first read the report, I felt a familiar mix of frustration and determination.

How could we know this and not act? This question led me down a path of investigation, speaking with healthcare providers,

survivors, and community leaders to understand why these disparities persist.

The answers were complex but clear: systemic barriers, cultural incompetence in healthcare settings, lack of targeted awareness, and limited access to timely screenings. These are the differences between life and death for women I know, women whose stories deserve to be heard.

“I felt dismissed when I first mentioned the lump to my doctor,” shared Marcia, a 38-year-old survivor of triplenegative breast cancer. “I was told I was too young, that it was probably nothing. By the time I was taken seriously, the cancer had advanced.”

Stories like Marcia’s are why The Olive Branch of Hope’s One Dream Walk of Hope on August 23rd, 2025, at G. Ross Lord Park is a necessary response to a healthcare crisis that is unfolding in real time. When I first learned about this initiative, I felt something shift.

What makes this walk different is its clear, community-driven solution. The funds raised directly power the EmpowerHER Breast Health Awareness & Screening Program, which brings free: mammogram screenings, education, and culturally rele-

vant resources directly to the women who need them most. Having witnessed these events at hospitals across the Greater Toronto Area, I can attest to their transformative impact.

The Olive Branch of Hope has had previous screening programs where women who had never undergone mammograms finally accessed this critical service in a space that felt safe and welcoming.

The relief was palpable. I spoke with a participant who attended this screening and they shared with me, “For the first time, I didn’t feel like just another chart. They saw me, they understood my fears, and they answered all my questions.”

The One Dream Walk of Hope represents a powerful form of community healing. It’s a space where we acknowledge the pain of loss while celebrating resilience, where we confront uncomfortable truths about healthcare disparities while building tangible solutions. When we walk together on August 23rd, we are rewriting the narrative of breast cancer for African/ Caribbean women in Canada.

Your participation (whether walking, donating, or volunteering) directly supports expanding these life-saving ser-

vices to more hospitals across Ontario. Every step helps ensure that another woman like Marcia won’t be dismissed. Every dollar contributes to creating a healthcare system that truly serves all communities.

You have the power to change everything. Every step you take in this walk matters for the real women behind them.

For your: mother, your daughter, your sister, your best friend. For the Afro/Indo/Caribbean women in your community who are twice as likely to die from this disease simply because they can’t access the care they deserve.

Will you walk with us? Will you be the reason a woman catches her cancer early? Will you be part of the solution that finally gives Black women the fighting chance they’ve always deserved?

Event Details: When: Saturday, August 23rd, Check-in: 8:00 AM, Walk Begins: 9:00 AM Where: G. Ross Lord Park, 4801 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON Registration: $35 (includes commemorative t-shirt, lunch, welcome bag, and refreshments) Register at: theolivebranch.ca

PAGE 14

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Photo Credit: @TrudyEStone

EMMANUEL KULU JR. An historian’s journey challenging the world’s historical misconceptions How do we reclaim African history from western narratives?

“I can live with people not accepting what I say. I can’t live with me not sharing it.”

The scene opens in a fourthgrade classroom, and young Emmanuel Kulu Jr. proudly presents his project, a mannequin adorned with cardboard regalia. The grade: B-. The reason: “historically inaccurate.” What happens next isn’t just a parent-teacher conference; it’s the spark that ignites a revolutionary historian.

I sat across from Emmanuel Kulu Jr. on a Zoom call as he recounted his father’s impassioned defense of King Tut’s Blackness to that teacher decades ago. I felt the familiar fire of recognition; that moment when truth confronts power, and history hangs in the balance.

This is a testament to what happens when a child of Cameroonian descent refuses to let Western narratives define his ancestry.

Emmanuel’s story begins at the intersection of two powerful lineages. His father, a player for Cameroon’s Abdominal Lions, carried the pride of the continent in his bones. His mother, Betty Kulu, stood alongside the Black Panther Party, her radical spirit tempered only by the murder of Fred Hampton, which propelled her from activism to education.

“There is usually some tunnel vision when you are an African in the Western World,” Emmanuel reflects, his voice steady but layered with the complexity of lived experience. “You have to stay focused, stay educated, and not be a radical.”

His mother had other ideas.

“Be radical. Speak your mind. Change happens when you speak up,” she insisted.

This tension between assimilation and assertion, between accepted narratives and uncomfortable truths would become the driving force of Emmanuel’s life work. It’s a tension familiar to so many in our communities: how do you honour your truth in a world that benefits from its suppression?

Emmanuel’s journey took him through music and public service before circling back to his roots. Along the way, he found guidance in revolutionaries and truth-tellers: Chiek Diop, Malcolm X, Patrice Lumumba (whose name he carries as his middle name).

“Spike Lee had to go a different route to put together the Malcolm X film,” Emmanuel notes. “The movie really brought him out more.” These influences were foundational. They taught him that history is contested, shaped by those with power and reclaimed by those with courage.

His investigation led him beyond books and documentaries to 17 African countries, some visits in person, others through the immersive power of research and connection.

Each encounter added layers to his understanding, chipping away at the monolithic Western narrative that had dominated his education.

What emerged from this exploration was a profound realization: Africa isn’t just a geographical entity, but the common ground for all human ancestry. This understanding became the bridge Emmanuel had been seeking; the way to connect his Cameroonian heritage with his American experience, his father’s continental roots with his mother’s diasporic struggles.

“I put all of that together to bridge the African divide,” he explains, his words carrying the weight of this lifelong

synthesis.

This understanding found its expression in his 2020 book, released at what he calls “A great time because people were sitting down.” The pandemic, for all its devastation, created space for reflection, for questioning narratives that had gone unchallenged in busier times.

The book’s success (bestseller status in 2021) validated Emmanuel’s approach, but it was his transition to educator that truly embodied his mother’s legacy. The foundation he established in 2022 and his full embrace of educational work in 2023 were the natural evolution of a lifetime of learning and teaching. “It has to be facts, and it has to be informational. It has to be accurate,” Emmanuel insists, his commitment to truth evident in every word.

This commitment hasn’t been without cost. When his book challenged deeply entrenched Western narratives about African history, the backlash was swift and severe.

Death threats. Warnings not to travel to Egypt. The kind of resistance that makes anyone question whether the price of truth is too high. “I spoke to my dad, and he told me to stand on what I said,” Emmanuel recalls. “If you retract it now, people will never believe you.”

This moment, father and son united in defense of truth decades after that classroom confrontation, forms the emotional core of Emmanuel’s story. It’s a testament to the intergenerational nature of truth-telling, to the legacy of courage passed from parent to child.

Today, Emmanuel Kulu Jr. stands at the intersection of multiple worlds: historian and educator, artist

and activist, Cameroonian and American. His Forbes features and TEDx Talk are platforms for the message he’s dedicated his life to sharing.

The emergence of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives has given new credence to his work, providing frameworks for the African history he’s always championed. “If you don’t have the education that Africa is the common ground for all of our ancestry,” he notes, “You miss the foundation of human connection.”

As our conversation winds down, I’m struck by Emmanuel’s unwavering commitment in the face of resistance. “I believe it,” he says simply.

“If you believe what you are doing, and you love what you are doing, you keep doing it.”

This is a blueprint for how we might all approach the work of truthtelling, with courage, with conviction, and with community always at the center.

The final scene isn’t an ending at all, but a continuation; Emmanuel Kulu Jr., standing where his father stood before him, speaking truth to power, and inviting us all to reclaim the history that belongs to everyone.

TheCredit: camera fades to black, but Photo Sanj P Photography the revolution continues…

Written by Sean Seurattan Toronto Caribbean News

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HEALTH

PAGE 23

How can we create better habits and supports that keep people healthy longer?

W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

One should never use the word “crusade” lightly, but if you’ve ever watched someone battle against deeply entrenched systems, close-mindedness, or worst of all, indifference, then there’s no better word for what needs doing. There is unfinished business that I must pick up, and sure as night follows day, there will be fresh challenges too.

In the months ahead, I’ll be taking up the crusades that still call out and the ones just beginning to stir.

One of the campaigns I am positioned to champion is around vitamin C. It’s close to my heart, and readers may know

why that has two meanings. For one, I’m a second-generation advocate for higher doses of supplementation with C. In this sense, it’s a heartfelt calling. For another, I feel compelled to draw linkages between vitamin C and heart health, a pairing that too few understand. I’m not interested in the minimal doses of C found in most multivitamins or recommended by outdated public guidelines. My focus will be higher therapeutic use that can support immunity, cardiovascular health, and recovery from serious illness. There’s good science here, and there’s plenty of lived experience.

What’s missing is a willingness on the part of regulators and policymakers to acknowledge that the current monograph is out of step with both. I intend to work diligently to change that. It won’t be easy, but it’s time to bring clarity, credibility, and a little pressure to a conversation that has stalled for far too long.

Another continuing campaign will be palliative pain management. Too many people, especially older adults, are still dying in unnecessary pain. Our healthcare

system is structured to treat and intervene, but it often fails when comfort becomes the goal. We need a wider public conversation about the right to: effective, compassionate pain care in life’s final chapter, and not just in theory, but in practice, policy, and training. The Gifford-Jones professorship and supporting funds at the University of Toronto are helping shift how we think about dignity, choice, and the quality of a person’s last days.

Then there’s the battle against “selective skepticism.” We are right to question miracle cures and misleading marketing, but we must also apply that same scrutiny to the slow-moving machinery of official advice, especially when it fails to keep pace with new evidence or refuses to acknowledge natural therapies as legitimate options. This is where I hope to be helpful. I hope to cut through the noise with a cleareyed view of what’s actually working for people, and why it matters.

A healthy amount of my future focus will be on prevention. How can we create better habits and supports that

keep people healthy longer? Nutritional supplementation. Movement. Sleep. Stress reduction. These may sound basic, but they are anything but. Preventive health isn’t glamorous, and it’s rarely incentivized, but I believe it’s the foundation of sustainable healthcare. The more people understand it, the more empowered they’ll be to act. I truly worry, for us all, about the people who could be healthy, but through their own folly are falling ill. That’s the societal disease we don’t want the healthcare system chasing.

Finally, I’ll be advocating for respect for the individual in every healthcare decision. That means better access to information, more open conversations between patients and practitioners, and a culture that values curiosity over compliance. Let’s reduce the occasions when it is said, “I just wish someone had told me this earlier.”

These are just the first few campaigns. I’m sure others will emerge along the way, but for now, such are the hills I’m planning to climb.

FOOD

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 25 Photo Credit: Jason Lam| Wikimedia

Barbadian Pudding and Souse: A Classic Taste of Bajan Culture If you’ve ever spent time in Barbados or among Bajan communities, you know there’s no shortage of delicious food that tells a story. One dish that stands out for its bold flavors and deep cultural roots is Pudding and Souse — a combination that’s as much a part of Barbadian identity as the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the laid-back island vibe.

Today, I want to take you on a journey through the history, traditions, and of course, the recipe behind this iconic Barbadian dish. Whether you’re familiar with it or discovering it for the first time, this article will give you everything you need to understand and make Pudding and Souse in your own kitchen.

What Is Pudding and Souse?

At its core, Pudding and Souse is a simple but powerful pairing: pickled pork (the souse) served alongside blood pudding (sometimes called black pudding). It’s a cold dish, often eaten as a snack or appetizer, and is famous for its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that complement each other perfectly.

The “souse” part refers to the meat that’s been marinated or “pickled” in a mixture of lime juice, onions, cucumbers, and a blend of spices — think thyme, hot pepper, and black peppercorns. This gives it a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the pork.

The “pudding” is a type of blood sausage made from pig’s blood, seasoned with herbs, spices, onions, and breadcrumbs or flour. It’s usually steamed or boiled, sliced, and served cold.

Together, these two form a dish that’s crisp, tangy, and savory, often enjoyed during family gatherings, Sunday meals, or as street food at local markets.

The History of Pudding and Souse: From Survival to Bajan Tradition Pudding and Souse didn’t just show up on Barbadian tables overnight. It’s a dish born from necessity, resourcefulness, and the unique history of Barbados itself — a story that stretches back hundreds of years.

Roots in the Colonial Era Barbados was colonized by the British in the early 1600s, becoming one of the first Caribbean islands to develop a plantation economy based largely on sugar. This brutal system relied heavily on enslaved Africans brought over to work the fields. For these enslaved people and poor working classes, food was scarce, and wasting any part of an animal was out of the question.

Pudding and Souse grew out of this reality. Every part of the pig was used — nothing went to waste. The blood was turned into pudding (a type of blood sausage), and the tougher cuts like trotters or pork feet were pickled and marinated to make them more palatable and to preserve them in the tropical heat.

African and European Influences The concept of blood pudding or blood sausage exists in many cultures, from Europe to Africa, but the Bajan version carries its own signature flavors, shaped by local ingredients and seasoning traditions.

The practice of “sousing” — marinating meat in acidic mixtures — has African roots. Africans brought with them techniques for preserving and flavoring meats, which were adapted with the ingredients available in the Caribbean. The British influence is also evident in the use of blood pudding, which parallels British black pudding but with a Caribbean twist in spices and preparation.

Preservation in a Tropical Climate Before refrigeration, preserving meat in Barbados’s hot climate was a challenge.

Pickling pork in lime juice and spices was an effective way to extend its shelf life. The acidity of the lime juice not only tenderized the meat but also prevented spoilage.

This method of preservation turned into a beloved culinary tradition, evolving from a survival tactic into a popular dish enjoyed by all classes.

Becoming a Cultural Staple Over time, Pudding and Souse moved beyond necessity and became an emblem of Bajan identity. It’s traditionally served cold, perfect for the island’s warm weather, and often enjoyed during family gatherings, church socials, and festivals.

Even as Barbados modernized and food became more plentiful, this dish remained a link to the island’s past — a celebration of heritage, resilience, and community.

Today, Pudding and Souse isn’t just food; it’s a living tradition that connects Bajans at home and abroad to their roots and to each other.

Breaking Down the Ingredients Before diving into the recipe, let’s look at the key ingredients that bring this dish to life: For the Souse (Pickled Pork): • Pig’s trotters (pigs’ feet) or pork shoulder — traditionally, trotters are used for their gelatinous texture.

• Fresh lime juice — essential for the pickling and bright, tangy flavor.

• Onions — sliced thin, often red onions for bite and color.

• Cucumbers — adds crunch and freshness.

• Thyme — a signature Caribbean herb.

• Scotch bonnet pepper — for heat; use sparingly if you want mild.

• Black peppercorns and allspice — ground or whole, for warmth.

• Salt — for seasoning.

For the Pudding (Blood Pudding): • Fresh pig’s blood — the base ingredient.

• • • • •

Oatmeal, breadcrumbs, or flour — to bind and give texture.

Onions — finely chopped.

Thyme — for that herby flavor.

Allspice and black pepper — for seasoning.

Salt — to taste.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Making Barbadian Pudding and Souse I’ll break this down into two parts — first the souse, then the pudding. It’s a process, but it’s worth every minute.

Making the Souse (Pickled Pork) 1. Clean and Prepare the Pig’s Trotters Start by washing the pig’s trotters thoroughly. You want to remove any hairs or debris. Some people like to soak them in salt water or vinegar briefly for extra cleaning.

2. Boil Until Tender Place the trotters in a large pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and boil for about 2 to 3 hours until tender and gelatinous. You want the meat to easily come off the bones.

3. Cool and Debone Remove the trotters from the pot and let cool slightly. Then remove the bones, skin, and any excess fat. Cut the meat into bitesized chunks.

4. Prepare the Pickling Marinade In a large bowl, combine fresh lime juice, sliced onions, chopped cucumbers, minced Scotch bonnet (use gloves!), fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, and allspice.

5. Marinate the Meat Add the pork chunks to the marinade, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This lets the flavors meld and the meat soak in the tangy goodness.

Making the Pudding (Blood Pudding) 1. Collect Fresh Pig’s Blood This is the trickiest part to source fresh blood if you’re not in Barbados or near a butcher who provides it. You can sometimes find blood pudding pre-made at Caribbean specialty stores.

2. Mix Ingredients In a bowl, mix the fresh pig’s blood with oatmeal or breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, thyme, allspice, salt, and black pepper. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

3. Cook the Pudding Traditionally, the pudding mixture is poured into sausage casings or boiled in a cloth bag and steamed for about 30-45 minutes until firm.

4. Cool and Slice Let the pudding cool, then slice into thin

rounds. Some like to fry the slices lightly before serving, but traditionally it’s served cold alongside the souse.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings Pudding and Souse is typically served cold or at room temperature. It’s often accompanied by fresh sliced cucumbers or even a cold beer on a hot day.

In Barbados, it’s common to see vendors selling it wrapped in wax paper at markets, roadside stands, and festivals. It’s a communal dish that invites sharing and conversation.

For a full Bajan meal, you can serve it alongside: • Fried plantains • Bread rolls (called “pudding and souse bread” sometimes) • Fresh fruit salad for balance • Bajan hot sauce for extra kick Tips & Tricks From the Pros • Marinate longer for deeper flavor.

Some families marinate the souse for up to 24 hours to really punch up the tang.

• Balance the heat. Scotch bonnet peppers are very hot; remove seeds for milder heat or substitute with jalapeños.

• Use fresh herbs. Thyme is a key flavor, so fresh is best.

• Cleanliness is key. When working with blood and pork parts, cleanliness and freshness are essential for safety and flavor.

• Try frying pudding slices. Lightly pan-fried pudding slices give a crispy exterior with a creamy inside — a nice contrast to the cold souse.

Why Pudding and Souse Still Matters Today This dish represents more than just flavors; it’s a link to the past and a celebration of Barbadian culture. It tells the story of survival, adaptation, and pride.

In a world where food is often fast and disposable, dishes like Pudding and Souse remind us to slow down, honour tradition, and appreciate the craft behind every bite.

For Bajans abroad, it’s a way to stay connected to home and share their heritage with new generations. For food lovers everywhere, it’s a delicious discovery waiting to be made.

Wrapping It Up If you’re ready to try something truly authentic and a little different, give Barbadian Pudding and Souse a shot. It’s not just a meal — it’s a taste of history, culture, and the Bajan spirit.

Whether you follow this recipe closely or add your own twists, the most important part is enjoying the process and sharing it with good company.

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

My family immigrated to Canada twice, so why am i now against our current immigration system?

BY HERBERT HILDEBRANDT POLITICAL PARLEY Canada has long been a nation shaped by immigrants. Families like mine who arrived in search of a better life and brought with them the willingness to build one. My family immigrated to Canada twice in a century and we love this country!

In 1875, my ancestors were among thousands who accepted the Canadian government’s invitation to settle the Prairies. They were fleeing the rising tide of unrest in the Russian Empire, where German and Mennonite communities were facing increasing hostility.

Canada promised freedom, land, and peace.

In return, they offered their: sweat, skills, and loyalty. My people tilled soil, built towns from scratch, paid taxes, raised families, and became Canadians. Not just in name, but in heart. They didn’t ask Canada to change for them, but they adapted, and they contributed. They wove their threads into the fabric of the nation and made it stronger.

History has its trials. In the 1920s, when new education laws in Canada restricted the right of parents to teach children in their native language along with English and according to their faith, some of my ancestors paid the price, quite literally. They were fined, jailed, and forced to choose between their convictions

and their citizenship. Thousands chose exile, moving to Mexico to preserve the freedoms they believed they had come here for.

Years later, in the 1980s, my parents brought our family back to Canada. The laws had changed, and once again this country held promise that valued religious freedom while emphasizing civic responsibilities. We reintegrated, worked hard, and raised a family while preserving some of the cultural practices and values passed down through generations. We never expected Canada to revolve around us, and we did our part to keep it strong. Like those before us, we were a net benefit, not a burden and I like to think that we helped build a stronger community where we settled.

This kind of immigration: measured, purposeful, and rooted in mutual respect, helped shape the best parts of this country. In recent years, especially since 2015, something has changed. What we’re witnessing now no longer resembles immigration as a nationbuilding exercise. It’s become something else, and it feels sinister at times. We have immigration that is: faster, larger, less principled, and increasingly disconnected from the country’s actual capacity to absorb it.

In 2015, Canada welcomed about 271,000 new permanent residents. By 2023, that number had soared to over 430,000. When you add in the: millions of temporary foreign work-

ers, visitor visas with overstays, international students, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants, the scale becomes even more staggering. Yet, no matching investment in housing, healthcare, or infrastructure followed. Our cities are buckling, tent encampments are multiplying, and housing costs are rising far faster than wages. As a result, young Canadians, both immigrant and native-born alike, are being priced out of the dream their parents built. This isn’t sustainable, and more importantly, it isn’t fair.

Even the Bank of Canada has acknowledged that record immigration is a significant factor in the housing crisis, but instead of pausing to adjust, our leaders press on, citing GDP growth while ignoring the real-life costs being paid by everyday Canadians. Per capita income is falling. Social services are stretched thin, and the social contract that unwritten agreement that hard work leads to progress, is quietly unraveling.

What’s most concerning is that assimilation has gone from being an expectation to a taboo subject. In place of integration, we’re watching the rise of enclaves, fragmented communities, and imported ideologies that clash with Canadian values. Too often, it seems that some newcomers arrive not to join Canada, but to replicate the very places they left behind.

This is often not the fault of the immigrant, but

by design of those who hold the levers of our immigration system. They are not fomenting this chaotic invasion by accident. It is a wholesale attack on what made Canada so wonderful and attracted our families to settle here. So, we need to ask ourselves; why do we allow it?

This isn’t about xenophobia at all, it’s about honesty. We owe it to both Canadians and immigrants to maintain a system that works for everyone. Canada doesn’t need to close its doors, but we do need a pause. A chance to catch our breath and a chance to build the: homes, schools, hospitals, and transit that real growth requires. A chance to reaffirm that immigration should strengthen a country and not strain it to a breaking point.

Let us demand a return to a model where newcomers are welcomed not just for arriving, but for being ready to contribute. Let’s favour those whose skills match our needs, whose values align with ours, and who want to be part of a shared future. My ancestors (and probably yours) helped build this country. They sacrificed, adapted, and gave back more than they took. Canada gave them a home, and they made it better. That’s immigration that works.

We would be wise to remember it.

The tug of war in child custody: Mothers, fathers, and the pursuit of control

BY LISA THOMPSON LEGAL LISA In the complex arena of family law, the dissolution of a marriage, or partnership often brings to the fore a profound tug of war, one that places mothers and fathers on opposite sides of a deeply personal and highly consequential divide: the question of who should hold decision-making responsibility for the children. This struggle is not just about access or finances, but about the very center of power, influence, and connection in the lives of children and parents alike.

The legal landscape: Who holds the reins?

For decades, Canadian family courts, like those in many Western countries, have reflected societal notions about parenting roles. Data from Statistics Canada in 2006 indicated that mothers were far more likely to be awarded the power of decision-making responsibility, especially in sole custody arrangements. Though roughly 91% of parents with a custody arrangement reported participating in major decisions about their children’s: health, religion, or education, this involvement was hardly evenly split. About 54% of parents shared decision-making responsibilities with an ex-partner, while 36% reported making major decisions on their own.

When looking more closely at the numbers, the disparity is striking today, in many Canadian jurisdictions, 70-80% of custody orders result in mothers being granted sole decision-making authority. Fathers, by contrast,

are awarded sole authority in only about 10% of cases, or less. The scales remain tipped, even as family structures and norms evolve. Yet tides are changing; more fathers are now able and willing to pursue their cases in court, challenging the long-standing assumptions that mothers are by default the better, or only suitable custodians.

Changing currents in the courts Recent cases reflect this gradual shift in the courts’ approach. In a notable Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision, a father was able to restore his relationship with his children after their mother attempted to sever ties, using false allegations and efforts to limit contact. The court ultimately sided with the father, awarding him decision-making authority and imposing significant costs against the mother for her bad faith actions. Legal responses such as these signal an increasing willingness to scrutinize the motivations and actions of both parents, not just default to traditional roles.

The Heart of the Struggle: Power, Access, and Financial Stakes This legal tug of war, however, is not just about decision-making rights, it’s also deeply bound up in issues of access and financial support.

Parents face what could be called a “Cash-ForChild” dilemma. There are three key types of costs associated with access: the number of children under 18, the amount of time a parent spends with the children, and the various expenses incurred in exercising access.

The parent paying child support may face substantial costs if they are actively involved, but if that involvement diminishes, the parent with custody may bear hidden costs such as: lost career advancement, or reduced overtime pay on top of regular childrearing expenses. Grandparents, too, have legal rights to apply for access, custody, or contact orders, though these are always subject to the paramount consideration: the best interests of the child.

The role of mothers and fathers: Tradition and transformation The ever-famous saying, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world,” penned by William Ross Wallace in 1865, embodied the enduring influence of mothers.

Mothers have historically been viewed as primary caregivers, their role so central that the law and society have often overlooked the vital contributions of fathers. Yet, as legal and cultural tides shift, there is a growing recognition that both parents bring unique strengths, and that children benefit most from meaningful relationships with both.

In the distinct context of Caribbean families, as explored by Timothy T. Schwartz, survival often depends on the household as a cooperative unit: men as financial providers, women as managers, and children as contributors. Family forms, kinship, and even the motivations of parents are shaped as much by material reality as by tradition, or sentiment. Mothers may appear to “reap the benefits” of custody,

receiving support from both fathers and the government, and later, possibly, from working children, but these benefits are often counterbalanced by personal and professional sacrifices, as well as the weight of decision-making.

Putting the child first The most significant battles erupt not over love, but when financial support is at stake. The parent granted greater access can leverage that advantage, sometimes using it as a counterweight in negotiations over money, or power.

The risk in such adversarial approaches is that the child’s interests may get lost.

To move forward, courts, policymakers, and communities must renew their commitment to centering the well-being and best interests of the child in every decision. Custody and access arrangements should reflect the reality of diverse households without bias, or pursuit of power or financial gain. Transparent and equitable policies, which recognize the vital roles of mothers, fathers, and extended family, are essential not just for resolving disputes, but for nurturing resilient, healthy communities for future generations.

In the end, the true measure of success lies not in who “wins” control, but in how well the needs and futures of children are safeguarded, and how: compassion, cooperation, and shared responsibility can triumph over conflict and division.

We need to stop treating patience like a personality trait you either have, or don’t

BY GEORGE SHEPPARD Of all the virtues, patience might be the most misunderstood, and the hardest to practice. We often talk about it as a soft, saintly quality: the ability to wait calmly, to endure without complaint, but for many people, being patient isn’t about keeping their cool in a long grocery line.

It’s a daily internal battle, one that’s far more complex than it looks on the surface.

We toss around the word “impatient” too easily. Someone gets restless while waiting for test results, or agitated when plans fall apart, and we say they’re impatient as if they’ve failed some moral test, but what if impatience isn’t a flaw in character, but a signal flare from something deeper? Often, what gets dismissed as impatience is really: frustration, anxiety, unhealed trauma, or long-repressed grief. It’s rarely just about being in a hurry or being annoyed at being given the wrong coffee order.

Think about it: when a person seems

“impatient,” they’re usually reacting to something that feels out of their control. A delay. A silence. An answer that never comes. Their reaction may be abrupt, or edgy, but underneath is a storm of emotion they may not even fully recognize. Impatience, in many cases, is a mask that hides a history, a buildup of disappointment, loss, or longing.

People who have lived through uncertainty, or trauma often struggle the most with patience. For them, waiting doesn’t feel neutral, it feels threatening. It activates fear. It reminds them of moments when they had to wait for bad news, or when they had no power over what happened next. So no, it’s not just that they can’t stand waiting. It’s that waiting feels like drowning in the memory of not being safe.

We need to stop treating patience like a personality trait you either have, or don’t.

It’s a skill and sometimes a hard-won one. For some, patience comes naturally. For others, it’s

learned through trial, through therapy, through falling apart and getting back up again. It’s forged in the fire of difficult life experiences, not handed out at birth.

Let’s be honest: modern life doesn’t make it easier. We live in a culture of instant gratification. We expect quick replies, fast results, immediate fixes, and internet downloads at the speed of light. When things take time, we see it as a problem to solve, not a process to endure. The world tells us to “just be patient,” but rarely acknowledges how agonizing that can be. Especially when what you’re waiting for matters deeply: healing, forgiveness, stability, or simply clarity.

Here’s what we often forget: patience isn’t passive. It’s not about sitting quietly with a smile. Real patience is active. It’s choosing to breathe through the discomfort. It’s resisting the urge to lash out when things aren’t happening fast enough. It’s waking up every day with questions unanswered and still finding a way

to move forward. That’s courage, not complacency.

So, if you find yourself feeling impatient (especially with yourself) pause for a moment. Ask what’s underneath it. Is it fear?

Sadness? Exhaustion? Are you waiting for something you never got? Are you holding onto hope that feels frayed? These are not weaknesses. They are parts of your story and naming them might be the first step toward genuine patience, not just the kind that looks good on the outside.

The next time you want to call someone “impatient,” consider instead what they might be carrying. The truth is many of the people who appear the most impatient are actually holding themselves together with remarkable strength.

Patience is hard. It’s a quiet, invisible labour, and for some, it’s nothing short of heroic.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

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My therapist said one word that changed everything; stop calling yourself ‘broken’ SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

On ordinary days, language flows around us like background music, but those words, the labels we pick up, accept, or resist, shape every glance, every gut feeling, every interaction. Linguistic labeling is the silent architect of my daily lived experience and, I suspect, yours too.

I wake up and stare in the mirror.

The mind recalls, unbidden, the words I’ve heard about myself: “resilient,” “complicated,” sometimes “too much.” Before any coffee, I am already in quiet negotiation with labels. In school, I was the “quiet creative,” or “the troublemaker,” depending on who told it. At work now, am I “the voice of reason,” “the angry one,” or simply “Simone, who feels too much?” These labels, spoken, or implied, follow me from room to room.

They shape how I’m perceived and how I see myself sometimes providing comfort, more often boxing me in. On a day-to-day basis, they determine who is interrupted, who is encouraged, who gets the benefit of the doubt.

Science backs this up. Studies show that labels aren’t just fleeting names; the brain internalizes them, folding new

experiences into preexisting categories.

The “label-feedback hypothesis” suggests even a casual name (“helper,”“problematic,” “ordinary”) modifies how I, or others, interpret my actions in real time. For example, when I mess up a project, if I’m already labelled “reliable,” colleagues offer support, understanding it as a rare slip. If “careless,” the same mistake confirms their expectation. This is not just happening at work, but in relationships, family, and community spaces.

Here’s the twist; sometimes, labeling myself changes my day far more than what anyone else says. When I’m feeling anxious, or angry and I name it (“I’m overwhelmed right now”), science shows my amygdala (the emotional center) actually calms down. This is the hidden self-care in giving voice to what’s hard: it helps me process, reframe, and move through.

Living under labels tests my sense of self. Some I embrace with pride: “Jamaican,” “writer,” “community builder.” Others I fight, or try to rewrite: “fragile,” “angry Black woman,” “difficult.” There’s a cost to pushing against these inherited scripts. Some days, I’m tired of fighting for nuance; it’s easier to shrink to the contour of the nearest label, even if it doesn’t quite fit. Language also offers tools; a chance to claim person-first, or identity-first forms when I need them.

“Simone living with anxiety” feels gentler, truer, on hard mornings than “anxious person.” I notice, too, that labels change based on race, gender, class. I get called “articulate” for saying what a colleague said two minutes ago. These micro-labels accumu-

late, and with them, the emotional labour of redefining oneself daily.

This is not just my story; it’s all of ours. When a friend describes herself as “Just a mom,” or a student is forever “The quiet one,” I see the weight. As a writer and community educator, my job is to build conversations that decode and defang these labels. I try to model transparency, saying aloud, “This word stings; why do we use it?” or “What other names could we choose here?” When colleagues, or community members challenge the words I choose, I listen, concede, adapt. The real work is communal; the more we unpack the emotional punch of language, the

more space we make for people to show up whole.

What does this look like, practically? It’s me pausing before I speak, especially about someone else’s struggle, or success. It’s checking in with myself when a label hurts, and remembering I have a say in what sticks. It’s inviting readers (maybe you) to question, with compassion, the words handed to you and the ones you hand to others.

Linguistic labeling is as present on a Tuesday at the grocery store as it is in the headlines. The words we carry, and the courage to rewrite them together, shape not just stories, but lives.

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The courage to dream; What limits us and how to overcome them DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

On May 6th, 1954, a seemingly insurmountable barrier was shattered when Sir Roger Bannister ran a mile in three minutes and 59.4 seconds. This accomplishment did more than set a world record, it fundamentally altered human perception of what was physiologically and psychologically possible.

For decades prior, scientists and sports physiologists had declared that a subfour-minute mile was beyond the bounds of human capacity. Some even warned that attempting such a feat might result in death.

Yet, within weeks of Bannister’s accomplishment, other runners also broke the so-called “impossible” barrier. Today, over

1,400 athletes have achieved the same milestone. The physical limitations hadn’t changed; what changed was the collective mental model. Bannister’s run symbolized a seismic shift: a redefining of the limits of human capability through the dismantling of internalized expectations.

We are often constrained not by the laws of physics, but by the boundaries of their own expectations.

Michelangelo once said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.” This statement cuts to the core of a deeply rooted human tendency: risk aversion disguised as pragmatism. Many avoid ambitious goals because they are preoccupied with how those goals will be achieved before even considering what is truly worth pursuing.

The “how” is rarely apparent at the outset of any transformative journey. Human progress: scientific, technological, artistic, personal, has always relied on what might be called “asymmetrical vision;” clarity of purpose in the absence of clarity of path. Innovation, after all, is the domain of those who dare to step into the unknown, who are willing to at-

tempt what seems improbable, or even impossible.

To dream greatly is to confront the discomfort of uncertainty. Yet it is within that tension (between ambition and current reality) that the raw material of growth is found.

Real development only occurs when we confront what is beyond our current capacity. The educational psychologist Lev Vygotsky referred to this as the “Zone of Proximal Development,” the region just beyond our current mastery, where the potential for growth resides. In both personal development and collective achievement, this principle holds true: unless we attempt what we have not yet mastered, we remain stagnant.

Too often, fear is mistaken for wisdom. “Play it safe,” we are told. “Don’t aim too high.” These admonitions, if followed, lead only to mediocrity. Transformational goals must necessarily exceed the individual; they must touch the edges of the communal, the generational, or even the transcendent. Such visions may take years, or decades to come to fruition. In some cases, they may not even manifest in one’s lifetime, but they move the world forward, nonetheless.

Dreams, like seeds, require time, pa-

tience, and environmental alignment to germinate. A farmer cannot control the rain, or sunshine, yet he plants regardless, trusting in the natural processes of growth. So too must we plant the seeds of our aspirations without obsessing over the immediacy of results.

Often, what is labeled “realistic” is merely a social consensus of mediocrity. Bannister’s contemporaries were “realistic.” Michelangelo’s vision for the Sistine Chapel ceiling was certainly not realistic. Neither was Mandela’s dream of a post-apartheid South Africa, or the Wright brothers’ obsession with powered flight. All of these began as implausible and ended as inevitabilities, because someone dared to attempt them.

Our world progresses because of individuals who ignore the inertia of low expectations. Safe plans inspire no one. Progress is made by those who embrace risk, complexity, and the likelihood of failure, not as ends in themselves, but as the inevitable companions of meaningful achievement. Not every dream will be realized, but the act of dreaming itself enlarges the soul, stretches the intellect, and forges character.

All this hype about AI, but are we in fact helping our own demise?

BY GRANT BROWNING DRIVEN TO SUCCEED If you had sat in on our boardroom meetings ten years ago, you’d see a very different me.

Back then, I was the guy getting excited over every new app or automated tool that promised to help grow our business or give us an edge in the marketplace. I was all about progress and jumping on the latest tech.

Today, I’m almost the opposite. A big part of me is skeptical, cautious—worried, even. I’ve watched society latch on to every shiny new piece of technology like it’s some kind of drug. People glued to their phones, heads down, often unaware of the real world right in front of them.

Just a few months ago, there was a flood of news about Amazon’s warehouses going fully automated. How many jobs did that cost? Bill Gates made headlines saying that within ten years, much of what we know as jobs will be obsolete thanks to rapid AI advances.

I remember sitting at the dinner table with some friends, and one of them brought along a guest from another province. When I asked what he did for work, he lit up telling me about his company’s new automated lawn maintenance machines.

He was proud of how these robots could be programmed to mow yards without anyone needing to do the work—like a Roomba for your grass. But when I asked him how many

jobs that would take away, the excitement faded.

As entrepreneurs, we tend to focus on the hype and opportunity, and I get it. He was selling the future, but didn’t fully realize the damage it could do to the landscaping industry.

It’s not just him—we’re all guilty of it now. From Facebook to Google, AI is everywhere, integrated into everything we use daily. We love how these tools like ChatGPT make us look smarter, faster, and more polished.

But rarely do we stop and think about what it means for the billions of people on the planet who are now feeding this AI world—growing it, teaching it, and in a way, creating our own demise.

John Dutton from the popular TV show Yellowstone had an iconic speech when he announced he was running for Governor of Montana. He said: “You don’t see it on your way to work in the fields or on the mountain, but there’s a war being waged against our way of life. They’ll tell you all the reasons why our way of life is bad for Montana, bad for this country, bad for our future, how it’s immoral that you live here, work here, grow your food here. They will tell it so much that you might even start to believe it yourself, question what you do and who you are. They’ll tell you that the land’s only hope is for them to be its steward. The ugly truth is they want the land, and if they get it, it will never look like our

land again. That is progress in today’s terms.

So if it’s progress you seek, do not vote for me. I am the opposite of progress. I’m the wall it bashes against, and I will not be the one it breaks.”

That is powerful. Much of what he said is very true. Now, I know he is referring to wealthy corporations wanting the land in Montana, but is it really all that different here?

We need to take our heads out of our cell phones and step back from all the latest tech and AI conveniences. We must realize that our way of life is being threatened in many ways.

The focus needs to be on relationships— whether personal or professional.

Now, I know many will read this and ask, “This is supposed to be about business and success.” But it is. Fundamental core values in business are eroding fast as we become more and more automated. We go to Walmart and check ourselves out. At McDonald’s, we type our own orders in. We’re becoming a faceless society, and that will damage business as a whole. People need people. How many times have you stood in a lineup, frustrated with the computer? Who are you really talking to?

That said, these tools can be exactly what they’re meant to be—tools. They can help us succeed and make our businesses stronger. But to do that, we have to build a solid foundation first. We must fight to stay humble and human, resisting the idea that AI will do all the work for us. Humans crave con-

venience—that’s why drive-thrus took off, and why the microwave and dishwasher were game-changers. But these new conveniences could hurt society if we let them take over completely. We need balance. We have to stay true to who we are and hold tight to our core beliefs. Because if we don’t keep AI in check, who knows—maybe we’ll all end up like John Connor from The Terminator, fighting off the AI robots.

In business, the smart move is to always think 2, 5, and 10 years ahead. How will the products we sell or the tools we use fit with our long-term goals? Will they help us grow or quietly chip away at the very professions we rely on?

Honestly, I feel for the next generation. My daughter is already starting to see this. She’s not sure what a future career even looks like anymore. Imagine being ready for college or university but feeling no excitement because the possibilities seem so uncertain, so bleak.

The reality is, thriving in this AI-driven world won’t be as simple as just “adapting” or “embracing technology.” We have to be cautious about what we give up in the process. Our creativity, critical thinking, and human connections are the real strengths worth protecting—not just another skill to be “upgraded.” The future won’t belong to those who blindly follow the hype, but to those who stay grounded, question the narrative, and fight to keep their humanity intact.

Sometimes, we have to let people do what’s best for them SYDNEE WALCOTT sydnee@carib101.com

VARIETY CORNER

While the majority will opt for conventional healthcare treatments, others prefer a more natural approach, and that’s perfectly fine.

In 2020, renowned former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis revealed she had been battling breast cancer for more than two years. By the time the cancer was detected, it had already reached an advanced stage. When Lewis an-

nounced her cancer diagnosis, she shared that she would resort to holistic methods like juicing, herbal remedies and detox regimens instead of taking conventional treatments.

She also shared how she refused mammograms for years due to concerns she had about the low-dose radiation associated with the test.

On June 11th, 2025, Lewis passed away from breast cancer at the age of 52. Not that long after her passing, doctors and nurses have come out to voice their disapproval of Lewis supporting natural treatment methods for cancer over conventional techniques.

Doctors and nurses have taken to social media to share how they feel about Lewis’s opinions towards the pharmaceutical industry and how she preferred a more natural approach to cancer treatment over a pharmaceutical approach. Many of them blamed the holistic treatment method Lewis opted

for as the cause of death, which is ignorant.

There are cancer patients who have opted to have surgery and chemotherapy, and while some have fortunately survived and beaten cancer, others who have done the aforementioned still ended up passing away from cancer. This goes to show that just because it worked for one person, it doesn’t mean it will work for another.

Typically, when someone dealing with cancer opts for the use of natural remedies over conventional treatment, it’s not done out of ignorance. They do so over genuine concerns they have about conventional treatments.

I also want to make a note on how people are quick to come out with a negative story about someone after their passing. It’s something that I find distasteful, as that person is no longer able to defend themselves.

It brings me back to when NBA leg-

end Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant and seven others, including the pilot. Just hours after Bryant’s death, people were quick to defame his name regarding the 2003 sexual assault allegations, knowing he was no longer able to defend himself.

This is something that needs to not continue. Lewis is not able to defend herself and cannot continue to explain why she opted not to go the traditional route. Also, Lewis opting to seek alternative treatments is no one’s business but hers. If medical professionals don’t agree with her choices, that’s okay.

However, it was wrong of them to criticize Lewis for wanting to do what was best for her.

This is not an attempt to bash conventional healthcare. I believe people should do what works for them. All they shouldn’t do is force their beliefs onto others.

LIFE

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

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Photo Credit: Instagram @conradculley

Through HER Eyes: The untold story of gun violence’s impact on Black women

BY IKA WASHINGTON COMMUNITY HEALTH

In the sterile language of statistics, gun violence is measured in fatalities, injuries, and crime rates. Behind every headline is a mother who can no longer sleep, a sister who avoids certain streets, a daughter who jumps at sudden sounds. Last month’s Through HER Eyes exhibition at Worth Gallery didn’t just display art, it unveiled the invisible epidemic of trauma that Black women carry long after the news cameras leave.

Hosted by DevelopMe Youth as part of their Young, Black & Resilient program, this four-day showcase centered the experiences rarely captured in public discourse: the emotional, social, and economic devastation that gun violence inflicts on Black women in urban communities.

The weight of invisible grief Research reveals the staggering burden Black mothers bear. In 2016, gun violence became the leading cause of death for Black adolescents in the United States, occurring at rates 3.7 times higher than their white counterparts. Yet, while we count the bodies, we rarely count the bereaved.

Studies show that Black mothers who lose children to gun homicide experience profound social isolation, with grief processes that often leave them feeling abandoned by support systems. The trauma doesn’t end with burial; it transforms their relationship to space itself. Neighbourhoods become minefields of memory, where corner stores and bus stops trigger flashbacks to loss.

“The areas where violent incidents occur often become triggers for trauma,” explains researcher Alisa Shockley, whose work examines how Black women navigate environments marked by violence. Living in these spaces “intensifies the struggle to feel safe, compounding the trauma experienced by victims and co-victims.”

When survival becomes strategy For young Black women, gun violence shapes daily existence in ways that extend far beyond direct victimization. Research documents how Black girls develop “situated survival strategies” restricting their movements, avoiding certain spaces, and maintaining hypervigilance even within their own neighbourhoods.

These aren’t just personal choices, they’re adaptations to structural violence.

The same policies that created hyper-segregated communities through redlining now trap residents in cycles of poverty, disinvestment, and heightened exposure to violence. Black women, particularly mothers, find themselves “rooted” in areas where mobility becomes a luxury they cannot afford.

The economic implications are devastating. Exposure to community gun violence correlates with increased depression and chronic stress among mothers in

disadvantaged urban areas, conditions that affect work capacity, healthcare costs, and family stability across generations.

The power of reclaimed narratives Yet Through HER Eyes wasn’t just about documenting trauma, it was about transformation. The exhibition showcased how Black women refuse to be defined solely by their suffering. Research consistently shows that: social support, positive cognitive appraisal, and faith-based coping can significantly reduce trauma symptoms and foster what psychologists call “posttraumatic growth”.

This aligns with a broader truth often overlooked in policy discussions: Black women have always been at the forefront of anti-violence advocacy. Organizations like Black Lives Matter, Mothers of the Movement, and countless local groups were founded and led by Black mothers who transformed their grief into action. As researcher Arionne Nettles argues, Black mothers are the “real experts” on gun violence, advocating for policy change, organizing community responses, and supporting other grieving families.

Beyond individual healing What makes DevelopMe Youth’s approach particularly powerful is its recognition that trauma in Black communities isn’t just individual, it’s collective and structural. The organization understands that healing requires more than therapy; it demands spaces where young Black women can reclaim their narratives and envision futures beyond survival.

This perspective challenges dominant approaches to gun violence that focus primarily on punishment and enforcement.

Instead, it suggests that sustainable solutions must address the root conditions: poverty, segregation, and systemic racism that make communities vulnerable to violence in the first place.

A call for visibility Through HER Eyes served as both mirror and manifesto, reflecting experiences too often rendered invisible while demanding recognition for the women who carry their communities through crisis. In Toronto’s increasingly diverse landscape, these stories remind us that gun violence isn’t just about perpetrators and victims; it’s about the mothers who organize vigils, the sisters who raise orphaned children, and the daughters who dream of safer futures.

The exhibition has ended, but its message endures: we cannot address gun violence without centering the women who bear its ongoing cost. Their stories aren’t just art; they’re evidence of both systemic failure and human resilience, demanding not just our attention, but our action.

Until we listen to these voices, our responses to gun violence will remain incomplete, addressing symptoms while ignoring the deeper wounds that fester in silence.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News

REAL ESTATE

PAGE 31

A market in limbo: A realtor’s perspective from the front lines JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

Last week, I sat across the kitchen table from a young couple, Priya and Jaden.

They were hopeful first-time buyers, preapproved back in May, and now wondered, “Should we wait for rates to drop?” I had just read TD economist Maria Solovieva’s comment: “Canada is not strong enough to cheer, not weak enough to cut.” Honestly, that summed things up perfectly, not just for the economy, but for every buyer and seller I’ve met this month.

The Bank of Canada’s decision to hold its overnight rate at 2.75% wasn’t surprising for most economists, but for consumers? It feels more personal. Every rate announcement affects real estate decisions; mortgage payments, home values, and confidence, and right now, it’s a mixed picture.

Buyers stay cautious but keep exploring the market Earlier this year, we saw a short-lived wave of optimism. Buyers slowly re-entered the market, anticipating consistent price reductions throughout the summer. However, that optimism is now fading once again.

Business confidence and consumer sentiment have dropped, according to recent surveys. Even retail sales are beginning to

show signs of fatigue.

Nevertheless, that hesitation remains visible in buyer behaviour. People are shopping but taking longer to make decisions. Offers are again coming with more conditions: financing, inspection, and more extended closing periods. The fear of overpaying in a flat market feels real.

Inflation is the big issue everyone is avoiding As much as we’d all like lower rates, inflation just won’t ease up. The core inflation figures (the ones the Bank of Canada monitors most closely) remain too high, especially in services. That’s why economists like Scotiabank’s Derek Holt say the bank is “still fighting the last inflation fight.”

For buyers, this suggests that mortgage rates are unlikely to fall significantly in the near future. Variable-rate borrowers will stay cautious, and fixed-rate seekers will continue searching for the best short-term deals, banking on future cuts, yet not during this summer.

Sellers are experiencing the shift too I’ve noticed a few listings lately where showings slowed down just days after the Bank’s announcement. Not because the homes weren’t desirable, but because uncertainty creates hesitation. People want to move, but not if they believe the market might drop, or rates could climb again. Others are at their limit. In high-debt provinces like Ontario and B.C., rising mortgage renewals are starting to impact households.

They are spending more on debt and less on everything else, including new homes.

The labour market still seems strong. Canada added 83,000 jobs in June,

which looks promising, until you examine it more closely. Behind those figures, experts like CIBC’s Avery Shenfeld see signs of tiredness. Job growth is slowing in some key sectors, and that also impacts consumer confidence.

So, what implications does this have for real estate?

For me, as a realtor, this indicates one thing: we’re in a “wait and see” market.

If you’re a buyer, don’t wait for perfect timing—focus on what you can afford now, with today’s rate. Waiting for a drop that might not happen could cost you the right home.

If you’re a seller, price your home

wisely and present it well. Buyers are cautious but still making purchases—when the value is clear.

If you’re renewing, speak with a mortgage broker early. Higher payments are a reality for many, and options are available, but you must plan ahead.

Back at the table, Priya and Jaden decided to move forward with a bit more caution, but with clarity. “We might not get the lowest rate,” Jaden said, “But if we find the right house, we’re not waiting around forever.”

With rates staying steady and inflation continuing, real estate decisions now focus on understanding the market rather than timing it.

PAGE 32

FUN

YOUR HOROSCOPE for the week of July 27 – August 2, 2025

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 13, 2025

CROSSWORDS

ACROSS

PUZZLE NO. 137

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: LEO, ARIES, AND SCORPIO

ARIES: Aries, you may feel pulled in different directions. Balance work and personal life to avoid burnout. Stay mindful of career choices—they could shape your future. Opportunities will follow when you stay true to your values.

TAURUS: Taurus, expect growth in your relationships. Connections will deepen, and you’ll feel more open. Watch your finances—careful spending helps secure your future.

GEMINI: This week is about personal growth, Gemini. Step out of your comfort zone. Trust your instincts and pursue lingering projects. It’s a good time to progress.

CANCER: Cancer, home and family matters will take priority. Expect changes at home, but they’ll benefit you. Focus on self-care and recharge.

LEO: Communication will be your strength this week, Leo. You’ll have the chance to speak your mind and be heard. Collaborate and express yourself.

VIRGO: Virgo, focus on health and well-being. Small steps now will lead to long-term results. Be patient with yourself.

LIBRA: Libra, expect a burst of creativity. It’s the perfect time to push projects forward. Let intuition guide you and embrace your passions.

SCORPIO: Scorpio, career matters take center stage. You may be offered a leadership role or new project. Prove your capabilities, but collaborate.

SAGITTARIUS: Travel could be in your future, Sagittarius. Whether short or long-term, you’re craving new experiences. Plan ahead or expand your knowledge.

CAPRICORN: Capricorn, take time for reflection. Assess your goals and ensure they align with your desires. Make changes that improve your well-being.

AQUARIUS: Expect a boost in social energy, Aquarius. Focus on networking and meeting new people. Your communication skills will help form valuable connections.

PISCES: Pisces, take charge of your finances. Focus on budgeting, saving, or making important decisions. Plan ahead, and ask for advice.

PUZZLE NO. 847

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.

1. Garbed 5. Cast a fly 9. Luxurious resort 12. Frilly 13. Throbbing pain 14. Here and ____ 15. Baking compartment 16. Relic 18. Word from a crib 19. Make a misstep 20. Grew older 21. Hog heaven?

23. Swampy place 25. Hamburger extra 28. Fine points 32. Tire filler 33. Fang 35. Cauldron 36. Escaping 38. Foe 40. Nixon’s gesture 41. Twisted, as a grin 42. Knowing words: 2 wds.

45. Mao ____-tung 47. Allow to borrow

51. Landscapes 53. Skunk feature 54. Peg 55. Give off 56. Baseball team 57. Eithers’ mates 58. Agents 59. Put away

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Dolt Volcanic flow Did well on Hard-working person Simulated Cake froster Frozen dessert 8. In the know 9. Unexpected problem 10. ____ fun at 11. Dazzled 17. Heroic narrative 22. Free from restraint 24. Alternate 25. Blockhead 26. Zero 27. Great anger

28. Pug 29. “____ Got Sixpence” 30. Robber’s run 31. Pig’s abode 34. Former: hyph.

37. Always 39. Hose 41. Compass points 42. “Leave ____ Beaver”: 2 wds.

43. Oracle 44. “____ Tu” 46. Cut 48. Work on copy 49. Taboo: hyph.

50. Doodled 52. Of flying: pref.

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