Canada’s Leading Caribbean Newspaper
Volume 14 • Issue 7
Wednesday, May 7 2025
“A deeper dive reveals a man deeply entrenched in the global financial elite, with allegiances that may not align with the interests of everyday Canadians...” FULL STORY - PAGE 8
PAGE 2
FEATURE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Navern Nash Longshaw Be bold. Be free. Be fierce and be you! “How one woman’s passion reshaped beauty, style, and self-worth—one hat, one heart, and one bold step at a time.” It began not with fabric, or thread, but with a question: What if beauty didn’t need permission? In a world obsessed with perfection and profit, our Woman Empowered, the visionary behind Château Neuf, chose a different path. Today, her name is whispered in fashion circles from Toronto to Paris, but her journey didn’t start with glitz. It started with grit. Before she built a brand that draped crowns on queens, she was simply a woman navigating the sharp edges of society’s expectations, and like many women, she learned to stitch confidence where the world tried to unravel her. Her answer to adversity? Creation. Her rebellion? Elegance with a purpose. Château Neuf is a love letter to women who have been told they are too much, not enough, or somehow in between. With every handcrafted accessory, Navern sends a message: “You are enough, exactly as you are.” What does it take to make beauty revolutionary? The path wasn’t easy. Building a luxury brand with a conscience in a fast-fashion world was like swimming upstream. She faced the noise of doubt, the weight of expectations, and the silence that often greets women entrepreneurs, especially those of colour. Yet, she pressed forward, choosing integrity over shortcuts and sustainability over trends. She worked with youth, educated communities, and forged partnerships with fair-wage organizations, proving that fashion can be fierce and ethical. In 2022, her efforts were recognized when Château Neuf won the Creative Star Award. A year later, they were nominated for Environmental Sustainability by the Brampton Board of Trade testaments to a mission much larger than aesthetics. Our Woman Empowered work transcends runways. When Château Neuf joined global efforts supporting women in Iran and collaborated with @6IXAcademy’s ARTivism project, the brand stepped fully into its power: fashion not just as adornment, but activism. From pop-ups at Brampton City Hall to African Fashion Week in Montréal, from styling Tracy Moore to launching couture collections on Toronto’s Golden Runway Tour, Château Neuf be-
came a platform. So, ask yourself: “If you had to choose between conformity and authenticity, what would you wear?” For our Woman Empowered, the answer has always been bold, unapologetic self-expression. The pinnacle of her journey (so far)? Being selected to host the World Hat Walk for Brampton as part of London Hat Week 2025. A moment of global recognition, yes, but also a deeply symbolic one, because hats, like confidence, must be worn with intention, and no one wears them quite like her. Yet, the real triumph isn’t in awards, or magazine spreads (though there have been many—Moevir Paris, Shuba, Women Empowerment Awards, to name a few). It’s in the quiet moments: a teenage girl learning about sustainability and seeing herself in our Woman Empowered (which is why we do this). A woman discovering that she, too, can be soft and powerful, stylish and sustainable. That her worth doesn’t hinge on the world’s mirror. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is proud to present our Woman Empowered Feature, Navern Nash Longshaw. “It started with me fashioning myself…” “I was born in Jamaica and migrated at age 10 to Canada. My mom was already here, and she brought me to Canada with my younger siblings,” Navern shares with me. “It was challenging; we had to adjust to the weather, the food, and the culture. Our daily activities changed; in Jamaica you say good morning, but here, if you did that, people looked at you strangely.” “Growing up, being an artist, or any type of creative wasn’t encouraged. Your parents told you to go find a job. I did that, but beneath it all was something that continued to call to me. It started with me fashioning myself. I was always my own person, so even though my art wasn’t encouraged, I always migrated back. I would style my children, and my home the way that I wanted, and as my children got older, then I started styling myself more.” “I remember I had to go to the Black Business Expo, and I wanted to see people’s reaction, so I made four sets of earrings. People took notice right away and began to encourage me to start my own business.” “Empowering women to me is about helping other women feel good about themselves. When I started the business, I saw that
it was a great way for women to express themselves. Sometimes my husband asks, ‘Who do you think is going to buy this? Do you think you are in Paris?’ Navern shares with me chuckling. “If I can help one woman see themselves in a different light, I know that I am serving my purpose. A woman has the potential to be more; it is about liberation. Many women feel set in a role. When you know yourself, express yourself, it is powerful. I own my own identity, and this is why I do what I do. I think women could give back if they were able to express themselves.” “Every woman is special, and that person doesn’t have to have a social status. Every woman is beautiful. Every woman is my idol.” “What has been a challenge for you Navern,” I asked. “One of the biggest challenges is finding time for myself. I get very caught up with what I do. Everything has to be perfect, and this can be time consuming. I pay attention to detail, and that can be a blessing and a curse.” I always ask my Women Empowered Features about how they would encourage young women in this day and age. “I would tell a young fashionista to run with it. Don’t get distracted by what other people are doing. Stay focused on what is in front of you. Don’t lose sight of your vision and don’t look back.” “I always put God first. Sometimes we want to give ourselves all the praise, but if it wasn’t for God, I could not do it. I do this every time I can, because I am who I am because of him.” Navern’ story is one of resistance and reimagination. It’s a challenge to the industry and an invitation to all of us: What if we built beauty from the inside out? Navern continues to design, educate, and uplift proving that true luxury lies in purpose. Her legacy is still unfolding, hat by hat, story by story, woman by woman. To every girl who’s ever doubted herself, Navern has only one message: “You are bold. You are fierce. You are enough. Wear that!”
Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News
Personal Injury Accident Specialists Motor Vehicle Accident Slip & Fall Injuries Landlord and Tenant
ABRAHAM LEGAL SERVICES
Personal Injury Claims Provincial Offences Pedestrian Accidents
Contact Abraham Legal for a FREE Consultation TEL: 647-696-4898 470 Chrysler Drive Unit 1 Brampton Serving Durham Region, Peel and Halton Region and Toronto and the GTA
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
NEWS & VIEWS
PAGE 3
Why affordable housing is slipping away from Afro/Indo-Caribbean Canadians, and what we can do about it SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“Canada is facing an affordable housing crisis, and it’s not new, but it’s intensified significantly over the past few years,” said Shawn Allen, Past President of the Scarborough Business Association. “In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, the cost of buying or renting a home has become inaccessible for average Canadians, particularly younger generations, immigrants, and low-to-middle-income families.” For many Afro/Indo-Caribbean Canadians, it’s our everyday reality. What’s really going on? If you, or someone you love has been pushed out of a neighbourhood, forced into renting longer than planned, or giving up on the dream of owning a home entirely you are not alone, and you are not imagining it. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Canada needs to build 5.8 million new homes by 2030 to make housing even remotely affordable again, but the pace of construction? Nowhere near that. Espe-
cially when it comes to the kind of housing working-class Afro-Indo Caribbean families can afford. We’re not talking about luxury condos, or downtown high-rises—we’re talking about homes. Backyards. Space for a growing family. Stability. Six hard truths behind the crisis Let’s break down what’s actually driving this: 1. We don’t have enough homes It’s a simple supply problem. The demand is massive, but zoning laws, red tape, and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) attitudes slow down the building of new units, especially affordable ones. 2.Everyone wants in, but there’s no room Over one million newcomers arrived in 2023. Immigration builds Canada’s economy, but if housing doesn’t grow with it, we all feel the squeeze. Combine that with investors buying up homes as assets, and prices skyrocket. 3. Wages are not keeping up Housing prices in some cities have gone up over 200% in a decade. Your income? Not so much. Even a “good job” doesn’t guarantee you a chance to own, especially if you’re a: single parent, newcomer, or in precarious work. 4. Interest rates hit hard The Bank of Canada hiked interest rates to
battle inflation meaning higher mortgage costs, fewer homebuyers, and stalled development projects. It’s a lose-lose. 5. Public housing got left behind Since the 1990s, Canada has underfunded public and co-op housing. We now rely heavily on private developers to build our homes, who, let’s be honest, are not designing for affordability. 6. Flipping, speculation, and Airbnb Housing is being treated like a stock market. Flipping homes and short-term rentals mean fewer homes available for real people who just want to live. How this affects our community Let’s talk real: Afro/Indo-Canadians are disproportionately renters, more likely to live in multigenerational households, and more vulnerable to housing discrimination. We face systemic barriers to mortgages, lower intergenerational wealth, and fewer safety nets. Affordable housing is not just about a roof, it’s about: health, education, and the future of our families. When we’re spending 50%, or more of our income on rent, it chips away at: our mental health, our children’s chances, and our community’s legacy. That is why it matters that events like the Affordable Housing Summit exist; to bring together: developers, government reps, and community leaders to push for: modular building solutions, sustainable construction, and co-operative housing
models rooted in us. Mental health: The quiet crisis within It is not just the families struggling. Construction workers, city planners, and even policymakers face extreme pressure. The cost of building is high. The regulations are rigid. The timelines are brutal. Mental health support across this sector is critical, because a broken system burns out the very people trying to fix it. The Affordable Housing Summit pulls back the curtain on this, showcasing: the builders, architects, and advocates who are defying the odds, and the bureaucracy. What now? What next? We need more than roundtables. We need: • • • •
Policy that prioritizes Black renters and first-time buyers. More co-ops, land trusts, and community-owned housing. Investment in modular housing and rapid builds. Mental health supports embedded in housing initiatives.
As Shawn Allen puts it, “The housing discussion cannot advance without engagement from all levels of government and onthe-ground stakeholders, especially those not typically included in conversations.” So, let’s make sure we are in the room, because where we live shapes who we become—and that future is too important to leave to chance.
NEWS & VIEWS
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 5
Supporting Each Other in the Strangest of Times I don’t know about you, but there are days lately when I look around and think: what on earth is going on? We’re living in a time where everything feels a little upside down. The news shifts by the minute. People are more divided than ever. Prices are through the roof. Common sense feels rare. And it seems like every week we’re being asked to accept some new version of “normal” that doesn’t sit quite right. And yet—here we are. Still waking up. Still showing up. Still doing our best to navigate through it all. I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted to say in this space. I don’t have all the answers (I don’t think anyone does), but what I do have is a deep love for our community, and a belief that even in the weirdest, most uncertain times, the way forward is still through each other. If you’re feeling burnt out, you’re not alone. If you’re feeling like you’re constantly being pulled in different directions—between work, family, finances, the state of the world—it’s not just you. So many of us are carrying more than we let on. More stress, more worry, more weight on our shoulders. That’s the part we don’t always post about or talk about out loud. But it’s there. And that’s exactly why we need to keep showing up for each other. A kind word. A phone call to check in. Supporting a local business when we can. Dropping off groceries for a neighbour who’s struggling. Listening more than we speak. These aren’t grand gestures—but they make all the difference. We don’t need to agree on everything to care about each other. We don’t need to see eye-to-eye on politics, parenting, or the price of gas to
show respect. Somewhere along the line, we’ve been pushed into corners and told we have to “pick sides.” But I don’t buy into that. Not here. Not in our community. The truth is, the strongest communities aren’t built on sameness. They’re built on care. On looking out for one another. On knowing the value of people, not just opinions. The world might be going through a rough patch, but that doesn’t mean we have to. We can still create good moments, good memories, and good days. We can still laugh at silly things, share a cup of coffee, lend a hand, and celebrate the things that are still working. There’s power in not giving in to the chaos. I’ve also seen some beautiful things this past year. Small businesses getting creative just to stay afloat. Families finding new ways to stay connected. People donating their time, money, and energy to help others. It reminds me that no matter what’s happening globally or nationally, local still matters. Community still matters. And when it’s all said and done, that’s what gets us through. So if no one’s told you this in a while: You’re doing a good job. You’re not alone. You’re allowed to be tired. You’re allowed to take a break. But don’t give up hope. Don’t stop being kind. And don’t underestimate how much your presence means to someone else. We may be living through some strange times, but we’ve been through tough times before—and we’ll get through this too. Maybe not all at once, and maybe not without a few bumps along the way, but we’ll get through it together. And that’s what really matters.
CANADA’S LEADING CARIBBEAN NEWSPAPER Selina McCallum TC REPORTER selina@carib101.com
Noel Cunningham FOOD | CULINARY noel@carib101.com
Dave Rankin AFRICAN HISTORY dave@carib101.com
Jay Brijpaul REAL ESTATE jay@carib101.com
TORONTO CARIBBEAN NEWS INC. 55 Rutherford Rd. S., Suite 205, Brampton ON L6W 3J3 647-722-6298 | www.TOCaribNews.com
Simone J. Smith TC REPORTER simone@carib101.com
Dave Rankin TC REPORTER dave@carib101.com
Dr. Vikas Puri HEALTH | WELLNESS drpuri@carib101.com
Paul Junor EDUCATION paul@carib101.com
Fazaad Bacchus FINANCE SPECIALIST fazaad@carib101.com
PUBLISHER | EDITOR Grant Browning grant@carib101.com
Michael Thomas TC REPORTER michael@carib101.com
Christina Gwira TC TECH REPORTER christina@carib101.com
Errol A. Gibbs PHILOSOPHER errol@carib101.com
Brittney Channer SOCIAL JUSTICE brittney@carib101.com
Andrew Stewart FAMILY INSURANCE andrew@carib101.com
EDITOR | PROOFING Alanna Zelau alanna@carib101.com
Stephen Weir TC REPORTER stephen@carib101.com
Paul Junor TC EDUCATION REPORTER paul@carib101.com
Simone J. Smith HUMAN SPECIALIST simone@carib101.com
Christina Gwira TECHNOLOGY christina@carib101.com
Kayla Karim CARIBBEAN SPORTS kayla@carib101.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Trish Browning trish@carib101.com
ARY 10TH
VOLUME
6 • ISSUE
JANU ESDAY, 23 • WEDN
NG EVERYTHI
2018
TO ADVE
RTISE: 647-72
2-6298
POWERED BY
challenging only for the most • PRIVATE •MORTGA MORTGAGES ED AND MORE! IN 1st & 2nd • SELF EMPLOY SPECIALIZING• NEW TO CANADA 17 2019 REFINANCES SDAY, APRIL • WEDNE • ISSUE 5 VOLUME 8
A fee is charged
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER
WE’RE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF:
TOCaribNews Reporters & Sales Representatives on Location in:
Mortgage Agent
Group 12619
Broker Financial
VOLUME 6
Group 12619
YOU NEED
2019
IN ONE
NEWSPAPE TORONTOC I CA R ARIBBEAN.C N HELP OM MAKE “I work for A fee is charged you, YO only for the not the banks! most challen From first consult UR DR SPECIALIZ EAMS A ging credit ation to the solution ING signing REFIN
REALITY
s, and it’s ANCES IN 1st & 2nd especially of your mortgage, • NEW TO MOR then that our I can do for services are free. CANADA TGAGES • you what PRIVATE • SELF EMPL the banks cannot.” OYED •MORTGAGES AND MOR E!
• ISSUE 15 • WEDNES
POWERED
SOCIAL LOVE AND STATUS HEARTS POWERED BY
TO
le.ca a www.charlesayode charles@bfgbroker.c
NEED
HING YOU CHARLES AYODELE
EVERYT
TO ADV
Agent |
CALLAPER ME TODAY! I CAN HELP!
EVERYTHIN G
• ONLIN E:
BY
!
NEWSP VOLU DAY,ME SEPTEMBER 8 • ISSU20TH 2017 NEED IN ONE 416-875-4A REALITY! THING YOU www. E2 • EVERY CAN HELP MAKE YOUR DREAMS 9I2019 WEDNESD 523 sayodele.ca charlecharle JANUARY COM AY, MAR broke “I work for you, not the banks! From first consultation tos@bfg the signing ofr.ca your mortgage, our services are free. BBEAN. NESDAY, CH 6 2019 TOCARI fee is charged only for the most challenging credit solutions, and it’s especially then that I can do for you what the banks cannot.” EVERYT • WED : ATORON E 24 • ONLINE HING YOU NEED TO ADVE TO EVE 7 • ISSU ISE: 647-722-6298 416-875-4523 INRYT RTISE: ONE ISE: 647-722-6 SPECIALIZING IN 1st & 2nd MORTGAGES • PRIVATEADVERT MORTGAGES NEWSP ADVERT HING VOLUME
| Broker Financial
CALL ME TODAY! I CAN HELP!
ERTISE:
The statements, opinions and viewpoints made or expressed by the writers do not necessarily represent the opinions and views of the Toronto Caribbean, or the publishers. Toronto Caribbean News Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims, statements, opinions or views, written or reported by its contributing writers, including product or service information that is advertised.
CHARLE S AYODEL E
Mortgage
CHARLESE AYODEL
8 • ISSUE 1 • WEDN ESDAY, FEBRU
ARY 20
.COM ARIBBEAN TORONTOC A REAfree.LITY! ONLINE: R DREAMS 98 • E our services are banks cannot.” YOUto the signing of your mortgage, the MAK : 647-722-62 do for you what RTISE HELP then that I can From first consultation I CAN not the banks! credit solutions, and it’s especially “I work for you, GES
TO ADVE
VOLUME
ER
NEWSPAP
D IN ONE
YOU NEE
IN ONE
I CAN HELP!
YOUAPER NEED IN ONE
NTOCARIB
BEAN.COM
VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 2019
416-875-4523
www.charlesayodele.ca charles@bfgbroker.ca
298 • ONLINE: 647-722-62 TORONTOCARIBB 98 • ONLI EAN.COM NE: TORO
REFINANCES • NEW TO CANADA • SELF EMPLOYED • AND MORE!
PER
NEWSPA
.COM
RIBBEAN ONTOCA TOR Mortgage Agent | Broker Financial Group 12619 ONLINE: 98 • CALL ME TODAY!
647-722-62
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER
HELCPLIN
TO ADVERTISE: 647-722-6298 • ONLINE: TORONTOCARIBBEAN.COM
R WKH H DQG LV RSHQ W XU EXVLQHVV WUHSUHQH LQJ IRU HYHU\RQ DWLRQ VRPHWKLove is UH DQ HQ ,I \RX D ÀOLDWHG RUJDQL] JUHDW an emotio VLQHVV 6RFLDO - SXEOLF XQLW\ DI and H VRPH XFn that Valentin U FRPP we all feel, Conven e’s WR PDN EAN K DQQXDO 7& %X RZQHU R H WR EH Day is aODQ IRU V brate Pearson it. The KH SODF day to cele- is completely ONTO CARIBB heartH \RXU S WR DWWHQG WKH W2018 at the FRQWLQX WKLV LV W symbol ANESHA PREMRA non-pro HVV LRQV DQG payroll for of love, is the interna MAHADEO/TOR As with every new on May 6th,in Brampton! & %XVLQtional FRQQHFW the TC Busidren J/TORONTO and there this charity.fit; there is no ALYSSA spend in the Caribbe EXVLfunds LRQ its 4th year, CARIBBEAN are IRU O RI WKH 7 for new goals? many of us DQG tion Center 100% of serious chil- helpingraised by this Now in FUHDWHG WR SURYLGHnity to FHVV LQ an IRXQGDW 7KH JRD exthat have heart issues. VWURQJ the manythe foundation. New year,rolls around, charity goes neurs to SURZDV \HDU JRQH us. very get children FUHDWH D entrepre an opportu PL]H a baby Imagine LV WR with before RU in the Caribbe to that fun activities The Gala had year that the help QHVV 6RFLDO ionals with J RQ DQRWKHU HOS RSWL an 6RFLDO aand very serious sue, but one set FXUUHQW having such as was full they need. is s owners full of volunte not having an WLPH UHÁHFWLQof the new most of this year, ness profess WHFKQLTXHV WR K of a heartLQJV K RQ WKHLU through This eventSDWURQV busines is- persona UDVS LOOV DQG the RFLDO EU ers that The team is about the TCCF donated gifts, a raffle V 7KH 6 RU HVWDEOLV the surgery the promise to make the WKH potential! SDQG YHQWXUH , it means XQLW\·V PRVW entine’s quiz that gave ly heartbr WKHU FKDQFH WR JV DQG OHDUQ VN go children l time to help dedicate their XVLQHVV business EULQJ WRJHWKHU FRPPXQLW\ MHFWHG E H FRPP must beWR toVKDUH We resolve H RI DQR eaking U GUHDP their ensure that VW RI WK WR a DJ to Day chocolate and away Vala DWHVW cialized ULHV WKH of the founda experie RI QLW\ YLVLRQD This is what nce.FH WKH OtruWDNLQJ DGYDQWDJQLWLHV FKDVH RX DERXW WKHLU WRJHWKHU WKH EH RZQHUV tion get the event wasdance the night of course medical FUHDWLYH LQWURGX two RSSRUWX LYH Founda EXVLQHVV HGXFDWH RWKHUV WKH\ RI- Childre The Caribbe spe- well-dre full of genero away. This care as PLVVHG RSSRUWX H[SHULHQFHV SURGXFWn’s LFHV DQG WKH EXVLQHVV possible. for many, ROG DQG DQG quickly tionR NHHS DQG temptin us, extrem ssed people QHWZRUN SURGXFWV DQG VHUYLFHV (TCCF) is an HPEDUN RQ QHZ as to suppor to help WKHLU EHgVW SUDFW Q KRZ W LQQRYDWLYH On Saturda Unfortunately DFN WR RXU VDPHR UH- WR ely DO at- 5 WKH solve. PHQWV R W Z DQG t the cause.who were proud ULJKW E V QRW GLIÀFXOW W This LQGLYLGX DOVR VKDULQJ y, Februar DFKLHYH KHU JUR G FXUUHQ ed On Page TCCF hosted y ZKLOH Continu cause that celebra a Valentin ZHHNV LQ ZH·UH W LW·V DQRWKHU DW WKH\ FDQ IXUW RUH EXVLQHVV PRGHO IUHVK DQ e’s Day 9th, FWLYH KDELWV ,W· XJK IHU ted love XQSURGX VWDUW D \HDU VWURQJ EX XQLTXH ZD\V WKUDQG WR EULQJ P and raised Gala Continued DOO\ IROORZ WKUR LV FRPfunds VROYH WR OWRJHWKHU WR DFWX HQW WR DFKLHYH WKRVH H[SDQG WKHLU E On Page 6RFLDO V QJ 7 way. %XVLQHV RQH SURYLGL PDWWHU D RPPLWP DNH their 7KH 7& Virtual Tours DQG PDNH WKDW F HYHQWV LQ and High Quality RLQJ WR GR WR P KABRENA URQWR SULVHG RI WZR Down payment ROBINSON/T JRDOV :KDW DUH \RX J HD Photos toORONTO Loans - Cash 6SULQJ WKH 7R Attract moreCARIBBEAN In Jamaica, invites you QW" 7KLV Back y It isBuyers a centralMortgage formall Offers* not a coinci and popular that “education WKLV \HDU GLIIHUH ONTO CARIBBEAN belief Newspaper March is tise”. dence it all starts at is the key to tans Caribbean 2nd, SIMONE SMITH/TOR that Saturd and 2019, the y Inc success” of Regga Realelementary was child’s On declar First & Second Estate Agent ay, Canad stages Friday, September life. Fraternit overwhelme Alpha of day However, a e Phi 87th 647-8 foundation Day; it hosted ed Tithat hundr 16tha. Saturd their with factors dave@seinadequate Mortgages the Alpha 67-78 the foundation d by the ongoing Equity was also hosting their 12thmemo resources archreal as draising on from such 09 eds ofgala ay night has been receivingsupport to facilitate annualration the across Delta Sigma – as they were ty.ca in educational the Loans fun- community SIMON |Conventi on the grounds dave.sea students regga the House Regional institutions, was the the sisters of E SMITH/from $5000 of great over from the Club rn GTAinfilled rchrealty e fans sentin of Donalda a comthe dream in edXFDWLRQDO IXO Toronto. Hosted g the past, and the brothin Toronto. Debt years. TORON downNathan g nized by .co of time artists - $500,000 ÀOOPHQW FDQ the Opera by of town Toron and has Consolidation “I TO CARIBB thisebrate Sorority Inc.,Alpha Fraternity Midweste regga CP24 am still , reprepresen Downer, the Onefirst anchor always happenin 50 VillageEH HDVLO\ GHW to this day organization e. for the very journe collaborated HUUHG what Phi popul EAN t, accomplishe did not know, it is no Theta to,the Centre amazed can be and future is little Home cornu bit fostering who y ofofone to event Pl Suite ar100 at With so much an liveofauctions, Mississaug cel- featured a much-needgenre ning ers of Alpha a mandate Refina copia For those ed city of Toronto, Regga to improve a, ON Titans t eve- together with like-mindedd when looking ncelines. we the mostentertainmen of music oratio comeof discip L4Z e. RootesÀQH artists wasacross GLQLQJ inWRSSHG &with childhood in the great there are some events Inc. ted event weekend tion Home of and nsor Good had visitors in a educaReggaa epassion to support individuals includ we island. neigh1V9 Purcha the ZLWK -DPDLFDQ orchestrate in the His collab Lesse Than with This coordina d, or unatreggae borhood,dand Hotels by like Caribana, asThethe se wonder that FXLVLQH working was an The only those inMolly musicworld Johns Eglint Delta unnotice ; BEAN positions,” U.S.A. in scene d Toless the go Good an Craig, Helping the at event at fortunate on and exquisite vibe incred and of on the withCredit CARIB & Conferhe said. ibly re- Jamaica blossomed ambiance. a wave Hands Foundation seeks that may his Mortgage Agent island Toronto TheWest Found artists took place ONTO uon Airport from all parts is why the team event brought of Culcha er andput by Andre we have such License lanthropists, Musical considerableWynton Marsa Helping LL/TOR regga in the 1970s #12275 out hwork a contin sactivi- other time the that Hands tended. This n Newspaper takes phi- Jamaican next generationto “improve the of entrepreneur s visiting Artisti CASSE Toronto Marriot e multilives w Jamaica Direct weekend NATA lis, reputa their Theis our LQVLGH cWKH elder bersimmig tions started ofisJamaicans A-KAY of American s. Andre on and after a s and Direct other all of the LYAhim home of of the community in or ties tion as communities &RQVXO Centre. 12th and instru memronto Caribbea during and includ TONE April of encecipati or *HQHUDO herefoundation’s Anne their sFriday, w Craig menta sift through SHAUN bytime in ducer, Marie CALL ing OR creating ute to2IÀFH for our April cord amount supportdirect Y c-a to produ same unique in Toron rants on t Bonner RI made effort the education list, Harbo of a at began the time tofind the novel,ay our eman world-class the continued Quinc after is natalya@lend Sunday, TEXT ties fough system born in vocali a es Hale, who to, Ontar cause urfront’s onthis our cityfrastructure, caster who or, compo counof the who . through Page y Jones lives through Falmouth morefinancia was st, pro5 in for Nelson to deliver weekendresource Jamaica, in io, to of “building noise and education”. a holid , two l.ca416-83 us occasion Caribana 7-5460 tors ended tribOn investment events officially conceptser, | www.lendmo has had ion g as inintroduced , ances da ation and broad to support Centre momento Founder Continued materials, a Mandela perfor compellin weekend was aLee Epsilon his homeland. lished ity. Karen III, the great It inclus manc-refinancial.ca and exper- maica, President of Helpingwork in multip andestab This 14th. - OMNI , and music at of Sigma iaity and zaa and tt commun Maulana Kwan Karl Hale expressed Hands Jale music fortun brothers equalsays zaa Assoc Continued Television. Dewi with activity, compothe Rogers to our Chapter im- of e was first for the is re, On by Dr.was robust Kwan rnia. it to Page al Toronto es sition that he is 7 genres ian SIMONE SMITH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN - the ians, try,” Lambda ly invited n cultu s for Toronto in 1966, eorgand, CalifoAfrica personal 0 & Second Mortgag our own Virtual the Canad n Canad
TOARTOESNTO HTAHN ASGH OF EDTSITANS BRKEOVER ETA L E C A D CANA SCARBOROUGH A A KWANZREPRESENTING BUY - SEL
WITH CONL - INVEST FIDENCE
DAVE JOH
NSON
Powered DLC BedrockFinancial by Lic 12275
Group
BUY - SEL
WITH CONL - INV FIDENCEST E
iCanad cel- in Oakla of ili phras the Ice, - $500,00 2019, the ToursFirst Africa buildingtraditions andd we in were a weekend and Highfilled with $5000 Swah har- For from Down payment ry 1st, iation (CKA) been cooks from all “As myto rice burning, Quality tion. begin frican Loans to doors in 2004, Proper Television – have from&a of the andtoo much attend Fire HD Photos Equity nt overcooking On Januazaa Assoc the Pan-ASquare is roote ation fruits was meant salt ofLoans life.- Cash This year – along derived using, friends out who is the producer behind MAS- all walks to Attract porta customs a found ation Back asizedTERCHEF CANADA – has become with our more Buyers raltime Mortgag an Kwan Consolid gives ing, “first vance ora in the-there, Kwanzaa,n Philips mak- and to be local celebrithe come for anothemph cultu Debtsoon e Offers*Purchase zaahas ebrated e & Home n diaspns) recon er round at Natha first time; ama- mean The obser journey…” CANADA! one of Canada’s most successful ty- stands an:Refinanc and Kwan international figure of MASTERCHEF that holiday, to for the ian procl a’s vest.” the Africa Credit re. The begin favorite 7 a cyber security analyst, a companies. They have skater,Home Real culinary competiGood (pan Africa Canad lit to help Estate Than Page production n Cultu by panCanada’s in Toron Less 647-or first Canad Agent icas or more Lee. week in car search salesman, and an entrepreneur. tionOffers* is inBuyers their 6th season, andOn they strategically worked across a wide dave@ Good 867to Attract rated - Amer to their Africa HD Photos ing it theKwanzaa to 3D Sign com7809 Continued High Quality Back Mortgage andceleb they will be competing for , repre return with a two-hour premiere range of genres, and are respon- This yearrealty. ca | dave.s now Tours - Cash to world isDown Virtual tion for , and s TONEY The Toron green seven nect ay payment earchr d theLoans YAtitleholda,000 chance to beNATAL one of six of reality, on in April 8th, broadcasting on CTV. sible for over 600dhours ealty.co history.red, black and of the cer- holid ns aroun y, community Mortgage zaa MASTERCHEF 416-837-5460 ng nancial.ca - $500ers and take home the TEXT $100,000 documentary 0proAfrica in CANADA has landed lifestyle, &and -day famil 50 Village lighti OR g KwanRealssing up Estate Agent CALL Centre Pl | www.lendmorefi refinancial.ca g the g the seven ber 26th memorate First Secons from $500 Mississauga, Mortgage Agent cash prize. two nominations for the 2019 Can- gramming. natalya@lendmo Suite “Celebratins of expre sentines durin Decem License #12275 ON Page y Loan L4Z 1V9 5100 culture.a is a mean Continued On This season, over ada Screen Awards including “Best candl y held from Equit ase hrealty.co 647-867-7809 lidation a thouthe 52ndit Canad Reality/Competition Series.” It is no sand promising | dave.searc emon ary 1st. Home Purch ce bt Conso chefs auditioned chrealty.ca marks
- INVEEST BUY - SELL CONFIDENC WITH
DAVE JOH
NSON
SON
DAVE JOHN
Powered by
DLC BedrockFinancial Lic 12275
Group
Continued On
Page 5
YOU ONLY NEED A DAY TO MAKE A FEW MINUTES First A LIVING & Second WITH STEP BY Mort STEP
Equity Loan MENTORING AND gages YOU’LL BE ABLE THE USE OF A TO TRADE IN THE s from SMARTPHONE, Debt NO EXPERIENCE FOREIGN EXCHANGE Consolidati $5000 - $500 NEEDED. MARKET, ,000 LEARN FROM 10
YEAR INDUSTR
Home Refin
ance
on
NEWSPA
PER
PAGE 6
NEWS & VIEWS
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Are you sure your child is okay online? SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Have you ever asked your child who they talk to online when you are not looking? Do you know how many hours a day they scroll through TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts? More importantly, do you know how it’s affecting their mental health? We regulate drinking. We regulate driving. We regulate voting. So why are we not regulating one of the most: psychologically addictive, mentally disruptive, and socially influential forces in our children’s lives; social media? The Digital Playground has become a battleground, and our kids are losing. Australia recently took a bold and necessary step: it introduced legislation requiring age verification and parental consent
for anyone under 16 who wants to use social media. That’s right—children now need a parent’s explicit permission before they can open accounts on platforms like Instagram, or Snapchat. It’s a modern solution to a modern threat. Meanwhile in Canada, our kids are online: unguarded, and unfiltered. Let’s be clear: this is not about fearmongering or taking away screens. This is about protecting our children’s wellbeing, and it is time Canada stopped pretending that the current system is working. The data is screaming. Are we listening? Let’s look at the facts: • The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescents spending more than two hours daily on social media are at significantly higher risk of: anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. • A 2022 Kids Help Phone report showed that nearly half of Canadian youth seeking support blamed social media for feelings of inadequacy, cyberbullying, and deep loneliness.
•
•
Statistics Canada lists suicide as the second-leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 19. Let that sink in. Second. Leading. Cause. Globally, the CDC reports that suicide rates among 10–14-year-olds have nearly tripled in 20 years. Experts are connecting these dots directly to social media.
This is evidence, and yet still, the tech giants operate with almost no accountability when it comes to our children. Why Australia’s law makes sense. Australia’s new law is about responsibility and consent. It gives parents a voice. It gives children time. Time to grow emotionally and cognitively before being exposed to an adult digital world filled with filters, fame, and false realities. By requiring age verification and parental consent, Australia is saying what too many of us have not said aloud: children deserve and need a buffer between their developing minds and the overwhelming pressures of: curated perfection, viral challenges, and anonymous cruelty. Here is where I say that I think
that Canada must do the same. The case for Canada. We wouldn’t let a stranger into our child’s bedroom, but every day, unregulated social media brings strangers, predators, toxic ideals, and emotional triggers into their most private spaces. Parents are outpaced and outgunned. Algorithms are designed to: hook, monetize, and manipulate. No 12-year-old should have to navigate that alone. We are not here to shame parents, or demonize tech. We have to come up with a solution that is: smart, enforceable, and evidence based. Laws that require platforms to do better and equip parents to do more. What can you do? Speak up. Ask your MP where they stand on regulating social media for minors. Talk to your school boards. Share the data. Educate your communities. Most importantly support the call for Canadian legislation that mirrors Australia’s. It’s time to draw a digital line in the sand. Not out of fear, but out of love. Our children’s mental health is not a tech company’s bottom line. But it must be our top priority.
Employment opportunities designed to deliver support directly to the hardest-to-reach populations in Toronto PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There was a great turnout of sponsors, community representatives, agencies, civic and government officials on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, at the Malton Youth Hub. They were there to witness the launch of the ACCES Street Fleet through funding of ACCES Employment from the United Way Greater Toronto. It was described in the press release issued on April 24th, as “The first mobile employment service truck,” which is “Designed to deliver support directly to the hardest-to-reach and most vulnerable populations in the Greater Toronto area, ensuring that underserved communities can benefit from ACCES Employment’s support in finding equitable work.” It was fitting that the Malton
Located in Mattawa, Ontario
$189,900
Youth Hub-Jonathan Davis Centre was selected as the site of the official launch. It is located behind Lincoln M. Alexander Secondary School. Since it was officially opened in 2024 it has become an important community hub where several agencies, organizations and service providers utilize its student-friendly, inclusive and welcoming space. It will be a space where ACCES employment will be able to deliver various youth-focused training with community funded grants. ACCES Employment mission is to assist jobseekers from diverse backgrounds who are facing barriers to employment, to integrate into the Canadian job market. The overall vision is to have, “A fully inclusive labour force that reflects the diversity, skills and experiences of Canada’s population.” It is driven by core values which influence its identity and empower its purpose. These include: • Impact: We make a world of difference • Inclusion: We foster respect, so everyone feels included • Innovation: We strive to aid you do better
Allison Pond, President and CEO of ACCES Employment states, “Today marks an incredible milestone for us with the launch of ACCES Street Fleet. This initiative will allow us to better serve jobseekers facing barriers to employment by meeting them directly in their communities, building on our vision of creating a diverse and inclusive workforce for the province and Canada. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our: sponsors, funders, and volunteer partners, board members, staff, alumni and volunteers. I know this will have a great impact on the lives of many in our community now and in the future.” Raba Al-Nazer, Associate Director of Social Impact of Toronto Pearson, states, “At Toronto Pearson, we know how transformative meaningful employment can be. That’s why we’re proud to support ACCES on the launch of Street Fleet - a mobile innovation that brings job opportunities directly to the community, ensuring people facing the greatest barriers can access the support, resources and guidance they need.” Adaoma Patterson, Director of Community Service Investments of United Way Greater Toronto states, “United Way
Greater Toronto has been supporting ACCES Employment since 1990 and we know that they are making an enormous difference in our city. By being nimble in their approach with Street Fleet, they will improve job opportunities and financial security for people facing multiple barriers so that no one gets left behind, strengthening communities and the city.” The ACCES Street Fleet van was visible in the parking lot during the launch. There were individuals from ACCES Employment who were helping several youths by providing them with valuable information. There are seven ACCES locations in the Greater Toronto Area. On Saturday, May 3rd. La Red Hispanos hosted an event at the ACCES office in Toronto and on Tuesday, May 6th, there was a Toronto Open House and Intake Assessment. There will be a Refugee & Asylum Seekers event in partnership with the Black Action Coalition for Change (BACC) and The 519 on Thursday, May 15th, at 519 Church Street Ballroom. Anyone interested in the services offered by ACCES can check www.accesemployment.ca
NEWS & VIEWS
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 7
Should we be pressing pause? What parents deserve to know about puberty blockers SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
When your child starts asking questions about their gender, there might be that initial fear, and confusion, but for most parents your heart leads with love. You want to support them. You want to protect them, and you and your child have been told that giving them puberty blockers might buy them “more time” to figure it out, but what if that pause isn’t as harmless as it sounds? Puberty blockers are powerful drugs. Originally designed to treat precocious puberty (a rare condition where children begin puberty much too early), they are now being widely prescribed for kids questioning their gender identity. These drugs suppress the hormones that kickstart physical changes like breast development, voice deepening, or menstruation. The idea is simple: hit pause, give the child
breathing room, but biology doesn’t work like a video game, and the pause button comes with a price. Recent investigations into puberty-blocking drugs, including those approved by the U.S. FDA, have revealed troubling patterns. Over 70,000 reports of side effects ranging: from headaches and mood changes to brain swelling and vision loss, have been filed. The FDA knew, but they didn’t issue warnings. • • •
No public alerts. No major press conferences. Just silence.
This silence raises urgent questions about regulatory integrity. If your car had 70,000 reported malfunctions, would you expect the automaker to stay quiet? Would you still feel safe behind the wheel? The same principle should apply to medicine, especially when it’s given to children. Puberty is not just about physical appearance. It’s a biological blueprint. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone guide: bone density, brain development, emotional regulation, and fertility. When those hormones are stopped, even temporarily, you’re halting a process millions
of years in the making. Some experts compare it to slamming on the brakes and the gas at the same time: your body doesn’t know what to do. The long-term effects? Still unclear, and that’s part of the problem. Parents, I believe that you deserve better. Better information. Better oversight. Better science. You should not have to: wade through medical journals, activist talking points, or social media noise just to make an informed decision about your child’s health. Yet here we are. If you’re considering puberty blockers for your child, ask the hard questions: • • • •
What are the known and unknown risks? Are there long-term studies proving these drugs are safe? Why did the FDA fail to act on tens of thousands of adverse events? Who profits from the growing medicalization of children?
There’s another layer many are afraid to talk about. Some researchers and ethicists point to a broader ideology driving this trend, one not necessarily rooted in care, but in control. They warn of a grow-
ing transhumanist vision where natural human processes like puberty and reproduction are viewed as outdated, barriers to be overridden by: drugs, machines, or digital avatars. It’s a theory that sounds kind of scifi, but the evidence is creeping in synthetic hormones, fertility loss, gender detachment, and body dissociation are all downstream effects of interventions like puberty blockers. To be clear: questioning gender is not the enemy. Support, love, and curiosity should be welcomed, but we can’t allow ideology, profit, or silence to replace facts, science, and transparency. Parents: you are not bigoted, or backward for asking tough questions. You are doing your job. You are protecting your child’s future. Your child needs your love, but they also need your discernment. If something feels rushed, unclear, or one-sided, speak up. Press pause; not on your child’s body, but on the system rushing them through decisions that could affect them for life. You deserve the truth, and they deserve a future shaped by careful, courageous love, not quiet compliance.
Times are changing. Nope, they are repeating themselves STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC COLUMNIST
If you lived in the period of pre-WW1, or the 1930’s and you looked at your favourite news channel on the television, or your favorite digital device you would notice something strange. What happened way back then is happening again, now in your present life. Remember how WW1 and then WW2 were called the wars to end all wars? What a pile of crap! Historians can tell you there are as many wars and military conflicts going on now as there were back then, and who is profiting from these conflicts? Opportunistic politicians and the suppliers of weaponry. Profit, profit, profits. A combined profit of well over a trillion dollars is found within the supply chain of just the American weaponry sector alone, not counting other suppliers like: China, Russia, the EU and even Canada.
Google shows it is profitable only because the corporation invested in the sector of death and destruction that is the militaryweaponry sector. It exists for no other reason than to kill and destroy opponents after all. Every continent has a military conflict going on, be it and all out reenactment of WWI like the Ukrainian-Russian Conflict with trench warfare and mass bombardments of civilian populations, or domestic insurgencies fanned by foreign powers who wish to acquire a nation’s natural resources any way they can. There are genocides going on in: Gaza, Africa, Central America and Burma. One ethnic group supported a superpower trying to wipe out another for the acquisition of: land, property, influence and power. Military alliances are being made between nations just like pre-World Wars, among: Balkan Nations, African and Latin American nations who pledge to defend their alliance should another be attacked in any way. Remember why France and Britain became combatants in WW2? They had an alliance with Poland, who was attacked by a Nazi War Machine. Pre WWI Serbia had an alliance with Russia and others for mutual self defence. Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated and The Austro-Hungarian Empire, which
was allied to Germany attacked tiny Serbia, bringing a world war into a world already suffering from: pandemics, conflicts and death. War, what is it good for? Well, if you’re a supplier and manufacturer of weaponry, guns, war supplies then it is a profit center opportunity for the rich and powerful. To the average working stiff, it is a nationalistic means of: population control, killing thousands and forever effecting generations to come. Military strategists have dreamed of decisive rapid victories, and with technological advancements in the technology of warfare, certain nations hold all the cards to being able to carry out lighting war where attacks and invasions are quick and very painful for their foes. America is such an example. Russia was thought to be another, but has shown itself to be sluggish, strategically inferior and uncreative. Ukraine with the help of certain superpowers has been able to hold them off, but for how long? Once the profit of their war disappears the suppliers of weaponry will stop the supply chain. War is all about profit after all. Even WW2 was a profit center for wealthy Americans, Britons and Germans alike. The existence of permanent wars in an era such as ours shows a fundamental shift in military thinking. Strategists be-
lieved the Ukraine would falter in weeks, yet the war went on to its second year. The limits of military might are seen in this conflict as in many others. Military strategy must be paired with clear and limited political purpose. Military historian Lawrence Freedman explains, “One of the greatest allures of warfare is the promise to bring the conflict to a quick and decisive conclusion, which in practice rarely happens”. History is repeating itself before our eyes. All forms of right-wing dictatorships are rising up, lasting longer in duration and attacking all forms of democratic principles. The media, journalism itself, democracy in all its forms is under attack by foreign influences. Will evident events later this year lead the world into a global conflict again? The reason is plain, as fervent religious extremism flourishes in the dark continent and superpowers begin to pick sides in unending ethnic and culturally religious conflicts an assassination here, a bombing there and someone will make an error in judgement that can lead to catastrophe for us all. Remember most superpowers and their minion states are still armed with nuclear weapons. If that does not frighten you, I don’t know what will?
PAGE 8
NEWS & VIEWS
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Are his policies consistent with this rhetoric? SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“A deeper dive reveals a man deeply entrenched in the global financial elite, with allegiances that may not align with the interests of everyday Canadians.” Mark Carney’s victory is being hailed as a triumph of intellect, moderation, and global sophistication, but behind the headlines lies a quiet storm of neoliberal economics, elite interests, and policy contradictions that Canadians cannot afford to ignore. As the world watches with cautious optimism, Mark Carney has emerged as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister, ushered in on a wave of praise from both domestic and international figures. Even former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, stating, “I think we’re going to have a great relationship.” Prime Minister Carney’s election, while historic and globally significant, demands closer scrutiny by all Canadians. Prime Minister Carney is being sold to Canadians as a fresh alternative: brainy where Trudeau was flashy, economically shrewd where others were reactive. He is the Little Guy from Fort Smith, or so the narrative goes, but a deeper dive reveals a man deeply entrenched in the global financial elite, with allegiances that may not align with the interests of everyday Canadians. A Technocrat in Populist Clothing Carney’s resume reads like a who’s who of global financial power: former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, board chair at Bloomberg, and key figure at Brookfield Asset Management — a multinational giant with
$900 billion in assets. His global affiliations are not incidental. Carney is also a regular at Davos and a central player in the World Economic Forum, rubbing elbows with the global elite while advocating for sweeping climate finance reform. He famously aligned himself with activist Greta Thunberg, calling himself part of the same movement, but while his climate credentials win headlines, critics say his methods are less about environmental justice and more about financial control. “Carney’s plan is to control the global economy by seizing the commanding heights of finance,” wrote economist Peter Foster, “Not by nationalization but by exerting non-democratic pressure to divest from, and stop funding, fossil fuels.” In other words, climate policy is being tied to elite financial mechanisms that largely bypass democratic processes, what Foster called “Doit-yourself totalitarianism.” *Quick Note* Totalitarianism is a form of government or political system in which the state holds total authority over every aspect of public and private life. Canada First? Or Davos First? In a passionate speech during the Liberal leadership race, Carney declared, “The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country. We must protect them.” It was a strikingly nationalist tone from a man who has spent decades working abroad for institutions like Goldman Sachs and the Bank of England. Are his policies consistent with this rhetoric? His early moves as Prime Minister, including the repeal of the carbon tax and cancellation of capital gains tax hikes, seem designed to benefit Canada’s wealthiest, not its working families. He speaks of protecting public healthcare yet offers few concrete plans for revitalizing the ailing system. In fact, when asked about government spending, Prime Minister Carney emphasized reducing operational deficits, implying cuts to transfers, including those that support individuals and provinces. His definition of “investment”
appears to mirror that of corporate Canada: incentives for private sector growth, deregulation, and reduced public ownership. Crown corporations, which once helped Canadians build economic resilience, are nowhere in Carney’s economic vision. A Global Banker with Local Blind Spots Despite being celebrated for his economic acumen, Prime Minister Carney’s track record at the Bank of England was far from flawless. Inflation forecasting models often missed the mark, and wage growth and productivity remained stagnant despite low unemployment. Critics also argue that he helped inflate Canada’s housing market by keeping interest rates low for too long during his time at the Bank of Canada, a decision that continues to have ripple effects today. Moreover, his ties to Brookfield Asset Management raise ethical red flags. Can a Prime Minister truly push for climate reform while chairing a firm with substantial investments in carbon-heavy portfolios? The conflict of interest is hard to ignore, especially when Brookfield also owns large stakes in Canadian: infrastructure, housing, and utilities, further concentrating corporate power in sectors that directly impact public life. The New Parliament and the Battle Ahead Prime Minister Carney steps into office without a majority, falling three seats short. This means he will need to cooperate with other parties to push through his agenda. The upcoming Throne Speech is expected to emphasize breaking down interprovincial trade barriers, reducing U.S. dependency, and delivering on his middle-class tax cuts, but Prime Minister Carney’s challenge goes deeper than policy wrangling. He must contend with growing skepticism from working-class Canadians like us, who feel abandoned by technocratic elites. The rise of populist movements, on both the left and right, reflect a growing discontent with leaders who appear more accountable to financial
markets than to the people who elect them. Prime Minister Carney, who has never held elected office, now finds himself the face of a political experiment: Can a neoliberal globalist reinvent himself as a champion of the Canadian public? Or will his administration deepen the economic divides that have eroded public trust in traditional leadership? A Call for Grassroots Vigilance We cannot overlook the significance of Mark Carney’s election. His intelligence, global credibility, and climate advocacy have the potential to drive real change, but Canadians must remain vigilant. A sophisticated communicator and policy expert, Mark Carney is nonetheless a product of institutions that have historically prioritized capital over community. Jeet Heer, writing in The Nation, describes Carney as “In every cell of his body a neoliberal technocrat, albeit a neoliberal who presents himself as possessing an enlightened social conscience.” This dual identity is both Carney’s strength and his liability. If Canadians want a future that truly centers community, equity, and sustainability, not just market efficiency and global alignment, we must build the grassroots infrastructure to hold our leaders accountable. We cannot rely solely on a Prime Minister, no matter how polished, to dismantle systems that benefit the few at the expense of the many. As citizens, we must ask: Is this the future we want? If not, what are we prepared to do about it? In the coming months, as Parliament resumes on May 26th, 2025, Canadians will hear much about unity, progress, and prosperity, but behind the optimism, we must keep our eyes on the fine print; the policies that shape: our homes, our wages, our environment, and our democracy. When the powerful speak of change, it’s up to the people to ask: change for whom?
There is a great shift happening in the western world; How is it impacting us? BY ADRIAN REECE TORONTO CARIBBEAN REPORTER Tariffs are the new topic that everyone is talking about. President Trump has instituted high tariffs across all goods that come into the United States. This decision has put pressure on international relations with the states and many of their trade partners. China in particular has retaliated to tariffs by utilizing social media to spread information regarding the manufacturers of high-end luxury goods. China’s approach has sent social media into a frenzy, with many people elated at the thought of being able to purchase quality goods at a much cheaper price point, while some are calling out these retailers as liars who couldn’t possibly be suppliers of these huge brands. The tariffs have the world talking about the competency of the new
president. Many other nations are reportedly upset in response. However, it should be noted that Trump is merely implementing reciprocal tariffs to countries that already have tariffs imposed against the United States. China for example has responded to Trump by imposing higher tariffs at 34% import fees, which are reflected in the prices of goods across the western world. Importing goods into America especially for small businesses has created a huge issue for entrepreneurs and those with small to medium sized businesses. Technology is a big factor that is impacted by tariffs, as most of the components of smart devices are created and shipped from overseas to all parts of the world. Particularly America being a huge consumer of tech, they will have to bear the brunt of increased prices on everything from iPhones to Teslas. These tariffs were decided by the Trump administration through con-
sideration of the monetary levies that nations charge on U.S. imports. As well as trade barriers that make it difficult for American goods to enter foreign markets. It would appear that these tariffs are simply a method of creating some equilibrium for the cost that America has been paying on goods for decades, however it is the American people who are paying for this decision most heavily at this time. The remainder of the year will bear the results of this new presidency and the drastic changes he is implementing, coupled with all that is happening, the hardships of the economy over the last few years and these higher rates for foreign goods. Americans will either thrive under these circumstances, or spiral further down the economic drain. Perhaps to balance out the wages, Trump has announced that he wants to abolish income tax, which could po-
tentially help American citizens to live a more sustainable lifestyle across all economic levels, however seeing as there has been income tax in action for the past 100 years there is no one of this generation who understands the true implications of a society where the citizens are not taxed for every dollar they make. There is a great shift happening in the western world, which is trickling over to countries overseas. Nations are paying attention and implementing their own changes, in the face of America’s policy, political and economic shifts. The new president has set off a domino effect that everyone is responding to. In the wake of these changes the next four years will give rise to new values and a host of new approaches to life, in not just the West but many of the developing and developed countries.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
NEWS & VIEWS
PAGE 9
Klaus Schwab Resigning? Investigated? Can anyone smell trickery? MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“He saw himself as deciding the future for all of humanity. Thus, he will go down in history as one of the most arrogant globalists ever to live,” said Michael Rectenwald, Ph.D., and author of The Great Reset and the Struggle for Liberty. Coining phrases like “You will own nothing and you will be happy,” and “The Great Reset” and after orchestrating the murder of many hundreds of thousands with his pandemic scam, his handlers would like to have us believe that he has resigned and is under investigation for financially defrauding the same murderous organization he founded and ran for over five decades. News agencies the globe over, most of whom are on the side of all the evil that was and still is pushed on humanity through the WEF, are now reporting that a whistleblower has informed them that Klaus Schwab founder and former boss of the World Economic Forum, and his wife, Hilde Schwab, were stealing funds from the World Economic Forum funds all along. According to the news source, the letter from this whistle-blower alleged that Schwab’s funded luxury travel and services at the WEF’s expense, misused WEF property and that Klaus Schwab asked junior employees to with-
draw thousands of dollars from ATMs on his behalf. The source also revealed that “These Forum funds were used to pay for private, in-room massages at hotels,” wrote the source, which said they had seen the letter and spoken with people familiar with the case. The paper also alleged that his wife used Forum-funded meetings “To justify luxury holiday travel at the organization’s expense. “ The letter reportedly raised concerns about how Schwab treated female employees, and how his leadership allegedly allowed instances of sexual harassment and discriminatory behavior to go unchecked. Strange one might think, however, I am not in the least surprised. The rules of keeping the world in check are for the people not the rule-makers like Schwab, after all, he and his team think they are smarter than the rest of humanity. When this 87-year-old man said humans will own nothing and be happy I guessed he told himself that he and his wife were entitled to everything. As for the whistleblowers I have a few questions for them. Why now? For many years the WEF has been a questionable organization, so what has changed? Just like the resignation of Justin Trudeau was a hat trick to push Carney on Canadians, I remember Chrystia Freeland pulled the same hat trick resignation, until I recently saw her political poster in Forest Hill begging voters to elect her as Canada’s next Prime Minister. After all that she has cosigned on with Trudeau. Let us bear in mind that these
allegations emerged two days after the WEF announced Schwab had retired “with immediate effect” as chairman, and that former Nestle Chairman and CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe was taking over as interim chairman. What’s even more insulting is that Schwab is proclaiming his innocence. When you founded and head an organization that denies people their human rights, property rights, and even the right to procreate under the disguise of madeup disease and fictional climate change, what does that make you? Here is a statement from the WEF concerning the allegations and investigation of Schwab, “While the Forum takes these allegations seriously, it emphasizes that they remain unproven, and will await the outcome of the investigation to comment further.” As early as last month a different workplace investigation revealed allegations by employees of discrimination against women and Black employees at the Geneva-based WEF. Schwab and the WEF denied those allegations. For anyone who is distracted enough to think that Schwab’s mindset will go away from the WEF even if he indeed resigns, Rectenwald would like you to think again. “Schwab is nothing if not a megalomaniac, but his resignation will not change the focus of the WEF, which will continue to presume that it should play a leading role in shaping the responses to ‘global crises.” I think Rectenwald could just be on to something. The World Health Organization is on the verge of sealing the “pandemic treaty.” Does anyone think for a moment that the WEF has changed their plans and agendas? Or, that Klaus
Schwab’s organization is getting soft? It could be a good idea to be prepared for a nasty surprise. We the citizens of this universe are dealing with hardened criminals of the highest caliber, and they have declared war on us. A good example of the war that is waged on the people is Klaus Schwab’s replacement, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe. Letmathe spent most of his life getting rich of resources he now does not want you and I to use freely, and by that, I mean water. Water he never paid for but wants you and I to pay much more for than we are already paying. Imagine another 80-year-old who is so entitled that he wants all of the water on the planet for himself. “About 50 to 100 liters a day per person, but not to fill a pool, or to wash a car.” That was his answer as to how much water humans should use per day. “We must transform the way we think about water, by 2025 1.8 billion people will be living in regions without water,” and the lying rant went on from Letmathe. This is a man who for decades headed Nestle, the company that sells the world bottled water and makes billions doing so, all while paying pennies for a so-called permit to steal water, yet this hypocrite thinks he can fool everyone. “Access to water should not be a public right,” Letmathe said. Klaus Schwab’s resignation and the installation of former Nestle Chairman and CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe is equivalent to a skipper changing players at halftime in a soccer match. A skipper never changes a player unless he has a stronger game plan, that is how he confuses the players on the opposing team. This is definitely a distraction!
CCAH’s May celebration blends Caribbean elegance with community power SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
On Saturday, May 3rd, the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) hosted its annual May Soirée, a dazzling night of: culture, cuisine, and community empowerment at the elegant OE Banquets & Conference Centre. The event served as a powerful reminder of what happens when: heritage, excellence, and purpose come together in harmony. With the room aglow in Afro-Caribbean vibrance and guests decked out in their finest, the event opened its doors at 6:00 p.m. with a lively cocktail reception. By 7:00 p.m., the evening’s program was in full swing, seamlessly blending ceremonial prestige with pure Caribbean flair. As soon as I walked in, I knew that this soirée was more than glitz. Power, Purpose, and Pillars The heart of the night pulsed with a mis-
sion: to support youth programming, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities for Caribbean youth in Halton. The CCAH continues to be a leader in community development, and the May Soirée was a testament to their unwavering commitment to cultural celebration and intergenerational support. In the spotlight were the recipients of the 2025 Four Pillars Awards, honoring excellence across Education, Community, Culture, and Harmony. This year’s honorees included: •
•
•
•
Eileen Gallagher (Education): With nearly two decades at Milton Public Library, Eileen’s impact on young readers is undeniable. Curtis Ennis (Community): The Director of Education for the Halton District School Board, Curtis’ work has reshaped academic direction through equity and inclusion. Dennis Scott (Culture): Cultural Integrator and Chair of the Halton Black History Awareness Society, Dennis’ advocacy builds inclusive public consciousness. Sergeant Keith Nakahara (Harmony): With over 20 years in policing, Keith’s work in the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Unit is reshaping safety and trust in Halton.
These leaders reminded us that Black excellence in Canada is a foundation. A star-studded soundtrack Of course, no Caribbean celebration is complete without rhythm. Juno Awardwinning jazz pianist Eddie Bullen took the stage, weaving together rich melodies that paid homage to: Soul, Funk, and our Caribbean roots while speaking in the universal language of jazz. The performance was both a celebration and a conversation: elegant, emotional, and soul stirring. To cap off the night, DJ Glen Als delivered a high-energy set proving once again that when Caribbean people gather, joy is non-negotiable. Flavour meets elegance Executive Chef Garfield Houstan delivered a four-course Afro-Caribbean culinary journey that fused sophistication with nostalgia. From jerk-infused creations to tender beef and plantain-inspired delights, each bite was a love letter to the diaspora. Paired with complimentary cocktails and red and white wine, the dinner elevated the evening’s celebration to five-star status.
Beyond the night While the décor shimmered and the music soared, the night’s most enduring impact will be felt long after the final dance. Sponsorships from: Shoppers Drug Mart, Sheridan College, Oakville Place, and COGECO ensured that youth mentorship and scholarship programs will continue to thrive. In his opening remarks, Sheldon D. Williams, President of the CCAH, summed it up best, “Tonight wasn’t just a celebration, it was a call to action. We’re building a legacy rooted in: culture, love, and opportunity.” Final notes The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper proudly acknowledges the tireless efforts of Dionne Downer, Executive Director Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, and Sheldon D. Williams, President of the CCAH, for bringing this vision to life. Events like the May Soirée remind us that culture is a compass, and when it’s aligned with purpose, the entire community rises. In a city where cultural events often fade into background noise, the CCAH May Soirée struck a different chord; resonant, rhythmic, and revolutionary. We’ll be there again next year. Will you?
PAGE 10
NEWS & VIEWS
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
United Achievers Club presents the 26th Annual Culinary Delights from Ontario finest chefs •
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Since it was established in 1980 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1987, the United Achievers’ Club of Brampton Inc has been active in the: Black, African and Caribbean in Peel. The scholarship program they organize has awarded about $456,000 in total between 1985 and 2024. In addition, its Black History Month Celebration, which was held on February 22nd, 2025, involved a collaboration with the Congress of Black Women of Canada-Brampton Chapter under the umbrella of Peel United Cultural Partners. Furthermore, they host a Pancake Breakfast, and an Annual Golf Tournament, which are well-known. One of its annual signature events, the Celebrity Chef-Men Who Cook (CCMWC) Event, was held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at the Century Gardens Recreation Centre in Brampton. The names of celebrity judges were announced before the food sampling. They were: • • • •
Althea Cooke: Lawyer served as Coordinator of the Celebrity Judges Tom Allain: Member of Allain & Associates Honourable Justice Dr. Irving Andre: Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton Charles Eastridge: Board Member of the Walnut Foundation
• • • •
Karlene Grant: Registered Social Worker Anthony Odoardi: Deputy Chief of Peel Regional Police Austin Nurse: Director of Engineering for ACA Control System Ltd Amal Rana: Chief Instructor Bain Thompson: Member of Team Bain
The names of the chefs and the dishes they prepared are listed below: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Stacey-Ann Brooks - Stacey-Ann’s Vegetarian Soup Paul Deacon -Jubilee Pasta Salad Patrick Dean- Jerk Chicken, Rice & Peas & Steamed Vegetables Philip (Phil) DeWar - Pop’s Original Sorrel Mocktail & Sickle Cell Warrior Wings & Fada and Son Pudding Jermaine Ebanks - Jerk Fried Chicken & Churro Waffles Zion Francis - Gouda Grief & 4 Cheese Mac N Cheese & Godfather Cookie Joel Gelwarg - Joel’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Wayne Gibbon - Juicy Jerk Pan Jerk Chicken; Full A Flava Rice& Peas Warren Kozonguiz - South African Oxtail Doreen Manning - Vegetarian, Stir Fried Medley & Lentil Soup Marjorie March - Exotic Mango Mousse Colin McClean - Crispy Salmon Croquettes aka “Swagger Bites” Lester McDonald - Friends of Olive Delight Lloyd McDowell - Gem’s Curried Goat Deno Murray - Must Eat BBQ Chicken Linda Osadolor - Jollof Rice & Chicken Nicholas Stennet - Jerk Pork and
• • •
Fried Bammy topped with onion and Scotch Bonnet pepper Dittie Voegele - Dittie’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Dale Williams - Jerk Glazed Guava Wings Donald Williams - Smoked Beef Sliders, Baked Salmon with cauliflower mashed potato and Coconut Shrimp.
On Sunday, April 27th, Marjorie Taylor shared an email regarding the results. It reads, “On behalf of the UAC Celebrity Chef Team, thank you for attending and covering the event. Below are the results of the “contest “ as provided by the Coordinating Judge-Althea Coke. For each group:” Soup & Salad • 3rd place: Stacey-Ann Brooks - Stacey-Ann’s Vegetarian Soup • 2nd place: Joel Gelwarg - Joel’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup • 1st place: Paul Deacon - Jubilee Pasta Salad Appetizer • 3rd place: Wayne Gibbon - Juicy Jerk Pan Jerk Chicken; Full A Flava Race & Peace • 2nd place: Colin McLean - Crispy Salmon Croquettes aka “Swagger Bites.” • 1st place: Jermaine Ebanks - Jerk Fried Chicken and Churi Waffles Entree • 3rd place: Zion Francis-Triple C-Coconut Curry • 2nd place: Visaka Deepthi-Jeyaweera-Pearl of the Indian Ocean • 1st place: Warren Kazonquizi- South Africa Oxtail
Dessert • 3rd place: Dittie Voegele -Dittie’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake • 2nd place: Dale Williams - Morning Dessert in a Pan • 1st place: Phil DeWar-Fada and Son Pudding Donald Williams won the Chef of the Year and the People’s Choice Award. Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity of Opportunity who was in attendance enjoyed the food, fun and festivities. She expressed appreciation and praise for the event. She wrote on her Facebook page, “These men showed true strength through care, dedication, and service. Their efforts uplift those around them and remind us that real leadership is shown in action.” Majorie Taylor wrote some reflections about the CCMWC event. “The 26th Edition of the Celebrity Chef Men Who Cook Event based on survey and verbal feedback was deemed a huge success. Congratulations go to the 20 chefs who participated, the judges, guests and volunteers (attended by approximately 190) was graced by returning chefs who “battled” mightily against a few courageous women who entered the fray.” She highlights the important role that the chefs played in the event. “The chefs (who were the stars of the event), gave of their time and resources to participate in the event and through their generosity, graduating Grade 12 students, going on to their first year of Colleges and University as well as children with sickle cell disease, will be the beneficiaries.” Anyone interested in the work of United Achievers Club can check: www.unitedachieversclub.com
Celebrating 10 years of the Festival of Literary Diversity at The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The Rose Theatre in downtown Brampton pulsed with purpose and poetry on May 3rd, as the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) celebrated its 10th anniversary with flair, soul, and a jazz-infused spirit that could only be described as unforgettable. The VIP Reception welcomed guests with an air of reverence and joy: authors, publishers, readers, and cultural advocates gathered to honour a decade of diverse storytelling. Tables buzzed with conversations, glasses clinked in toast, and the room filled with the kind of energy that only comes from shared purpose: amplifying the voices too often left out of Canada’s literary canon. As the lights dimmed and the stage took focus at 7:45 PM, something magical unfolded.
The Great Readception: A Literary Cabaret What makes a reading come alive? Sometimes, it’s not just the words, but the rhythm behind them. As the Literary Cabaret began, the room fell into a different kind of silence: the kind laced with anticipation, where breath is held, and hearts beat in time with the music. The decision to accompany each reading with live jazz transformed the event into a sensory experience. It was a performance, an emotional duet between word and sound. Each story, layered and intentional, was matched perfectly with the music. Jazz didn’t compete with literature; it enhanced it, like a good harmony in gospel, or the right drop in a reggae bassline. It was intimate. It was dynamic. It was unapologetically soulful. The authors who moved us As storytellers took the stage, the audience experienced a spectrum of voices rooted in resilience, identity, and truth. Dr. Amal Elsana Alh’jooj moved the room with selections from her memoir. Her voice—grounded, deliberate, powerful—shared stories from her jour-
ney as an Indigenous Bedouin Palestinian feminist and community organizer. The jazz that played beneath her words felt like desert wind meeting steel—gentle yet unshakable. You could hear her legacy unfolding in real time. Then there was Morgan Campbell, a towering figure in Canadian sports journalism, reading from work that weaved cultural commentary with the precision of a seasoned storyteller. His delivery was crisp, and the live accompaniment gave his words a sense of momentum, echoing the tension and triumphs in his narratives. His presence on stage was cool, yet urgent, like the calm voice that narrates a storm. Ruby Barrett brought vulnerability, humour, and a soft heat to the room. Reading from one of her steamy romances, her storytelling was laced with emotional intelligence, wit, and the kind of depth that makes you both laugh and nod slowly in recognition. Her prose danced with the music, inviting the audience into moments of self-discovery, and reminding us that intimacy, in all its forms, is worthy of literary exploration. These authors, each distinct, demonstrated the multiplicity of “diversity,” a world to explore.
More Than Just a Festival Book sales and signings before and after the event gave readers the chance to connect directly with these literary stars. The 10th anniversary theme (A Decade of Change) was felt in every hug, every round of applause, every note of jazz reverberating off theatre walls. It was a celebration of what’s possible when underrepresented voices are given the stage and the mic. Founded by Jael Richardson, the FOLD has become Canada’s leading literary space for stories that challenge, affirm, and expand what we think we know about each other. With the upcoming Into the FOLD podcast and another powerful year of programming ahead, it’s clear: the work isn’t done. As I left The Rose Theatre, the music still lingered. So did the stories, and maybe that’s the most powerful thing about FOLD; it stays with you. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is proud to stand with FOLD, celebrating ten years of literary excellence rooted in: rhythm, truth, and unapologetic inclusion.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
NEWS & VIEWS
PAGE 11
Community Highlights - Toronto has something for everyone this May! Exhibition Dates: June 5 – 15, 2025 Location: Gallery 1065, 1065 Bloor St W, Toronto TAIBU Community Heath Centre Let’s support the upcoming Kilombo Project Film Series — a powerful and necessary exploration of Black experiences in Canada through film, dialogue, and truth-telling.
SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
From ancestral echoes to modern housing woes, Toronto’s Caribbean community landscape is buzzing with activity this spring! Dive into the Trinidadian identity through two must-attend cultural showcases launching on Indian Arrival Day, while discovering how over half of Canadians are choosing renovation over relocation as mortgage rates continue to soar. Meanwhile, the Kilombo Project Film Series offers a powerful lens into Black Canadian experiences, Skills Ontario unveils pathways for young trade enthusiasts, and the groundbreaking One Harmony initiative strengthens mother-daughter bonds through a transformative 16-week journey. Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, practical housing solutions, or community connection, Toronto has something for everyone this May! Toronto showcases two cultural events honouring Trinidadian identity Canboulay Creative agency has exciting news regarding two powerful Toronto cultural events kicking off on Indian Arrival Day (May 30th in Trinidad and Tobago), spotlighting the rich tapestry of Trinidadian diasporic identity through dialogue, visual art, and storytelling. These events — a panel discussion and a contemporary art exhibition— will engage multiple audiences in ancestral memory, gender, migration, and the dynamic evolution of Trinidadian identity across generations and borders. Event 1: Panel Discussion: “Ancestral Echoes: The Female Indo-Trinidadian” Moderated by Dr. Alissa Trotz, Director of the Women and Gender Studies Institute at the University of Toronto. Date: May 30th, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Location: William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks St, University of Toronto Event 2: Art Exhibition: “JAB! Faces of Fire, Masks of Memory” Opening Reception: Saturday, June 7th, 2025, 6:00pm
Date: May 9th, 2025 Time: 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM Location: Innis College, 2 Sussex Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 1J5 Free Admission! Tips for getting young people into the trades and technologies. Ontario boasts a wide array of career opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies. Within this diverse landscape, the government has officially designated 144 occupations as skilled trades, covering industries such as: mechanical, electrical, automotive and manufacturing, among others. If your child is interested in pursuing a career in the trades, Skills Ontario has provided valuable tips to assist them in navigating this path and acquiring the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in the industry. For elementary school students Grade seven and eight classes can participate in an Elementary Career Awareness Workshop. The workshops offer hands-on experiences in Ontario’s recognized skilled trade sectors: Construction, Industrial, Motive Power and Service, as well as technology. Parents can discover skilled trade and technology career options through the Skills Ontario App. The app includes an aptitude quiz to help students match their interests with suitable skilled trade careers. It also provides links to trade organizations, information on employment and scholarship opportunities. For high school students Students in Grades 11 and 12 can explore apprenticeship options in skilled trade careers by consulting their guidance counsellor, or the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) coordinator at their school. Students can enroll in trades courses offered at their school and plan to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition – Secondary Division. A wealth of online resources is available for students. Skills Ontario has a
YouTube channel featuring a diverse library of videos showcasing past events and discussing skilled trade careers with professionals. Volunteering with Skills Ontario provides students with valuable experience, knowledge and the opportunity to build relationships that could potentially lead to job opportunities. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, please email: info@skillsontario.com. One Harmony Mothers-Daughters Caregiver Initiative Program The One Harmony Mothers-Daughters Caregiver Initiative is a transformative 16-week program designed to strengthen the bonds between mothers and daughters while fostering healing, resilience, and personal growth. Developed under JBR Family Pursuing Change, this initiative provides a safe and supportive space for families to navigate trauma, enhance communication, and build a foundation of trust and empowerment. Through: interactive sessions, workshops, and therapeutic activities, One Harmony equips participants with tools to address generational trauma, resolve conflicts, and nurture emotional well-being. The program covers topics such as: self-care, mental wellness, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and personal development, integrating holistic healing methods like sound therapy, meditation, and guided discussions. Our mission is to: empower mothers and daughters to break cycles of pain, rediscover their strength, and foster harmony within their families and communities. Over 16 weeks, participants engage in deep conversations, hands-on learning, and communitybuilding exercises, creating a lasting impact on their lives. For more information on One Harmony and JBR Family Pursuing Change, please visit www.jbrfamilypursuingchange. org. More than half of Canadians choosing to improve, not move, as financial crisis hits the housing market As mortgage rates continue to be high, 55% of Canadians admit they would choose to improve their current home rather than move house. But with an ongoing skills shortage, some may struggle to book their preferred contractor. More than half of Canadian home-
owners are delaying moving home, instead choosing to renovate or extend their existing property, due to concerns about high mortgage rates and the unstable financial market. According to new data released by Homestars.com, the reliable way to hire contractors, 55% of homeowners in Canada are opting to improve their home over upgrading to a new property. This figure rises to 64% n the 35–54-year age group — arguably the bracket most likely to upgrade to a new home in normal circumstances. Geographically, Alberta was the region with the highest number of homeowners choosing to improve, not move, with 63% stating they would renovate over buying a new home. The lowest was British Columbia, which was still nearly half (48%) of homeowners choosing to stay put and make home improvements. The Canadian housing market continues to be problematic, with house prices consistently rising and making affording a new home difficult. On top of this crisis, President Trump’s new tariffs will cause new house building to slow down as material prices rise exponentially. Tony Stillo, Director of Canada Economics at Oxford Economics said that Trump’s tariffs will “inflict pain” on every one of Canada’s economic sectors. While the switch to improving, not leaving, current homes is positive news for contractors across Canada, it could present an issue for homeowners. The increase in people choosing to renovate, or extend is likely to cause a spike in demand that could see customers having to book months in advance to secure their preferred pro. Canada has been suffering from a declining skilled labour workforce for years, but the problem is speeding up. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, close to a quarter of the four million Canadians who work in trades are set to retire by the end of the decade — yet few are being recruited. Colleen McGrory, from Homestars. com, said that homeowners must move fast and plan ahead if they want to secure a contractor for a job. “Contractors are already in high demand across the country, and this new research suggests that more people than ever could require a pro to complete the necessary work on their home.” “We’d advise any homeowners considering home improvements to book well in advance to secure their preferred contractor. We’re anticipating a larger-thanever influx of jobs in early 2025, so don’t delay.”
Ontario invests in Postsecondary Education to prepare students for critical jobs in STEM PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Details of an incredible announcement were made in a press release that was issued on Tuesday, April 29th, 2024. It can be seen on the website: news.ontario.ca. Funding is expected to add up to 20,500 STEM jobs to Ontario that will build its infrastructure as it seeks to develop a: highly trained, competitive, educated and world class workforce that can compete on the global stage. There has been a 34% increase in
applications to STEM programs from 2020 to 2024. This shows that the demand for these programs have skyrocketed, and Ontario seeks to ensure STEM education is fully funded. This funding is part of the $1.3 billion that the government has previously committed to ensure that colleges and universities run smoothly. In addition, President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canada prompted the Ontario government to announce an initiative to protect workers, industries and the economy. The press release notes, “This historic investment in STEM education will strengthen the province’s key sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology ensuring businesses have a highly skilled workforce.” Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security states, “Our government is working to
protect Ontario by building a more resilient economy that can withstand whatever comes our ways, including tariffs and economic uncertainty from the U.S.” He notes further, “Colleges and universities play a vital role in arming our economy with a highly skilled workforce. This investment will expand training capacity at our world-class publicly funded colleges and universities, connecting students to good-paying jobs and securing our world-class workforce for decades to come.” There are several quotes from university officials who are supportive of this investment. David Farrar, President and ViceChancellor of McMaster University states, “An increasing number of students want to study STEM, and we deeply appreciate the government’s funding in this area. This important investment will ensure STEM students knowthey are supported in pursuing their studies and will help build a brighter economic fu-
ture for Ontario.” Steve Orsini, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities states, “This essential investment will help address the growing demand for university STEM spaces, building the highly skilled workforce Ontario needs in critical sectors like advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. It comes at a pivotal moment when Ontario urgently needs to boost its productivity and economic competitiveness.” Maureen Adanison, Interim President and CEO of Colleges Canada states, “Ontario’s colleges are training the workforce our economy needs more than ever, particularly in STEM-based programs across construction, advanced manufacturing, health care, life sciences, mining and energy. We welcome this investment in domestic students and look forward to working with the province on this important investment.”
PAGE 12
NEWS & VIEWS
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The State of Minnesota has declared all mRNA injections bioweapons MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Minnesota has declared all mRNA injections bioweapons according to section 609.712. of Bill HF 3219. As of August 1st, 2025. Anyone found to be in violation of the “mRNA Bioweapons Prohibition Act,” will be subject to prosecution under the state’s weapons of mass destruction statute. Let us examine this situation carefully. Minnesota Statutes § 609.712 criminalizes the development, possession, or use of weapons of mass destruction, including: biological agents, recombinant, or synthetic nucleic acids, and delivery systems that may cause widespread death, serious injury, or disruption to public safety. The statute describes “biological agents” in a broad way including any virus, or genetically engineered element capable of causing disease, or biological malfunction in humans. The state of Minnesota also took the time to look at the peer-reviewed literature and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which revealed that the COVID-19 mRNA injections have caused widespread harm and death and are estimated to have killed more people than 121 Hiroshima nuclear bombings combined. Dr. Joseph Sansone, a leading psychotherapist based in Florida who helped draft the model legislation on which the bill was passed said, “The only path to victory for any states’ legislative efforts is recognizing
that mRNA injections and products are biological and technological weapons in violation of a state’s bioweapon law. That wipes away all liability shields and claims of protections.” Sansone went on to say, “This is a first in the nation proposed legislation that recognizes that mRNA injections are already illegal and violate existing bioweapons/ weapons of mass destruction laws. We need other states to introduce this legislation, too. The purpose is to get this passed somewhere and get a jurisdiction to recognize mRNA as a bioweapon.” This ban will cover not just COVID so-called vaccines, but all mRNA injections, spike protein and gene altering products in the state of Minnesota. Let’s find out if any other state or country has taken this route against this bioweapon being used on their citizens, shall we? A year ago, the Arizona Republican Party passed a “Ban the Jab” resolution and officially declared COVID mRNA shots “Biological and technological bioweapons.” The “Ban the Jab” resolution was submitted to Arizona Republicans by Dan Schultz of Precinct Strategy. This resolution, which passed with approximately 96% of the vote, declares the COVID mRNA injections to be “biological and technological weapons,” and also calls on the governor to prohibit their distribution. In addition to this, the Arizona attorney general is now being called on to confiscate all vials of the vaccines and conduct a forensic analysis of their contents. Unlike in Minnesota, Dr. Sansone’s lawsuit that seeks to “Ban the Jab” in Florida was dismissed and is on its way to the appellate court. Meanwhile, the Idaho Republican Party and the Clackamas County GOP in Oregon have also passed the “Ban the Jab” resolution. In Europe, MEP Christine Anderson,
a top European leader who represents Germany in the EU Parliament, spoke out blasting the global mass COVID mRNA vaccination campaign as “The biggest crime to ever have been committed on mankind.” Anderson called out the globalist COVID mRNA shot agenda during an interview. She said the global roll-out of mRNA COVID injections will go down “As the biggest medical scandal ever.” It will be interesting to see if she can convince the EU parliament to do the same as Minnesota. Recently, an internationally celebrated neurosurgeon is raising the alarm after discovering that COVID mRNA “Vaccines” are laced with secret cancer-causing ingredients to act as a “bioweapon” and “kill people.” This warning has been issued by Dr. Jack Kruse, who is one of America’s most highly respected medical experts. Kruse exposes a ten-year-long globalist plot to poison entire populations with the SV40 cancer virus. “This is a bioweapons program that spans 75 years,” Kruse said. “We have killed more people in the last four years than we did in any world war we’ve been involved with.” “That alone should end everything that’s going on with COVID,” he adds. In an interview, Kruse noted that the depopulation effort backfired when young, healthy “vaccinated” people started dying from cancers typically associated with older people. Bottomline, “The official story is they wanted to kill people,” he said. Moving on to another country that is following the state of Minnesota’s lead. An official report by a Slovak government commission investigating the COVID-19 pandemic recommended mRNA vaccines be banned after determining they are “dangerous.” “Unless the vaccination with mRNA products is stopped, or at least their efficiency and safety is proven, which today I already know it won’t, and unless we save the Slovak
Republic from the centralization of power under the WHO, my task is senseless,” Kotlár said. Kotlár, an orthopedic surgeon, was named to his position in January 2025. Since then, the commission has been accused of questioning the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines and of being “Tainted by anti-vaxxer leadership.” Let’s go ringside to Australia who is now waking up to the fact that this is war. Just days after the Slovakian commission made its recommendation, the town council of Port Hedland, the second largest city in Western Australia, voted to support a ban on mRNA products and called on the Australian government to implement a ban. “It seems an overdue process considering all the data in over 3,000 studies that demonstrate the harm caused by these experimental gene therapy injections,” said Christof Ploth, D.O., a member of the World Council for Health’s steering committee, who welcomed the developments in Slovakia and Australia. The Australian Council heard testimony from several scientific experts, including molecular virologist and epidemiologist David Speicher, PhD., a senior research associate at the University of Guelph in Canada, who presented a report outlining evidence of DNA contamination in the mRNA COVID-19 shots. As we see here, people and some government officials around the world are beginning to wake up, and it is about time. “People want to know why death rates, especially in healthy young people, have risen astronomically. They want to know why children are having heart attacks. They want to know where the turbo cancers came from. A serious COVID inquiry will illuminate these questions. The Slovak people and everyone else deserve these answers,” a concerned individual named Holland said.
The Future of social mobility in Canada and the quiet crisis ahead SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
In 2040, the Canadian dream is quietly unraveling. For many families, especially newcomers, the promise that education, work, and sacrifice would buy a better life for the next generation is no longer holding. This isn’t dystopian fiction; it is a plausible scenario explored by Policy Horizons Canada. While it overlaps with global agendas like Agenda 2030, the truth is far more complex, and urgent than the loudest conspiracy theorists (or factualist) claim. This article unpacks the facts, breaks down the risks, and shows why we all need to pay attention. What if upward mobility stopped working? Imagine being 24 years old in 2040. Your parents immigrated to Canada with little but hope and ambition. They rented a modest place, worked long hours, and told you that if you stayed in school and worked hard, you would: own a home, build a career, and maybe retire comfortably. By the time you graduate university (after taking on tens of thousands in debt) you’re entering a gig economy with no benefits, no security, and an algorithm assigning your shifts. Home prices have tripled. A starter condo requires a six-figure down payment.
Most of your peers live with parents or share rental units deep into their thirties. If you’re not born into wealth, you are stuck. This is the future outlined in a recent foresight report from Policy Horizons Canada, the federal government’s in-house strategic foresight team. Their scenario, titled “More Snakes Than Ladders,” stress-tests the future. What it reveals is chilling: a Canada where social mobility, once a cornerstone of national identity, has all but vanished. The fraying fabric of opportunity The report identifies six key forces eroding upward mobility: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Education is losing its edge – As tuition rises and degree programs lag behind labour market demands, credentials no longer guarantee good jobs. Many students are trapped between debt and underemployment. Housing is a privilege, not a right – Inheritance, not income, is becoming the gatekeeper to homeownership. Families without generational wealth are locked out of the market — permanently. Wealth is staying in the family – Intergenerational transfers of assets — homes, businesses, capital — solidify class boundaries, echoing aristocratic systems of old. AI and automation create a two-tier labour market – High-paying roles demand access to elite tech tools and networks, often reserved for the rich. Everyone else scrapes by on gig work or precarious digital jobs. Youth disillusionment grows – A generation raised on the promise of progress is now facing stagnation. The result?
6.
Anxiety, apathy, and, in some cases, anger. Social divisions deepen – Dating apps, digital platforms, and school zones subtly filter people by class. Social mobility becomes not just difficult — but socially unacceptable.
Does this sound like agenda 2030? A qualified yes, and no Some critics argue this scenario echoes the World Economic Forum’s Great Reset, or Agenda 2030, citing overlapping ideas: controlled economies, digital regulation, and reduced private ownership. Here’s the difference: Policy Horizons isn’t endorsing these outcomes; it’s warning about them. Agenda 2030, developed by the United Nations, includes goals like reduced inequality, sustainable cities, and decent work. On paper, these sound noble, but critics worry they could result in technocratic overreach, or reduced individual freedoms if implemented without public accountability. The foresight report’s value lies in its transparency. It shows what could happen if Canada doesn’t course-correct; not what must or will happen. Conspiracy theories that paint all global policy as malicious miss the nuance. Real systems fail through neglect, complexity, and inertia. Who’s being hurt, and why it matters now What this scenario gets right is the emotional texture of economic decline. In Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga, communities rich in immigrant ambition, families are feeling this in real time. Many newcomers see the dream slipping away despite doing everything “right.” Young professionals juggling multi-
ple side hustles. Seniors helping raise grandchildren in cramped condos. Teens wondering if post-secondary education is worth it at all. This is becoming a lived experience. When people lose faith in the system; when they believe the game is rigged, they disengage. Or worse, they seek simple answers to complex problems. That’s when populism rises. That’s when scapegoating begins. What’s next? What we can still do? We are not powerless. The Policy Horizons scenario can serve as a wake-up call, a map of danger zones, not a prophecy. It tells us where public policy must step up: • • • •
Reform education to be more flexible, affordable, and job relevant. Regulate AI and gig work to ensure dignity and protection. Address housing inequality with bold, supply-side reforms. Rebuild trust by making governance transparent and inclusive.
Perhaps most importantly: redefine what success looks like. Wealth can no longer be the only metric. We must invest in community, health, purpose, and shared prosperity. Conclusion: This isn’t a conspiracy The end of social mobility isn’t inevitable, but if we ignore the signs, it could become reality. Let’s not leave it to algorithms, aristocracies, or agenda-driven speculation. Let’s build a future where every generation has a real chance to climb, and not just survive, but thrive.
NEWS & VIEWS
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 13
How many of us have an appreciation for abundant clean water W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH COLUMNIST
Every day, dozens of times, we enjoy ready and easy access to an abundance of clean water. This is not the case for an astounding number of people around the world. An astounding two billion people, a quarter of the global population, lack access to safe drinking water. What’s more, nearly half of the people on the planet (46% according to the U.N. World Water Development Report 2023) do not have access to safely managed sanitation. Think about that the next time you brush your teeth or flush the toilet. A couple weeks ago we wrote
about the largely positive changes to health we have seen over many decades in Japan. This week let’s talk about Africa, where the story is far less rosy. We have both spent time in Africa, including South Africa during Apartheid. In recent years, our focus has been East Africa and work to build capacity in medicine, nursing and health sciences. During a visit last week to: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the water problem was evident. There have been years when, due to a lack of rainfall, everyone suffers. The consequence was not hard to see: dead cattle at the roadside and parched earth without a blade of grass where these animals should have been grazing. When the rains do come, it’s torrential, washing down hillsides devoid of trees, draining away the topsoil and any remaining seeds, and creating huge trenches and gullies that make the land unsuitable for animals or agriculture. Poor water quality even in places where there is decent infrastructure is another problem. You may be aware that
fluoride is often added to public water systems in North America to prevent tooth decay, but in East Africa, natural fluoride levels in water are extremely high, far exceeding the 0.5 to 1.0 mg per liter limit set by the World Health Organization. This turns teeth brown and poses problems for bones. The human population is ballooning in East Africa. Take Uganda. In the 1960s, it was a country of less than 10 million. Today, it is 51 million. By 2050, it will exceed 100 million. To Dr. Ssali, Deputy Executive Director of the Joint Clinical Research Centre, a top-tier disease treatment facility in Kampala, asked the population, “Are you excited about the economic opportunities, or worried about the burden of disease?” The initial response was, “Both.” We would advise a harder line. “Prevention. Prevention. Prevention.” East Africa has not turned on its economic engine despite decades of effort. Yet the region has proven time and again that it is susceptible to disease. The HIV/AIDS epidemic was its
most crushing case. While HIV is now treated effectively, the latest problem is an aging cohort of people on anti-retroviral drug treatment who are over the age of 50 and now must also manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like: diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Hypertension currently affects one in four Ugandans, but only 8% are aware of the problem. NCDs are very expensive healthcare challenges for countries still struggling to provide the basics like clean water. There’s a trainwreck coming. Lest we forget, there remains appalling issues with the provision of safe and accessible clean water here at home. It’s a national shame that some indigenous communities in Canada must boil their water for drinking and cooking, and many industries throughout North America are guilty of water misuse and contamination, some criminally so. Will all the prayers in the world make a difference? Not a chance. Enjoy your next glass of water with contemplation and appreciation.
Isn’t It time Mom got more than flowers? SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Close your eyes and imagine this: the soft hush of waves breaking along powderwhite shores, a mimosa catching the morning sun just right, and your mother, your rock, finally exhaling. She is not running late or finishing a chore. She is being seen, celebrated, and serenaded in paradise. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, why settle for brunch in a crowded restaurant when the Caribbean is offering something far more extraordinary? These three standout destinations are offering devotion. Through: thoughtful touches, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences, they’re hounoring motherhood in the most radiant way possible.
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort – Aruba: Where Sunrise Meets Sophistication On the soft, sandy edge of Eagle Beach, where flamingos wade and mornings unfold like poetry, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is setting the table for something truly special. “Passions on the Beach,” their open-air dining gem, becomes a temple of flavour and gratitude this Mother’s Day. For $38.50, guests are welcomed to a 4-course breakfast experience that reads more like an island love letter: savoury ham and cheese pastechi, fresh island fruit, an elegant breakfast platter, and a trio of rich desserts that melt like sugar on the tongue. Each plate is kissed with local inspiration, balancing indulgence and authenticity. As the ocean glitters just steps away, and warm island breezes lift the scent of tropical flowers, mothers will toast the day with a complimentary mimosa: bubbly, joyful, and just a little bit magical. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club – Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla: Where Lux-
ury Becomes Legacy For those seeking serenity wrapped in elegance, Aurora Anguilla is a soul-soothing sanctuary spread across 300 acres of lush Caribbean splendour. Here, the celebration of motherhood begins with healing; a rare Banana Leaf Wrap Therapy at the award-winning Sorana Spa. Exclusive to Mother’s Day, this 60-minute ritual (priced at $235) is rooted in Caribbean herbal traditions and modern wellness science. The treatment: detoxifies, reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, and restores energy. It reconnects Mom to herself. Aurora understands that indulgence is in the details, the experience ends with champagne in hand and a box of decadent chocolates. Luxury served with intention. Later, the celebration shifts to D Richards, where a lavish brunch buffet ($78 for adults, $48 for kids) pairs gourmet delights with coastal elegance. It is a toast to mom’s: strength, her softness, her story. Princess Grand Jamaica – Green Island, Jamaica: Where Music Meets the Moonlight
If rhythm is the heartbeat of the Caribbean, then Princess Grand Jamaica is drumming something unforgettable this Mother’s Day. Beneath a canopy of stars, the resort’s Moonlight Theatre transforms into a soul-stirring stage. Here, guests are swept into an evening of live jazz and nostalgic serenades; think Whitney, Marley, Ella, Sade. The performance, each note a reminder of her grace, her laughter, her presence. Before the music, nine specialty restaurants, ranging from fiery Jamaican to velvety Italian, offer a culinary passport for the senses. Whether she craves curry goat or goat curry, each dish is a dance between flavour and finesse. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail under the stars and watch the ordinary melt into memory. Why settle for a day when she deserves a destination? Mother’s Day is a cultural moment. A chance to say thank you in a language that goes beyond cards and clichés. Through sunrise feasts, sacred spa rituals, and moonlit melodies, the message is clear: mom deserves more than flowers. She deserves paradise.
The Plan (Paris Exchange): A solution for finding homes for single unit families that are homeless strict guidelines such as the following:
STEVEN KASZAB
•
TC COLUMNIST
•
steven@carib101.com
According to ICI News of France (Alsace) various communities have taken the initiative designing and building single family homes particularly for the homeless with particular connections to the Social Service Ministry, various charities and the local business sector. Families of 3-5 members can live in these units and are required to follow
•
• • •
The Plan will access each adult and child for their healthcare, education and employability levels. The Plan will follow up on available compatible local jobs offering them to the residence. The Plan will issue cash on hand to each unit’s needs for four months, whereupon residents must take care of their own needs. Electrical, sewage and structural services will be offered for one year free of charge. Adult and children’s education is essential and encourages participation required. All addiction and social counseling will be provided. Absolutely no illegal drugs are allowed upon the premises.
•
•
Police officers trained in addiction counseling and social services will visit each person within each unit once a week for evaluation. Contracts of dwelling usage will be signed by the Plan and adult residence.
A compliance obligation is placed upon the opportunity to live in and claim limited ownership of these dwellings. A “If you wish to use these dwellings you must treat the community and structures with respect” Legalities aside, the Plan has begun to flourish outside of the very large urban centers of France and Switzerland. At present 33 communities of various sizes and descriptions exist and they are growing in numbers. The legal demands applied to dwelling usage and membership within the community has assured client residents
of a secure and livable environment. These units are nonprofit, based upon a set building cost, which allows only 15% profits per building which is set aside for future maintenance costs. It is a demanding mix of various ethnic, racial and age-appropriate community members. Obligatory monthly assemblies are required from all member residents young and old as a way to work out community requirements and help create an opportunity for community living formation. These homes are built for the community, by local community businesses at low cost (but high quality) to last for 20+ years. The only requirement for membership is that your family is in need and that you legally will respect your membership within said community. An excellent example for all international communities trying to solve their homeless problems.
PAGE 14
FEATURE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Photo Credit: Elite Touch Studio
NATHANIEL FRAY-SMITH The connector shows the power of showing up
“How one man’s unapologetic light helped carve spaces for joy, equity, and legacy across a generation.” If legacy were a room, our Classic Man already built it, brick by brick, interaction by interaction. You would definitely find walls lined with trophies; shelves stacked with memorials from his athletic past. Yes, Nathaniel’s room would hum with laughter, brim with memory, and feel lived in; filled with moments. His mother would be there, beaming. His father too, steady and patient. Somewhere near the center, you would hear the echoes of children; some he raised, some he mentored: laughing, healing, becoming. How did Nathaniel build this room, this life, this movement? To understand that you have to begin in motion, because our Classic Man’s story doesn’t sit still.
Where the story begins: A childhood in between Nathaniel Fray-Smith didn’t grow up in just one place. His early life moved back and forth between what he calls “the hood” and the suburbs, places often worlds apart in culture, but side by side in experience. One day, he might be the only African-Caribbean kid in class. Next, he would be surrounded by people who looked like him yet thought differently. “People are people,” he says now. “I knew I was different, but I wasn’t sure what that meant yet.” What it did mean was that Nathaniel became a watcher, a reader of rooms, a feeler of energy. His childhood was marked by boldness, outspoken, fearless, and quick with a joke, or a truth. It was in these years that Nathaniel became “the connector.” It is not just a nickname, but a way of life for Nathaniel. “I always had
a link,” he recalls. “Even if it wasn’t the most impactful, I was always connecting people.” Looking back, it’s clear: even then, he was preparing to build rooms.
The making of a host: From brunch to business Hospitality wasn’t a career choice; it was like an inheritance. In his church, Nathaniel learned how to serve. Saturday brunches, community dinners, he was there early, folding chairs and folding into the community. “It’s about appreciating people’s energy and meeting them where they are,” he says. Later, hospitality and entertainment would become his career canvas. Event curation, weddings, workshops, showcases, Nathaniel did it all, but behind every smile and spotlight was a deeper skill: emotional intelligence. Reading the room. Managing egos. Lifting heavy spirits with light words. These weren’t party tricks; they were practices in healing. His work in entertainment was about creating safe spaces where African Caribbean joy could breathe. A rising flame: The birth of Sundé Social Out of that understanding came Sundé Social, a dynamic platform for: community, education, and exposure. Live showcases. Conferences. Networking events. The soon-to-launch SitWithMe podcast. Nathaniel co-created Sundé as a way to center African, Black, Caribbean, and diasporan artists and entrepreneurs, but more than that, it was his way of reclaiming power. “Power is energy,” he says. “It’s giving light and juice to my community. It’s not just about control, it’s about charge.”
Nathaniel, with every conversation, every curated moment, charges others up. He believes that love, deep, radical love, is a force strong enough to shift destinies, and his life, full of rooms made for others, proves it.
The turning point: Choosing the emotional cost of love Loving deeply is costly. “There are days I feel isolated,” he admits. “When you care this much, it can feel like nobody else understands the weight.” Nathaniel served as a foster dad for seven years. A life of mentorship, guidance, and emotional labor. “You are loving people, but sometimes, it’s draining. You give so much, and you have to make sure you are still giving to yourself.” Still, he doesn’t stop, because love, for him, is an act of defiance. An act of hope. An act of resistance against a world that often tells African Caribbean men to be cold, or closed. A climax without applause: His boldest work is still quiet There has been no one singular peak in Nathaniel’s life. His life, like jazz, rises in waves; steady and surprising. Maybe the climax will not be a viral moment, or a standing ovation. Maybe it’s in the quiet rooms, the mentoring of young leaders, the healing of communities, the building of ecosystems through Support Black Charities and The Experience Element. He has never stopped creating rooms where others can thrive, and isn’t that what legacy really is? A Legacy Without end: What if amazing things happen? Nathaniel lives by a question: “What if amazing things happen?” It’s this question that pulled him through uncertain childhoods, demanding
careers, and emotionally heavy leadership roles. It’s also what makes his work prophetic. In a world jaded by headlines, Nathaniel chooses wonder. He believes in joy as a compass, love as a strategy, and community as an inheritance. If he could whisper something to his younger self during the hardest day, it wouldn’t be about toughness. It would be about the truth. “Continue to be you, unapologetically,” he’d say. “Dimming your light is a disservice to the world. The right people will find their way to you.” Your turn: What room will you build? Nathaniel’s story isn’t about perfection, and as you read this, ask yourself: • What would your legacy room look like? • Who would be in it? • What would they remember you for? Nathaniel’s room is already full. Full of people, of love, of lives changed simply because one man chose to never stop connecting, and in doing so, he gave others the permission to build rooms of their own. Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography
Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News
Pickering
Serving Ajax, Pickering and Scarborough since 2001
The Simple Alternative Funeral Centre ~ Pickering 1057 Brock Road Pickering, ON L1W 3T7
Nor
Our staff is familiar with the diverse traditions of the customers we serve. Let us help ensure that your unique preferences are accommodated. Talk to us today and we’ll explain all your funeral options and help you through your immediate or pre-arrangement needs.
ad
Parkway
d
g
Roa
Ro
ton
g Kin
n sto
Pickerin
The Simple Alternative Funeral Centres
Hi
g
a hw
y4
01
TSA
i re s Bea
oad
eet
ck R
Str
Squ
B ro
ly Bay
ch Ro
Dill
ad
ing
dy
ham
San
Ro
ch
ad
Bea
C
e lem
nts
Roa
d
Roa d
1057 Brock Road | Pickering | 905.686.5589
w w w. m o u n t p l e a s a n t g r o u p . c o m
The Simple Alternative is a business name of Canadian Memorial Services which is affiliated with Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.
LICENSING, CREATING SAFER RENTALS FOR ALL Residential Rental Licensing What you need to know… The City of Brampton is taking big steps to enhance rental housing safety with the Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Pilot Program!
SOLVE JAMAICAN LEGAL PROBLEMS IN ONTARIO
Owners and operators in Wards 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 with one to four rental units must get a licence per property. For the remainder of 2025, the City is waiving the licence application fee of $300. Those who apply for and receive their rental licence during the fee waiver period will receive a free smoke alarm. Understanding your responsibilities as a resident, property owner and tenant helps maintain the quality of life in our city.
• Attorneys-At-Law • Barristers • Foreign Legal Consultants
Yonge Eglington Centre 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1600, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4 • Kingston • New York City • London
Ensuring that injured, ill and disabled workers are protected in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. It requires education, awareness and commitment from workers, unions, employers and the community at large.
Level 1: Rights & Obligations » September 3-17 Level 2: Benefits & Services » October 9-23 Levels 1 & 2: Fundamentals » June 2-6 Psychological Health & Safety and Return to Work » September 28 – October 3
preventionlink.ca
Principles of Accommodation Law » May 21 » June 26 » December 3
Return to Work 101
» May 14 » June 19 » December 2
nb/cope343
preventionlink.ca Across sectors, whether a newcomer to Ontario’s workforce or long-time worker, everyone deserves a safe working environment, and everyone deserves to know their rights and obligations in the workplace.
Do You know what your rights are? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE INFORMATION GUIDES IN 21 LANGUAGES Learn about workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, employment standards, and human rights at work! www.preventionlink.ca/services/ the-lighthouse-initiative
OR
Ontario
Supreme Court, Jamaica
Alimi A. Banjoko
To register and learn more, visit brampton.ca/rrl
OR
DONE HERE ™
Attorney-at-law (JA.) & Foreign Legal Consultant (ON.)
Failure to comply with the by-law can result in fines ranging from $600 to $1,200.
Scan the QR code to register
MEET HERE ™
• PROPERTY • BUSINESS • PROBATE • FAMILY • & OTHER CIVIL MATTERS Tel: 416.549.1672 www.banjokolaw.com | info@banjokolaw.com
www.danforthfoodmarket.com
We’re simply the best West Indian store in town.
Grace Sweetened Condensed Whitener 297 ml
2
20 2/
2
99
Tropical Delight Cranberry Juice Cocktail 1.89 L
Grace Hot Pepper Sauce 85 ml
Colgate Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste 95 ml
UFC Coconut Water
each 500 ml
3
Grace Festival Mix
1
3
Mauby Fizz Carbonated Beverage
1
¢
3
49
$
2/
$
2/
270 g
300 ml
89
2
Jamaican Pride Coconut Milk
89
Anchor Brand Syrup
2
Titus Sardine In Tomato Sauce
1
Cedar Yellow Corn Meal #40
2
Bomber Laundry Soap
2
Dettol Liquid Antiseptic
8
49
398 ml
each assorted 125 g
89
¢
each 390 g
each 750 ml
each 2 lb
49
each 750 ml
Grace Corned Beef
3
Excelsior Cinnamon Crackers
1
Lou & Nick’s Lemon Juice
1
Creation Food Veggie Chunks
1
Fresh O Bowl Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1
each assorted 340 h
29
20 2/
Grace Jack Mackerel In Tomato Sauce 425 g
Supligen Instant Breakfast each Beverage 250 ml
each 336 g
79 each
69
946 ml
each 200 g
99 each
85 g
49 each
79 each
39 each
79 each each
99 each
Delicious Jamaican Dish Grown From Australia
Free Range Goat Meat
4
$ 99
Frozen
Frozen King Conch Meat
34
Frozen Premium Grade Easy Cooked Trimmed Oxtail
9
4
Burned Beef Foot
Salted Pig Tail
2
1
99 49 $ 99 99 $ $ $ lb lb lb lb Frozen or Previously Frozen
To
Large Salted Cod Fish
Frozen Square Cut Turkey Neck
6
$ 99 lb
29 19
Fresh Doctor Fish
Fresh Atlantic Whole Salmon
99 $ 99 lb Half 5 lb Box
Frozen Square Cut Bone In Mutton Leg
1
Frozen Exceldor Chicken Drumsticks
Frozen Split Chicken Wings
99
99
5 kg bag
5 kg box
Fresh Seafood Catches Fresh Caribbean Red Snappers
Fresh Lane or Yellow Tail Snappers
8
7
7
6
Fresh Whole King Fish
99 99 99 $ $ 99 $ $ lb as is lb as is lb as is lb as is Fresh Jamaican Sweet Potatoes
Fresh Garlic Pkg of 3
Sweet Murcott Tangerines
89 2 4 Five Locations To Serve You Better 49 lb
99 lb
8
$ 99 lb
Fresh Caribbean Pumpkin
1
49 lb
¢ Each
Specials in Effect Thu. May 8th until Wed. May 14th, 2025
Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 8 pm
Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm
Store Hours
Mond-Thurs 9:30 am to 9 pm Fri.-Sat. 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 6 pm
Rutherford Rd. South .
Dundas St. E.
Kennedy Rd. Soith
Si lv er st on e
Store Hours
Lawrence Ave. E . Under New Management
Danforth Food Market 1225 Dundas St. Dixie & Dundas Missisauga 905-949-9990
Dixie Rd.
Finch Ave. W .
Danforth Food Market 651 Markam Rd. 416-439-6397
Cawtra Rd.
Sheppard Ave. W .
D r.
A l b 416-740-9870 ion Roa d
Markam Rd.
Danforth Food Market 301 Silverstone Dr.
Keele St.
Danforth Food Market 3701 Keele St. 416-398-8123
Martin Grove Rd.
Although we strive for accuracy in both copy & illustration, unintentional error may occur, we reserve the right to correct any error. Specials Available While Quantities Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Stafford Dr. Sheppard Ave. E . Finch Ave. W. Bloor St. E. Steeles Ave. W. Danforth Food Market 144 Kennedy Road South 289-298-0399
Glidden Rd.
Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm
is complicated. Life is Life complicated.
help make things a little easier. We help We make things a little easier. your life. Whether you’re Simplify yourSimplify life. Whether you’re planning for yourself ormake a loved one, make planning for yourself or a loved one, justallone call for all funeral, reception, just one call for funeral, reception, cemetery and cremation arrangements. cemetery and cremation arrangements.
Forplanning your freeguide, planning guide, For your free call Omar Khan: 416-559-7182 call Omar Khan: 416-559-7182 Brampton Brampton Funeral Home & Cemetery Funeral Home & Cemetery by Arbor Memorial by Arbor Memorial
Mention Mention this ad to receivethis ad to receive your FREE your FREE planning kit! planning kit!
10061 Chinguacousy Rd.,Chinguacousy Brampton • 905-840-3400 bramptonmemorial.com 10061 Rd., Brampton • 905-840-3400 • bramptonmemorial.com
r Memorial Inc.
Arbor Memorial Inc.
Ad size: 5.25” X 3.25” h, colour Ad size: 5.25” X 3.25” h, colour Publication: Publication: Contact: Angelique Richardson Contact: Angelique Richardson Format: high res Format: PDF and high jpeg res PDF and jpeg Due: June 28 Due: June 28 Ad#: PRT-101-A-S-AD is complicated (from Bishop Gr.) (from Bishop Gr.) Ad#: Life PRT-101-A-S-AD Life is complicated ©Arbor Memorial©Arbor Inc., 2016 Memorial Inc., 2016
We offer you Pathways to Wellness, helping you feel your best
Roots Community Services is committed to building strong communities Our culturally engaging programs are designed to uplift, connect and empower members of our communities Learn more about the supports and resources we provide at
www.rootscs.org
LANDLORDS, THINKING OF RENOVATING? Starting July 31, landlords must obtain a NEW Rental Renovation Licence before requiring tenants to move out for renovations.
Full bylaw requirements at: Toronto.ca/RentalRenoLicence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
HEALTH
PAGE 23
Sometimes, the best medicine isn’t in a bottle at the pharmacy, but in your garden, or fridge W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH
We’ve always said nature is an excellent physician. The most common item from your garden may be your best medicine. Recent research has proved it. Tomato juice has been shown to kill Salmonella and other harmful bacteria. We’ve often preached the gospel of simple, evidence-based health advice— eat well, move your body, avoid sugar, and never underestimate the power of vitamins, but now we’re happy to add tomato juice, plain and simple. Research published in the Journal of Food Protection and corroborated by studies in the International Journal of Food Microbiology reveals that tomato juice has
potent antibacterial properties. Scientists found that compounds in tomato juice, notably lycopene and tomatine, interfere with the growth and survival of pathogens like Salmonella. These compounds disrupt the bacterial membrane and hamper their replication. The result? A natural, delicious bacteria-busting beverage. It’s not just Salmonella that takes a hit. E. coli, Listeria, and even some strains of the virus causing Staphylococcus infections also don’t fare well when exposed to the mighty tomato. People often ask, “What’s your secret, Dr. Gifford-Jones?” After all, at a vibrant 101 years old, there must be more than good luck and good genes. We usually credit: high-dose vitamin C and lysine, moderate alcohol, and a good dose of common sense, but now we’re wondering—is it the daily garden-fresh tomatoes enjoyed for years? History can teach us. In the early 20th century, tomato juice was considered a health tonic. Long before we had antibiotics, people reached for remedies that soothed the gut and strengthened the im-
mune system. It was in 1917 that tomato juice was first canned commercially, and by the 1930s, it became a staple in North American households. Soldiers in WWII were even given canned tomato juice as part of their rations—not just to quench thirst, but to support their health in the trenches. Today we are grappling with a far more modern issue: antibiotic resistance. In our rush to medicate every sniffle and stomachache, we’ve created a population of bacteria that scoff at our strongest pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity. What if we’ve been overlooking simple, dietary ways to fight infection all along? We’re not suggesting you toss out your doctor’s prescriptions and live on tomatoes, but a healthy diet, rich in natural antimicrobials, might spare you from needing those antibiotics in the first place. Consider this: many people are prescribed antibiotics for: digestive issues,
skin infections, and even urinary tract infections. Yet straightforward dietary interventions—like the regular consumption of tomato juice, garlic, fermented foods, and cranberry—can help prevent or even treat these conditions without pharmaceutical assistance. As Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” If he were alive today, he’d raise a glass of tomato juice in solidarity. Beware, not all tomato juices are created equal. Many commercial varieties are loaded with sodium and additives. Choose low-sodium, organic versions, or better yet, make your own. A blender, a few ripe tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and voila! Add a dash of black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice both of which also have their own antimicrobial properties. Not a fan of tomato juice, but fresh sliced tomatoes appeal? Eat them up, any way you choose. It’s exactly the same thing. Sometimes, the best medicine isn’t in a bottle at the pharmacy, but in your garden, or fridge.
FOOD
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 25
Hassa: The Armoured Icon of Guyanese Curry Culture Let’s talk about a fish that’s more than just dinner—it’s history, culture, folklore, and flavour all packed into one little armoured warrior. If you grew up in Guyana or around a Guyanese kitchen, chances are you’ve seen a pot bubbling away with hassa swimming in thick curry, bones and all. And if you haven’t—well, buckle up. You’re about to. What Is Hassa? Hassa (also known as armoured catfish or cascadura) is a small, prehistoric-looking fish that’s more commonly found in the canals, trenches, and rice fields of rural Guyana than on a fancy restaurant menu. It’s not the easiest thing to clean, and you probably won’t find it at your average North American fish counter. But for Guyanese cooks, hassa isn’t just a meal— it’s a ritual. Technically, this fish belongs to the Callichthyidae family—tough little bottom-feeders that come with full body armour, sharp spines, and a determination to test your patience. But don’t let the rugged exterior fool you. Once you learn how to clean and curry them right, they become tender, meaty, and absolutely unforgettable. A Bite of History: From Trenches to Tradition Hassa has humble roots. Like much of Guyanese cuisine, it reflects a mix of African, Indigenous, Indian, and colonial influences. But this fish, in particular, is most deeply tied to the Indo-Guyanese community, whose ancestors arrived from India in the 1800s as indentured labourers. In those early days, fresh ingredients were limited. Families made do with what the land gave them—wild greens, root vegetables, and whatever they could catch in the nearby trenches. Enter hassa. Hardy and abundant, it became a reliable source of protein, especially during the rainy season when they’d be plentiful. Over time, the dish evolved. Indian spices like jeera (cumin), turmeric, garam masala, and curry powder transformed this mud-dwelling fish into something rich, complex, and comforting. Hassa curry isn’t just about food—it’s about survival, creativity, and cultural memory passed down in cast iron pots across generations.
The Folklore Factor While Guyana has its own hassa traditions, a similar version of this fish—called cascadura—carries mythical status in neighbouring Trinidad. According to folklore, “Once you eat cascadura, you’ll always return to Trinidad to die.” That same mystique surrounds hassa in Guyana. It’s the kind of dish that pulls people back home—at least in memory if not in body. Ask any Guyanese who’s moved abroad what they miss most, and hassa curry will come up more than once. It’s food that feels like roots. The Prep: Not for the Faint of Heart Now let’s be honest—this isn’t your easy weeknight meal. Cleaning hassa is work. If you’re used to boneless, skinless fillets, you’re in for a bit of a shock. But the flavour payoff? Worth it. How to Clean Hassa (Without Losing Your Mind): 1. Start Fresh: Live hassa is ideal. It’s usually kept in water to keep it alive and fresh. If it’s already dead, make sure it’s no more than a day or two old. 2. Scale It: These little warriors come armoured. Use a sharp knife to scrape off the tough outer scales, working from tail to head. They’ll fly everywhere, so do this outside if you can. 3. Remove the Guts: Slice the belly open, scoop out the guts, and rinse thoroughly. Clip the sharp fins too—they can spike you if you’re not careful. 4. Crack the Back (Optional): Some cooks will crack the back slightly to let the spices soak into the flesh. It’s not mandatory but adds extra flavour. 5. Soak in Lime & Salt Water: Let the cleaned hassa sit in a bowl with lime juice and salt for about 15–20 minutes. It cuts the mud taste and gives it a fresh start. The Main Event: Guyanese Curried Hassa Here’s how you turn a prehistoric trench
Ingredients:
6. Final Touch: Cook until the curry thickens and the fish is tender but not falling apart. Adjust salt. Garnish with thyme and scallion.
• • • •
What to Serve with Hassa Curry It’s all about balance. You want something starchy and simple to soak up that bold curry.
fish into something dinner guests will fight over.
• • • • • • • • • • •
2–3 lbs hassa, cleaned Juice of 1 lime Salt to taste 2 tbsp green seasoning (blend of garlic, onion, thyme, scallion, and hot pepper) 1 onion, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, crushed 2–3 wiri wiri peppers (or Scotch bonnet if needed) 1–2 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp ground geera (cumin) ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp garam masala (optional) 1 medium tomato or 1 tbsp tomato paste 2 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable) Water, as needed Fresh thyme and scallions for garnish
Directions: 1. Season the Hassa: After cleaning, toss the fish with green seasoning, salt, garlic, and a little lime juice. Let it marinate for 30 minutes. 2. Burn the Curry: In a large pot or karahi, heat oil and “burn” your curry—this means adding curry powder, geera, turmeric, and masala to the hot oil. Stir constantly until it darkens slightly and the spices get fragrant. Don’t burn it to the point of bitterness—just enough to wake it up. 3. Add Aromatics: Toss in chopped onion, hot pepper, and tomato. Let it cook down into a paste-like masala base. 4. Add Hassa Gently: Carefully lay the fish into the pot. Be gentle—once it softens, it can fall apart easily. 5. Simmer and Spoon: Add enough water to create a gravy— about 1–2 cups depending on your preference. Cover and let it simmer on low. Every so often, spoon the gravy over the fish instead of stirring to keep them intact.
• • • •
White rice (the go-to) Dhall and rice for the full Indo-Guyanese experience Sada roti or dhal puri Boiled ground provisions (cassava, eddo, sweet potato) if you want it rustic
And if you really want to make it sing— serve it with a cold glass of lime drink or mauby. Modern Challenges: Finding Hassa Abroad Here’s the catch—literally. If you’re living in Canada, the U.S., or the UK, finding fresh hassa is tough. Some specialty Caribbean or West Indian markets carry them live or frozen, but it’s hit or miss. That said, there’s a growing interest in importing more traditional foods for the diaspora. You may not have the trench in your backyard anymore, but with a bit of digging (and freezer space), hassa curry is still within reach. Why This Dish Still Matters Hassa curry is more than just a Guyanese comfort food—it’s a cultural marker. It’s something our grandparents prepared with patience and pride, something that brings us together at the table with hands in the pot and rice on our fingers. In a world of fast food and convenience, hassa is the opposite. It demands time, attention, and respect for the process. And maybe that’s what makes it so special. So next time you hear someone talking about Guyanese food and they skip over hassa curry, you’ll know they’re missing a huge piece of the story. Because real curry lovers know: If it’s not a little bony, a little spicy, and a lot of work—it’s probably not hassa.
LIFE
PAGE 26
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
What was the reason for such an act? Terror in Vancouver STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
INSIGHT TO SOCIETY
Last evening someone decided to drive a SUV into a crowd of innocents attending a Philippines Festival in Vancouver. None of us know the reason for this deliberate act of terror, whether it be politically, racially, ethnically, socially motivated. Killing eleven of our fellow citizens and wounding many others, this act is no dif-
ferent than the many acts of violence directed towards innocents the world over. The massacre of women in Montreal, murder in numerous clubs and venues, eating establishments and public gathering places have one thing in common, the killing of innocents, people who have no reason to be killed except for the reason set in the minds of the terrorists. Yes, I call this attack an act of terror. It may be motivated for some other reason, but the reason matters only to the crime psychologists, the police and investigators, as to the politicians who will use this event in their favour somehow. Conservative demands for an end to gun control face off with the demands of the other parties to control the
sale and maintenance of firearms. Perhaps the killer could not get a gun and used the only tool of mass murder at his disposal. It is usually men who do such things you see. Why kill innocents? To create an atmosphere of terrorized populations and create a situation of infamous notoriety for the criminal. Happening at an ethnic festival right after Jagmeet Singh had attended seems not coincidental. We need to wait for the investigator’s report and not make judgements right? Innocents are prime targets for those who wish to terrorize us all. The attack could have happened anywhere and at any time within any Canadian city. That is horrifying is it not? Questions come to mind like can my family go to a festi-
val, or even the grocery store in the mall again? Remind yourselves what those who have died would want you to do. Live your lives as you normally would, but do not forget those lost, and be forever aware of your surroundings. Look about you, not into those digital devices, but into the faces of your fellow citizens, into their eyes and recognize one another. We are too often lost in our daily lives, unaware of what is happening around us. Be aware and acknowledge one another respectfully. Don’t be quick to judge others and their motivations but see others humanity in all its beauty or ugliness. Be aware.
Middle fingers and boomers: A generation of selfishness and entitlement BY HERBERT HILDEBRANDT POLITICAL PARLEY At a recent Mark Carney rally in Brantford, an older man named Matt Janes from St. Thomas, Ontario flipped off young protestors — both middle fingers in the air, swearing with the smugness of someone convinced he’s on the right side of history. What could’ve been shrugged off as an isolated outburst said more than he intended. It exposed a growing truth: for too many older Canadians, particularly in the 55+ crowd, politics isn’t about principles anymore. It’s about preservation. What are they preserving? Wealth. Comfort. Status. Not just preserving but hoarding it while the next generation drowns under housing costs, stagnant wages, and a broken promise of upward mobility. Let’s be clear: this isn’t about age. It’s about attitude. It’s about a generation that benefited from: cheap homes, stable jobs, and a growing economy now sneering at young Canadians asking for a fair shot. It’s about a faction of older voters, particularly those who used to call themselves “conservative,”
abandoning any sense of stewardship or responsibility to the future. Conservatism, at its core, is supposed to be about long-term thinking, discipline, and accountability. Instead, many older former conservatives have warped it into a self-serving ideology of “I got mine, too bad for you.” Look at housing. Boomers bought homes when prices were reasonable, and mortgages matched wages. Now those same homeowners resist radical immigration police reform, zoning changes, and housing developments because it might lower their inflated property values. Meanwhile, a 30-yearold with a decent job can’t even buy a starter home without inheriting money or going into crushing debt. Look at social programs. Canada’s pension and healthcare systems were designed for a time when there were seven workers for every retiree. Now it’s more like three-to-one. Instead of adapting, many older voters fight tooth and nail to protect unsustainable benefits, even if it bankrupts the country and sticks their grandchildren with the bill.
Then there’s the debt. Canada’s public debt continues to climb, but the political will to tackle it is nowhere to be found. Why? The people voting in the largest numbers, boomers, aren’t interested in sacrifice. Not anymore. That isn’t conservative. That’s entitled. The most frustrating part? The generation that should be mentoring and preparing the next wave of leaders has largely checked out. Instead of passing the torch, they’re using it to light one last cigar while watching CNN and CBC shows that confirm their worldview. These were the people who were supposed to model critical thinking, long-term vision, and responsibility. Instead, many of them have become passive consumers of mainstream media talking points, too comfortable to change and too scared to admit they might be wrong. It’s not all boomers, but it’s enough to matter. Enough to poison the perception of conservatism among younger Canadians who believe in its core values: opportunity, hard work, freedom, and accountability. These younger
conservatives are watching their elders, the ones who were supposed to show the way, flip them off instead. Janes’ gesture wasn’t just his own, it is symbolic of what a lot of young people feel every time they try to raise real concerns about housing, affordability, debt, or opportunity. The message from too many boomers is loud and clear: “Shut up and deal with it, we are set!” Younger Canadians aren’t asking for free rides. They’re asking for a fair playing field. They want to build. Own. Contribute. Lead. They want to believe that a healthy, functioning society is still about responsibility, not entitlement. About building the future, not clinging to the past. If the next generation in this country is going to thrive, the current boomer generation needs to remember what it is responsible to do: preserving what’s good, fixing what’s broken, and preparing the way for what’s next. The next generation deserves better than a middle finger or two.
Finding your purpose requires looking beyond ourselves and serving others BY GEORGE SHEPPARD Prior to retiring three years ago, I spent 30 years as a high school teacher and principal. I spent my leisure time coaching school sports and community hockey. During the initial stages of my career, I scrambled to enhance my competency in the classroom. Supervisors visited my class to conduct performance evaluations – “Mr. Sheppard has an excellent grasp of the key concepts.” Hmmm…. “the concepts.” It wasn’t long before I discovered my primary role was not to teach concepts, rather, it was to teach students. They longed to be understood, to be seen, to feel valued. The day I realized my purpose was not myself, but the students I encountered, that was when I discovered my purpose. Whenever we begin something new: a job, schooling, relocation, relationship, we can operate with tunnel vision for a time. We see every move, or expectation through the newest aspect in our lives. Undoubtedly, we all need periods of
adjustment to anchor into our newfound situation. However, our lives are never linear; we have many roles that are simultaneous – employee, partner, parent, friend. It is not unheard of to get so busy making a living that we forget to have a life. During my early years as a teacher, then later as a principal with young children of my own, it was easy to feel that the world revolved around me. “Where are my keys? I’m going to be late for work. Don’t wait for me for dinner, I have a meeting.” In our haste we scramble, fidget, fuss and forget. All too often, frustration can rear its ugly head and we become more frazzled and overwhelmed. Those are the times we forget why we walked into a room, or search for our glasses, which they rest atop our head. As a young teacher, my struggle for relevance was real. How can I make my classes more interesting? Students don’t seem to like me. Why is David always leaving class? Self-doubt takes hold, imposter syndrome shows up and we ponder if we made the right career choice. It was on one occasion when a student, who
rarely showed up for class, strolled in late. I launched into “Where have you been” mode; “Do you think you can just come and go as you please.” Did you hear yourself, George? Do you live by the words you speak and write? As the student uncomfortably began to offer an explanation, I interjected with “That’s not good enough.” Full stop!! Was I listening to listen, or simply to respond? As the student pivoted to leave, avoiding any further inquisition, it dawned on me I was the only one talking, yet I was not hearing myself. Whatever happened to being empathetic, having compassion for situations when we do not know all the facts? Projecting frustration by speaking with a bullish tone was surely not my purpose. The mirror can be a blessing and a curse. It is not until we look into it, prepared for the answers that are there if we have the courage to look, that we can grasp what is actually occurring. In my first year as a school principal, a school board official said to me, “You are the most important and influential person in the
school.” Line up and kiss the ring; I have arrived! While I understood his leadership reference, it was not accurate. Could I be so naïve as to think the school existed to lavish me with accolades? Wrong! Each and every person is a teacher and a student. Years earlier when I wondered how to make my classes more interesting, and why David always left the room, all would have been better served if I had embraced the words of Walt Whitman, (well for me it’s actually Ted Lasso), “Be curious, not judgmental.” When I put aside my own ill-gotten assumptions, sought feedback from students about how classes are taught, looked into David’s situation, then I was able to “understand.” Realizing our purpose does not have to be void of feeling fulfilled. When we have a clearer grasp on the people we serve then our purpose is met every day. Forming connections with students, and others we work with, coach, those we chat with at the coffee station, all bring us to our true purpose: to be our best selves, to see others, to hear them, and lift each other with kindness.
LIFE
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 27
How ant-like thinking could transform our divided communities SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
HUMAN SPECIALIST
Trish watched as the tiny black creatures worked in perfect harmony, forming a living chain to transport a fruit crumb back to their nest. “How do they know what to do without arguing?” she wondered. As the Caribbean sun beat down on her grandmother’s porch in Trinidad, she couldn’t help but contrast the ants’ seamless cooperation with the disputes that had plagued her neighbourhood for generations. Little did Trish know; these tiny insects hold the key to healing centuries of division. The wisdom of the colony When we observe ant colonies, we witness a marvel of natural cooperation. Each ant fulfills specific roles without hesitation, or complaint, and works toward collective survival rather than individual gain. No ant hoards resources or attempts to establish dominance over others of its kind. The colony thrives, because every member inherently understands that personal sacrifice serves the greater good.
This “colony mindset” stands in stark contrast to the individualistic, often adversarial relationships that characterize many modern communities, particularly those with complex historical wounds, like the ones that many Caribbean communities live with. What we see in ant colonies is the opposite of our human tendency toward tribalism. Ants from the same colony never compete with each other. They understand instinctively that their survival depends on cooperation. The historical roots of division For Afro/Indo-Caribbean communities, the path to cooperation faces unique challenges rooted in historical trauma. European colonization deliberately pitted enslaved Africans against indentured labourers from India, creating artificial competition for resources and status. This colonial strategy of “divide and rule” established patterns of mistrust that persist generations later. When people experience collective trauma, they develop protective behaviors that can become maladaptive over time. The very strategies that helped our ancestors survive oppression—like in-group loyalty and suspicion of outsiders—can prevent community healing today. Cultural models of cooperation Not all human societies struggle with
cooperation to the same degree. Several cultures have developed remarkably ant-like approaches to community living. In Japan, the concept of “wa” (harmony) emphasizes collective needs over individual desires. This cultural value manifests in everything from efficient disaster response to high-functioning public services. During the 2011 tsunami, international observers were amazed by the orderly, cooperative behavior of affected communities. The Ubuntu philosophy in southern Africa—captured in the phrase “I am because we are”—similarly rejects the Western emphasis on individualism. Communities practicing Ubuntu principles show remarkable resilience through shared resource management and collective decision-making. The indigenous Māori of New Zealand operate with “kotahitanga” (unity and collective action), resulting in stronger social bonds and more equitable resource distribution than neighbouring Western-style communities. Rewiring our social instincts Trish’s revelation on her grandmother’s porch represents the first step toward community transformation: recognition that our current patterns are learned, not inevitable. The brain pathways that make us suspicious of other groups can be re-
wired. When communities create shared goals that require cooperation across traditional boundaries, we see remarkable changes in social attitudes. Communities in Trinidad and Jamaica have begun experimenting with “colony thinking” approaches: neighbourhood councils with rotating leadership from different ethnic backgrounds, community savings pools that build interdependence, and public works projects that require diverse participation. The lesson of the ants As Trish watched the ants that afternoon, she realized that the solution to her community’s divisions had been literally underfoot all along. The ants weren’t cooperating because they were being supervised, or because they expected individual rewards. They cooperated because, on some fundamental level, they understood a truth we humans often forget: we rise or fall together. Perhaps our communities don’t need more policing, more resources, or more rules. Perhaps what we need is to become a little more like the humble ant—recognizing that our individual futures are inextricably linked to the health of our collective colony. In the words of an old Caribbean proverb: “One hand can’t clap.” Maybe it’s time we all joined hands.
LIFE
PAGE 28
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The power of long-term thinking: A Cognitive Framework for Long-Term Success and Strategic Foresight DANIEL COLE
daniel@carib101.com
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
In the late 1950s, Harvard sociologist Dr. Edward Banfield uncovered a crucial insight after studying what separates the economically successful from those who stagnate. He found that the most significant predictor of long-term achievement was not intelligence, luck, or even hard work alone, but something deeper: time perspective. Banfield’s research revealed that individuals who consistently made decisions with the distant future in mind—thinking in terms of years, or decades rather than days or weeks—tended to accumulate wealth, influence, and stability. Meanwhile, those who focused only on short-term gratification often remained stuck in cycles of financial struggle, poor health, and unfulfilled potential. This principle, which he called the Law of Time Perspective, is more than just a strategy—it is a fundamental framework for understanding how our daily choices compound over time.
The cognitive architecture of long-term thinking Human beings exhibit a well-documented cognitive bias known as temporal discounting—the tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over future benefits, even when the latter are substantially greater. This bias is rooted in evolutionary psychology: our ancestors lived in environments where shortterm survival often outweighed deferred gains. However, in modernity, this predisposition becomes maladaptive. Consider: • A person might choose fast food over a balanced diet because the pleasure is immediate, disregarding long-term health consequences. • An investor might panic-sell during a market downturn, forfeiting long-term compounding gains for short-term liquidity. The antidote to this bias is deliberate longterm cognition—a cultivated ability to simulate future outcomes and act accordingly. Banfield’s research revealed a disturbing correlation: individuals at the lowest socioeconomic strata often exhibit the shortest time horizons. Their decision-making is dominated by immediate needs: food, shelter, addiction relief—with little capacity for strategic foresight.
This is not a moral failing but a structural constraint. Poverty imposes a cognitive tax—scarcity mentality narrows focus to the present, making long-term planning a luxury. Conversely, those with financial and educational buffers can afford to think in terms of years, or decades. The most powerful force in success is compounding—not just in money, but in habits, knowledge, and relationships. •
•
•
Skills: Spending just 30 minutes a day learning a high-value skill (coding, writing, public speaking) may seem insignificant in the short term, but over five years, that amounts to over 900 hours of mastery—enough to become an expert. Health: A daily 20-minute walk, or slight dietary improvements may not show immediate results, but over decades, they drastically reduce disease risk and increase longevity. Wealth: Investing even small amounts early in life can grow exponentially due to compound interest, while waiting leads to missed opportunities.
The key insight is that most meaningful rewards in life are delayed. The people who achieve extraordinary results are not necessarily smarter, or luckier—they simply play a longer game. To cultivate a long-term mindset,
define your future self. Long-term thinkers don’t just drift through life—they design it. Ask yourself: • • •
Where do I want to be in 10 years? What kind of person do I need to become to get there? What habits must I adopt (or abandon) today?
Writing down a vision statement forces clarity and makes distant goals feel more real. In addition, reverse-engineer Success (Backcasting). Instead of guessing what steps to take, start with the end goal and work backward. For example: • •
If you want to retire comfortably at 50, calculate how much you need to save each month. If you want to write a book, break it into daily writing targets.
This method turns abstract dreams into actionable plans. Finally, surround yourself with longterm thinkers - Your environment shapes your mindset. If everyone around you prioritizes instant gratification, it’s harder to stay focused on the future. Seek mentors, friends, or communities that reinforce delayed reward behaviors.
What will they say when you’re gone? The legacy of Fonce, and the real measure of success BY GRANT BROWNING DRIVEN TO SUCCEED Last week, I lost someone I considered a friend. A mechanic. A real one. The kind you don’t come across much anymore. Honest, hardworking, zero fluff, all heart. His name was Alain Gravelle—but around here, we all knew him as Fonce. He ran a small garage off a country road, nothing fancy. No big sign, no gimmicks. Just good service, straight answers, and a full schedule. If you needed something done, you were lucky to get in within two or three weeks. That’s how in-demand he was. Not because he advertised. Not because he undercut the next guy. He didn’t need to. People came to him because they trusted him. When I heard he passed, it hit hard. The kind of news that makes you stop in your tracks. I drove by his place that evening—his driveway was packed with vehicles. Cars lined up on the road. I couldn’t see anyone outside, but I knew what was happening in there.
That house was full. Full of family, full of friends, full of people trying to wrap their heads around the loss. The community felt it. Still does. The thing about Fonce is, nobody ever had a bad thing to say about him. And that’s rare these days. Everyone who dealt with him had a story—how he helped them out of a jam, stayed late to get a job done, or just treated them with respect when they really needed it. He ran his business exactly the way he lived his life—fair, honest, and grounded. If you were in a bind, he’d find a way to help. He never made promises he couldn’t keep. He’d tell you straight up, “I’m booked, but I’ll do my best.” And somehow, he always made time. He never made you feel like a burden. That one bay shop was busy, but you always felt like a priority. And because of that, he did well. Not flashy-rich. Not Instagram-rich. Real rich. The kind that comes from being good at what you do and even better to the people you do it for.
I’ve always told my wife—you can tell the weight of someone’s life not by how much envy they collected, but by the space they leave behind when they’re gone. The tears at their funeral. The stories people tell when no one’s asking them to. That’s legacy. That’s the mark of a life welllived. And that brings me to this: We all get into business for different reasons. Independence. Passion. The drive to build something. Some get into it for the money— and that’s fine. But at some point, you realize success isn’t just about dollars. It’s about impact. It’s about how many lives you’ve touched, even in small ways. It’s about who remembers you—and why. Fonce left a mark. Not through marketing. Not through branding. Just by showing up. By doing the right thing, over and over, day after day, year after year. And that’s what I think a lot of us
forget. We chase numbers, growth, status. But the real currency? It’s in the relationships you build. The trust you earn. The respect you don’t have to ask for. Anyone can make money. Not everyone can make a difference. So here’s the question: When you’re gone, what will they say about you? Will they talk about how successful you were—or how solid you were? Will they remember your business—or the way you treated people who came through your door? Fonce didn’t set out to build a legacy. He just lived one. And that’s what I think we should all strive for. To be remembered not for what we had, but for how we made people feel. For who we were when no one was watching. Because when it’s all said and done, the strongest legacy isn’t carved in stone. It’s etched in people’s hearts. That’s real wealth. That’s real success. And that’s what it means to leave your mark.
Think twice before flexing on people; China exposes the truth about luxury brands SYDNEE WALCOTT sydnee@carib101.com
VARIETY CORNER
The tariffs President Trump has imposed on several countries led to nothing but worries and concerns about how each country’s economy will be affected. In response to the ongoing tariff war between the United States and China, Chinese manufacturers used TikTok to
expose the manufacturing locations and processes of many popular luxury brands’ items. This news being brought to life continues to make people looking at flex culture from a different light now. Manufacturers revealed in various videos that luxury and inexpensive items share the same mass production lines, revealing the low cost of producing high-end items that fetch significantly higher prices. Each viral video shows manufacturers producing leggings and handbags from brands like: Lululemon, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Birkin for $45.00 dollars, or fewer. While most of the item is constructed in China, embellishments and packaging typically take place in a European country. The luxury industry did not react too
well to this news and views it as a threat to the identity of each brand and consumer’s trust. Several brands have also accused manufacturers of spreading fake news. While there’s nothing wrong with owning luxury items, this news has led to many thinking the industry is not all that it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it’s reminding people of the importance of having humility, as flex culture is now being looked at differently once again. This is not the first time flex culture has been exposed. Years prior, it was revealed that many influencers and celebrities do not own the mansions and/or high-end cars we see them post pictures and videos of on social media. They rent these expensive houses and cars.
Being able to afford luxury brands has led to not all, but a good portion of influencers and celebrities flashing their luxury items on social media and will even make fun of people who can’t afford high-end items. Now that it has been brought to the public’s attention about the production process for several luxury items, hopefully people will stop looking down on, make fun of or call regular people “broke” for not having brand name items. Sometimes, you don’t always get what you pay for. Not all expensive items are of good quality, and not all inexpensive items are of poor quality. So, going forward, stop flexing on regular people who are probably saving thousands while you’re wasting thousands.
LIFE
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 29
Blunts and Lumpia at Lakay Kusina for Rolled and Fried 420 Event SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com
THE HEIGHTENED CHEF
First and foremost, on behalf of everyone at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to those affected by the recent tragic events in Vancouver and our support for the entire Filipino Canadian community. My experience at Lakay Kusina’s Rolled and Fried cannabis-inspired event was anticipated, maybe even more than the 420 “holiday” itself. It was a chance to embrace my love and appreciation for Filipino culture while also getting to indulge my appetite for their cuisine in a cannabisfriendly environment. Restauranteur Ariel Abrazaldo and host Big Norm Alconcel had worked hard to create a buzz surrounding this event for weeks, a unique fusion of culinary tradition and modern cannabis culture promising an evening of delicious food, good company, and a relaxed vibe. Stepping into the venue, it was a vibrant space reflecting what would happen if a small family restaurant was plucked from the Philippines and replanted in the heart of Toronto. The atmosphere felt like love and was alive with the fragrant aroma of spices mingling subtly with the unmistakable scent of cannabis. I immediately gravitated towards the open kitchen area first. The sizzle of the oil and the crackle of the frying rolls proved irresistible. Ariel Abrazaldo, the heart and soul behind Lakay Kusina, kindly greeted everyone with a warm smile, his passion for Filipino food evident in every movement. The seating was intimate and cozy, which lent itself towards conversation and making new friends, which I gladly did. Stations were set up at each seat for all the festivities dedicated to the art of rolling cannabis. While waiting for a guided tutorial by accomplished comedian and community heavyweight Big Norm, attendees shared anecdotes about various: strains, cigars, and offered tips for the perfect blunt. Just as the lesson was about to start, I noticed another area was a hive of activity. The Lakay Kusina team was in the kitchen expertly assembling and frying lumpia, the crispy Filipino spring rolls that are a staple at any celebration. This was
just the first course of an incredible tasting menu that would take us on a journey of memories that defined Chef Ariel‘s culinary identity. Each dish meant to have a story bringing guests from his beginnings starting all the way back in his early childhood with his first and most influential culinary mentor; his grandmother, or “Lola”. The inspiration for his restaurant’s name and menu. In Tagalog, “lakay” means friend and “kusina” means kitchen, loosely translated to “a kitchen for friends.” The cannabis rolling lesson was a fascinating activity. Big Norm Alconcel delighted the audience with anecdotes from his vast cannabis experiences while offering insights into different strains and their effects. He guided novices through the process of grinding, filling, and rolling, patiently answering questions and ensuring everyone felt comfortable. I even picked up a few neat rolling techniques I hadn’t known before. I was especially glad to receive an artisanal handcrafted 420 blunt from the man himself, which as the clock struck 4:20pm, I promptly enjoyed. The beauty of the evening lay in its seamless integration of these two seemingly disparate elements. There was no pressure to partake in the cannabis aspect, and the focus remained firmly on the celebration of Filipino culture and, most importantly, the food. As trays of lumpia ingredients circulated, the lumpia rolling lesson began. After some needed guidance from the hosts and a little hands-on experience, novices became intermediates and intermediates became experts. Beyond the delicious food and the opportunity to explore cannabis in a safe and social setting, the event offered a deeper appreciation for Filipino culture. It is here that I draw the similarities between Caribbean and Filipino cultures: family, food and celebration. When asked how he would like to have his culinary expression received, Ariel said “Every time someone eats at my place, I want them to have a memory of what home feels like.” As the evening progressed, the energy remained high, fueled by good food, good company, and for some, good cannabis. The event wasn’t just a novelty; it felt like a genuine celebration of community and culture, a space where different worlds could intersect in a harmonious and enjoyable way. Leaving the event, I felt a sense of warmth and satisfaction. I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to partake in this unique and delightful fusion. It’s clear that Lakay Kusina has tapped into something special, creating an event that is both innovative yet deeply rooted in tradition.
Co-operative Republic of Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
254 South Road & Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, Guyana
PRESS RELEASE International Court of Justice Orders Venezuela to Refrain from Elections in Guyana’s Territory Pending Final Judgment The Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana welcomes the Order issued on 1 May 2025, by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, in response to Guyana’s request for the indication of additional provisional measures, following the announcement by the Government of Venezuela in January 2025 of plans to elect a governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name Venezuela has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region. In its Order of 1 May 2025, the Court: “(1) Unanimously, Reaffirms the provisional measures indicated in its Order of 1 December 2023, which should be immediately and effectively implemented; and (2) By twelve votes to three, Indicates the following provisional measure: Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from conducting elections, or preparing to conduct elections, in the territory in dispute, which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers and over which it exercises control.” It should be recalled that the Court’s Order of 1 December 2023 stated as follows: “(1) Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area; and (2) Both Parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.” The Government of Guyana reiterates its unwavering commitment to the principles of international law, the peaceful resolution of disputes and to the ICJ Process for a final, peaceful and lawful resolution of the controversy concerning the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that determined the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The Government of Guyana further calls upon the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to comply fully with the ICJ’s orders, which are legally binding, and refrain from any actions that violate Guyana’s territorial integrity or disrupt the peace and security of the Latin American and Caribbean region. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation May 1, 2025
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean News
REAL ESTATE
PAGE 31
Why now Is the smartest time to buy real estate JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com
REAL ESTATE PRO
The slow real estate market is good news for buyers. With many homes available, you have more options and room to negotiate a great deal. Whether buying your first home, moving up or investing, acting now could put you ahead in the next few years. Over a million new people have moved to the GTA in the past five years, and many will be ready to buy by 2027. Prices keep increasing, and money in the bank loses value over time. Real estate, on the other hand, helps protect you from inflation. So, don’t follow the crowd—this could be the perfect time to make your move. The condo market isn’t looking great right now, especially for investors. Many bought pre-construction units, hoping to sell before closing, but that didn’t work out. These condos, usually around 500–600 square feet, aren’t ideal for families, and the rent often doesn’t cover the costs, so many investors are now trying to sell. If space isn’t a dealbreaker, this could be a great time to buy a modern condo with top-notch amenities. You can often get in with 5% down, and monthly payments might be only a bit more than your current rent. Check out older condo buildings.
They might not have fancy extras, but usually offer larger living spaces. Ensure your lawyer reviews the status certificate to confirm the building’s financial health. Depending on the building, you may need a 5–20% down payment. If the unit is vacant, you might be able to negotiate a lower price for a quick closing. Selling and moving up in a slower market can work in your favour. Higher-priced homes usually see bigger price drops, so while you may sell for a little less, you’ll likely save even more on your next purchase. In this market, selling first, then buying, is smarter. That way, you’re selling while prices still hold up—and buying when they’ve come down. Avoid buying first and then trying to sell, as closing both deals in time may be difficult. When you sell, ask for a solid deposit—around five percent of the sale price because it helps protect you if the buyer tries to walk away due to falling prices. If you’re buying, be sure your offer includes conditions for financing, a home inspection, and an appraisal your lender approves. Lenders base their loans on the appraised value, not the price you offer, so if the value comes in lower, you’ll need to cover the difference. If you’re open to a bit of a drive, there are hidden gems just an hour outside the GTA. Take Niagara Falls, for example—you can find a charming detached home for under $600,000, about the same price as a modest condo in the city. Always buy something that will be easy to sell. When you invest in a premium property, you experience a higher
quality of living, or better rental income, and when the time comes, you can sell for a solid return. When house-hunting, think in this order: location first, size second, and upgrades last. You can always renovate a larger home to suit your taste, but adding space to a small one is much more complex (and costlier). Traditionally, the real estate market gains momentum in the spring, cools off during the summer, and picks up again in the fall. However, this spring is different—cross-border tariffs and a snap election are shaking things up. Take advantage of this shift by focusing on homes on the market for over a month.
Many sellers are growing impatient and may be more open to negotiation. Consider a variable-rate mortgage with the flexibility to lock in when the time feels right. Rates will come down, and you can secure a lower rate once you’re comfortable, but remember: when interest rates drop, home prices usually rise. Some of the best deals are available now, so you must be ready to act. Don’t wait on the sidelines for too long; the tide will change. Whether buying your first home, moving to a bigger one, or investing in a rental property, this is the perfect opportunity.
Share your thoughts on demonstrations in Toronto. Participate in the public consultation for a proposed new bylaw about demonstrations near locations such as places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions.
toronto.ca/PublicConsult
PAGE 32
FUN
YOUR HOROSCOPE for the week of May 4 to May 10, 2025
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TorontoCaribbean.com | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
CROSSWORDS
ACROSS PUZZLE NO. 130
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: GEMINI, SCORPIO, AND CAPRICORN
ARIES: You’re charging ahead, but slow down. You might be missing something that needs a second look. A quick pause now saves trouble later. TAURUS: Comfort is nice, but don’t let it keep you stuck. A small shake-up this week could lead to something way better. Be open. GEMINI: You’re full of ideas, but they’re useless if you don’t act. Pick one and run with it. Progress loves commitment. CANCER: Not your circus, not your baggage. Set the boundary, protect your peace. You’re not selfish — you’re smart. LEO: Being the star is great, but teamwork matters more this week. Listen more, lead less, and everyone wins. VIRGO: You’ve been spinning your wheels. Time to act, even if it’s not perfect. Progress beats paralysis every time. LIBRA: You’ve known something’s off — now’s the time to face it. No more waiting. Balance only comes with truth. SCORPIO: This week brings clarity, even if it stings. Trust what you’re seeing. Red flags don’t turn green. SAGITTARIUS: You’re craving change — lean into it. Just make sure it’s not escape for escape’s sake. Choose with purpose. CAPRICORN: You’re overcomplicating things. Strip it back. Focus on what really matters and let the rest go. AQUARIUS: Say what needs to be said — but don’t burn bridges. There’s a way to be honest and strategic. PISCES: Feel the feelings, sure. But don’t stay stuck in them. Take action — even one small step moves things forward.
PUZZLE NO. 840
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.
49. Certain gem 53. Commandments 1. Fellows count 5. Night sight 54. Go by horse 9. Dread 55. Light-hued 12. Section 56. Classifieds 13. Crooked 57. Mastered 14. Bagel topping 58. Regarded 15. Obstacle 16. Boring 18. Dress shape: DOWN hyph. 1. Auto need 20. Singe 2. Footed vase 21. Chimpanzee, e.g. 3. Positive vote 24. Billfold items 4. Legend 25. Talk wildly 5. Shiny 26. Violins’ fabrics cousins 6. Cord 28. Couple 7. Nab 30. Grabs 8. Bar staple 31. Arm joint 9. Hilo hi 35. Afternoon affair 10. Lady 37. In abundance 11. Put forth 38. Bicycle route 17. Spiral 41. Stern ornament 43. Crib 19. Baggy 44. Between ports 21. Tread the boards 45. Crunchy 22. Pod content 47. Bone 23. Moose’s kin structure 27. “____ Weapon”
29. Has on 32. Comic Hope 33. Iron source 34. Get married 36. Polar 37. Profited 38. Linguine, e.g. 39. Invited 40. Prom attendees 42. Eat away at 46. Catholic leader 48. Cone’s stat 50. Remit 51. Pub beverage 52. Guided
business
Classifieds Help support local business!
GET 3 MONTHS (6 EDITIONS) FOR $300! CALL 647-722-6298 *Subject To Ad Space Availability
SALONS • RESTAURANTS • REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • LEGAL • SHIPPING • AND MANY OTHER SERVICES!
combine and save* *Trademark used under licence by Allstate Insurance Company. 242307 | 11-24
Michelle Edwards Pickering Agency (905) 963-3319 medwards@allstate.ca
Vegetable & Flower Sprouts Now Available!
d
m
Y L K E WE
! E L SA
PROMOTIONAL PERIOD May 09, 2025 May 15, 2025
Rd
BRAMPTON LOCATION
y
t or
ill
W
kw
sP
iam
rp Ai
e stl
Ca
eR or
Qu
n ee
St
9125 Airport Rd, Brampton, ON, L6S 0B8 | Tel: 905-799-9001 www.freshprofoodmart.com | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 9AM TO 9PM
E
Hereford Vienna Sausages In Chicken Broth 130g
1
Redpath Pure Cane Special Fine Granulated Sugar 2kg
$ 00 /EA
XL White Eggs 30pcs
Limit 4pks Per Family
7
1
$ 99 /EA
Frozen Basa Fillet 3lb
4
4pks $ $ 99 Limit 99 Per Family
/EA
Beef Back Rib
3
/EA
Boneless Chicken Leg Meat
$ 59 /LB
3
$ 29 /LB
Daawat Original Aroma Traditional Basmati Rice 8.8lb
$
Fried Breaded Shrimp
1199
4
Spring Roll
Golden Ray Sunflower Oil 3L
3
10/ $ 99
10/ $ 99
Ocean Taste 3 Way Mix Vegetable 750g
Boneless Beef Shank
Pork Picnic Shoulder
3
$ 99
/EA
2/ $ 00 Fresh Salmon Fillet
7
Live Lobster
$ 99 $ /LB
4
/LB
1099 $999
/LB
4
$ 99 /EA
Mature Chicken
$ 29
6
$ 99
/LB
Salad Tomato
CLEANED
/LB
1
Limit 4 Per Family
/EA
Red Pomegranate
88¢
/LB
* Check price on store display tags in case of disrepancy due to printing error in the advertisement. FreshPro Foodmart reserves the right to limit quantities. No raincheck.
2
$ 99 /EA