“According to a recent Stats Canada report, 5.8 million people in the provinces face food insecurities, and approximately 1.2 million use food banks. Over 60% of households relying on social assistance, face food insecurities... ”
The singer full of aspirations Hope Sheree
As a kid, Hope Sheree was always singing and was in choir all throughout elementary, middle and high school. Until the seventh grade, Sheree thought everyone could sing. Although realizing that’s not the case for everyone, singing is something that has always been in her, something she always wanted to do and a gift she credits God for providing her with.
“It’s just something that fell upon me,” said Sheree.
The first step she made in making her musical career a reality was by believing that God put something special in her to do. Whenever she puts out a record, or any other material, Sheree said the biggest thing is just knowing and understanding what God has put into one’s spirit to do and make that happen. She also believes in herself, which also influenced her to make that push.
Sheree started off as an R&B singer, but as the new millennium began, she switched to a different musical route and hasn’t looked back since then. She was given a CD featuring gospel artists like: Marvin Sapp and CeCe Winans. It was something about the CD that inspired her to want to know more about God.
Sheree wasn’t raised in the church and didn’t have that background but wanted to know more about the God they were talking about. A friend invited her to revival, and she was saved that day. This marked the beginning for Sheree.
The transition from an R&B singer into a gospel singer was not a simple transition for Sheree. As a singer with a club sound, who started singing gospel in the year 2000, people within the gospel world didn’t want to hear that club sound. It was a really tough transition for Sheree, who only wanted people to understand her heart was for God. She was excited and on fire, because it was new to her and she wanted to write and sing songs for Jesus, but they had an R&B
undertone.
She noted 25 years later how it’s common to hear everyone’s doing gospel. However, Sheree likes to refer to herself as a trailblazer, because she was doing it when it wasn’t accepted. She credits the Pastor Andraé Crouch for taking her under his wing, encouraging her not to change, and even noting that if he had changed and listened to people, he wouldn’t be who he was. Sheree was stuck by that. She incorporates genres like hip hop, R&B and jazz and people love it.
Her most recently released single, Big One (Get Outta My Way), is a song with an impactful message. She credits God for giving her the song. One morning, Sheree woke up and had a thought in her head saying: “Hey, get out of the way.” She then chanted it and pieced it together as a song. She then brought that song to the studio and within a couple of hours, they created music to pair with the lyrics. Everyone liked the end results. There’s a lot of uncertainty going on in the world today. It led to Sheree thinking about a morning with God, explaining to her why her most recent single was given to her. The song is about encouraging people to overcome obstacles that keep on preventing them from being near God to get out the way. The single also has lyrics that touch on not being distracted by what will be seen in the next couple of months, or years because God already did the big one.
Sheree is a motivational speaker and radio host and shows that through her weekly inspirational radio show, A Dose of Hope. The radio show is syndicated in over 80 countries and airs on over 35 outlets such as: Apple Music, Audible and Amazon Music. Sheree uses the show as a tool to spread nothing but positivity. Listeners can hear inspirational music, positive quotes and messages from amazing inspirational guests.
Overall, Sheree said the show
is a source people can go to if they’re tired of the negative news people may typically see on television (or social media), such as gossip, and be in a place that provides coziness and inspiration. That is what A Dose of Hope Radio is.
She’s the host of a cooking show, A Dash of Hope With Friends, on The GoodVue Network. Along with Sheree, viewers can also see other faces like: Mental Health Advocate and bestselling Visionary Cathy Staton, National Epilepsy Advocate and Educator Tanisha Tyler-Graves, and Master Designer and Event Coordinator Latrese B. Carter share: faith, love and friendship as they cook appetizing dishes.
Outside of her musical career, motivational speaking and radio hosting, Sheree is a three-time Amazon best-selling author, with books in the self-help, inspiration and healthcare delivery categories. She is also a blogger, actor, and a member of Pharrell Williams’ twice-nominated NAACP-Image Award nominated Voices of Fire Choir. Her work with Williams led to her appearing on TV shows like: The Jimmy Kimmel Show, The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert and an outstanding performance at the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Sheree is doing a lot of amazing opportunities. She said whatever God would bless to have her do is what she wants to do.
“I want to be in the midst of what he’s doing. And so whatever God calls me to do, that’s where I want to be. Only what you do for God will last,” said Sheree, who wants to continue to fulfil her purpose in the Kingdom of God.
Written by Sydnee Walcott Toronto Caribbean News
Photo Credit: ADOH Marketing, LLC
Artificial
Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, and hospitality in the Caribbean is no exception
Tourism professionals, prepare to be amazed! The AI revolution is poised to transform the Caribbean tourism landscape, ushering in an era of unparalleled guest experiences and operational efficiency. Imagine personalized itineraries crafted in seconds, seamless communication powered by intelligent chatbots, and predictive analytics optimizing resource allocation.
It’s not just about efficiency; AI can also be a powerful tool for preserving and celebrating our region’s vibrant culture, curating authentic experiences and sharing our heritage with the world. At the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, we’re passionate about embracing this digital evolution. We understand the critical role technology plays in shaping the future of tourism, and we’re dedicated to keeping the Caribbean tourism sector at the forefront of AI innovation.
At the most recent Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), industry experts shared insights into how AI is
set to revolutionize the guest experience, streamline operations, and preserve the region’s vibrant culture.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the Caribbean’s leading association representing the interests of national hotel and tourism associations. For more than 60 years, CHTA has been the backbone of the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working with some 1,000 hotel and allied members, and 32 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s future and helping members to grow their businesses.
They have shared the top five trends every hospitality leader should know, and we are here to share these five with you:
High Tech Meets High Touch
AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them. By automating repetitive tasks, AI frees up staff to focus on delivering personalized, authentic guest experiences. Adam Mogelonsky, a CHIEF panelist and Partner at Hotel Mogel Consulting Limited, emphasized, “Hospitality is fundamentally a people-to-people industry. AI should liberate teams to enhance human connections with guests.” This approach ensures that while technology streamlines operations, the heart of hospitality—genuine, meaningful interactions—remains at the forefront.
Data Integration Will Unlock New Revenue Streams
Despite having access to vast amounts
of guest data, many hotels struggle with siloed systems that limit its potential. Experts predict that 2025 will be the year of seamless data integration, made possible by advanced APIs and middleware. With real-time analytics and machine learning, hotels can unlock actionable insights to enhance the guest journey and drive revenue.
Cost-Effective AI Solutions Are Within Reach
For businesses with limited budgets, AIpowered chatbots offer a practical starting point. These virtual assistants operate 24/7, handle multiple languages, and address both guest and employee needs. Christus Gill, Information Technology Manager at Zoëtry®️ Marigot Bay St. Lucia and CHIEF panelist, noted, “AI chatbots are an affordable, efficient way to enhance productivity and guest satisfaction, allowing staff to focus on higher-value interactions.”
Beyond chatbots, hotels can start integrating accessible AI tools to address specific needs. These innovations provide a roadmap for hotels to implement AI solutions that immediately drive results and improve operations.
Cybersecurity Must Evolve with
AI
As AI evolves, so do cyber threats. The hospitality industry’s reliance on sensitive guest data including names, addresses, passport details, and credit card information—makes it a prime target for hackers. High staff turnover further amplifies the
risks, as new employees often gain access to critical systems before receiving adequate cybersecurity training.
Many hotels focus heavily on hardware and software security solutions but neglect the critical role of employee education.
By prioritizing ongoing training for all staff, hotels can: better safeguard sensitive guest data, mitigate the risks of human error, and create a culture of security that adapts to the latest threats.
Preserving Caribbean Culture
Through AI
AI can play a transformative role in showcasing and preserving the Caribbean’s rich heritage. From traditional recipes and local folklore to iconic lyrics, AI-powered platforms can bring the region’s cultural treasures to life for both guests and younger generations.
Staying ahead in AI requires continuous learning. For those looking to explore best-in-class AI-powered solutions, Hotel Tech Report offers comprehensive reviews and resources on top AI technology providers, helping hotels select the right tools to enhance guest experiences.
As the Caribbean hospitality industry embraces these trends, AI is poised to redefine the guest experience while honouring the region’s unique identity. By staying ahead of these innovations, hospitality leaders can position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving landscape.
With everything happening around us—politically, socially, and economically—it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions. We see headlines that spark outrage, policies that frustrate us, and conversations that seem to pull people further apart rather than bring them together. In times like these, emotions can run high, and without realizing it, we can lose sight of something far more important: each other.
It’s natural to feel passionate about the issues that affect us. Our communities are deeply connected to the changes in policies, the rise in living costs, and the discussions that shape our future. But in the heat of it all, we sometimes forget to listen. We forget that beyond differing opinions are real people—neighbours, friends, and family—who may see things from a different perspective. And that’s okay. Understanding doesn’t mean agreement; it means respect.
We cannot allow temporary politics to create permanent damage in our relationships. Tariffs, policies, and political figures will come and go, but the bonds we share should not be so easily broken. Our strength has always been in our unity, in the way we support one another through struggles, in how we celebrate together, and in the resilience that has defined our community for generations.
We have to remember that no political party, no governing body, and no media narrative should have the power to divide us. The strength of our community has always come from our ability to come together, to stand up for one another, and to push forward despite any obstacles in our way. That unity is something that
cannot be legislated or dictated from the outside—it comes from within us. It comes from our values, from our shared experiences, and from our understanding that, no matter what, we are in this together.
Let’s not lose sight of what truly matters. The division we see so often in the media and in politics is intentional. It thrives when people are at odds, when communities are fractured, and when we forget that, at the core, we all want a better future. When we stop seeing each other as adversaries and start recognizing our shared struggles and aspirations, we regain control of the narrative. When we look beyond the noise and focus on the issues that truly affect us—our families, our businesses, our future— we begin to see things with more clarity and less hostility.
Instead of letting the outside world dictate how we feel about one another, let’s take a step back. Let’s focus on real conversations, on meaningful connections, and on lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down. Growth, change, and progress start with us—not with the news, not with politicians, but with the way we choose to treat each other every single day. It starts with showing kindness to a stranger, with supporting a neighbour in need, with teaching the next generation that understanding and compassion are strengths, not weaknesses.
This is a time for compassion, for understanding, and for unity. Let’s not give in to division. Let’s rise above it, together. Because in the end, the only way forward is forward—together.
Toronto, thank you for showing the world what it means to be DOPE! Popping up with Jane Dope
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Toronto, you showed up and showed out! The Jane Dope Women Empowered weekend, and especially the March 9th pop-up at 456 Ossington, was an absolute explosion of: style, community, and high-vibe energy. As a proud fashion ambassador, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was thrilled to be part of this unforgettable experience, and let me tell you, it lived up to every ounce of the hype!
Stepping into the pop-up was like walk-
ing into a celebration of everything bold, beautiful, and unapologetically HER.B. Abi Roach’s vision for Jane Dope is more than just it being a brand; it’s a movement. It’s a call to embrace your authentic self and celebrate your unique style.
I had a chance to be part of the prepop-up photo shoot where I was joined by a group of fiercely fantastic women. We each had a chance to do our fashionista thing, and then when the doors opened to the public, the energy was electric. The crowd was a vibrant mix of fashionistas, beauty enthusiasts, and dope individuals all drawn to the unique blend of style, sustainability, and that undeniable Jane Dope vibe, and let’s talk about the fashion!
It was something to see the stunning collection in person. The “Sesh Sets: Smokey & Zabra” were the epitome of chic comfort, perfect for lounging, or stepping out with confidence. Those “Big Buds HighTop Sneakers?” A must-have for anyone
who wants to make a statement with every step, but the real showstopper? The “Zabra High Neck Long Dress” – the very piece I had the honour of modeling! Those zebra stripes paired with subtle botanical designs. Pure magic. It was a wild, sophisticated statement piece that truly embodied the spirit of Jane Dope.
The pop-up was more than just a fashion showcase. It was a full-on cannabis infused experience, a celebration of female entrepreneurship, and creativity. We were treated to the culinary genius of Reena from High Society Supper Club, whose gourmet bites were an absolute indulgence. Joey from Puff Mama brought the legendary medibles, proving that good vibes and delicious treats go hand-in-hand, and Frankie Smoke Jewelry & Accessories offered stunning, empowering pieces that added that perfect touch of boldness to any look.
What truly sets Jane Dope apart is how Abi Roach has taken cannabis-inspired
fashion to a whole new level. There is no one doing it quite like her in the cannabis industry, and she is determined to make a powerful statement.
The Women Empowered weekend was a powerful reminder of the strength and creativity of women. Jane Dope has created a space where we can come together, celebrate our unique styles, and empower each other to shine. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was honoured to be a part of this incredible event, and we can’t wait to see what Jane Dope does next! If you missed the pop-up, don’t worry! You can still experience the magic of Jane Dope by exploring their online store at www.janedope.beauty. Get ready to elevate your beauty game and embrace your inner Jane!
Toronto, thank you for showing the world what it means to be dope. We’re already counting down the days until the next Jane Dope event!
Peel United Cultural Partners celebrate Black resistance: We have a future to build
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
It was a great turnout of community officials, civic leaders, dignitaries and individuals at the 24th Annual Black History Month Concert. It was held on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at Century Gardens Recreation Centre. It was hosted by Peel United Cultural Partners, which involved a partnership between the Congress of Black WomenBrampton Chapter and the United Achievers’ Club of Brampton.
The CBWC’s was founded in 1989 to provide a forum for Black women to identify and address issues which affect them, their families and their community. The UAC aims and objectives are to raise the profile and consciousness of Black and Caribbean. The press release issued on February 18th, 2025, described what the concert featured, “Entertainment in music, singing, spoken word, dancing, drumming, steelpan and the announcement and recognition of selected winners of the BHM Writing Contest.”
There was a message from Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton in the program. He states, “As we gather to celebrate Black
History Month, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing the ongoing fight for equality and justice. This year’s theme at the City of Brampton focuses on our youth - their resilience, strength, and boundless potential. Our young people are the future, and their courage, determination, and hope will continue to shape the path toward a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Charles Matthew of CMJ Entertainment emceed the concert. The event opened with a welcome address by Marva Hemmings and Pat Challenger Brade, which was followed by the national anthem sung by Naomi McDonald. There was an inspiring, empowering and exciting musical performance by J. Nichole Noel. This was followed by: a dance performance by the Children Youth Dance Toronto, BePraize, Young Legends of Pan, Ngoma Ensemble and Racheal Ankunda. Nievel A. Regis and Alecia Griffiths were responsible for the Caribbean Marketplace that featured diverse vendors.
The community award was given to Clovalyn Wilson. She is well known in the Malton area with many years of volunteer experience with various organizations. She became President of Malton Black Development Association (MBDA) in 2019. Wilson mentioned the positive impact her grandparents had on her and relatives. She grew up in Bamboo Ridge, which is located in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica. She mentioned, “They were always involved in community work, so it became a natural thing for me. This work of community is for me
giving back and trying to ensure that everybody is well, and they know that they have backing behind them.”
The creative writing award was presented by Moreen Chandler Guishard to Jaheem Christie. In his essay, Christie writes about how racism can be compared to bullying. He writes, “Racism, like bullying, stems from: ignorance, fear and prejudice passed down through generations. Bullying has existed for centuries as a power struggle where the strong dominate the weak.”
The guest speaker for the BHM concert was David Mitchell. He was a dedicated public servant in the Ministry of the Solicitor General where he rose from a uniformed Correctional Officer to leadership positions such as: Superintendent, Probation, and Parole Manager. He was the founding head of the Ontario Correctional Intelligence Unity. He is founding member and Past President of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E) where he served for ten years. He is known for demonstrating innovative leadership throughout his career while working on youth and community issues. Since his retirement from public life, he has served as the Senior Director for the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education (YAACE) in Toronto.
In his speech, Mitchell mentioned important qualities/characteristics that individuals possessed that enabled them to rise above hurdles. One of the most important is “courage,” which is standing up for what is right when the odds are against us/ you. Other attributes are:
• Resistance
• Bold defiance
• Timeless advocacy
• Steadfastness
Mitchell mentioned several well-known historical figures who demonstrated the aforementioned characteristics and highlighted that “Collective courage and resistance are needed to attain the goals of equality and equity for our race.”
He mentioned the role of Peel District School Board (PDSB) Trustee Kathy McDonald and asked that she stand up so as to be acknowledged. Important community members acknowledged that night included:
Nicolas Marcus Thompson: TrinidadianCanadian human rights advocate and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Black Class Action Secretariat (, BCAS).
Charline Grant: Co-Founder of advocacy group, Parents of Black Children (PoBC), which works to identify and address systems of oppression that affect Black children in the education system
Devon Jones: Toronto District School Board Teacher and Founder Director of YAAACE
The 24th annual Black History Concert was definitely an unforgettable experience for all those who attended it.
Destination Markham proudly announces the return of the wildly popular Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest for its third year, and this year the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to be part of all that Jazz!
Building on the success of the sold-out 2023 and 2024 editions, this year’s series held true to their promise of more memorable evenings celebrating the vibrant culinary and musical culture of the City of Markham. Six events were planned from late January to March 2025, and whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, or simply love good food and great company, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is your perfect escape from the ordinary. I only had to venture just north of Toronto’s downtown core to discover why Markham is rapidly becoming one of the GTA’s premier culinary and cultural desti-
BY ADRIAN REECE
TORONTO CARIBBEAN REPORTER
Education historically has put forth the idea of free thinking and innovation. The things we were allowed to teach and to learn were widespread and covered a huge range of topics. Compulsory education and elective education was a lot more versatile previously. Over the last few years, the systems that govern what we learn have tightened the reins on what information is given in the school system. Is there a reason for this?
Conspiracy theorists would allude to their being an agenda of indoctrination among the parties that seek to shape young minds in the images of what benefits the current society.
Book banning is one of the ways that systems limit knowledge in society. Canada in particular has two notable times they banned books. In 1997 the Surrey School District in British Columbia banned three children’s books from being used in schools, and as late as 2024, Waterloo Catholic School District re -
nations.
“Markham’s Jazzlicious WinterFest welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience Markham’s unique dining scene, while listening to world-class musicians,” says the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is investing in unique experiences that showcase all that southern Ontario has to offer, driving tourism and strengthening local economies.”
Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is produced by Destination Markham Corporation in collaboration with the Markham Jazz Festival, and in partnership with Cosmo Music, Flato Markham Theatre, JAZZ.FM91 radio and, with funding provided by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Experience Ontario and Central Counties Tourism.
“We’re thrilled to see Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continue to grow,” says Andrew Baldwin, Executive Director, Destination Markham Corporation. “This festival represents everything that makes Markham unique – the intersection of
moved four books from their schools.
Different provinces have instituted their own versions of education restrictions. Vancouver has restricted access to a digital archive of diverse books, film and art while London, Ontario has banned the teaching of the award-winning novel “The Book of Negroes.” Education is slowly becoming less freeing and liberating and more confining and restricting. The opposite of what knowledge is intended for. When people are subjected to limited information they are limited in their decisions and ultimately their capabilities.
Today there are certain titles that are taught at the discretion of the educator, particular examples are “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. These two titles aren’t taught as openly due to criticism regarding the content of the books themselves. Concerns of themes in these books have put these writings in the grey area of what should be taught.
The grey area of books is a slip -
culinary excellence and cultural richness. We are proud to create a platform that draws visitors and spotlights Markham as a premier destination for unforgettable experiences.”
The 2025 edition of the Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest featured six musical and culinary pairings at signature venues across the city. Guests were treated to a night of delicious meals prepared by some of Markham’s top chefs and live jazz performances by some of Canada’s brightest stars.
As I was looking through the series, I saw a familiar name. I noted under Series 5: March 4th-8th, three-time JUNO Award nominee Jay Douglas All Star Band would be playing at Rouge River Brewing Company.
Watching Jay Douglas take the stage at the Markham Jazz Festival was an absolute thrill. His energy was infectious, and he had the entire audience captivated from the moment he stepped into the spotlight. You could just feel the warmth and charisma radiating from him. It was clear he knows how to connect with a crowd, and I couldn’t help but think those cruise ship days definitely honed his dynamic stage presence.
It was truly a moment of pride to see someone from our community
pery slope. With proper guidance the controversial ideas that exist within certain books create an open mind and encourage the exploration of new thoughts and conceptions. Some people may fall under the idea that these concepts can drive people to repeat the negative aspects that exist in these books. History has shown us that that is quite the opposite.
The infamous quote “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it,” is ever prevalent when considering stopping people from learning certain things. Books and historic information need to be presented in order to shape young minds. With the guidance of a careful educator the youth learn the consequences of actions both positive and negative and are more likely to stay away from certain paths that already have set end points within the history of those who have come before us.
In streamlining education to be “safer” we are actually creating a more dangerous atmosphere and opportunity for children to grow into adults who re -
shine so brightly. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was there to represent, and we were overjoyed to support such a talented artist. Jay Douglas delivered a performance that was both powerful and heartfelt, reminding us of the rich culture that makes our community so special. Rouge River Brewing Company took the experience to another level with their innovative beer and food pairing. As someone who isn’t typically a stout enthusiast, I was blown away by how perfectly they matched their robust brews with their artisanal pizzas. Brewery Owner and Head Brewer Jordan Mills, along with Pizza Chef Jezza, crafted culinary delights that were simply irresistible. The pairing was a revelation.
From the electrifying performance of Jay Douglas to the mouthwatering creations of Rouge River Brewing, this event was a celebration of talent, community, and the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean. It’s truly amazing how you can find a little piece of the Caribbean in every corner of this city. The Markham Jazz Festival, coupled with Rouge River Brewing’s offerings, was a testament to the diverse and thriving cultural scene we’re fortunate to have. I left feeling energized, inspired, and completely satisfied. What an incredible night!
peat the mistakes and errors of the past. Nothing in this world is brand new, and many things are repeated simply through the lens of ignorance.
While the Canadian government doesn’t have a set policy on the banning of certain streams of knowledge, in not making all streams open for consumption, they are in the aspect of inaction allowing their citizens to be limited in their facts, and their self-awareness.
Truth exists in the annals of history and the horrors of past events, but the beauty of knowledge exists in the acquisition of knowledge and the truth that allows people to make more informed decisions and do better than their predecessors. The good far outweighs the “bad” in the case of acquiring controversial knowledge. It is the responsibility of the educators to guide youth through controversial topics, understanding the consequences of their actions and ensuring they are given the opportunity to understand where certain choices may lead and where their decisions can take them.
The Canadian backlash against Trump’s Tariffs:
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The recent threats of 25% tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump have struck a nerve with Canadians. A new Ipsos poll for Global News found that 68% of Canadians now view the United States in a more negative light, with nearly half of respondents—46%—strongly holding this perception.
Beyond a shift in sentiment, Trump’s threats have ignited a powerful economic and political response within Canada. The emergence of a “Buy Canadian” movement underscores a broader trend: two-thirds of Canadians plan to avoid purchasing U.S.-made goods, and nearly half (45%) are choosing to bypass travel to the U.S. altogether. The resentment appears particularly pronounced among older Canadians—those aged 55 and above—who have witnessed decades of cooperative bilateral relations now seemingly unraveling under Trump’s leadership.
The economic concerns are also deeply personal. Nearly 60% of Canadians believe that their financial stability is at risk due to the proposed tariffs, further amplifying fears about Canada’s future economic independence. However, in our rush to condemn Trump, we may be overlooking a deeper, more insidious issue.
Trump’s aggressive stance toward Canada is undeniable, but the media’s framing of the situation cannot be ignored. News outlets thrive on polarization stoking outrage to keep audiences
Are we missing
the bigger picture?
engaged. While Trump’s rhetoric and policy decisions are certainly troubling, we must ask ourselves: Are we being presented with the full picture? Have our own leaders done enough to mitigate the crisis that we are facing as a country, or are they also complicit in policies that have left Canada economically vulnerable?
The reality is that Canada has long been economically intertwined with the United States. Our dependence on American markets and trade agreements places us in a precarious position when relations sour. But should our anger be solely directed at Trump? Or should we also be questioning our own government about other things…
That’s right! We are not always getting the full report on the state of our nation. Instead of allowing emotions to dictate our responses, we must demand transparency from our country’s leader. This includes scrutinizing not just Trump’s policies, but also the actions—or inactions—of Canadian leadership.
According to a recent Stats Canada report, 5.8 million people in the provinces face food insecurities, and approximately 1.2 million use food banks. Over 60% of households relying on social assistance, face food insecurities. Over half of all the food-insecure households in Canada are working folks.
One in five children living in the provinces lives in food-insecure households, and over 30% of Indigenous households are living in food insecurity. It is important to note that these numbers are not an accurate representation of the real status of food insecurity in Canada as the data only includes the ten provinces.
These numbers do not include people who live in the territories, people living on First Nation reserves, or homeless people. However, these groups are at the highest risk of food insecurity in Canada. Yes, you heard me right, in Canada.
The average Canadian can hardly afford rent, and mortgages are out of reach for such a person. An Ipsos poll conducted just over a year ago supported this shameful fact. “Instead of the dream of homeownership, it is turning into a nightmare for an entire generation of Canadians,” the words of Sean Simpson, Ipsos’ vice-president of public affairs. The Ipsos poll, which surveyed 1,500 adults, found 71% of respondents live in communities where housing crises are prevalent.
This country is under rapid inflation as we speak, and many people are facing homelessness including senior citizens, yet Canada’s government has somehow found millions to spend on things in countries around the world, even though most of its citizens wallow in abject poverty at home.
Today, we want to report on this misuse of Canadian tax dollars, a topic that is largely ignored in the news. CANADA’S GOVERNMENT HAS SPENT:
• 18.5 million on accessing reproductive health in Mozambique
• 21 million for access to judicial services in Haiti
• 12 million for access to health funds in Myanmar
• 15 million for access to health rights in Burkina Faso
• 10 million for the elimination of gender-based violence in Benin
• 18 million for accelerating business growth in East Africa
• 7.2 million for a gender-responsive system approach to health care in the Philippines
• 5 million for advancing gender, resilience, equality, and inclusion worldwide
• 8.2 million for advancing gender equality and women empowerment in Africa
According to patriotism resurgence,
Global Affairs Canada has scrubbed its website of the above information, but with technology being the way it is, this was redeemed so that Canadians can be informed.
This is over 115 million dollars in Canadian taxpayer’s money. Money that was spent on things if investigated, will prove that the majority of Canadians were not consulted on and certainly did not approve of.
Let us think for a moment about what this kind of money can do for poor Canadian families, homeless, and elderly people who are barely getting by, and while we are at it, ask ourselves why is this government doing this? How come we as Canadians are forced to face hardship while the government uses our money on other nations’ affairs?
Canada’s health care system is in a sorry state. Canadians are forced to wait for months if not years for some simple medical treatments. Some patients who are seriously ill are dying as a result of being unable to access timely health attention in this country. Meanwhile, this government is busy playing saviour to other nations.
What’s more insulting is that this information is being scrubbed from public view, why? Because the government knows that what they are doing is simply wrong. As Canadians this needs to be confronted.
Yes, the current political environment is frustrating, and your frustration is justified, but it is critical to ensure that our outrage is rooted in informed analysis rather than media-driven hysteria. The Canadian public deserves the full truth— not just a version designed to provoke anger. As we navigate these economic uncertainties, we must hold Canadian leaders accountable, ensuring that our nation remains resilient in the face of geopolitical turbulence.
Carnival Catwalk; Where carnival and fashion come together
the idea to create a show that connects with an international audience, and also teaches and exposes them to what carnival is truly like.
sydnee@carib101.com TC
When most think about carnival, they think about the beautiful colourful costumes masqueraders wear as they jump up on the road to the sounds of Soca and calypso music. However, there’s more to carnival than the aforementioned, and a new reality competition series, Carnival Catwalk, highlights that.
Jerome “Rome” Precilla, one of the show’s hosts and producers, was on the VH1’s reality television show, Girls Cruise, with rapper Lil Kim, singers Maya and Chili, Vena E., and B. Simone. When the girls arrived in Trinidad and Tobago for carnival and enjoyed the experience, Precilla realized people outside of the Caribbean diaspora also enjoyed carnival. This led to Precilla coming up with
The thought of also adding fashion to the mix also came to Precilla’s mind when he thought about Anya Ayoung-Chee, a Trinidadian fashion designer, host and model who won the ninth season of Project Runway. Precilla noted that both carnival and fashion go hand in hand because of the type of clothes people wear to fetes and the costumes masqueraders wear on the road during the parade. This is how Precilla came up with the concept of Carnival Catwalk, where fashion meets carnival.
The main plot of the show involves 10 contestants from all over the world coming to Trinidad and Tobago to experience carnival and use the experience as inspiration to create fashion design wear. Every week, the contestants partake in challenges inspired by a different element of carnival, such as J’ouvert and the steel pan, and to understand there’s more to carnival than bikinis with beads and feathers, and dancing on the
road.
“Carnival is a lot more than that and there’s a great history behind the carnival itself,” said Precilla.
Along with showcasing carnival, the contestants are also shown the rich culture of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. They were shown wedding attire for the different types of weddings held in Trinidad and Tobago, resort wear and frontline costumes as well to help inspire the contestants for their creations.
Six of the 10 contestants were from outside of the Caribbean. They came from countries like: England, Germany, the United States, Taiwan, Benin and India. As they progressed, they learned more about the culture and were able to create designs that were synonymous with Caribbean culture.
The show has given the contestants the opportunity to learn techniques they wouldn’t have learned elsewhere. Wire bending, which is typically not used in an average fashion piece but is something a lot of mass creators use to make the beautiful feather backpacks seen on the road. The contestants learned how
to place the sequence and feathers on the costumes and how to blend certain colours to bring out the vibrancy in their high-fashion designs.
The show also provided a contestant with a new technique. One of the contestants was a designer who didn’t know how to sew. The show gave her the opportunity to learn how to sew by sending her to the MIC program, a government-funded program.
The winner of the competition will receive a $100,000 cash prize along with a showcase in Milan Fashion Week. For those who don’t win, they will receive exposure they did not get from before, especially in the carnival space, just like the winner.
Most of the mas bands from the Caribbean region and across the world have been reaching out to the contestants to start designing carnival costumes for their carnivals. So, expect to see their costumes in: London’s Notting Hill Carnival, Greneda’s Spicemas, Barbados’ Kadooment Day and Toronto’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
Let’s keep this momentum going and make buying local a lasting habit
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It is unfortunate that it has taken political unrest to push Canadians toward prioritizing local businesses, but despite the circumstances, it is encouraging to see this shift finally happening. The recent surge in Buy Local initiatives, particularly in response to U.S. tariff discussions, has created a renewed focus on supporting homegrown industries. With spring just around the corner, there is no better time to explore the richness that Ontario has to offer.
In light of this growing movement, The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was recently contacted by The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) regarding an exciting initiative aimed at encouraging Ontarians to shop local. This effort seeks to strengthen our economy, empower small businesses, and highlight the incredible products available right in our own backyard.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province and serving as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph,
the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more.
A public awareness initiative of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Home Grown’s objective is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving Ontario farmland, as well as recognizing the key role of Ontario farms as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers. They are also helping to develop a workable plan to guide responsible development in Ontario that will ensure growth to provide housing and support local tax bases in a way that does not encroach on farmland.
“Fresh, local food is a fundamental part of a healthy diet and as farmers, we are proud to grow and raise more than 200 different commodities that provide food for Ontarians,” says Drew Spoelstra, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “By eating local, you are supporting farms, jobs and rural communities across our province, as well as lowering the carbon footprint of our food and helping to preserve our valuable farmland.”
Despite it being the middle of winter, in grocery stores, at farmers’ markets and even at the farmgate, Ontariogrown and raised food is relatively easy to find, in the winter and all year long. Even during the cold winter months when most Ontario farms are dormant for the season, there are local food options in your neighbourhood grocery store or independent retailer (local foods are typically found
in the outside aisles of the store) or local farmers’ market. Let’s take a glimpse at the treasure trove of goodness that we have surrounding us:
Field and orchard-grown fruit and vegetables
It may be winter, but some Ontario crops grown and harvested in summer and fall are available at this time of year as well. Be on the lookout for Ontario: apples, carrots, cabbage, potatoes and root vegetables at your local grocer.
Meat and poultry
Ontario meat and poultry is always in season. Head to a local butcher shop or the meat section of your grocery store for fresh Ontario-raised meat and poultry and check the labels on processed meats for an Ontario designation to make a local choice.
Indoor grown produce
Canadian winters can be horribly miserable, but Ontario has a strong greenhouse industry and a growing controlled-climate vertical farming sector. Fresh and delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries are Ontario’s leading greenhouse crops, and vertical farms are producing Ontario-grown leafy greens, microgreens and baby greens that are on store shelves right now.
Dairy
Milk, cheese, cream, butter, yogurt, ice cream are all made with milk from Ontario farms and are available year-round.
Frozen foods
Many Ontario vegetables harvested in season are flash frozen, preserving their nutrients and keeping them available over the winter. Check the packaging for the product’s origin and choose Ontario. Beer, cider, wine and spirits
Ontario craft producers of adult beverages use local ingredients. Craft brewers’ source local hops and cideries from Ontario orchards. The Ontario VQA medallion is an assurance that the wine in the bottle is made entirely from Ontario-grown grapes. The grains in craft spirits come from Ontario farms; in fact, for any Canadian whisky to be considered a Canadian whisky, the grains used must come from a Canadian farm.
Supporting local businesses isn’t just a trend—it’s a commitment to strengthening our communities, boosting our economy, and preserving the unique flavors and craftsmanship that make Ontario special. As we move into spring and beyond, let’s make a conscious effort to support our local farmers, artisans, and businesses—not just in moments of political uncertainty, but year-round. Every purchase is a vote for a thriving Ontario. So, whether it’s fresh produce from a nearby farm, handmade goods from a local market, or services provided by small business owners, let’s keep this momentum going and make buying local a lasting habit. Learn more and sign up for regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario at homegrownofa.ca.
Invitation to the Tallawah: Youth Leadership Conference
Only a few weeks left before the Tallawah Youth Conference on March 28, 2025 from 9 am to 6 pm. This youth event was inspired by our community to provide space for our young people to build and cultivate empowering relationships with each other.
The conference aims to provide and create opportunities for youth to engage in skills for personal growth, cultivate community action, engage in leadership to foster confidence, as well as create a safe space for their strengths to be utilized within the activities of the conference. For our younger youth, the conference aims to provide them opportunities to develop their leadership, to meet like-minded peers, and to engage in cultural pride. Younger youth have the opportunity to learn cultural activities from beading, potting, and creative expression. Older youth, the conference aims to connect them with community organizations, professional mentors, opportunities to connect with other youth, and cultivate professional skills.
Purpose
The conference aims to inspire and empower Durham youth to engage in meaningful discussions that are relevant to their lives and communities. These conversations will be led by the youth themselves, as well as by influential voices, including community leaders and keynote speakers. In light of the uncertainties surrounding the future of young people, we intend to use this event as a platform to address the challenges they face daily—such as identity exploration, mental health struggles, addiction, financial pressures, and ongoing conflicts within communities. Led by youth, Ifarada: Center for Excellence and Kujipenda Cultural Center have partnered to organize the Tallawah Youth Conference, a Youth Leadership & Empowerment event. The conference will feature keynote addresses, cultural performances, breakout sessions, presentations from community organizations, and a youth vendor market.
Special Guests:
We embrace and welcome some of our special guests:
• Domanique Grant, singer, songwriter, keynote speaker and social entrepreneur.
• Tara Lord, Toronto-based hip-hop artist blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. I
• Lincoln Alexander Estridge, entrepreneur.
• Lamoi, the Wild Woman, spoken word artist, live performance curator.
• Tanika Insight, Speaker, Trainer, Host, Artist, Event Curator.
• And more….
Details
• Date: March 28, 2025.
• Location: Ajax Audley Community Centre, located on: 1955 Audley Road, Ajax, ON L1Z 0L2.
• Target Audience: We are interested in opening up the space for youths ages 12-29 [i.e., grade 6 and up], including many youth leaders within schools and youth programs. We open the invitation to youth-led organizations and selfregistered youth.
• Meals will be catered and served to the attendees.
• The event will include break out sessions, keynote presentations, cultural performances, and a youth vendor market. The vendor market will occur from 4pm to 6pm. Participating youth will receive a $20- voucher to purchase items from the vendor market.
We would love to inspire and engage as many youths from your community by attending our conference! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@kujipenda.org here for more information.
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC
“Center for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina Ave, I am here.” It was March 8th, 2025. International Women’s Day. I stepped into the Center for Social Innovation, and immediately, the energy was electric. As I entered the venue. A friendly volunteer greeted me with a bright smile and handed me a gift bag.
“Welcome! Happy International Women’s Day! We’re so glad you could join us.” I smiled, taking the bag. It’s filled with thoughtful goodies – perhaps some skin care products, a handmade soap, a discount voucher from a local business. The gift bag was a lovely touch, a little taste of what was to come, but the real welcome came from Dahlia Fernandes.
“You made it! Welcome! Here, try this!” Dahlia handed me a beautifully garnished mocktail. It’s refreshing and delicious. “Wow, this is amazing! Thank you.”
“We wanted to make sure everyone felt welcome and celebrated. We’ve got a fantastic day planned,” she shared.
I took a sip of the mocktail, looking around. The venue was alive with ac-
tivity. Dahlia was right. The atmosphere was incredible. A female DJ was spinning tunes, a perfect soundtrack to the day. The music was a powerful mix of my favourite music from the 90’s and early 2000’s. I started to wander, and the first thing that struck me was the vendor market. It was a curated selection of BIPOC women entrepreneurs, each with their own unique story and products. The setup was impressive. You could tell how much care, and planning had gone into creating this space, and then, there was the Legacy Builder Mixer Bingo.
Oldowan Co. celebrated the 2025 International Women’s Day with the Legacy Builders Event, a day of inspiration, networking, and empowerment. This event brought together women and women-identifying: leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals in Toronto to reflect on legacy building and the immense power of women in shaping the future.
Building on over a decade of elevating community voices, Oldowan Co. hosted this special celebration at the Center for Social Innovation (192 Spadina Ave, Toronto). The event featured an impactful panel discussion (which I was honoured to sit on), and opportunities for meaningful connections.
The panel discussion titled “Preparing Your Legacy,” was a thought-provoking conversation on building sustainable, impactful futures. I was joined by:
• AJ Kim a trailblazer in mindfulness and global social impact, AJ’s leadership in the well-being sector is reshaping how we build sustainable communities.
• Heather Beamish, a passionate educator and community leader, Heather’s work is rooted in resilience, creativity, and social empowerment.
• Dahlia Fernandes (DAHLIA) | A multitalented artist and marketing strategist, Dahlia’s impact spans the: music industry, film, and business, helping creatives forge their own legacies, and was hosted by the one and only Carol Douse, Founder and Director of Oldowan Co.
“We want to honor the women who have been foundational in preparing legacies—those who know firsthand that legacy is not built alone, and that women’s voices are essential in shaping what comes next,” says Carol “This event is about elevating women’s contributions, and we aim to make this a day of true reflection and possibility.”
I appreciated that all the panelists were given a chance to express ourselves. My favourite question happened to be the icebreaker, which was “If your legacy had a theme song today, what would it be and why?” Each panelist had a chance to answer this, and at the end, the audience also had a chance to share their songs.
Following the panel, the ven-
dor interactions were a highlight of the event. My hunger led me straight to Ofelia Clarke’s bustling station, where the lengthy queue proved justified by the delectable dish, whose name eluded me but whose flavor was unforgettable. A sweet tooth satisfied, I sampled Chrissy’s Cookies and Sumaya Said’s delightful treats. Oldowan Co.’s mini store showcased a stylish jacket set that caught my attention, and I had a chance to tap into my spirituality with a tarot reading by That Wacky Witch, Bahari. Finally, a visit to City Six Cosmetics and a chat with L.A. Miller was a must; her incorporation of Toronto’s essence into her makeup line was genuinely impressive, and I couldn’t resist picking up the 905 lip glow before heading out.
Leaving the Center for Social Innovation, I felt energized and inspired. It was a reminder of the power of women coming together, supporting each other, and building a brighter future. March 8th, 2025, a day I won’t soon forget.
What’s next for Oldowan Co.? Looking ahead, Oldowan Co. is committed to amplifying the voices of women in BIPOC communities, fostering talent, and creating the tools and spaces needed for future leaders to thrive. This International Women’s Day event marked a continuation of their mission to empower BIPOC individuals and women, celebrate resilience, and create lasting legacies.
Embodying Peace: SAPACCY introduces AMANI: Mental Health & Substance Use Services for Black Youth
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The announcement of $4.4 million in funding to AMANI: Mental Health & Substance Use Services for Black Youth (“AMANI”) which was made on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2025, is good news for mental health advocates, health professionals, service sectors and policy makers.
The announcement coincided with Black Mental Health Week, which is celebrated from March 3rd - March 7th. Details about the funding were released in a press release issued on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025.The funding was made possible from Health Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund, and it is part of the $7.1 million that the Ontario government has committed to expand the model to seven community organizations across the province.
The press release reveals that one of the signature programs, the Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian Youth (SAPACCY) has undergone a name change. It states, “More than a name change, this milestone marks the expansion and restructuring of services to better meet the needs of diverse Black
youth across Ontario.” The choice of the word “ AMANI” is unique. It means “ peace,” in Swahili and “ wishes” in Arabic according to the press release. It shows a renewed commitment to supporting young people’s mental health with a focus on Afrocentric values.
The success of SAPACCY (now rebranded as AMANI) has been well documented over the years. CAMH states that “It offers culturally responsive and affirming mental health and substance use support for Black youth, ages 12-25, alongside the families and caregivers.” Furthermore, “Our approach is healing centered, is anti-oppressive and anti-racist and emphasizes strengths.” It was on November 26th, 2021, during COVID-19 that the Ontario government announced that it had invested $2.9 million to enhance and expand SAPACCY. This was part of the $3.8 billion that the province had invested when it launched the Roadmap to Wellness initiatives.
AMANI involves a provincial network of organizations in Ontario with a shared vision of providing programs and services that support and empower Black youth in achieving their goals. This development reflects a creative, innovative, and expansive model that will be involved in developing, implementing and evaluating culturally responsive and affirming models of integrating hospitalbased and community-based and access to evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for Black communities.
Ya-ara Saks, Federal Minister of
Mental Health and Addictions states, “Through the Youth Mental Health Fund, we’re investing in mental health care solutions that will make a difference for generations to come. The name AMANI captures our intent to create hope, resilience and culturally safe care that aligns with the needs of diverse youth.”
Paul Bailey, Executive Director of Black Health Alliance states, “AMANI’s growth builds on a strong legacy and a commitment to providing communitybased mental health and addictions support to Black youth, while equipping young people and their caregivers with the tools to empower themselves.” He notes further, “Building on previous investments from the Government of Ontario, this significant funding from Health Canada will build our established community and hospital-based partnership, and further support AMANI’s: expansion, increasing its reach across Ontario. We are proud to collaborate with the dedicated team at CAMH to advance equity within the mental health and addiction system, ensuring that Black youth and their caregivers have access to the right supports, in the right place, at the right time.”
Kevin Haynes, Senior Director of Black Health Strategy at CAMH states, “I am thrilled that the government is investing in AMANI to address systemic inequities and improve equitable, timely access to culturally responsive mental health and substance use care for Black youth. Our expectation is that this program will set a national example for advancing cul-
turally responsive integrated youth services for Black youth in Ontario.”
Donna Alexander, a social worker with almost 20 years of experience with AMANI is pleased with the new funding. She states, “The expansion of AMANI has been a dream come true for me. Previously, families would travel up to two hours for a 60-minute appointment. Now we are able to deliver more services to underserved youth in a way that refuses barriers and saves lives. I am extremely grateful for the progress we have made, and very excited about the future.”
There are eight organizations that will work alongside AMANI and will continue to provide their mental health and substance use services. They include:
• TAIBU Community Health Centre: Scarborough
• Rexdale Community Health Centre: Rexdale
• Caribbean African Canadian Social Services: North York
• Roots Community Services: Located in Peel Region
• Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support: Ottawa
• Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre: Located in Hamilton
• Windsor Essex Community Health Centre: Windsor
• Centre for Addiction & Mental Health: Toronto
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Welcome back to our Community Highlight Section, where we shine a light on the incredible initiatives and events happening within and around our vibrant community! This week is packed with opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate. We’re thrilled to feature a powerful program designed for Black communities, by Black communities, and encourage all eligible artists to apply for the 2025 Brampton Artist in Residence Program. For those looking to network and support great causes, don’t miss the FDF Annual Golf Tournament and 1st Fridays Toronto - Media Edition. Plus, early birds, you’re in luck! Limited tickets remain for the HEDR EDI Leadership Conference. Finally, we’re proud to recognize Afrifursa’s ongoing dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation between Canada and Africa. Dive into these highlights and discover how you can get involved!
Healing Pathways: A Program Designed for Black Communities, by Black Communities Healing Pathways ensures that Black youth and adults are no longer left behind in Canada’s mental health conversation. This program is designed to:
• Provide nine free therapy sessions with a culturally competent therapist
• Ensure access to Black clinicians who understand racial trauma, discrimination, and identity-based stress
• Offer virtual therapy, allowing participants to receive support from anywhere in Canada
• Create a safe and affirming space for healing—free of judgment and systemic bias
• Invest in long-term change by advocating for Black mental health policy and systemic solutions
How to Access Healing Pathways
Launch Date: March 3, 2025 (Black Mental Health Week)
Location: Virtual, available across Canada
Black Futures, Arts, Golf, Media, Leadership: Toronto’s Vibrant Community Calls!
BWIH encourages media, community organizations, and policymakers to recognize Black Mental Health Week as an opportunity to demand sustained investment in Black mental health services and push for long-term funding solutions.
About the Black Women’s Institute for Health (BWIH)
The Black Women’s Institute for Health (BWIH) is a national organization dedicated to advocating for the health and survival of Black women and girls in Canada. Through research, policy advocacy, and direct service programs, BWIH works to dismantle systemic barriers in healthcare and create equitable access to mental health resources for Black communities.
Applications Now Open for the 2025 Brampton Artist in Residence Program
The Brampton Artist in Residence Program is back for its third consecutive year after two incredibly successful runs. A partnership between the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) and the Brampton Library (BL), this year’s residency offers:
• Funding of $8,000 for local professional artists, collectives, and arts & culture organizations
• Free workspace at Mount Pleasant Branch Library
• An opportunity to undertake a community-focused artist residency from June to September 2025 Program Goals
The residency is designed to:
• Encourage creative community engagement and collaboration
• Build connections between residents, artists, and arts organizations
• Offer free, community-focused public arts programming
Application Process
Deadline: Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Apply Online: bramptonartsorg.ca/opportunities/open-calls
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Artistic merit of the proposed project
• Suitability for the library space and resources
• Community impact and engagement opportunities
• Applicant’s ability to execute the project
• Financial feasibility of the proposal
FDF Annual Golf Tournament
Hello, FDF golfing community! We are thrilled to host our annual fundraising golf tournament again this year at Hidden Lakes. Your yearly support and participation help us raise funds for our sports camps in the Caribbean. Since 2022, John and our North American coaches have delivered camps to four islands, reaching over 400 youth and training 40+ local coaches. We have returned at least twice to 50% of the islands!
Early Bird Registration Closes Soon!
Our early bird email alert went out last week via ZEFFY—a platform for registered charities. If you didn’t see the email, please:
• Check your junk folder
• Mark ZEFFY as “Not Spam”
• Extract their email from your junk folder
Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/enCA/ticketing/fdf-2025-fundraising-tournament-golf-for-hoops-the-wiggins-classic
For any questions, reach out directly! Hope to see you on the green!Tracy Wiggins | Co-Founder, Focused Dreams Forward Foundation647-679-8684focuseddreamsforward.org
1st Fridays Toronto - Media Edition
Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Scotthill Caribbean Restaurant, 1943 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON
Featured Guests
• Emma Ansah – Media Journalist, African Diaspora News Channel
• Kerry Lee Crawford – On-Air Personality & Media Marketer
• Simone Jennifer Smith – AwardWinning Journalist & Founder, Hear 2 Help
• Alain P. Arthur – Founder/CEO, Caribbean Vibrations TV Ltd.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/1st-fridays-toronto-media-editiontickets-1269984781669?aff=FFTO
Limited Early Bird Tickets Left for the
HEDR EDI Leadership Conference
The HEDR EDI Leadership Conference brings together industry leaders for thought-provoking discussions on the theme of “Belonging”. Co-hosted with Community Development Halton and Our Kids Network.
Registration Details
• Early Bird: $40
• Member Rate: $50
• Non-Member Rate: $100
Includes:
• Breakfast, lunch, and two refreshment breaks
• Keynote speakers
• Breakout sessions led by IDEA experts
• Discovery tours exploring local culture and nature
• Networking opportunities
Afrifursa: Connecting Canada and Africa
Since its inception in 2021, Afrifursa has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration and innovation between Canada and Africa. Through flagship events, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, they continue to build strong economic and technological ties.
Key Milestones:
• 2021: Launched the Afrifin Fintech Summit, attracting 400+ participants from 38 countries
• 2022: Expanded to include masterclasses and broader tech innovation discussions
• 2023: Hosted the Afri Future Tech Summit in Toronto, focusing on policy and economic strategy
• 2024: Held its most impactful event to date, featuring Hon. Ahmed Hussen (Canada’s Minister of International Development) and Almaz Negash (CEO, African Diaspora Network)
As Canada develops its Canada-Africa Economic Strategy, Afrifursa continues to champion sustainable investment and innovation.
Stay engaged with your community, explore new opportunities, and make an impact! See you at these exciting events!
The Art of Resilience contest showcases the untapped potential of young talent
There have been many activities, programs and events that celebrated the richness, diversities and histories of the Black culture during Black History Month 2025. One of the events that showcased the best of the Black experience was a contest titled, “The Art of Resilience.” It was spon-
sored by the African Canadian Christian Network (ACCN), which has been at the forefront of addressing systemic barriers that prevent Black students from excelling academically and thriving in intellectually challenging spaces.
The criteria of the contest involved:
• Original 90 second videos/ma
• Poetry, dance, song or spoken word
• Follow us @accntoronto on IG/FB
• Top 4 videos with the most likes and comments move to finals
• The deadline for entry was Sunday, February 23rd, 2025
The press release notes, “The submissions reflected themes of resilience, creativity, and strength, highlighting the invaluable
contributions of the Black community and showcasing the untapped potential of young talent.”
The press release states, “Through this initiative, ACCN, an organization dedicated to empowering youth and their families with the tools to overcome systemic barriers, provided a platform for diverse voices and fostered pride in Black heritage. The contest aimed to inspire future achievements.”
Natasha Kelly, Project Coordinator of ACCN states in the press release, “Our goal was to engage youth in creative expression, educate them about Black culture and history, and recognize the diverse talents within our community. The response to this contest has been remarkable, with submissions that truly reflect
the resilience and creativity of the Black community.”
The winner of “The Art of Resilience” contest was announced in the press release. Bhrae LaMara received recognition for her exceptional submission, which beautifully captured the essence of the contest’s theme. Natasha Kelly states, “This achievement is a powerful reminder of the strength of Black heritage and the incredible impact of youth creativity.”
ACCN is pleased with the outcomes of “The Art of Resilience” contest as it showcased the incredible artistic talents of Black youth and provided them with a platform the innate abilities and talents and highlighted Black excellence in its diverse forms.
How many parents know this shocking fact?
W.
GIFFORDJONES MD
DIANA GIFFORD-JONES
TC HEALTH
COLUMNIST
How many parents know this shocking fact?
The American Liver Foundation reports that 10% of young children have fatty degeneration of the liver. It’s due to horrid food consumption practices, too much sugar and fat, leading to childhood obesity before the age of 10! Once fatty liver disease takes hold, there is no medication to cure it. Only immediate lifestyle changes can slow its progression.
Among the culprits are large cereal corporations that persuade children to eat sugary cereals. This at a time when obesity and type 2 diabetes have reached pandemic
proportions. An economic report shows treating obesity costs North Americans $147 billion dollars and diabetes $412 billion yearly! So, why are medical professionals and politicians totally inept at ending this catastrophic medical disaster in children?
Studies show obese children become obese adults. Just look around. We are all witnesses to the phenomenon.
Everyone must ask, what has happened to our society? For instance, surgeons are used to seeing large amounts of fat when operating on adults with diseased organs. Patients need to know that this excessive fat increases the risks for surgery complications due to the length of the operation, requiring increased time for anesthesia, greater chance of a surgical error, and increased risk of postoperative infection and pain.
When young children are the innocent victims of excess weight gain from a poor lifestyle, it is to the great shame of our society. Instead of complacency, this injustice should get the adrenaline flowing!
How many times must it be made clear? Heart disease is not the number one
“The celebration is a testament to the strength of our community and the importance of investing in future generations.” CACD Founder and CEO Ron Cunningham
The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is proud to stand in full support of this meaningful initiative and we were honoured to be invited to the CACD Black History Month Celebration. As a publication committed to uplifting and amplifying the voices of our community, we recognize the immense value of this event in preserving and celebrating the history, resilience, and contributions of people of African descent. This year’s theme—Ubuntu: “I am because we are”—beautifully reflects the strength found in unity, the power of cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of our ancestors.
On Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, I made my way down to the Mississauga Valley Community Centre, where this dynamic, multi-faceted celebration was taking place. The event had its usual community focused
elements: educational workshops, youth empowerment sessions, a thought-provoking keynote speaker, cultural food sampling, and a breathtaking performance from our very own Liberty Silver. It was an opportunity to engage, learn, and honour the legacy of African excellence. We all came together in the spirit of Ubuntu to celebrate, reflect, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Looking beyond February: A year-round commitment
This year, I wanted to take a moment to highlight a different aspect of the CACD Black History Month Celebration. While Black History Month is a significant recognition time, I appreciate the fact that CACD is committed to ongoing education and systemic change. I have always believed that our legacy and contributions should not be confined to February alone, but should be integrated into school curricula, workplace diversity initiatives, and national discourse throughout the year.
Throughout history, many Black inventors have created groundbreaking innovations that have shaped modern life—yet their contributions have often been overlooked or credited to others. Without these inventions, our world would be vastly different. As I went through the program, I was amazed at how many inventions I had credited to Europeans and I thought that this would be a great opportunity to share with our readers some crucial, but uncredited inventions by African innovators:
Caller ID & Touch-Tone Phones
killer. Rather it’s obesity. Don’t forget that viral diseases like COVID-19 killed millions but lasted just three years! Obesity kills year after year, and it’s associated with serious and costly medical complications. One would think that this would make media headlines flash in red.
For a start, health authorities should ask some piercing questions to the executives of food corporations. They should know that a major contributor to obesity in children is the excess sugar in cereals marketed heavily to them. These same cereals lack fiber, an ingredient that would provide dietary bulk, signaling to the stomach a sense of lasting fullness and supporting healthy digestion.
The government should then ask why food companies add honey and other additional sweeteners. The executives will respond that kids like sugary calories, and if they don’t add sugar, they will lose business to their competitors. Regulators should put an end to it. One, limit how much is allowed. Two, educate the public about the consequences of eating junk.
The government should devise
(Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson)
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s research at Bell Labs led to the development of caller ID and touchtone dialing, both of which revolutionized how we communicate. Without her work, we wouldn’t have many of the telecommunication features we take for granted today.
The Light Bulb’s Filament (Lewis Latimer)
While Thomas Edison is credited with inventing the light bulb, his early designs were inefficient and burned out quickly. Lewis Latimer, a Black inventor, improved the carbon filament inside the bulb, making it practical for everyday use. Without his contribution, cities wouldn’t have been illuminated as efficiently, and electric lighting may have remained an expensive luxury.
The Traffic Light (Garrett Morgan)
Imagine a world without traffic lights—chaos on the roads, accidents at every intersection. Garrett Morgan, a Black inventor, created the three-light traffic signal in 1923, adding the yellow light to warn drivers before stopping. Though Morgan patented his design, many sources fail to recognize his role in shaping modern traffic control.
Refrigerated Trucks
(Frederick McKinley Jones)
Modern supermarkets, medical supplies, and even fast-food chains rely on refrigerated transport. Frederick McKinley Jones invented the first automatic refrigeration system for trucks, making it possible to ship perishable goods long distances. Without this technol-
other ways to reduce the unhealthy poundage of North American society. New synthetic drugs to treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes are already causing complications in adults and should not be used in children. Better nutrition and proper exercise do not kill, involve lessons of responsibility, and should always be the preferred path to a long, healthy life. When people continue to make bad choices for societal well-being, the government needs to take action. Rampant obesity and diabetes are blaring the call. Remember, type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, and leg amputation. Sad prospects for obese children. Food companies must face legislation to stop children from suffering later problems. Families need to step on bathroom scales and use calorie counters to avoid the huge calories in some foods. Everyone should use their legs more often.
Don’t hold your breath to see the name Gifford-Jones appointed Common Sense Health Czar, but were it to happen, there would be no obese children. Legislation would be passed.
ogy, fresh food and medicine wouldn’t be as accessible.
The Modern Elevator Design (Alexander Miles)
Elevators were dangerous before Alexander Miles improved their design by adding an automatic closing mechanism. Before his invention, people had to manually open and close elevator doors, leading to frequent accidents. His innovation is still used in elevators today.
The First Digital Computer (Mark Dean)
Most people attribute the development of modern computers to white inventors, but Dr. Mark Dean, a Black IBM engineer, co-invented the personal computer and helped develop the first color PC monitor. He also led the team that created the ISA bus, allowing multiple devices to connect to computers. Without his contributions, computing would not be as advanced as it is today.
That’s right folks! African inventors have transformed the world in ways that most people don’t realize. From the everyday convenience of caller ID and automatic gear shifts to lifesaving innovations like the gas mask and traffic light, their contributions are undeniable. Without these inventions, modern life would be drastically different—less safe, less convenient, and far less advanced. Thank you CACD for reminding us that our history cannot be encapsulated within a month; our work extends beyond our wildest imaginations.
Saint Lucia ignites the Canadian market with a high-energy tourism blitz
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) made waves in Canada with a dynamic, weeklong media and sales mission from February 17th-23rd, 2025. Designed to captivate the travel industry, the mission delivered high-impact engagements, strategic airline discussions, and an electrifying showcase of Saint Lucia’s vibrant culture—culminating in a major sponsorship at the Toronto Raptors’ Caribbean Heritage Night.
The week kicked off with an actionpacked media day, where top-tier travel journalists and influencers met with SLTA’s CEO for exclusive destination updates and insights. These meetings reinforced Saint Lucia’s commitment to the Canadian market, ensuring its: breathtaking landscapes, world-class resorts, and rich cultural experiences remain top of mind for travelers.
Strategic airline discussions with Air Canada and WestJet opened doors to
exciting possibilities, including expanded flight routes, increased frequency from key Canadian hubs, and targeted marketing collaborations to drive visitation. Talks also explored opportunities to connect Saint Lucia with the French-speaking market, tapping into a fresh wave of potential visitors.
Adding to the excitement, SLTA hosted an exclusive cocktail reception for travel partners celebrating Saint Lucia’s growing presence in Canada. The team made a bold statement at the Outdoor Adventure Travel Show, where adventure-seekers discovered why Saint Lucia is a premier destination for exploration, from the iconic Pitons to its lush rainforests and pristine beaches.
One of the mission’s biggest highlights? The Toronto Raptors’ Caribbean Heritage Night. As a proud sponsor, Saint Lucia took center stage at this highly anticipated event, bringing the island’s infectious energy to basketball fans and travel enthusiasts alike. This strategic partnership amplified Saint Lucia’s brand presence, reinforcing its appeal as the ultimate Caribbean escape.
“The Canadian market remains essential to Saint Lucia’s tourism industry, driving visitor arrivals and economic growth. Investments in partnerships, targeted marketing, and enhanced airlift with carriers like Air Canada and WestJet continue to im -
Mark
BY GRANT BROWNING
So, Mark Carney walks in as Prime Minister without ever winning a single vote in the House of Commons. Sound democratic? Not really. But technically, it’s possible.
Here’s the deal: a Prime Minister doesn’t have to be an elected MP—they just need to hold the confidence of the House of Commons. If Trudeau steps down and the Liberals still have control, they could install Carney as leader and let him take the wheel.
And that’s exactly why some hardcore Liberal supporters are celebrating. They think Trudeau’s exit is a fresh start. But here’s the problem: nothing actually changes—at least not yet.
Wait, Trudeau Hasn’t Fully Stepped Down Yet
That’s right. Trudeau is still Prime Minister and will remain in office until the transition is complete. That means he’s still running the country, making decisions, and even handling international negotiations—including trade talks with the U.S.
Even though Carney is now Liberal leader, he hasn’t been sworn in as Prime Min -
prove our accessibility. We are committed to strengthening ties with the Canadian travel trade and ensuring Saint Lucia remains a top destination for Canadian travelers yearround,” said Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
To mark Saint Lucia’s 46th Independence on February 22nd, 2025, a flag-raising ceremony took place in Toronto at City Hall, in addition to Canadian landmarks such as Niagara Falls, and the Brampton Clock illuminated in the colors of the Saint Lucian flag. A cocktail reception (which I unfortunately could not go to) took place at Jazz Bistro on February 20th, 2025, in partnership with the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in Toronto, to celebrate the occasion and announce the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival lineup. The VIP reception welcomed media, travel agents, and members of the diaspora.
“Celebrating Saint Lucia’s 46th Independence is a proud moment for our nation, and we are pleased to see our flag shine across Canada. The flag-raising ceremony and lighting of iconic landmarks symbolize the strong ties between Saint Lucia and Canada and our deep connection with the Saint Lucian diaspora. We value the contributions of the Saint Lucian community in Canada and look forward to welcoming nationals and Canadian visitors to experience our unique culture, diversity, and heritage,”
Carney as Prime Minister? Not So Fast—An Election is Inevitable
ister yet. And until that happens, Trudeau still calls the shots.
So for those celebrating Carney’s arrival like it’s some kind of reset—you’re still under Trudeau’s government.
Carney’s Hands Are Tied Without a Seat
Once Trudeau officially hands over the job, Carney has another problem—he doesn’t have a seat in the House of Commons. That means:
• He can’t debate.
• He can’t answer questions in Parliament.
• He has no mandate from voters.
So even after he’s sworn in, he’s basically a Prime Minister who can’t function in Parliament until he finds a riding, runs in a by-election, and wins a seat.
Can Carney Negotiate with Trump on Tariffs?
One argument floating around—especially among die-hard Liberal supporters—is that Carney is the better choice to handle Trump’s proposed tariffs because of his experience in global finance. The thinking goes: Carney has dealt with major economic players before,
remarked Dexter Percil, Head of Marketing –Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
As the presenting sponsor of the Toronto Raptors’ Caribbean Heritage Night on February 21st, 2025, Saint Lucia was featured with in-bowl LED displays, concourse signage, and a special halftime performance by Motto and Ricky T. A lucky audience member won a five-night all-inclusive stay for two at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia, with flights courtesy of Air Canada.
“Sponsoring the Toronto Raptors Caribbean Heritage Night was an incredible opportunity to showcase Saint Lucia globally, engage with Canadian audiences, and highlight our rich culture. From in-game branding to the halftime performance and grand prize giveaways, this campaign reinforces our commitment to the Canadian market. We look forward to welcoming more Canadian visitors to experience everything Saint Lucia has to offer,” said Thaddeus M. Antoine, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
There you have it, folks! The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority didn’t just dip their toes into the Canadian market; they cannonballed in with a week of pure sunshine and island vibes! Get ready, travel enthusiasts, because the message is loud and clear: Saint Lucia is coming, and it’s bringing the heat!
while Poilievre hasn’t.
But here’s the problem with that argument:
• Carney isn’t Prime Minister yet. Trudeau is still running the show.
• Even after Carney takes over, he won’t have a seat in Parliament.
• Foreign leaders don’t take “temporary” leaders seriously.
Would Trump take him seriously? Not likely. If Trump sees him as a placeholder leader awaiting an election, he’ll just wait it out rather than strike a serious deal. Why make trade concessions to someone who might be gone in months?
And let’s be honest—no amount of financial expertise makes up for the fact that Trump respects strength. Carney wasn’t elected, has no political mandate, and can’t even speak in the House of Commons. That’s not exactly the position of power you want when dealing with a guy like Trump.
Pressure to Call an Election
Sure, the Liberals could try to hold on for a bit, but reality will catch up fast. A Prime Minister without a seat can’t function long-term. The usual move in this situation is to find a “safe”
Liberal riding, have an MP resign, and run in a by-election ASAP.
But even that won’t be enough. The real issue is legitimacy. Canadians didn’t vote for Carney. They voted for Trudeau and the Liberal Party under his leadership.
So the question becomes: Does the public accept him as Prime Minister, or will he be forced to call a general election to get a real mandate?
An Election is Coming, One Way or Another Carney might take the title of Prime Minister, but he won’t have real power until he wins an election. The Liberals can try to hold on, but politically, their best (and only) move is to call an election and let Canadians decide.
So, if you’re wondering whether Carney is actually in control, the short answer is not really. His government’s survival depends on getting to the polls—fast.
And as for negotiating major international trade deals? Not happening.
So if you’re celebrating Trudeau’s departure but still supporting the party that put him there, you’re just cheering for a new face on the same old mess.
PANDIT
VIRJANAND JAGLALL
Renowned Philanthropist and Humanitarian in the social and religious West Indian Guyanese Community
Joe Jaglall as he is affectionately known, is a pillar in the Hindu community in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. As a renowned philanthropist and dedicated volunteer, he has devoted hundreds of hours to multiple religious organizations, community groups, philanthropic endeavours and artistic groups. Joe Jaglall was born in Number 66 Village, which is located on the Corentyne Coast in the County of Berbice in eastern Guyana. His parents (both late), Savitree and Jeet Jaglall are credited for Joe Jaglall’s humility, simplicity and charitably inclined personality. He has one brother and three sisters. Joe attended New Market Anglican School in Guyana and later Tagare Memorial High School where his favourite subjects were Mathematics and Economics.
Joe was strongly influenced by his uncle Pandit Budhram Mahadeo and the former President of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. His parents played a pivotal role as they enabled him developed a strong moral and ethical disposition. His early years provided him with a strong religious foundation and political roots that motivated with the intent of, “Making this world a better place by being a good example to others.” His Hindu faith is integral to how he lives his life. Joe states, “We were taught tolerance and inclusion. I’ve always attended other religious services with the hope of knowing, learning, respecting and appreciating others and their faiths and beliefs.”
Joe migrated to Canada in 1982. He studied fashion at Seneca College and has worked in different settings from factory to office to sales. He subsequently pursued his Life Insurance and Mutual Funds License and became a Real Estate broker in 2014. Joe is presently a Real Estate Broker in Canada and is involved with Mahaica Meadows in Guyana, as the Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Communications. Mahaica Meadows is a Gated and Non-Gated community recently launched on the East Coast in Guyana with over 700 homes including Commercial and Industrial lots.
Joe Jaglall has been involved in many causes and worked tirelessly to support many Hindu-based religious organizations and others. Some of the names of the organizations with include:
• Toronto Arya Samaj
• Sangeet Vidyalaya School of Music, Toronto
• Sewa4Life Foundation
• The Guyana Festival Committee, Toronto
• The Guyana Consulate, Toronto
• Pranav Ashram, Toronto
• Shiv Sewa Sangh Mandir, Scarborough
• Shiva Mandir & Cultural Centre, Scarborough
• Thandavam Culture and Arts, Caledon
• Maha Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Mississauga
• Dharmic Cultural Center, Cambridge
• (STCC) Dance Academy, Ajax
• Maha Rudra Dev Mandir, Scarborough
• South Florida Hindu Society, Florida
And the list goes on….
There have been many letters of commendation, appreciation and recognition from spiritual leaders, individuals and others of the excellent community work of Joe Jaglall.
Pandit Dave Ramoutar, from Sangeet Vidyalaya, school of music, wrote, “Pt Joe Jaglall, a pillar of Integrity and Service. Since 1996, we have worked alongside Bhai Joe on countless Vedic and Hindu weddings, satang’s, birthdays, wakes, and funerals across the GTA and beyond. While all of these contributions have been meaningful, we all agree that the most valuable moments of service have been during times of illness and loss, when Bhai Joe and our family have offered our support at wakes and funerals—completely free of charge. This selfless dedication remains at the heart of our mission, and we continue to offer this service to this day.”
A letter was written by Nadira Raghunandan-Dyal, President of Shiv Sewa Sangh Mandir & Cultural Center “Pt. Joe Jaglall ji, without a doubt, I can attest that you are a selfless Humanitarian. Your outstanding leadership, guidance, commitment, dedication and deliverance are second to none. Pandit ji when it comes to you preparing of a charitable event or any event as a matter of fact, the words ‘Leaving no stone unturned’ - is your personal Mantra- unwavering dedication and countless hours invested in perfecting the behind-thescenes intricacies from the beginning to the end. You are indeed a selfless Humanitarian. Thank you. We are forever grateful.”
In the words of Swami Bhajanananda from Canada Sevashram Sangha Inc., “Virjanand popularly known as Joe Jaglall radiates a happy personality with an infectious smile. He is courteous, respectful, polite, tactful and friendly. He conducted a fundraiser for the Pranav Hindu Mandir Cultural Centre with volunteers of the Ashram with resounding success of over $261,000. To our infinite gratitude, Joe Jaglall did not take a penny from the Pranav Hindu Mandir Cultural Centre for this fundraiser.”
Pandit Khemraj Singh, Chairman of the South Florida Hindu Society Inc. writes a letter of appreciation. He states, “Specifically, I want to recognize your outstanding work on our Annual Feeding Programs; your selfless contributions have not gone unnoticed.”
From Sunanda Dhanna, founder of Thandavam Culture and Arts, which helps West Indian Artists and highlights Indo-Caribbean culture, “From that initial project we worked on together, I had no doubts that Pandit Jaglall was a man of integrity; a man of his words. An individual who works selflessly, with humility, compassion and dedication.”
Shobha Sandy Maeck, Artistic Director of Shobha Dance & Cultural Centre (STCC) Dance Academy wrote, “Mr. Jaglall has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to our students, inspiring them to pursue their passions in arts and culture. We successfully raised funds to secure a dedicated studio space where our students can learn and grow in their artistic pursuits. This achievement has been a transformative milestone for
our organization, and it would not have been possible without his tireless support and advocacy.”
Sharmelo Inderdeo, President of Dharmic Cultural Center writes, “Pt. Joe’s ongoing support of dharma and love for his community, religion, friends and family will forever be cherished by Dharmic Cultural Center. On behalf of Dharmic Cultural Center, our deepest affection, respect and support will always be with Pt Joe Jaglall.”
Mr. Roy Sugrim of Seva4Life penned in his commendation. “Pt Joe Jaglall has been an inspiration to other leaders and followers of Seva4Life.The Organization has benefited tremendously from his involvement and support.”
Pt Laikram Tiwarie from Shiva Mandir writes, “Bhai Joe is a decent, honest and kind person in every way as a good human being. I can safely say that society benefits from people like him.”
Pandit Jageshwar Sharma from Maha Lakshmi Narayan Mandan writes, “Pandit Joe Jaglall is a renowned philanthropist within the Greater Toronto Hindu community. He has dedicated recent years to serving and promoting our dharma and rich culture by supporting numerous temples in the GTA with their funding initiatives”
Pt Ravi Sharma from Maha Rudra Dev Mandir writes, “I have gotten the opportunity to know Mr. Joe Jaglall by working closely with him on various initiatives, and I can say without a doubt that you are dealing with a person of very good moral character and a high level of integrity, who always fulfills his commitments. He displays humility and kindness in all his interaction. He is known for his generous nature, whether it’s giving of his time or other resources.”
Adiyanand Kumar, President of Toronto Arya Samaj (the organization to which Pt Joe Jaglall is a lifetime member since his arrival in Canada over 40 years ago) writes,” Pt. Virjanand Jaglall, one of Toronto Arya Samaj’s long-standing members and spiritual leader, has made many contributions over the decades, going back to the 90s,when Toronto Arya was in its infancy. Through his gentle nature and smile to all who come in contact with him, Pt Jaglall has become a respected leader with the Samaj as well as the greater Hindu and Indo-Caribbean community in the Greater Toronto Area.” His extensive volunteer work attests to his innate drive, passion and purpose to make this world a better place. Remember the name, JOE JAGLALL.
Written by Paul Junor Toronto Caribbean News
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Here’s the rub; Many men have trouble discussing their sexual health
Mark Twain said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter,” but for many aging men, it matters a lot when their prized male organ starts to lose the vitality of youth. One of the most common yet often unspoken challenges is the decline in testosterone levels, a natural part of aging that can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being.
Starting as early as the mid-30s, testosterone levels in men begin to decrease by approximately 1% per year. This gradual decline can lead to symptoms like fatigue, reduced muscle mass, irritability, and perhaps most distressing for many, a
diminished libido.
Not everyone aspires to be Don Juan, but for many, having sufficient upbeat libido is what drives life’s most intimate joys. Plus, having positive and healthy intimate connections can be an indication of broader good health. How many readers know that erectile dysfunction (ED), for instance, is often a precursor to cardiovascular problems? The healthy performance of the male organ can be an indication of the healthy performance of the heart, and when the former declines in prowess, one may surmise the heart is also losing vitality.
Here’s the rub. Many men have trouble discussing their sexual health –with their partners and their doctors, both. The personal relationship with their partners suffers needlessly as a result. Those who do act make two common mistakes. The first is to leap immediately to pharmaceutical solutions that come with potential side effects. The second is to scour the Internet for promising products, nearly all of which are dubious. Searching the Internet causes another problem – the invitation for algorithms to send more and more trashy
content that will certainly embarrass when popping up on the screen as someone else is watching!
There’s a Gifford-Jones law that says, “Try natural remedies first.” Fortunately, there are some products available at natural health food and supplements stores that are tested and proven solutions to reignite men’s testosterone production and renew sexual interest. One example is Testo Charge, produced by Certified Naturals, a firm that specializes in clinically studied ingredients, uses no artificial additives, and packages capsules in the dosage scientists have tested in trials.
Testo Charge is made using patented LJ100 tongkat ali, an extract derived from a Southeast Asian plant having a long tradition as a natural aphrodisiac and vitality booster. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in boosting testosterone levels, improving sexual performance, and enhancing mood and energy.
There’s something to be said for another natural approach to macho manhood. Don’t forget that a little romance can be a powerful aphrodisiac. Build a menu of
loving options, each one of which is priceless – a kiss, a caress, a lasting cuddle. There need not always be a main course when the appetizers are filling enough. It’s perfectly natural for intimate relationships to evolve as the years go by.
What’s often underestimated is the importance of talking about how personal abilities change. Yet being the one to open up such discussions is often very, very hard. Years ago, we told readers that bananas go well with hanky-panky. That’s because bananas are loaded with potassium, a nutrient that lowers blood pressure. Bananas also contain magnesium and calcium, nutrients that can help to ease strained muscles. We recommended putting a banana on the bedside table as a fun way to signal romantic intentions to a partner.
Since laughter is such good medicine too, why not write to us with your stories of the amorous effects of your own bedside banana? We’ll print the best ones in a future column.
Alright, let’s talk about doubles— the king of Trinidadian street food. If you’ve ever been to T&T, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You see a long line at a roadside stall, the smell of fried bara in the air, and people ordering with that classic Trini rhythm: “One, slight pepper!” or “Two, plenty tamarind!” Doubles is simple but legendary—two soft pieces of fried bara loaded with curried channa (chickpeas) and topped with chutneys, pepper sauce, and whatever else the vendor has on hand. It’s messy, spicy, and ridiculously good.
The Backstory: How Doubles Came to Be Doubles didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it has roots deep in Trinidad’s Indo-Caribbean heritage. Back in the 1930s, an Indian immigrant named Mamoo Deen started selling curried channa with a single bara. It was cheap, filling, and packed with flavour. But customers kept asking for an extra bara, probably to make it easier to hold—and just like that, doubles was born. What started as a humble street food in South Trinidad exploded in popularity, becoming a national staple that you can find almost anywhere on the island today.
Why Doubles is More Than Just Food Doubles isn’t just something you eat— it’s part of Trinidadian culture. It’s the go-to breakfast, the post-fete cure, the midday pick-me-up, and the street food of choice for everyone from office workers to taxi drivers. There’s a rhythm to ordering doubles, a kind of unspoken code. You don’t just say “one doubles.” You say:
• “One, slight pepper.” (A little heat.)
• “Two, plenty sauce.” (Extra tamarind and chutney.)
• “Everything, heavy pepper.” (For the brave souls who like their mouth on fire.)
Eating doubles is an experience. You stand by the stall, juggling your hot, messy snack with one hand while trying not to spill sauce all over yourself. The best doubles vendors have loyal
Trinidad Doubles: The Ultimate Trinidadian Street Food
followings, and people will travel across the island just for their favourite one.
The Street Food Culture in Trinidad Doubles isn’t just popular—it’s part of the daily routine. Whether you’re in Port of Spain, San Fernando, or a small village, you’ll find vendors setting up in the early morning, frying up fresh bara and dishing out steaming hot channa. Some stands have been around for decades, passed down through generations, perfecting the balance of soft bara and well-seasoned channa.
Trinis will debate for hours about who sells the best doubles. Some prefer the bara extra soft, while others like it with a little crispiness. Some vendors make their tamarind sauce sweet and thick, while others go for a thinner, tangier version. The pepper sauce? That’s a whole debate by itself—some doubles spots are known for making people sweat with just a drop of pepper.
Then there’s the technique. The true pros know how to eat doubles without making a mess—a slight fold of the bara, a strategic tilt of the head, and just enough pressure to keep the channa inside without it squirting out the sides. Of course, most people still end up with sauce dripping down their arms, but that’s all part of the experience!
How to Make Authentic Trinidadian Doubles
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Making doubles at home isn’t hard, but it does take some patience. If you do it right, you’ll get soft, chewy bara and flavourful curried channa that tastes just like the real deal.
Ingredients: For the Bara (Flatbread):
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon oil (plus more for fry-
ing)
For the Curried Channa (Chickpeas):
• 2 cups canned or dried chickpeas (soaked overnight if using dried)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
For the Toppings:
• Tamarind chutney (sweet and tangy sauce made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and spices)
• Shadon beni (culantro) chutney or cilantro chutney
• Pepper sauce (for heat lovers)
• Cucumber chutney (grated cucumber mixed with lime and salt)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Bara
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, turmeric, baking powder, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Slowly add warm water while kneading until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough.
3. Add a tablespoon of oil and knead for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Pinch off small pieces and roll them into thin, round discs (about 4 inches wide).
6. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat and fry each bara for 30-45 seconds per side until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Curried Channa
1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
3. Toss in the chickpeas and coat them with the spices.
4. Add 2 cups of water, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Mash some of the chickpeas to thicken the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Doubles
1. Place one bara on a plate.
2. Spoon a generous amount of curried channa on top.
3. Add your favourite toppings— tamarind sauce for sweetness, pepper sauce for heat, chutneys for extra kick.
4. Top with a second bara and dig in immediately!
Tips for the Best Doubles
• Let the bara dough rest properly for that soft, pillowy texture.
• Adjust the heat level to your taste—Trinis love their pepper, but you can go mild.
• Fresh shadon beni (culantro) gives it that real Caribbean flavour— don’t swap it for regular cilantro unless you have to.
• Eat it fresh! Doubles is best when it’s hot, messy, and dripping with sauce.
The Heart of Trini Street Food Doubles is more than just something to eat—it’s part of what makes Trinidad and Tobago’s food scene so incredible. Whether you grab one at a roadside stall or make it yourself, every bite is a taste of the island’s history, culture, and love for bold, spicy, and downright delicious food. If you haven’t tried doubles yet, what are you waiting for? Get your hands messy and experience one of the best street foods in the world! Now, if you’re feeling ambitious, try making extra bara and storing it for later—because once you have one doubles, you’ll definitely want another!
Why are Catholic and Anglican Clergy pushing back on mandatory abuse reporting
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
INSIGHT TO SOCIETY
many cases people in authority positions are the caregivers of others often younger than themselves (students, children, women, congregants). Teachers, police officers, care givers, social workers and medical staff are all required to inform the authorities should a situation arise. Why not the clergy?
Institutions like the Catholic church have fought public authorities to keep clergy off of mandatory reporter lists. There can be many reasons for this starting at the belief that the Church must look out for both victims and predators alike.
Is the church a club for men who will defend an accused, believing that temptation can and will attack a clergy’s lived experience and sensitivities. Is the church’s finances and politics more important than the lives of the Congregation?
Last year the US Government ad-
vanced a Bill to add clergy to an established mandatory reporting list. The Catholic Church agreed with one caveat, one loophole...the confessional is too sacred a space to require clergy to report child abuse as such an action would discourage the confession of such sins in the future.
The Bill died in the Senate after a period of severe lobbying by the Catholic Church in Washington DC. Recently Bill 5375 attempts to add clergy to the list and does not exempt them from abuse admissions heard in confession. There is another caveat added, not requiring clergy to attend court to testify against the accused abuser. The legislature is required to act in the protection of children and the innocent.
The Archbishop of Seattle, Bishop Frank Schuster declared “He agrees with the spirit of the Bill, but said religious freedom
supersedes abuse reporting.” The seal of the confessional is inviolate, and the priest cannot and will not break it. The consequence worldwide is excommunication. Politics always enters to challenge freedom of religion over the safety and protection of the meek and innocent. I have experienced such a reality in my life, but that will be another story. Is there a public politician, or legislator with the courage and honesty needed to face down ancient institutions with the ability to manipulate the situation to their benefit? Politicians want to win elections, and legislators hope to survive a time where they can collect their pensions. The church, whatever it may be, has clergy and Ministers with the evil eye, no doubt. Is it not the “church’s” responsibility to do the knightly thing, that is to protect the: lame, poor and innocent amongst us?
The Ontario taxpayer is stupid, at least, Premier Doug Ford thinks so
other, and artificial barriers only hurt the people on both sides of the border.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has, once again, decided that political grandstanding is more important than economic sense. In response to new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods crossing the border, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has made a big deal of pulling American liquor and beer off its shelves. This move is meant to project courage and strength, but ultimately it accomplishes nothing. The products have already been received. The suppliers have already been paid. The only real consequence is diversion of labour to unnecessary stocking and emptying of shelves, wasted storage and inventory costs, and, most importantly, lost revenue. This is not a strategic response; it is politics and propaganda colluding to insult the taxpayers of Ontario.
The stupidity of spitefully holding inventory that has already been paid for is off the charts. No business does this, or, at least, no rational business does this. Yet here we are, watching the Ontario government take American liquor and beer off LCBO shelves in some grand show of protest, as if that will somehow strike fear into the hearts of U.S. policymakers. Spoiler alert: they are laughing at us. Meanwhile, every last bottle and can is still sitting in an LCBO warehouse somewhere, collecting dust, racking up storage costs, and burning through taxpayer dollars like the dumpster fire that is Queen’s Park. I fundamentally disagree with the premise of these tariffs targeted at Ontario manufacturing. Trade between the U.S. and Canada should be free and flowing. Our economies are intertwined, our industries rely on each
Let me be very clear; while the media and politicians in this country want you to believe the biggest threat to your well-being comes from President Trump and his policies, the worst treatment of Canadian citizens has not come from Washington. Some of the rhetoric could be construed as demeaning and hurtful, it is true, but most of the actual damage to our citizens has come from our own governments, sadly.
Every so-called countermeasure that has been put in place does nothing but punish Canadians. When counter-tariffs are slapped on goods, who pays the price? We do. When the LCBO stops selling American liquor, who takes the hit? Ontario taxpayers. The U.S. beverage companies already got their money, they are not losing a dime. The ones footing the bill for this stunt are the very people our government claims to be protecting. It is financial incompetence disguised as political bravado.
A real protest would have been stopping the steady GDP growth decline in Canada, which began in 2015 under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s sunny ways, and has continued to drop relative to the U.S. for almost a decade now. A real protest would have been enacting policies that unlocked the massive wealth of our natural resources instead of standing in the way of every pipeline, or LNG port project when our allies around the world were literally begging and outbidding each other for access.
A real protest would have been incentivizing entrepreneurs to start more businesses in Ontario and fueling manufacturing growth instead of stifling productivity at ev-
ery turn with new government programs that depend on more taxation. Instead, we have a government that thinks political theater is an economic strategy, that it can distract from real failure by pretending that warehousing American alcohol is some grand retaliation. This is the equivalent of a restaurant owner throwing a fit over beef prices and deciding to lock up all the steaks in the freezer rather than serving them. The money is already gone, the costs are still adding up, and the only people being punished are the Ontario taxpayers who are forced to subsidize this stupidity. Here is the real problem. The Ontario taxpayer is being treated as stupid. Every time a government pulls a stunt like this, they are betting that you will accept it, that you will swallow their excuse, that you will not do the simple math and realize you are the one paying for their games. The longer we allow ourselves to be treated as stupid, the more we run the risk of actually becoming stupid. When you allow yourself to be lied to, manipulated, and drained of your money while nodding along, you either reject the premise, or you allow it to become reality by passive default. Governments count on apathy. They count on you being too tired, too distracted, too used to the abuse to push back.
Make no mistake, every penny of those lost sales, every square foot of wasted storage space, and every hour of unnecessary labor is being covered by Ontario taxpayers. The government doesn’t eat those costs. We do. The very people who were supposedly being protected by this grandstand move are the ones getting fleeced, again, because someone in the public relations war room thought it would make for a good headline.
Governments love to pretend they are in business, but no real business operates like this. If the LCBO were privately owned, no executive would get away with hoarding paid inventory and refusing to sell it. Shareholders would demand accountability immediately. In the government’s world, there is no accountability. The money is not theirs, so they burn it freely. They count on the public being too distracted, or too disillusioned to call them out. It is time to pick up the phone, send an email, and voice your disapproval firmly, but kindly in person if you happen to be a customer at the LCBO. They need to hear from the people and know they are not stupid.
If you think this is the end of the economic punishment, just wait. In a few weeks, on April 1st, the carbon tax is jumping another 20%. That is not a joke. That is another tax hike designed to make life more expensive, more punishing, and more difficult for the average Canadian, all while they lecture us about affordability. You are being tariffed by your government at every turn, at every gas pump, but I digress.
Spare us the showmanship, the ball cap marketing, and the chest thumping about unplugging the power to the USA (which is impossible to do, due to contracts that are signed to prevent that). Fire up our economy by cutting regulations, stop wasting time on virtue signaling, and unlock the wealth that lies beneath our feet, our hearts, and all around us in this beautiful country we call Canada. God keep our land. Glorious and free.
Learning how to embrace your imperfect self and start again tomorrow
BY GEORGE SHEPPARD
Does one moment, or event define us, make us who we are? No, it is every high, low, trouble and triumph. As the adage states, “None of us are as good as our best moment, or as bad as our worst.” We are imperfect creatures: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and communally.
In all aspects of life, there are exceptions to any so-called rule of what constitutes perfection. Though we recognize the faults each of us possess, we continually call out things in others we find annoying, distracting. With enough exposure and interaction, many of us feel emboldened to brazenly disparage others, all in the name of enhancing our own image. In those cases, we are repeatedly allowing our unkind and petty selves to show. Being condescending of someone’s clothing choice, their hair style, or mispronunciation of a word, only shows our character imperfections, instead of those undeserving we
have made target. I often bite my fingernails, I snore occasionally (so I am told), and impatience can be my calling card more often than I would like. My lame jokes bring eyerolls from my now grown sons, I rewatch a program waiting for myself to laugh at the same scene as I have many times prior, and I still ‘forget’ to take out the garbage. I can be moody, a geek, opinionated, and procrastinate. However, I am kind, empathetic, compassionate, and principled. I will fight to the end for social justice and the fair treatment of all people. This is me, in all my shining glory. As much as I wish my flaws were not as noticeable, they are an intricate part of what makes me who I am - perfectly imperfect.
It would be easy to blame social media for increased put-down behaviour, to throw barbs at the fans of an opposing sports team because they are “stupid” or belittle children when they try their best all because we feel we look lesser as parents when our kids do
not win first place. However, social media does not exist in and of itself without followers, posts, likes, and insufferable comments, there would be no social media culture. These are misguided antics. They do not help society to become better, rather they enhance the ugliness humankind has shown repeatedly. Somewhere along the way, comradery at the work manifested to gossip about whoever just left the room. The little quirks we all have that were endearments at the outset of a relationship, become the focal point at the end of a long and frustrating day highlighted by “I don’t know why you do that.”
Last week, I was on my way to pick up pizza (with pineapple) and had to stop for a school bus to offload kids. Two six-year-olds caught my eye. Their coats were not zipped, backpacks unclosed, noticeable missing teeth, with yelps of excitement filling the air. They were not dragging themselves in a way that signified imminent collapse at the end of a day. There was joy. Seeing those kids made
me ask, “When did we lose that?” Running into the house after a day at school usually led to a change of clothes, grabbing a cookie, and off to climb trees, or dig holes. Had the pursuit of: job, money, and status numbed us to the raw joy life can bring, even as adults? This is why we all need to reflect on how we treat others, how we project our frustrations onto those we supposedly love. Words matter; actions matter more. Showing children our goofy side, the ability to laugh at ourselves, and to cast aside our terrible day, will allow us to get out of our own way, to allow our imperfections to not become regrets. Several years ago, I had the words ‘I AM’ tattooed on the inside of my wrist. It means nothing to anyone else; but it doesn’t need to. For me, at any given time, it is a reminder that: I am strong, I am tired, I am struggling, I am not in a good place, or I am at peace. It gives me the opportunity to embrace my imperfect self and start again tomorrow.
Outrage is a divisive tool that is used as a strategy for sure
simone@carib101.com
You are slumped on the couch, your thumb mechanically flicking through your phone. A cacophony of short, jarring audio clips— snippets of angry voices, alarm sirens, and dramatic music—emanates from the device.
“Another one? Seriously? Okay, this… this is just ridiculous. Like, spectacularly ridiculous,” you say to yourself.
You read the comments, your expression shifting between disbelief and exhaustion. A montage of overlapping, rapidfire snippets play in your mind: Trump’s angry face, a protest sign, a news headline screaming about more deaths due to the vaccine, a meme mocking a marginalized group.
“It’s always something. Every day. Every hour,” you say to yourself. “A new thing to be furious about. A new enemy to hate. A new reason to feel completely and utterly hopeless.”
You remember when… when you actually felt something. Like, real anger. Now it’s just… static. A constant, buzzing static. They’ve turned everything into a weapon. Every word, every image, every stupid little thing, and we’re all just… ammunition.
“I used to think if I stayed informed, if I engaged, I could make a difference, but now… now I just feel like I’m drowning. In someone else’s manufactured rage. What’s the point? What’s the point of arguing with a bot? Or someone who’s paid to be angry? Or
someone who’s so deep in their bubble they can’t see anything else?”
They want you exhausted. They want you numb. The endless stream of manufactured crises and moral grandstanding isn’t an accident; it’s a deliberate campaign to crush your ability to think for yourself and fight back. If you’re one of those easily triggered souls drowning in a sea of manufactured outrage, you’ll know the feeling: the constant barrage of ‘oppression’ and ‘injustice’ designed to break your spirit and drain your will to resist.
William Brady, an assistant professor of management and organizations at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and his colleagues recently published a study on how outrage helps misinformation spread online. They found that posts from misinformation sources are more likely than those from trustworthy news outlets to elicit moral outrage (anger and disgust)—and that people were more likely to reshare them without reading them. “Extensive exposure to outrage-inducing content can cause feelings of fatigue that turn people off participating in political action,” Brady says.
Directed outrage is less likely to lead to fatigue, because there’s a satisfaction of knowing what it’s going for, and there are concrete outcomes you’re looking for. Unlike diffuse, or generalized anger, directed outrage focuses on specific targets and desired outcomes. This is why you will see people take to the streets in protest when something has arisen in society that angers them. This focus provides a sense of purpose and agency, which can be inherently motivating. When individuals know precisely what they are fighting against and what they hope to achieve, their efforts feel more meaningful (even if their efforts are futile). The
presence of concrete goals, such as policy changes, or accountability measures, offers a sense of progress and potential victory. This contrasts sharply with the draining experience of undirected anger, which often lacks a clear path to resolution, leading to feelings of helplessness. The clarity and goal-oriented nature of directed outrage can foster sustained engagement and resilience. It is one of the reasons that I write as much as I do.
Another major issue; our use of social media. Individuals possess a significant, though often underutilized, capacity to reshape their social media ecosystems. When faced with an overwhelming influx of negativity, outrage, or unproductive content leading to fatigue, users can actively curate their experience. This can be achieved by deliberately engaging with diverse content creators
and topics that promote positivity, education, or personal growth, effectively shifting the algorithmic focus away from the unwanted material.
Of course, there is always the option of detaching entirely from social media platforms, which remains a powerful tool for regaining control over one’s mental space. While platforms employ sophisticated algorithms designed to tap into dopamine release, fostering addictive engagement through personalized feeds and notification systems, you are not entirely powerless. By consciously adjusting your interactions, utilizing features like muting, unfollowing, and content filtering, or by simply stepping away, you can reclaim agency over your digital environment and mitigate the negative impacts of excessive or harmful content.
The paradox of perfectionism: Why striving for flawlessness holds you back
DANIEL COLE daniel@carib101.com
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Perfectionism is often seen as a virtue—a relentless pursuit of excellence that drives individuals to achieve their best. However, beneath this seemingly admirable trait lies a paradox: the very desire to be perfect can become the biggest obstacle to growth, success, and happiness. This article explores the psychological mechanisms behind perfectionism, its unintended consequences, and why embracing imperfection might be the key to unlocking your true potential. Claude Monet, the renowned artist, once lamented, “My life has been nothing but a failure.” Despite his immense talent, Monet was known to destroy his own
paintings in fits of frustration—including 15 pieces intended for an exhibition. His story raises an important question: Is perfectionism driven by a genuine desire for excellence, or is it rooted in a deep-seated fear of failure? Regardless of its origin, perfectionism often becomes a self-sabotaging mindset that can overshadow one’s life.
Perfectionism is particularly detrimental in creative fields. Artists, writers, and innovators thrive on experimentation and risk-taking, but perfectionism stifles these qualities. The fear of producing something less than perfect can lead to creative blocks, procrastination, and unfinished projects. As author Jodi Picoult once said, “You can’t edit a blank page.” Perfectionism often keeps that page blank, preventing the messy, but necessary process of creation.
For perfectionists, their sense of self-worth is often tied to their achievements. When they fall short of their goals, they don’t just feel disappointment—they feel shame. Their lives are filtered through the lens of success or failure, leaving little room for self-compassion or growth. This rigid mindset can stifle potential, leading to
chronic self-criticism, depression, and even more severe mental health issues.
Research has shown that perfectionism is not just a personality trait; it’s a significant risk factor for mental health disorders. Studies link perfectionistic tendencies to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even suicidal ideation. Dr. Katie Rasmussen, a researcher specializing in child development and perfectionism at West Virginia University, warns that perfectionism is becoming an epidemic, with as many as two in five children and adolescents exhibiting perfectionistic traits. This rise isn’t a sign of increased accomplishment—it’s a troubling indicator of declining mental health.
Perfectionism isn’t just about striving for excellence; it’s a harmful way of thinking about oneself. As psychologist Andrew Hill explains, “Perfectionism isn’t a behavior. It’s a way of thinking about yourself.” Perfectionists are often driven by a fear of how their mistakes will affect their self-image or how others will perceive them. This mindset can lead to procrastination, unrealistic standards, and a constant sense of inadequacy.
To combat this, we need to normalize making mistakes, especially in today’s digital age, where the pressure to appear flawless is amplified. Mistakes are essential for growth, as long as they aren’t internalized as personal failures. As motivational speaker Les Brown wisely said, “We will all fail our way to success.” The goal should be continuous improvement, not unattainable perfection. Voltaire’s words ring true: “Perfect is the enemy of the good.”
Perfectionists often exhibit traits like setting unrealistic standards, fearing failure, procrastinating, and thinking in black-and-white terms. They struggle to see “good enough” as acceptable and often feel crushed by unmet goals. If you recognize these traits in yourself, it may be time to reassess your approach. Practice self-compassion, set realistic goals, and remind yourself that imperfection is part of being human.
April Bryan noted, “Perfectionism is a delusion that can rob one of a very successful, enriching life if not careful.” These insights remind us that the pursuit of excellence should never come at the cost of our mental well-being.
These imposed tariffs will backfire tremendously
SYDNEE WALCOTT
sydnee@carib101.com
VARIETY CORNER
Now that President Donald Trump’s additional tariffs are in effect, we’ll have to sit back and watch how everything will unfold. However, based on the reactions by Canadian politicians and citizens, the response to these tariffs won’t be within Trump’s favour.
Since Trump announced a 25% additional tariff, it has caused nothing but
mayhem. While it led to a provincial election happening a year earlier than planned, the biggest highlight of these imposed tariffs is how Canadians have opted to fight back against them.
Trump’s motive for the additional tariffs is to protect US manufacturing and correct trade imbalances. According to Trump, additional tariffs will also: protect jobs, raise tax revenue and grow the economy. While it may seem like a good thing to protect the citizens of the United States, it’s being done at the expense of: Canada, China and Mexico. This means citizens within the aforementioned countries will have to pay more for certain groceries, clothing and beauty products. Canada and China have already retaliated against these tariffs and Mexico, who recently blasted these additional tariffs, plans to follow through with
their own tariffs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to these tariffs by announcing a 25% retaliatory tariff, worth $155 billion, on American goods. In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford has encouraged Ontarians to buy locally sourced goods, and he also had 136 products of American-brand alcohol from 35 states removed from the shelves of LCBOs across the province.
Along with the government, Canadian citizens have also responded to these tariffs by cancelling their American vacations and have opted to go to other countries instead. Some have even stated they wouldn’t be travelling to the U.S. until things change for the better and have encouraged their American relatives and friends to visit them up north. This response raised concerns for the U.S. Travel
While everyone panics, you build: Finding opportunity in rising costs & tariffs
Association, who said even a 10% decrease in Canadians visiting the south can lead to a significant impact that can lead to the loss of billions along with job losses. Citizens continued to voice their anger about the additional tariffs in protest. Just hours after the tariffs came into effect, both Canadian and American citizens protested in front of the U.S. Embassy, calling for Canadians to take a strong stand against the unprecedented measure. These changes are just the beginning of what’s coming. I, just like many other people, know this trade war will not end well. These imposed tariffs may not directly affect Trump, but it’ll affect the American citizens he says he wants to protect along with the citizens from other countries he has imposed these tariffs on.
BY GRANT BROWNING DRIVEN TO SUCCEED
Right now, there’s a lot of panic in the business world. Tariffs are rising, costs are climbing, and if you turn on the news, you’d think the sky is about to fall.
But here’s the thing: while everyone else is panicking, you should be building.
I’ve been self-employed for over 25 years, and I’ve seen this before. Every time the economy shifts, people freeze. They sit back, complain, and wait for someone to fix things. But the ones who actually win? They see opportunity where others see disaster.
That’s your choice right now. You can either get stuck in the fear, or you can position yourself to thrive.
The Economy’s Changing—But That’s Nothing New Look, we all feel it. The cost of doing business is going up—fuel, materials, equipment, even wages. Add tariffs into the mix, and it’s easy to see why people are worried. But this isn’t the first time businesses have had to adapt, and it won’t be the last.
The biggest mistake you can make right now is waiting for things to get better
before you take action. The economy isn’t going to suddenly flip a switch and make life easier. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to work smarter and move ahead while others are stalling.
Because here’s the truth:
• Every challenge in business creates a new demand.
• Every rising cost forces inefficiencies out of the system.
• Every tariff opens doors for new suppliers, new strategies, and new industries.
The key is not sitting on your hands waiting for normal to come back—because normal is gone.
Your Competition Is Distracted—Now’s Your Time to Gain Ground
Most business owners right now are focused on one thing: complaining about costs. You hear it everywhere—“It’s too expensive to run a business!” “These tariffs are killing me!” “Everything is going up!” And while they’re whining, they’re not taking action. They’re not looking for alternatives, they’re not adapting, and they’re certainly not growing.
That’s where you have an edge.
• If they’re cutting back on advertising, you double down.
• If they’re slowing production, you find a way to scale.
• If they’re afraid to invest, you look for ways to build smarter.
This is where market share shifts. When everyone else backs off, slows down, and hesitates, you gain ground, build your brand, and establish yourself as the go-to in your industry.
Opportunities Are Everywhere—You Just Have to Look
People love to say, “There’s no money to be made right now.” That’s not true—the money didn’t disappear, it just moved.
• It moved into different industries.
• It moved into more efficient suppliers.
• It moved into businesses that are adapting instead of complaining.
Where can you find your opportunity?
• Can you source smarter? Maybe it’s time to rethink where you get your materials or how you operate.
• Can you offer a premium service? If prices are up across the board, find ways to deliver value that justifies your price.
• Can you expand your customer base? While competitors are shrinking, now’s the time to take market share.
• Can you automate or streamline? Every rising cost forces businesses to find more efficient ways to operate—find yours before you’re forced to.
This isn’t about just surviving the next year—this is about setting yourself up to dominate long-term.
This Is the Time to Move, Not Wait It’s easy to get caught up in the panic. It’s easy to sit around and wait for someone else to fix things. But that’s not what business owners do.
Tariffs, rising costs, and economic shifts are part of the game. You can either complain about it, or you can find the opportunities hidden inside these challenges.
Because while everyone else is sitting still, this is the time to move.
So the question is—are you backing down, or are you stepping up?
Sending A “Call to Action,” at Black in Cannabis 2025 with Kronic Relief
sean@carib101.com
In its third annual iteration, Ste ven and his team at Kronic Relief have returned with their celebration of BIPOC achievement; Black In Cannabis. The structured yet informal event would feature several accredited guest speakers along with ample opportunities to network and connect.
In a short period of time, founding members of the Kronic Relief staff have had incredible personal growth and development within the company. Ebby, who has become the brands National Director of Sales, shared her origin story with the company detailing her own passion and desire to work towards something greater than herself. Ahmed, the Director of Operations for Kronic Relief, explained some of the vast functions he now performs noting that “We all wear very many hats here.” Not only have employees grown, but so has the business. Sales of their products have expanded beyond Ontario to Manitoba and soon to Newfoundland.
The keynote speaker for the evening was the man responsible for the entire event; Steven Conville. He utilized his time by talking about some of the hardships his company has faced and strategies he used to overcome them. One such strategy was to employ a certain level of impracticality when acting on new ideas. Sometimes, a suspension of disbelief is required to get larger initiatives off the ground. The goal is to dream slightly bigger than what may be possible in order to achieve the greatest outcome. His dream to make “High quality cannabis accessible to every single person in this country,” may seem far-fetched, but has become the driving force behind many innovations
and developments from Kronic Relief. Senior Vice President of Operations for True North Cannabis, Chris Richards, spoke about going from knowing very little about the industry to managing a company of over 300 employees. He reached this lofty position by focusing on learning and adaptability thus encouraging growth through adversity.
Jasper Ly gave an engaging speech about how he became the owner of two of the most successful branches of Spirit Leaf Cannabis in Ontario, the Scarborough and Pickering locations. A Scarborough native himself, he found that his diverse environment growing up supported behaviours that sought to network with cultures and communities outside of his own. Building these relationships would help to shore up stability within the neighbourhoods where his stores were located.
Next was Dr. Kenroy Wallace, Kronic Relief’s Assistant Head Grower who spoke about using “Small, measured steps with incremental goals to gain momentum for larger steps,” in order to move towards success in any venture. He also mentioned that “Surrounding yourself with individuals who emulated behaviours you want to achieve,” was a sure-fire way to motivate yourself in a positive direction. Following Dr Wallace was legendary coach of the Toronto Raptors and member of Kronic Relief’s Board of Directors, Sam Mitchell. Unable to attend in person, he gave a heartfelt virtual presentation that left the entire audience inspired. Most notably, he said “Whenever you get a chance to become successful, make sure to create an opportunity for the person from our community coming behind you.”
The final speaker was LaFirn Brazel Gibson, Community Manager for Pops Cannabis. Her presentation about creating communities rather than customer bases struck home amongst many in the crowd. She highlighted that knowing what you don’t know and relying on experts who do was not a weakness but a strength. She urged the audience to keep asking questions, keep pushing for change in order to define new boundaries within cannabis. All in all, the Black in Cannabis event was inspirational, motivational, informative and celebratory. Steven Conville and his crew put together an excellently professional, yet chill atmosphere that demonstrated his desire and determination to “Give my all towards improving the community who looks like me through this industry.” Everyone in attendance left the evening with the Kronic Relief call to action clearly ringing in their ears.
When homeownership turns into a financial nightmare
In 2022, a family bought their first home in a hot seller’s market. With low interest rates, they jumped in, paying $950,000 among multiple bidders to secure a condo townhome listed at $750,000. They put down $50,000 and took a fixed three-year mortgage.
Fast-forward to renewal: Their monthly payments more than doubled, and they faced a $750 maintenance fee plus utilities. Then, life threw another curveball: one homeowner fell ill, making it even harder to keep up financially.
Selling seemed like the only option, but the market had shifted. Similar homes were now selling for $800,000, but their mortgage balance was $940,000 across two loans. Factoring in closing costs, selling would leave them with a $200,000 shortfall. To make matters worse, they had two co-signers who would be on the hook if they defaulted.
This is the story of a hardworking family that saved to buy a home—only to find themselves drowning in debt. Let’s examine what went wrong and how others can avoid the same fate.
As a first-time buyer, your realtor plays a significant role in guiding you—but not all realtors are the same. That’s why it’s essential to do your homework.
Ask family and friends for advice, but remember, their experiences may differ from yours. Get recommendations, then
interview multiple realtors and take notes. Before you start house hunting, fully understand the buying process. If you don’t, keep researching and meeting with realtors until you do. Being prepared is the best way to avoid costly mistakes!
When buying real estate, it’s wise to go against the trend. If there’s a bidding war, step back. Emotions run high, and the fear of losing can lead to overpaying.
In this case, the buyer paid $200,000 over asking. But when the lender appraised the home for less, they had to cover the difference—money they didn’t have.
Before submitting an offer, do your homework! Check what similar homes are selling for in the area to avoid overpaying.
If you’re buying a condo, make your offer conditional on reviewing the status certificate—it’s like the building’s DNA. Your lawyer will analyze its financial health and let you know if the condo is well-managed. A substantial reserve fund means stable maintenance fees, while a weak one could lead to steep increases.
Whenever possible, also include conditions for a home inspection and financing approval. A little caution now can prevent big regrets later!
One of the family’s biggest mistakes was taking on more debt than they could handle. When buying a home, lenders don’t just look at your credit score and income, they also check two key numbers to make sure you can afford it.
Gross Debt Service (GDS) Ratio:
This is the percentage of your income that goes toward housing costs, including mortgage payments (principal + interest), property taxes, heating, and half of condo fees (if applicable). Most lenders want this ratio to be under 35%.
Total Debt Service (TDS) Ratio—
This ratio includes everything from your GDS calculation plus other debts, such as car loans, credit cards, alimony, and personal loans. Ideally, it should be 42% or lower.
If your debt ratios are too high, a slight increase in interest rates can turn homeownership into a financial nightmare. That’s precisely what happened to this family—they couldn’t qualify independently and needed two co-signers just to get approved.
Had they stayed within the recommended debt ratios, their mortgage payments would have been much lower and manageable. Instead, they stretched beyond their limits and are struggling to keep up.
The lesson? Just because a lender approves you for a certain amount doesn’t
mean you can afford it. Stick to a budget that gives you breathing room.
The family is fighting to stay afloat, doing everything possible to avoid losing their home through a power of sale. But the stakes are even higher—if the lender takes over and sells at a loss, the two guarantors will be responsible for the shortfall.
This makes an already painful situation even worse. It’s a harsh reminder of why co-signing a mortgage is a considerable risk. If the primary borrower can’t pay, the lender will come after the co-signer.
Before putting your name on the line for someone else’s mortgage, ask yourself: Can you afford to take on their debt if things go south? If not, think twice because lenders won’t think twice about coming after you.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
for the week of March 9 to March 15, 2025
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: LEO, SAGITTARIUS AND SCORPIO
ARIES: Your fire burns bright, but don’t let impatience take over. A conversation midweek shifts your perspective. By the weekend, trust your instincts—they’re sharper than you think.
TAURUS: You crave stability, but change is coming—embrace it. Financial matters need attention midweek. Slow and steady wins, but don’t fear a detour.
GEMINI: Your energy draws people in—use it wisely. Avoid spreading yourself too thin. Someone from the past resurfaces—decide if reopening that door is worth it.
CANCER: You’ve been carrying too much. Set boundaries and protect your peace. Midweek reminds you who truly has your back. A shift brings relief by the weekend.
LEO: You’re in the spotlight—own it. Confidence is key, but stay humble. A surprise midweek invitation could lead to something exciting.
VIRGO: Prioritize what matters most. Midweek, a challenge to your perspective could teach you something. The weekend calls for rest—listen to your body.
LIBRA: Social energy is strong, but don’t forget yourself. A midweek decision needs confidence—trust yourself. Balance, as always, is key.
SCORPIO: Something is shifting— trust it. A deep conversation midweek reveals surprises. The weekend brings clarity—answers you’ve been waiting for.
SAGITTARIUS: Adventure calls, but responsibilities do too. Midweek brings an opportunity outside your comfort zone. The weekend is perfect for reconnecting with someone or something special.
CAPRICORN: Hard work is paying off—enjoy it. Midweek brings a breakthrough in money or career. The weekend calls for a well-deserved break.
AQUARIUS: Restlessness means change is coming. Midweek, a creative idea sparks something big. The weekend brings a realization that shifts your perspective..
PISCES: Emotions run deep—don’t ignore them. Midweek, the universe reassures you. The weekend brings fresh hope—hold onto it.
CROSSWORDS
HOW TO PLAY :
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO. 126
PUZZLE NO. 836
Canada’s First NORMOBARIC CHAMBER
It all started when a well-known businessman in Poland, Stan Śnieg – former owner of the Igloo company – was diagnosed with arthritis. Here’s how he recalls that time:
A few years ago, I found myself in the grips of arthritis, a disease that not only threatened my mobility but also cast a shadow over my daily life. The constant pain, particularly in both legs, forced me to use walkers and wheelchairs to get through each day. Seeking a solution, I turned to specialists who could only offer temporary relief in the form of painkillers.
The turning point came during a business trip to Europe, where a friend who was struggling with similar issues introduced me to the transformative power of normobaric therapy. Skeptical but desperate for relief, I decided to give it a try. The results were simply astounding. After just one session, I experienced significant
Today, I am not only free from the grips of pain, but I have also said goodbye to my wheelchairs and walkers.
Apart from the usual relief, I adopted a lifestyle that included bodybuilding and Latin American dance lessons.
When after a few sessions in the Normobaric Chamber, Stan Śnieg showed his arthritis test results to his doctor, who said “This is a miracle.”
improvement—I could do something as simple as clenching my fist, something that had prevented me from doing before the therapy.
As the sessions continued, my life underwent an incredible transformation.
Mr. Stan decided to bring the Normobaric chamber to Canada, opened the company Nromobaric Wellness Centre and now everyone can take advantage of the benefits of the chamber. The chamber contains increased doses of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The pressure is increased by 50% compared to the surroundings. The atmosphere in the chamber is safe for humans, there is no time limit for staying in it, unlike hyperbaria, where the time of staying in it is strictly limited and under medical supervision.
Since the chamber was launched, people have come with various problems, often achieving amazing results. Here are the problems with which people come to the normobaric chamber sessions:
– Arthritis
– Asthma
– Diabetes
– Depression
– Migraines
– Osteoporosis
– After a stroke
– After curing cancer
The chamber is now available to everyone. For more information call 416 676-3799.
More than 90% of our energy comes from oxygen. Lack of oxygen can lead to a range of symptoms, such as a weakened immune system, fatigue and ultimately hypoxia – a lack of oxygen in our cells. The latter is often considered to be the cause of many degenerative diseases.
Normobaric oxygen therapy uses the body’s natural healing power. The therapy supports healthy blood flow and the production of stem cells responsible for repairing and regenerating damaged tissues in the body. Therefore, oxygen therapy can stimulate the growth of new and healthy cells, which will improve your health.
Stanislaw Snieg diagnosed with arthritis
Control Gauges of Normobaric Chamber
