The Awakening - Second Coming

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THE AWAKENING

SECOND COMING

SIMONE J. SMITH/TORONTO CARIBBEAN “Unless the truth is a conspiracy, I don’t consider myself a conspiracy theorist.” Kerry Lee Crawford “What’s wrong Grant?”

I had just walked through the office door at Carib101 Media Group, and the owner Grant Browning had a disturbed look on his face.

“Right at 11:00 am the cyber attacks started again,” he replied.

“Are you really surprised,” I questioned? “We expected this.”

We were off to a rough start again.

The Carib101 Media Group was tackling the task of producing The Awakening World Truth Summit – The Second Coming, and with organizing this had come some challenges.

This was the successful second attempt at producing a summit for the global population to shed light on what has occurred during this pan-

demic. The mission and vision of the Awakening is to provide the global community with another side of this story, the side where fear mongering is not the go to factor. Where the health of the listeners is paramount.

Where the mental stability of the viewers is taken into consideration.

These are all elements that have been missing from many of the mainstream media outlets.

Continued On Page 8

PAGE 2

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

PATRICIA JAGGERNAUTH Wishing haters well, and walking her own path

“Shield’s up Simone! I don’t worry about the haters.

The opinions that others have of you are none of your business. There is a part of them that is missing, that you are fulfilling”

You have seen her on CTV Your Morning as Co-Host and Weather Presenter, as well as CTV Toronto Weather Specialist. She is one of the most followed and recognized television personalities at CP24, CTV (Canada’s #1 Network) and Bell Media studios.

This Guyanese-Jamaican beauty is an EMMY and Canadian Award-Winning Television Host and Personality. We all love seeing her beautiful smile when she serves the community as a remote reporter for CP24 and Live Eye Host on CP24 Breakfast.

Her commitment to community placed her on a mission to assist in eliminating impaired driving in Ontario and across the nation, and she is recognized as the National Spokesperson for the Arrive Alive Drive Sober Charity/Organization.

Her entrepreneurial savvy brought her into her role as President, CEO & Creative Director of her online fashion and accessories line: PJ GLAMGIRL Boutique: www.pjglamgirl.com

Her many past projects include hosting, producing and writing “NiteLife TV” for Nationwide music, working as a web personality on YAHOO where she hosted and co-produced her show “Pulse of Canada,” and writing and producing for BITE TV.

As a commercial actress, she has made appearances on a variety of major television networks including: Global TV, MuchMusic, SLICE, and MTV.

It brings us to her newest HIT talk series: “LIVE WITH PJ” which is available exclusively on her IGTV and IG LIVE. She wanted to provide a space to have powerful and uplifting conversations, and the show has seen hundreds of thousands of viewers, both LIVE and on IGTV. She interviews highly notable guests including political heavyweights, advocates, notable television personalities, business moguls, Grammy Award-Winning musicians, world class photographers and celebrities.

Did you think that was it? She is the host and executive producer of “The Patricia J Show” seen across Canada on demand on Bell Fibe TV1 and internationally online. With this show, she speaks to her guests about their struggles and their challenges, what inspires them, and what motivates them.

Her most amazing news to date; she most recently added E! News and NBC to her resume having co-hosted the daytime talk show “E! Daily POP,” LIVE from Los Angeles, California.

With more than 300,000 accumulated social media followers, and a career of more than fifteen years as a professional television host and Media mogul, it should be no surprise that the Toronto

Caribbean Newspaper is honoured to present to you our Super Woman Empowered Patricia Jaggernauth.

“Walk your own path” I have to confess; it is hard to believe that a person can be so high energy all the time, but after nearly an hour on the phone with her, I can definitely say that Patricia is the real deal.

During our talk, Patricia candidly took me on a journey through her experiences, and shared parts of her that she does not talk about often.

“Being so bubbly Simone,” Patricia began. “People think that it is fake. Kids used to bully me; try to dim my light. They thought I was being fake, but do you know how tiring it must be to fake being this happy all the time.”

Patricia will proudly tell you that she was born into a party. “I was born at Toronto General Hospital on August 1st, right in the middle of the Toronto Caribbean Festival. How fitting is that. It just so happens that I always work through my birthday, it is my party after all.”

Patricia giggles softly and goes on to share more intimate details about her life. “My mom was a teenage mother. She met my father when she was really young. They were two young teenagers.

My mom was the black sheep of the family because she had stepped out of her culture. I have the darker skin in the family, because my father is black. My mom’s side of the family only knew what they were taught, so they didn’t agree with my mom’s decisions. I don’t fault them because things were the way they were.

My mom ran away, and then, it was just she and I. My mom took me out of an environment where I could be judged. She did everything for me.

She kept me engaged in multiple extra-curricular activities. My mom found all these programs for me.

She always looked into the future. Her future was me. Her thought was, how was she going to make my world incredible?

I enjoyed figure skating, so she found a Learn-to-Skate program, and we became really close with the organizers. I became a volunteer, and then it became my first job. I wanted to take it there with this dream of skating. This dream felt really big. I taught kids how to skate; it was so natural to me. I was also teaching new immigrants how to skate, and that in itself, was beautiful.”

Patricia’s mom saw creativity in her daughter and continued to foster that creativity.

“I was going to arts and crafts, I would go to pottery on the weekends, and then I truly discovered music. Music saved my life. Theory is not for everyone. Books are good for the basics. When you realize you are creative, books can’t help that.”

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She was involved in so many things and did relatively well in class. She went through high school loving everything, but she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do.

“It is hard to figure things out in four years. My soul journey was learning that I didn’t have to fit the mold. It made me a wild card. I actually graduated a year early. I accelerated through high school, but I wanted hands-on learning.

I had a great bond with all of my teachers during high school, so when I met with my guidance counsellor, to talk about my future, he suggested staying back and taking co-op.

I decided to stay back the year, and I narrowed down my aspirations to law. I wanted to be a voice for the community. I got a placement at a law firm, and it branched into my first career. I am a different type of learner. To get a legal career is expensive. I didn’t have to pay for my legal experience. I owe a lot of who I am to that co-op program.”

“I wish haters well” Her next step was her postgraduate education; but postgraduate school is expensive

“I wanted to be able to afford school by myself, and I did not want to burden my mom with the responsibility. She had done enough. Life has a funny way of providing answers. One day we were going to our local Caribbean grocery store, and when my mom and I opened the door flyers went flying everywhere. The Miss Guyana Pageant was one of the flyers that I picked up.

My mom was like, ‘You could do this.” I was doubtful because I was a tomboy at the time.

When I looked closer at the flyer, I saw that the prize money was $2,500.00. If I won, I could afford my first year. I could afford my own college and university career.

I ended up entering the pageant, and I didn’t win the $2,500.00, but I found myself on that

stage. I learned that I loved to be in front of people.

I did eleven pageants, all the way to Miss Universe Canada. I made it to the top ten. I was confident and I fell in love with my body, and public speaking. I fell in love with my passion to be in front of people.

I thought to myself, could I turn this into a career? Some of my pageants brought me into 299 Queen (Chum Limited). It is the place that everyone wanted to be at. You remember Electric Circus, and Speakers Corner, right Simone?”

I remembered all right, and I didn’t want to admit it. Seemed like so long ago.

“Each and every time I went in and out of the building, I knew that I wanted to be there,” Patricia continues. “My mom encouraged me to go into the media space, and as you know, the rest is history.”

Patricia pursued her dream and attained her diploma from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology in Journalism Broadcasting and is now giving back by being part of their Challenge Accepted recruitment campaign, which focuses on the success of its graduates. The campaign calls on future students to carve out their future because, “Now is Your Time.”

I got off that phone call in a great mood.

What an encouraging and positive discussion it was.

You can learn more about this fabulous media juggernaut by visiting patriciajtv.com

Keep smiling beautiful! Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is smiling with you.

Written by Janiece Campbell Toronto Caribbean News

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PAGE 3

Organizations promoting vaccine confidence in Canadian communities will receive up to $50,000 for the year; Hmmmm!

•

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

In the last few weeks, I have been receiving email after email from African focused organizations and groups, requesting the newspapers attendance at events focused on vaccine confidence in the African-Caribbean community.

This phenomenon is happening across the globe. There is a push to educate Africans in the diaspora about the COVID-19 vaccine to help with the hesitancy that many are feeling about it. Why the hesitancy, well for those Africans living in North America, we have suffered through medical atrocities that have traumatized our people for generations. It is no wonder that there are some of us that are giving this vaccine the side eye.

I agree that we need to be educated on this vaccine. It is one of the reasons why when these invitations from various groups across the city came in, someone from our team would attend so that we could share information about the vaccine. We have heard horror stories, but in the interest of true journalism, we wanted to ensure that we provided balance for our community.

My outspoken reporter Amanda Williams attended the first panel. It occurred on Saturday, February 27th, 2021, and was put on by The Toronto Black COVID-19 Task Force. They held a town hall meeting titled “Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories.”

Topics to be addressed were: Vaccine production companies cannot be trusted, nature and fruits are the real medicine, and doctors don’t know everything. What was interesting was while the three-hour meeting could be viewed on the task Force’s Facebook page, they failed to provide clarity on these specific topics and focused more on inequities and why people should get the vaccine.

The task force group failed to address the mentioned TED talk where Gates spoke about the possibilities of reducing the population with new vaccines and reproductive health services. The meeting ended fifteen minutes early, leaving multiple questions unanswered, such as: •

How much of the $6.8M invested in this program was used to educate health professionals in anti-racism to ensure the black community receives equal care

• • •

• •

and treatment?

We are unable to distinguish the difference between Covid, pneumonia, or influenza. Deaths of other causes are also being counted as Covid. What evidence is there that proves the black community is affected most by Covid specifically and not by other causes of death?

Why is there such a hard push to get the vaccine, when it cannot prevent transmission?

Will people be expected to take multiple vaccines as the virus continues to mutate?

There have been reports of deaths and other adverse effects of healthy people after receiving their second shot of the vaccine. What evidence is there to show this vaccine is safe specifically for the black community?

What evidence is there to prove death and adverse effects are not vaccine-related?

How are you monitoring the black community specifically to ensure its safety and effectiveness?

Up to this point, we have not received answers to these questions. It was why when I was invited to the Black Health Task Force of Peel Presents: From Vaccine Concerns to Vaccine Confidence; Supporting Peel’s Black Community, I thought it would be an opportunity to get some answers to these questions. This Town Hall was presented as an opportunity for black, African, and Caribbean community members in Peel to discuss their concerns, ask questions about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine and hear from seasoned health professionals and community leaders on the topic.

Dr Dionne Duncan moderated this event, and the panellists include: • Dr. Sandra Romain • Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman • Dr. Akwatu Khenti • Lydia-Joi Marshall I sat in the Town Hall meeting for about an hour and a half. During this time, the panellists focused on answering certain questions about the vaccine, and for the most part were able to carry the dialogue with precision. I was curious that when a question was asked about how the community was to respond to the fact that pharmaceutical companies would not compensate individuals who suffered adverse reactions to vaccines, the panel seemed unable to confidently move through the question.

I won’t lie. At that point I pretty much tuned out. There were a few other really great questions that were put out that did

not receive strong answers, but I will say they did better than The Toronto Black COVID-19 Task Force.

On Friday, I received another email from the Black Opportunity Fund. On Saturday, March 13th, 2021, they would be co-hosting a digital Town Hall with nearly a dozen black doctors and healthcare practitioners to give black Canadians direct access to professionals who come from their communities. Titled “COVID-19 and the Black Community: Answering Questions About COVID Vaccines.” Together they would be tackling misinformation about the vaccine, increase awareness, and empower community members to make well-informed healthcare decisions. It would be the largest event of its kind to be held in Canada.

This one unfortunately I had to decline because I had a packed Saturday, but it did get me thinking. Why was there such a full court press by so many organizations to convince our community to take this vaccine? Each group provided statistics showing how the community is disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and because of this it was important that we were vaccinated.

Hmmmmm!

Saturday afternoon, I received an email that brought me some answers. The Canadian government has begun a campaign to encourage vaccine confidence in Canada. Organizations promoting vaccine confidence in Canadian communities would receive up to $50,000 for the year. The application deadline is April 5th, 2021 before 8:00 pm EST.

According to this promoted vaccine confidence initiative, vaccines are fundamental tools for preventing infectious diseases, and low vaccination rates can threaten the health of Canadian and international communities. They state that complex factors influence the decision to accept vaccines.

Some of these factors are dependent on science literacy levels and others are personal or societal.

They explain that achieving widespread vaccine acceptance requires an un-

derstanding of the need for vaccines, an understanding of the safety of vaccines, the removal of barriers to access vaccines, and greater confidence in vaccines. Canadians need reliable and trusted sources of evidence to inform their decisions about vaccines.

So, to meet this need, they are providing grant support to organizations with strong track records of science and/or health promotion to deliver evidence-based, vaccine-promoting information to key communities and groups and/or to build capacity in the community to promote confidence in vaccines.

What is expected is that funded activities will mobilize knowledge to improve public understanding of vaccines and help Canadians to make evidence-based decisions, especially among populations that are hesitant about vaccines.

Well look at that! It is well known that Africans living in the diaspora are hesitant when it comes to this vaccine and for good reason.

Of course, some examples of eligible activities included providing scientifically sound information about vaccines via: social media, hotlines, webinars, forums or websites in a way that addresses beliefs and fears. The actives would have to share historical perspectives on pandemics and vaccine development to build trust and confidence in the community, as well as provide techniques for identifying reliable sources of information versus misinformation pertaining to vaccines.

I want the community to really think about this. I want you to think about it long and hard. I am not going to draw any correlations for you, but there is a reason that this vaccine is being pushed down our throats.

I encourage you as I always have to do your research. Attend events like these and ask tough questions. See what answers you get back, and if they satisfy your queries, then do what is good for you and your family.

My job is to always provide context, and I really hope I was able to do that.

Knowledge is power people! Knowledge is power!

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PAGE 5

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing is available for school board staff at pharmacies in Toronto PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Now that schools have reopened across Ontario, Ontario has expanded asymptomatic testing to deal with the appearance of variants, which is a major cause of concern in a news release on Monday, February 15th, 2021.

The Ministry of Education announced that it will ensure that there will be close to 50,000 tests available per week across Ontario. It revealed that asymptomatic testing has already been done in many regions across Ontario and is currently ongoing.

When the asymptomatic testing was done in Ottawa on January 30th and 31st, it revealed that 250 individuals tested positive for COVID-19, of which two were students. This is a very low positivity rate.

The Ministry of Education states, “In order to help students and staff safe, as per Operational Guidance, students and staff should not attend school if they present symptoms of COVID-19 and should stay at home, self-isolate, and get tested through Ontario Health and existing Public Health Unit capacity to test for asymptomatic purposes. There is an online testing regime that is local in all regions of the province to provide asymptomatic testing.”

The Ontario government released a document titled, “Ontario takes Immediate Action to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Variants” (https:// news.Ontario. ca/ release) on January 29th,2021, which outlines a six-point plan to tackle the screening of variants to include: • • • • • •

Mandatory testing of travellers Enhanced screening and sequencing Maintain public health measures Strengthening case and contact management Enhancing protections for vulnerable Leveraging data

The news release from the Ontario government notes, “The Ministry has also driven partnership between local public health units, school boards, and local health delivery partners. In Toronto, for example, the Ministry supported the relationship between MFG, WCH, SickKids, and Humber, and will continue to support these kinds of local partnerships and solutions to maximizing the reach and accessibility of testing of students and staff.”

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) released a letter on Friday, February 12th , 2021, which revealed information about voluntary asymptomatic COVID-19 tests that will be available at Toronto pharmacies for its employees. This is in line with the targeted testing that the province has launched across Ontario.

This testing at specified pharmacies has to be done in the employees’ free time, and they must not show any COVID-19 symptoms. The employee will have to give their workplace name.

For any TDSB staff that decides to be tested asymptomatically, it is important that they follow all the public health protocols. It will take about 48 hours to get the result and it can be obtained at the Test Results Website, by phone or a different website that the testing location indicates. It is important that during the interim, when one is waiting for the result, that self-monitoring be conducted for the appearance of any possible COVID-19 symptoms. In addition, self-isolation should occur.

CTV News reported on Monday, February 22nd, 2021 that out of 3,702 tests, which were done in over 400 schools in hotspots, only 32 cases were detected.

In Toronto, there were 11 positive tests out of 917 people tested between February 11th and 13th in 40 schools. There is hope that approximately 5% of schools will conduct asymptomatic testing. Current data revealed that 278 schools have at least one active case and 10 had to be shut down.

This expansion of the asymptomatic testing in Phase 2 of the province’s enhancement and screening is intended to allay fears of the public. The emergence of new variants in U.K, South Africa and Brazil with confirmation of 51 cases of the U.K variant in Ontario is serious.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Grab the scissors, Canada! It’s time to cut ties with the Monarchy JANIECE CAMPBELL janiece@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Many are calling on Canadian government officials to rethink its relationship with the monarch of Britain after a recent explosive interview between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey.

In a damning exposé, Meghan revealed how living amongst the royal family led to a lack of support and suicidal thoughts. She described them as cold, distant and indifferent to her mental health as she struggled with tabloids slandering her character. This prompted her and her husband’s regal departure in January 2020, where they formally stepped back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. The couple also indicated that there were racist undertones within Buckingham Palace, where there were multiple discussions over how dark the colour of their son’s skin would be.

Disappointed but far from surprised were many viewers’ reactions.

When thinking of Britain, it’s hard not to think about its racist gory history as one of the largest slave trading nations. The thriving reign of the royal family serves as a reminder that much of their prosperity was built off of the robbery of black and brown peoples’ humanity and possessions, and many underdeveloped countries are left with the effects of this until this day.

Canada, as one of the 54 sovereign nations apart of the Commonwealth, still continues to attach itself to the monarchy. The Queen is on our money. The first page of our passports essentially say that she allows us to move freely. All Canadian Naval ships have the prefix HMCS before their names, meaning “Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship.” Not to mention the ROYAL Canadian Mounted Police, or the ROYAL Canadian Navy or the ROYAL Canadian Mint. In this emerging era of racial awareness, how can Canada promise to fight against injustice but continue to give its full-fledged support to an institution that’s completely rooted in colonialism, discrimination and systemic racism?

“I think it’s clear. I’ve said it in the past: I don’t see the benefit of the monarchy in Canadians’ lives,” says NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “There’s no benefit to them and now even more so with concerns about racism in the institution that were raised, and pressures that were placed on Meghan Markle.”

And he’s absolutely right. The Statute of Westminster, an act of the British Parliament was established in 1931 and affirmed Canada’s right to self-governance and ability to control its own domestic and foreign affairs. So, what’s the point of upholding a monarch when they have very little jurisdiction on Canadian legislature?

Frankly, many Canadians also don’t have an attachment to the monarchy anymore. In a survey taken by YouGov in January 2020, more than two in five Canadians supported cutting ties with the Queen. The data shows 44% of Canadians strongly or somewhat agreed with abolishing the monarchy in Canada, with Canadians between the ages of 3544 being more likely than any other age group to support the idea.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier this month that his government will not be engaging in conversations about scrapping the monarchy while the pandemic is still at large and the country faces unprecedented economic disruption.

“Obviously, I wish all members of the Royal Family the very best. But my focus, as we’ve said, is getting through this pandemic,” Trudeau said when asked if Canada should rethink its ties to the House of Windsor. “If people want to later talk about constitutional change and shifting our system of government, that’s fine. They can have those conversations.

But right now, I’m not having those conversations.”

However, Trudeau blatantly admits that many of Canada’s institutions, including Parliament itself are built on a legacy of systemic racism. He claims that the solution is not to dismantle the monarchy, but to somehow reform what’s already broken.

“The answer is not to suddenly toss out all the institutions and start over.

The answer is to look very carefully at those systems and listen to Canadians who face discrimination every single day and whenever they interact with those institutions to understand the barriers, inequities, and inequalities that exist within our institutions that need to be addressed that many of us don’t see because we don’t live them.”

Well, plenty of Canadians have spoken and it seems that the government isn’t listening. The monarch today exists in our country to be nothing more than an outdated historical symbol. For many, this is not simply a positive symbol of how Canada came to be. There is a loaded history of pain and bloodshed that comes from the throne, especially for Indigenous communities. Is this really a tradition that deserves to be maintained?

There should be no more swearing allegiance to the “Queen of Canada” upon taking the Oath of Citizenship or becoming a public servant. There should be no more spending millions of taxpayer money just to host the royal family for a few days when there have been communities across the country that have been suffering for decades. Just as easy as it was to replace John A. Macdonald on the $10 note with Viola Desmond, in due time, we can equally find another prominent Canadian figure to take over the $20 note. It’s not an easy change, nor is it a cheap one, but it is a necessary one. The time is near for Canada to finally release the shackles that the monarchy holds against her.

NEWS

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NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

The Awakening World Truth Summit - Second Coming Telling the Truth has become a Revolutionary Act SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- For the team at Carib101 Media Group, the desire that information be truthful is elemental. The team knows that news is the material that people use to make important decisions in their lives: what to wear outside, what to buy, products to stay away from, what restaurants to eat at, and how to protect themselves. It is why the most important quality of news is that it is useful and reliable.

In this day and age, telling the truth has become a revolutionary act. We have received phone calls and emails condemning us for even hosting a show like this. We had one caller who told us that the Awakening was ridiculous and that it should be called “Comatose.” I have to admit; I actually found that thought pretty clever.

It seems almost too complicated for many of us to pursue the truth, and maybe to some of us it doesn’t exist. The Awakening World Truth Summit was a gathering of controversial, educated, and outspoken individuals who have found that telling the truth has not made them popular, but they refuse to back down regardless of threats, loss of credibility, or ridicule.

On Saturday March 6th, 2021, Kerry Lee Crawford and myself bravely took on the task of hosting a panel of speakers who have been censored, ostracized, and labelled as right-wing conspiracy theorists. The first Awakening World Truth Summit had 1.1 million visits to the page. The summit was cyber-attacked on such an unimaginable level, that when Grant announced it that morning, I was not surprised. We are in a time of censorship that has not been seen at this level in many years.

You may not realize it, but media censorship happens to your news on a regular basis. As humans, it is natural to make subjective choices as to what is important to put in a story, and what not to put in a story. What has made it seemingly worse is that during this pandemic, journalists are experiencing pressure from outside forces to suppress information, and only share what is desirable by those making these decisions.

As a media outlet, we thought it was important for the public to be informed about the

choices those who deliver the news face, and why they might decide to keep certain information private.

Naturally there are some questions that come to mind like who are these outside forces, and why would they want to censor a small, but growing media company in Toronto, Ontario, Canada?

Could it be that we had assembled a group of authority figures that have refused to lie down and continue to spread the truth about what is really going on during this pandemic. It is understandable when you take a look at the roster of speakers that we presented that day.

David Icke He is a writer, public speaker, and media personality best known for his views on “The New World Order,” and the small group of individuals who are currently controlling our world. He is one of the most controversial speakers, and authors in the world, and he has attracted a large following worldwide.

He started off his career as a wellknown BBC television sports presenter, but during our interview, I questioned him as to why he chose the path he did, or how this path was chosen for him. The highlight of my interview with David was learning his personal journey from being a professional footballer, to being criticized for being a conspiracy theorist.

His story was moving, and very spiritual. It definitely brought some perspective. This interview was different from the ones that he usually is a part of because the audience had a chance to learn why he has decided to stay on this path.

Alex Jones Alexander Emric (or Emerick) Jones, better known as Alex Jones, is a popular radio host and is known for hosting ‘The Alex Jones Show.’

Jones has millions of followers that either love him or hate him. One thing that cannot be denied is that he speaks his mind.

He is a writer and a documentary filmmaker, as well as the brains behind the network “InfoWars,” which attracts millions of visitors every month. Like Icke, Jones asserts that several governments and business houses have conspired to create a ‘New World Order,’ and they have achieved this by “manufactured economic crises, sophisticated surveillance tech and—above all— inside-job terror attacks that fuel exploitable hysteria.

The moment that it was announced that he was going to be part of the summit, we began receiving emails from reporters asking us if we were aware that he was rac-

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ist, abusive, and a bigot. We had guests who were supposed to be part of the summit who declined to appear not too long after we announced his appearance. He has been censored and de-platformed, and it was why it was perfect that he was part of the summit.

Del Bigtree Del Bigtree is one of the renowned voices of the Vaccine Risk Awareness Movement. Even though he had a career as an Emmy winning producer of the CBS talk show The Doctors, this changed abruptly when he produced the documentary VAXXED, which is credited with igniting a revolution against pharmaceutical companies, all to protect the rights of people.

He moved on from mainstream television and started his Internet talk show, The HighWire. It is now the fastest growing program in the Natural Health arena with over 40 million views. His non-profit, ICANdecide.org, is leading worldwide investigations into drug and vaccine fraud that have already resulted in two winning lawsuits against US Government agencies Health and Human Services and National Institute of Health.

I want to note that these were our three headliners, and during the time that they were speaking, the attacks on the website were fierce. There have been doubters of the attacks that the summit was getting, so this time Grant filmed it and put it on Facebook. As soon as the interview was completed with Del, the stream evened out. Hmmm!

How coincidental.

The next speaker we had was the outspoken hip-hop artist Black Pegasus.

Black Pegasus Roberto Houston II was born on March 24th, 1980 in Germany where his father was stationed with the US Air Force. He lived in Arizona, Florida, and New Mexico before his family settled on the Southeast side of Colorado Springs when he was age ten. He began rapping when he was sixteen years old, and during the pandemic, he decided to use his talents to speak the truth about his experiences with vaccines.

Although he was not a headliner, I found his story to be very compelling. It was shocking to hear what he had experienced, and why he felt the need to speak out against what was occurring during the pandemic. He openly shared his emotions and talked in detail about what had happened to his baby girl. It was painful to hear about his experience, and it made me think, what if something like this happened to my family?

Pastor Henry Hilderbrandt No stranger to controversy, the small-town South-western Ontario pastor Henry Hildebrandt has long been a firebrand, and soldier for his flock. He had also appeared on the first Awakening, and we had to have him back for the Second Coming, but this time he was in the studio live, and this was very powerful.

The Aylmer religious leader has become a provocative face of the COVID-19 restrictions movement and continues to fight against the worldwide effort to destroy humanity’s freedoms. Seeing him on the screen is one thing, but I actually had a chance to sit down in front of this man. His energy radiated through the room, and for 30 – 40 minutes, viewers had a chance to hear a message straight from God.

I even had a chance to sit down with the popular, and loved Kerry Lee Crawford, who was my co-host for the Awakening. He has also been faced with ridicule for becoming part of this movement, so I questioned him as to why he chooses to do this.

“It is for the pursuit of truth and understanding, “ Kerry began. “I have been following stories like this for fifteen years, so when the pandemic happened, I already had questions. To have access to this information from the foremost leaders in their field; it was a no brainer. Even though my community may not understand it, I do it for them, and I do this for my family.”

“When the pandemic started what was your reaction?”

“I played a lot of basketball,“ he said chuckling. “I was renovating the house, doing a lot of housework, I didn’t do a whole lot. I was waiting to see what was going to go down and what was going to happen next.

I had theories, which brought on trolls. I have been trolled for quite some time. It brought me back to my CBC days. It was interesting to watch these things come to fruition, and to be honest, it was a little unnerving. I had watched it, been told that there was more than what was being reported. I read George Orwell’s 1984. It has been a long time coming.

We need to do more of these. There needs to be more dialogue. Too many people are trying to impose their thoughts upon us.”

Well, you have not heard the last from the Carib101 Media Group team. They are already planning for the Awakening World Truth Summit Part III – Third Times a Charm, but for now, don’t miss the replays that can be found at: ExposeTheGreatReset.com Click on “Replay”

PAGE 10

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

It’s time for Ontarians to #TakeTheMic SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There is something that needs to be made very clear; the people do not serve the government; the government must serve the people. When the people speak, elected officials must listen. This is the whole purpose of elections.

During election time, electoral candidates are focused on listening to prospective voters. When the candidates are elected and in office, they should not stop listening.

Times change. Opinions change, and most definitely public sentiment changes. Once the elected candidate is in office, sometimes it can be much harder to get through to them – to weigh in on policy decisions that are being made behind closed doors.

For far too long, the federal government has turned a blind eye to the wishes of its people, but I ask you, have you spo-

ken up? I don’t mean in the barbershop, or at home after hearing about new laws and policies that are being rolled out. Another question is have you been given the opportunity to?

The Ontario Liberal Party is taking the first big step to develop their 2022 platform: we are listening to Ontarians. They are in the market for good ideas, and they want to hear from as many people as possible about what they want for the future of the province.

Over a six-week period, the Ontario Liberal Party will be asking people to vote on ideas, provide feedback and give them their best ideas in areas that we know matter in all of their lives. The platform was launched on February 21st, 2021, and runs through to April 6th, 2021.

Through this virtual portal (https:// take-the-mic-ontario.ethelo.net/page/welcome), Ontarians can contribute, prioritize and engage with ideas and topics that are presented. Each week, for five weeks, they will release two policy topics - for a total of ten policy topics. The Liberal Party is hoping that six weeks will be enough time for Ontarians to have their say.

I had the opportunity to speak with MPP Mitzie Hunter, a visionary and fearless

leader with strong community roots. She is working alongside MPP Michael Coteau, and Kate Graham to secure the trust of Ontario voters and set a plan for the future of the province.

“The Ontario Liberal Party is inviting Ontarians to join us for several conversations about the issues that matter to you,” Mitzie began. “We’re in the market for good ideas, and we want to hear about your visions for the future of Ontario.

We will be releasing two policy topics each week, for five weeks. As new topics are introduced, previous conversations will remain open, so everyone will have a chance to #TakeTheMic.”

“How can the community participate Mitzie?” I asked.

“For each topic, we offer several ideas to start the conversation, and then people can indicate support for ideas by ranking their importance from 1 (totally opposed) to 7 (totally supported).

Participants can comment on the ideas presented, either publicly or privately, and can respond to other people’s comments. There is also space to make suggestions, or comment on other people’s ideas.

Long-term care was a huge topic, especially the question of culturally specific

care and how it affects the black community. We have an important role to play in many of these sectors.”

“Can anyone participate?” I queried. “All we ask is that participants provide basic information, such as their email address and the riding where they live. I want to engage young people; give them an opportunity to tell the party what they want to see in the future. We are open to new bold and creative ideas. We want to know how we can do things differently. All ideas submitted will be voted upon.”

“What are your aspirations with this campaign Mitzie?”

“At the end of the survey period, we hope to have contributions from thousands of people from across Ontario. This idea and feedback process will feed into the development of the 2022 platform. We are so excited to finally be launching the first phase of the policy consultations and we hope you will share your ideas for a stronger, healthier, prosperous Ontario.”

“We are listening. We are listening to Ontarians.”

You heard it here community; it’s time for Ontarians to #TakeTheMic. Visit the portal at www.take-the-mic-ontario.ethelo. net/page/welcome

Canada’s tourism industry takes a hit: Effects of the Pandemic TVISHA MISTRY

tvisha@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Currently, Canada is ranked 22nd around the world with just over 900,000 COVID-19 cases.

When the pandemic first began none of us expected this.

Last year on March 13th, 2020, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged all the Canadian citizens abroad to return home; back to Canada while they still could. Followingly, Canada shut its borders to all non-Canadian citizens, (exempting a few special cases), to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Ever since then Canada’s borders have been closed and there has been a constant effort to limit travel to-and-fro other countries. It’s been a year since our lives were placed in quarantine and it’s unjustifiable to say that the citizens of

Canada are the only ones that have been impacted.

Ever since last year March 13th, Canada’s tourism industry has also been under “quarantine”. Sounds a bit funny to hear, I’ll admit I thought it was funny writing it.

But it’s true. For a little more than a year now Canada has restricted tourism which has had and will continue to have a drastic effect on Canada’s tourism industry and the finances associated with the industry’s economy.

Canada has always been a tourism hot spot because of its lively cities, wide range of extracurricular activities, and breathtaking natural wonders, but ever since the start of the pandemic, the tourism industry has suffered substantially.

“Tourism has a ripple effect into so many other parts of our quality of life as Canadians,” said Marsha Walden, president, and chief executive officer (CEO) of Destination Canada. “It’s one of those very few industries, maybe the only one, that can be found in every corner of this country.”

Destination Canada is a Crown corporation (owned by the Government of Canada) dedicated to promoting the growth and profitability of the Canadian tourism industry by marketing Canada as

a desirable travel destination.

Recently Destinations Canada released a report compiled through original research as well as government and industry resorts. The report discusses Canada’s tourism crisis and provided the researched data to support its forecast of the economy’s “long recovery.”

Within the tourism sector, the finances have experienced a large drop, especially within businesses. Overall, the number of operative businesses has dropped by 9% and more than half a million employees working in the tourism industry have lost their jobs.

Travel services (transportation) have experienced the largest drop, declining operating business by 31%. The subsidiaries within tourism (rail, scenic, and sightseeing transportation) have seen the second-biggest drop experiencing a decline of 15%.

Additionally, Canada’s hotel industry suffered throughout the pandemic, with major losses focused especially in the cities: Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver; whose downtown hotels have had the lowest occupancies when compared to other regions in Canada.

The revenues for hotels in the

three cities have had a drastic decline, falling 79% in the last year, accumulating a total loss of $2.3 billion across just the three cities, the report by Destinations Canada states.

The report further acts as a call to action for Canadians to supports the country’s damaged economy by enjoying domestic vacations once the public health situation improves. If enough Canadians opt for a domestic vacation rather than going overseas, Canada’s economy could speed up recovery for the tourism sector by up to one year, according to the report.

More than 22 million people visited Canada last year, accumulating more than $100 billion to the Canadian economy through the tourism industry. But border closures and travel restrictions have numerous businesses and even municipalities fearing major economic recession.

“Canadians have been sitting at home, saving a lot of money this year, which is great for individuals and not so great for the economy,” Marsha Walden said. “We really need them to get out there and travel the country and spend money across the country once it’s safe to do so,” she added.

NEWS

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 11

National Bank invests in Canada’s black community partnership with National Bank that includes a $1.25 million donation and a $5 million investment fund for black entrepreneurs.

National Bank will support the Black Opportunity Fund’s operations throughout Canada as well as the creation of its Francophone program, which will be used to support opportunities and combat anti-black racism across this country.

“Black Opportunity Fund is committed to investing in black communities to build up black organizations and businesses in Canada and help them achieve their full potential,” said Dennis Mitchell, co-founder of the Black Opportunity Fund and CEO of Starlight Capital. “This partnership with National Bank will open countless doors for black entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders in Canada.”

This funding will support the ongoing work of the Black Opportunity Fund and invest in black businesses that continue to face barriers in reaching their full potential and participating in the growth of our economy.

“We have deep roots in the business community and a long-standing commitment to support the entrepreneurial mindset in the communities we serve.

We’re proud to partner with the Black Opportunity Fund, which enables us to pursue this mission, strengthen our support

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Black Opportunity Fund closed out the month of February with a new funding announcement!

Last year, a group of black Canadians from coast to coast came together and formed the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF).

The BOF is a viable solution to creating and sustaining a national, longterm economic growth strategy that addresses historic challenges faced by black Canadians with an ambitious goal to raise $1.5 billion in ten years to fund black-led initiatives.

Some of these challenges include: barriers in accessing education, employment, and the capital required to fully participate in the growth of our economy.

This has evolved, over the last year, into a special partnership between businesses, philanthropists, foundations and the black community. The Black Opportunity Fund is happy to announce a

for black entrepreneurs and contribute to the economic and social empowerment of Canada’s black communities.”

“This partnership is also part of our ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, and to build a better future for all our stakeholders,” said Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank.

Here is a bit more on National Bank.

As of January 31st, 2021, National Bank of Canada had assets worth $344 billion.

Together with subsidiaries; they form one of this country’s leading integrated financial groups. National Bank has more than 26,000 employees in knowledge-intensive positions and has been recognized many times as a leading employer for its commitment to diversity. The bank securities are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper spoke with Mr. Ray Williams Managing Director and Vice Chairman of National Bank Financial about the plans and aspiration of BOF.

“We came together because there was a need to serve our community in so many different ways. From health to education to business there were many obstacles facing our community than any other communities in terms of making any

kind of progress.

And we know full-well,” he said, “that in order to get things done we have to do it ourselves. We cannot wait on anyone else to do it for us.

As an organization we are not looking to replace what has been done already,” Williams said, “We are looking to enhance it, to support it, and create sustainability and permanence around it.”

Williams told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “There is this huge untapped economic potential in Canada, and that potential can be tapped if our community has the opportunity to increase the amount of dollars in its pocketbook, just think about that for a moment.”

He also had a bit of advice for black folks who have been turned down at every intersection in this country, “When I look around,” he said, “I know our community to be people who are not just hard working, but also people who understand the notion of perseverance.”

I say this because I look at my mother bringing up five kids by herself. I look at what I know to be more true than what the press tells you, but we know differently because we live in our community, so I say persevere and that is why organizations like BOF is something that hopefully will open up doors.”

Should pharmaceutical companies be testing Covid Vaccines on our children?

As a parent with a newborn or young child, the health of your child is of the utmost importance. Doctors report that parents sometimes have a problem with the number of shots their child receives between two and six months.

They can get up to five shots, and usually the vaccines recommended for use in all children do not interfere with each other, and can be safely given together during a single visit.

The questions that parents need to be asking at this point are: Do studies show that this vaccine will mix well with the other vaccines given to children, and is the COVID-19 vaccine necessary for this population?

According to a Mayo Clinic article, “COVID-19 (coronavirus) in babies and children,” some experts suggest that children might not be as severely affected by COVID-19 because there are other coronaviruses that spread in the community and cause diseases such as the common cold.

It is well known that children often get colds, and their immune systems might be primed to provide them with some protection against COVID-19.

It’s also possible that children’s immune systems interact with the virus differently than do adults’ immune systems. In adult cases of COVID-19, they are getting sick because their immune systems seem to overreact to the virus, causing more damage to their bodies. This may be less likely to happen in children.

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

I want you to think about this question as we work our way through this article. It is important that before you make any decisions for yourself, and your family that you weigh all of your options, and avoid making impulsive decisions that could affect you negatively in the future.

It has been reported that Pfizer and Moderna are in the midst of testing their vaccines in children and teen ages 12 to 15 and 12 to 17. Both companies would like to have data to present to the public

by June. They have also stated that they want to start testing their vaccines in progressively younger ages groups. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for persons 16 and older, and Moderna’s vaccine is authorized for those 18 and older.

Joining Pfizer and Moderna is Johnson & Johnson. They announced a couple of weeks ago that they plan to test their coronavirus vaccine on infants and new-borns.

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The CDC has also noted that COVID-19 is uncommon in new-borns born to mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy. Some new-borns have tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after birth, and if they did test positive for COVID-19, they had mild or no symptoms and recovered.

While all children are capable of getting the virus that causes COVID-19, they don’t become sick as often as adults.

Most children have mild symptoms or no symptoms.

Research was conducted by the American Academy of Paediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association. They found that children represented about 13% of all COVID-19 cases. Children younger than ages 10 to 14 were less likely to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 compared to people age 20 and older.

It was noted that some children become severely ill with COVID-19. They might need to be hospitalized, treated in the intensive care unit or placed on a ventilator to help them breathe, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children with underlying conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and asthma, are at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19. Children who have congenital heart disease, genetic conditions or conditions affecting the nervous system or metabolism are also at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19.

Not surprisingly, research also

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suggests disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 in Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children than in non-Hispanic white children.

An important study (Demographic predictors of hospitalization and mortality in US children with COVID-19) was done in a large US cohort of confirmed COVID-19 children. Researchers (Moreira, A., Chorath, K., Rajasekaran, K. et al) found that hospitalization occurred 4.7% of the time with an in-hospital mortality rate of 0.19%.

Cases of COVID-19 were more frequently observed in children older than 10 years of age and those of Hispanic/Latino and white, non-Hispanic race/ethnicity.

However, children more likely to be hospitalized or die were black, non-Hispanic and children with an underlying health condition. As discussed earlier, medical condition was the strongest risk factor for a poor outcome.

Experts say it’s crucial to test vaccines in children through carefully designed studies. Children are not simply smaller adults, meaning it’s not safe to assume that any drug or vaccine that works well for adults will also be highly safe and effective in children.

Parents I want you to think about this when, and if you are approached about vaccinating your child with the COVID-19 vaccine, especially if they are under the age of 16.

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

John Hopkins researchers explore ways to prevent coronavirus blood clots NIKITA YOUNG

nikita@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

According to Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos a doctor from the John Hopkins Medical Research team who treats COVID-19 patients, there are a number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 that are experiencing abnormal blood clots.

If a blood clot forms it can deprive your veins or arteries from oxygen, kill your connecting cells or cause stroke in serious cases. COVID-19 patients who have sickle cell are at high risk of death because they already experience blood flow issues Dr.Galiatsatos says. This is most seen in the

black population. Sickle Cell affects around 1 in every 365 black people.

It is still unknown if the blood clots are a direct effect caused by COVID-19 or if the patients showing these symptoms experience clotting due to underlying causes.

Based on data collected by Harvard Medical School at the Massachusetts General Hospital the patients with the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 were found to have high levels of a blood clotting protein called Factor V. Patients who were critically ill from COVID-19 that had low amounts of the Factor V protein seem to have an increased risk of death because of blood clots forming in small vessels.

Those found with blood clots in their nervous system experienced a higher chance of stroke. Doctors believe blood clotting has been the reason they are seeing some young healthy people with Covid experiencing strokes. Kidney function could also be at risk for failure if clotting develops in the blood vessels of the kidney.

The John Hopkins Medical Re-

search team found that spike proteins in the coronavirus take over part of the body’s immune system leading to severe illness and devastating organ damage. The data collected by the research team shows that blood types O and B may have a lower risk of catching the coronavirus and that people with blood type A or AB could be at a higher risk of catching it, but this is still being researched so people should not assume that certain blood types are more immune to the virus.

COVID-19 is allegedly spread through droplet particles from an infected person not through blood; so those who have had Covid but are recovered can still donate blood and may actually help the blood recipient have a stronger immunity against the virus.

Dr. Robert Brodsky from the John Hopkins Medical Research team is a blood specialist researching how to prevent blood clots in COVID-19 patients and working on developing a treatment. Most of the clotting is being found in the lungs

and veins. The researchers are looking at therapies that block the proteins that work against healthy cells and say that there are already drugs that are in development that will pass clinical trials in about two years and be available for use.

This form of treatment sounds exciting, but Dr.Sherri Tenpenny says that people should be aware that there are still many unknown variables when using these new MNRA treatments that develop proteins to block the spike proteins from entering your cells, like: how long will the protein last, how long the antibodies will last or how long the B cells will be active.

In a recent interview with Alex Jones she states that because there are no long term studies, we don’t know what the side effects will be of these types of drugs, and that you could be more susceptible to long term illness or even death if the proteins in these treatments stop developing or doing what they’re supposed to.

Neville Livingston Aka Bunny Wailer the once only survivor of The Three Wailers Is dead at 73 MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Jah-B as his friends and fans call him, was a very charismatic individual who spoke quietly and precisely with the skill of a diplomat yet took no prisoners in his songs and was loved by millions for that.

Reggae fans woke up on Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 to the sad news that Neville Livingston the great Bunny Wailer had passed away after been ill for some time.

According to his manager Maxine Stowe, Wailer died about 8:00 am in the morning. He had been in and out of hospital since suffering a second stroke in July of 2020.

The three-time Grammy Award winner, singer, percussionist and devoted Rastafarian, known for reggae classics like “Dreamland” and “Baldhead Jesus” was Reggae royalty with a capital “R.”

Wailer was one of the original three-groundation members that made up the group “The Wailers” which included Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Marley died of cancer on May 11th, 1981, while Tosh was killed at his St Andrew home on September 11th, 1987.

In 2017, Bunny Wailer was awarded an Order of Merit, which is the country’s fourth highest honour. The Government once again recognized his contribution to his country’s music in February 2019 with a Reggae Gold Award.

• •

Here is a list of Wailer’s albums with original material.

• ‘’Blackheart Man’’ (1976) Solomonic • ‘’Protest’’ (1977) Island/Solomonic • ‘’Struggle’’ (1978) Solomonic • ‘’Dubd’sco vol.1’’ (1978) Solomonic

• • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • •

‘’In I Father’s House’’ (1979) Solomonic ‘’Bunny Wailer Sings the Wailers’’ (1980) Island/Solomonic ‘’Dubd’sco vol.2’’ (1981) Solomonic ‘’Rock ‘n’ Groove’’ (1981) Solomonic ‘’Tribute’’ (1981) Solomonic ‘’Hook Line & Sinker’’ (1982) Solomonic ‘’Roots Radics Rockers Reggae’’ (1983) [] ‘’Live!’’ (1983) Solomonic ‘’Marketplace’’ (1985) Solomonic ‘’Rootsman Skanking’’ (1987) Shanachie (international re-release of ‘’Rock And Groove’’ edited version plus 3 extra tracks) ‘’Rule Dance Hall’’ (1987) Shanachie ‘’Liberation’’ (1989) Shanachie ‘’Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley’’ (1990) Shanachie (international re-release of ‘’Tribute’’ + 2 extra tracks) ‘’Gumption’’ (1990) Shanachie ‘’The Never Ending Wailers’’ (1991) ‘’Dance Massive’’ (1992) ‘’Just Be Nice’’ (1993) [] ‘’Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary’’ (1996) RAS

• • • • • • •

‘’Communication’’ (2000) Solomonic/ Tuff Gong ‘’World Peace’’ (2003) Solomonic ‘’Rub A Dub’’ (2007) Solomonic ‘’Cross Culture’’ (2009) Solomonic ‘’Combinations Vol.1’’ (2009) Solomonic ‘’Blackheart Man (Remastered & Extended)’’ (2009) Solomonic ‘’Reincarnated Souls’’ (2013), VP - 3CD + 2DVD set

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed his sadness at the passing of Jah-B. Holness said the Wailer has made a tremendous impact on the world.

Holness added that Wailer’s legendary performances touched the hearts and souls of millions of fans in Jamaica and across the world, and that many generations are privileged to have been exposed to his conscious music.

Bunny Wailer will be missed by his: family, friends and millions of fans worldwide. Fly away home Jah-B.

Leadership by Design trains and supports black students to be present and future leaders PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Since the inception of the Leadership by Design (LBD) program in 2015, run by the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) it has played a pivotal role in the development of black youth leadership in the Greater Toronto Area.

According to its website at llileaders.com., Its purpose is, “To inspire and prepare our youth to be responsible leaders at all times, in all spaces, locally, and for the good of all.” In promotional material the LLI released in 2016 states that the LBD is a multi-year investment in optimizing our

students’ scholastic achievements, amplifying their leadership capacity and facilitating their career ambitions. It will provide at least seven years of development support for participants scanning the high school and university and provide at least seven years of developmental support for participants spanning the high school and university years.

High-potential students are admitted in their Grade 10 year and are provided leadership development and career development throughout Grades 10, 11 and 12.

These students aspire to a university education, and they continue to support their development throughout their post-secondary education up to, and including graduate studies.

The LBD program is chaired by Trevor Massey who has worked tirelessly and relentlessly to develop strategic partnerships with post-secondary institutions such as: University of Toronto, York University and Ryerson University to recruit mentors. “We need to develop a gushing pipe-

line of people who can take on leadership roles in our society. We have leaders but we need more and we need them in strategic positions where they can open doors for others. Leaders make things happen.

They are the ones who: define and sell a vision, assemble and motivate a team, collaboratively fashion strategy to achieve a goal and, who in the end get things done.

Leaders lead change, adapt to change and they know how and when to follow. They can read a situation. Why not provide experiences and opportunities, which enhance the leadership capabilities of young people?

We require one institution, one that would be endured and that would extend well past our lifetime.” These words by Trevor summarizes and capsulate the vision, mission and passion of the committed volunteers, mentors and supporters of the LBD.

The goal of the LBD is to develop leaders and inspire leadership. It is paramount at this critical junction in the lives of blacks in the diaspora. Students that have been selected are identified as cohorts. Stu-

dents that started in September 2016 were Cohort 16, and there have been five cohorts since then. They are selected from seven school boards in the Greater Toronto Area and there have been less than 200 students who are currently involved.

Students are exposed to a diverse range of opportunities that increase their social and intellectual capital. The emphasis on the importance of volunteerism and giving back has propelled many of these youth leaders to take on leadership opportunities both within and outside the school communities. Currently, students learn about: coding, STEM, AI, entrepreneurship, law, and digital marketing. There is a Study Buddy Tutoring Program in place administered by the Diversity of Ryerson University with mentoring component

There will be three leadership scholarships offered to graduating Grade 12 students in 2021. Any parents or guardians who have children who are in Grade 9 academic and going in Grade 10 can check the website llileaders.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS

PAGE 13

Mask mouth causes gum disease, which increases coronavirus death risk by 900% TVISHA MISTRY

tvisha@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Did you know that the oral bacteria festering inside your mask all day will likely be inhaled and can infect your lungs; causing serious health problems as well as escalating the severity of potential COVID-19 symptoms.

Periodontitis affects 50% of adults in the world and is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue.

Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bones that support the teeth leading to loosened teeth and eventual teeth loss. In extreme untreated cases, periodontitis can lead to the spread of life threatening bacteria and cause a fatal blood infection.

Oral hygiene is very important and several recent studies have linked periodontitis as a leading cause in escalated risks and fatalities of COVID-19 patients.

A study conducted by the Euro-

pean Federation of Periodontology (EFP) tested 500 patients with COVID-19 and discovered that those with gum disease also known as periodontitis are 3.5 times more likely to require intensive care and 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator.

Additional patients with periodontitis are nine times more likely to die compared to those without gum disease.

Within the European Federation of Periodontology report, the authors wrote, “if a causal link is established between periodontitis and increased rates of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients, then establishing and maintaining periodontal health may become an important part of the care of these patients.”

The study emphasized and established a logical link between periodontitis and lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia. The study further explained the effects of constantly wearing a mask as, “only further exacerbating the risk of developing these complications.”

“The results of the study suggest that the inflammation in the oral cavity may open the door to the coronavirus becoming more violent,” said the study’s coauthor Professor Lior Shapira of Hebrew University in Israel.

“This study adds further evidence to the links between oral health and respi-

ratory conditions. Periodontitis is a common disease but can be prevented and treated,” he added. “Oral care should be part of the health recommendations to reduce the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes,” concluded Professor Lior Shapira, the president-elect of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).

Another study which has published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology discussed observations of 568 patients from Qatar 45% out of whom had gum disease. These patients were diagnosed with the China Flu between February and July 2020. During the treatment forty patients underwent complications, which included admitting them to the intensive care unit (ICU), placing them on a ventilator, or death.

The study observed that the COVID-19 complications in patients with gum disease, compared to those without gum disease, were 3.67 times more. The study further determined that patients with gum disease showed blood markers of inflammation throughout the body, which could be the cause for their escalated symptoms.

One of the authors of the study, Professor Mariano Sanz of the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, noted that patients with periodontitis (gum infection) are more prone to experience

severe coronavirus symptoms; as a result of the transmission of the oral bacteria.

In a statement, Professor Mariano Sanz stated, “[gum infection or periodontitis] may contribute to the deterioration of patients with COVID-19 and raise the risk of death. Hospital staff should identify COVID-19 patients with periodontitis and use oral antiseptics to reduce transmission of bacteria.”

The good news is that there are several ways to easily prevent gum infection or periodontitis!

Tips to prevent gum disease or periodontitis • Brushing and flossing your teeth carefully at least twice a day • Maintaining oral hygiene by using antiseptic mouthwashes to clean and prevent gum inflammation.

• Taking mask breaks every few hours (breathing in a secluded outdoor area without a mask on) • Washing your mask often • Refraining from smoking • Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight • Exercising • Reducing stress • Diabetic patients should aim to control their blood sugar

Online reporting tool formed by parents of black children track racism in Ontario schools PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

In many ways, the newly formed black advocacy groups, Parents of Black Children (PoBC) have been active in fighting against anti-black racism. PoBC has developed a school-racism reporting tool. This positive news was reported at a virtual news conference on March 2nd, 2021.

Kearie Daniel, a parent of two, told CBC News “Despite years of reports, committees and recommendations, school boards are saying that they are unable to properly track incidents of anti-black racism. This is unacceptable so we are going to do it for them.” She notes that the onus

is on the parents who are experiencing racism to provide proof, and without an adequate reporting mechanism this is difficult to do.

In addition, many educators remained silent because they are fearful of the repercussions if they were to openly report about racism. She notes that this enables school boards, “To feign innocence and do nothing more to fight against anti-black racism rather than to put nice-sounding statements in their websites.

This only captures the racism that parents know about. It doesn’t capture the racist incidents that educators may see in their colleagues’ classroom and never report. It doesn’t cover the racist comments (said) in the teachers’ lounge or over email.”

Charlene Grant, one of the founding members of PoBC told CBC News that anecdotal stories from four families about their experiences of anti-black racism had a profound effect on her. She states, “I

don’t forget those stories. I don’t forget those names. They stay with me. I see myself. I see my children in those phone calls and those intakes that come in.”

She observes that the Ontario government has not acted promptly despite repeated calls for random equity audits of boards. She states, “If there’s one thing I personally have learned throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that policies and procedures can go out the door and things can happen very quickly when governments are motivated to do it. But our black student lives are in danger and have been in danger for a very long time.

It’s hurtful and harmful and traumatizing.”

Another member, Claudette Rutherford, who teaches for YRDSB is aware of the risks involved in speaking out. She states, “Even me coming here now, I understand the risks that it puts me in, but I feel like I don’t have a choice anymore. That is what courage looks like. Being afraid and still doing it.”

CBC News reported that Caitlin

Clark, spokesperson for Ontario Minister of Education notes that all boards are required to collect disaggregated racebased data. She states, “The Government will ensure school boards collect and publicize this data to create accountability, transparency and action to fix long-standing systemic barriers that hold back black and other racialized children in Ontario.”

Global News reported on February 2nd, 2021 that many school boards in the Greater Toronto/Hamilton Area have no mechanisms in place to track reports of racism in classrooms.

PoBC reported that as of March 4th, 2021 there have been over eighty education workers from Ontario who have taken advantage of this anonymous reporting tool. PoBC acknowledged that this shows the prevalence and persistence of anti-black racism in schools in Ontario.

It states, “Now more than ever, we stand firm in our commitment to make Ontario safe for the black community.”

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

New report examines barriers facing African/Caribbean entrepreneurs in Canada SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Black entrepreneurs are making a significant contribution to our communities and our country. Together, we must address the long-standing inequalities that hold them back from achieving their true potential. BDC is committed to being part of the solution and we are proud to work alongside partners like the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce to listen, understand, and act to support them.”

Michael Denham, President and CEO, BDC What is it like being an African/Caribbean entrepreneur in Canada? Many of them find themselves underfunded and unsupported by venture capitalists. Some find it hard to find skills training when it comes to advertising and promotions, while others would love assistance with personal development and mentorship. It is noted by minority business owners that money is poured into companies run by people in

clique networks, which are predominantly white and male.

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) released Building Black Businesses in Canada, a rare study examining the needs of, and opportunities to support, African/Caribbean entrepreneurs.

The report is supported by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and provides a qualitative look at African/Caribbean business owners across Canada.

The study (led by market research firm Pitch Better) was designed to help the private and public sector understand who African/Caribbean business owners are, the systematic challenges they face, and what they need to navigate them. While they tell us the story of some African/Caribbean entrepreneurs, they are not representative of all.

As noted above, there is little data about who African/Caribbean entrepreneurs are, and there is a lack of knowledge relating to the textures and nuances of these individuals. The disconnect impacts entrepreneurs’ opportunity to become aware of, and access solutions that can help them scale. It is known that African/ Caribbean entrepreneurs face unique challenges in starting and growing a business – particularly around access to capital.

The CBCC hosted nine Virtual Town Halls with African/Caribbean entre-

preneurs across Canada to better understand their business operations, motivations, and financial viability. The CBCC is also looking to launch a new research division concentrating on data collection and analysis of black entrepreneurs across Canada. The data will be used to identify gaps and propose solutions to corporate Canada and government to improve decision making and tailored program development for African/Caribbean entrepreneurs.

“There are many black businesses in Canada that are under-banked, or unbanked, and the pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges.”

Christelle Francois, President, CBCC Naturally, I had to find out more about this.

As an African/Caribbean entrepreneur, I am familiar with some of the challenges that my community faces. I reached out to Christelle Francois, and she shared the vision of CBCC.

“I know that you most recently became the president of CBCC, and I was wondering if this report was in the works before you took over?”

“I was regional vice-president so I have been with the organization,” Christelle began. I was committed to take this challenge on. I know how important it is for us to serve the community. Things are

running well. Obviously, we have new leadership, a fresh team. The first thirty days of my tenure has been great.

It was a project that was being developed when the past president was involved. We had to do some modifications to the report, and I was involved in the rollout. It was mostly language clean up that was done alongside BDC. We worked together on the presentation, design, and layout.

This is our first report exploring the needs of Canadian black businesses.

We understand that this community is under-represented in research circles. This is why continuing to build on this report (and its findings) is necessary. This along with providing concrete solutions will be helpful in addressing our community’s needs.

Together with business and government leaders, we can deliver tailored programs to ensure black entrepreneurs have the tools to perform effectively and successfully within the Canadian economy.

This report is just the start. We are committed to connecting and bridging the gap between corporate Canada and the black business community for a more thriving and inclusive Canadian economy.”

To find out more about the study, learn about upcoming events and stay informed with respect to the Chamber’s activities, visit www.blackchamber.ca

Good health includes good financial health W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER

Vaccines are now reaching the wider community, and spring is near. As we emerge from isolation, there are predictions for the “Roaring 20s” ahead. But is this a good time for an assessment of your financial health?

If you reach your 90s and are in good health, congratulate yourself. You are among the fortunate. In fact, more and more North Americans are living longer. In Canada, between 1921 and 2011, the average life expectancy at birth increased from 57.1 years to 81.7 years, a gain of nearly two and a half decades.

In the U.S., the Population Reference Bureau reports that the number of

Americans ages 65 and older will more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise to nearly 24% from 15%.

It sounds promising. But many people who reach old age are not in good health. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. President, had it right. “Old age is like everything else,” he said. “To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” If you start thinking about how to pay for healthcare needs when you are already old, there’s not much you can do when a crisis arises.

George Clooney was looking on the bright side when he said, “I’m kind of comfortable with getting older because it’s better than the other option, which is being dead.” But George Clooney doesn’t need to worry about money.

It doesn’t take a genius to know, you’ll compound any future health challenges by not having enough savings to help you manage the added costs. CARP, formerly the Canadian Association for Retired Persons, reports that 12 million Ca-

nadians do not have a pension plan and 600,000 people over 65 are living in poverty.

Across North America, depending on where you live, you can expect wildly different levels of support from governments and employers in the event of a medical emergency. Canadians tend to believe that a universal healthcare system will look after them in every case. Americans used to benefit from employer plans that carried over into retirement years. But times have changed.

The Canadian public purse has limits, and as boomers age, there will be hard choices to make. In the U.S. and Canada alike, no matter where you are, private insurance is a good idea.

A recent survey for the Sun Life Canadian Health Index showed that among respondents who have had someone close to them suffer a health issue, 29% indicated it “caused them to re-evaluate their finances.”

A rainy-day fund may not be top priority for people in their 50s who are

paying for children’s education, paying off mortgages, and ready to take the next available flight to southern beaches. But regular deposits into a savings account or low-risk investment can add up over time.

By the time you are in your 70s, needing money to pay for extra physiotherapy, increased dental care, or drugs not covered by regular insurance, you’ll be happy you had the foresight to save.

Take care of your financial affairs. If you’ve got the time to do it, make sure you are investing in your long-term health by paying off debt, living within your means, and regularly setting aside money as a buffer against unexpected healthcare costs. If you are already in your golden years with medical or long-term care costs that are crippling your financial well-being, then talk with an advisor about how to stretch your dollars. Finally, if you are well along into the later stage of life, then do what you can to inspire your grandchildren to avoid senseless mistakes and to start saving for the big crisis.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS

PAGE 15

Is it possible that other government officials are profiting from the suppression of Canadians?

AMANDA WILLIAMS amanda@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The medical officer of health for the city of Toronto, Eillen de Villa, has been calling the shots in regards to Covid measures, which is being considered to be the harshest and longest lockdown in North America. Citizens, doctors, health professionals, pastors and small business owners have questioned the rationale of Covid measures and requested evidence from the government to explain how these decisions are being made. Questions have also been circulating in regards to who may be profiting from such measures.

Under section 33 of the Canadian Charter Rights and Freedoms, the notwithstanding clause allows Parliament or provincial legislatures to temporarily override certain portions of the Charter, however; the onus is on the government to justify violations. Multiple FOI requests remain unanswered leaving citizens in the dark and the lack of transparency may be

the reason people have started to investigate the motives behind those making decisions.

De Villa was under scrutiny last year when she was accused of overstepping her power with her order to shutdown Adamson’s BBQ in Etobicoke. In a social media post, the owner of Adamson’s BBQ, states that he will be challenging these actions in open court and encourages others to sit in on the video to shine light on what has been going on behind the scenes.

Most recently, De Villa has been quite active in the push for mass vaccinations through press conferences as well as town hall meetings. She may find herself facing scrutiny once again due to information that may suggest a possible conflict of interest.

Eileen de Villa is married to Dr. Richard Choi, who may have financial ties to two of the leading COVID-19 manufacturers. In an expert case-based panel discussion on June 12th, 2020 titled CVUPDATE2020, Choi is listed as part of the Planning Committee/Faculty on a PDF from the event, but is missing from the agenda on the site itself, which raises questions.

The pdf can be found online and includes the following details as part of the Symposium Speaker disclosure:

Speaker name: Dr. Richard Choi • Relationships with financial interests: • Research Support: AstraZeneca, Bayer • Speakers Bureau/Honoraria/Consulting fees: AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly, BMS/Pfizer, HLS, Novartis, Sanofi, Servier Currently, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Astrazeneca, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for distribution in Canada. As of March 10th, 2021, Ontario is in the lead accounting for 1,457,005 of the 3,881,064 vaccines distributed across Canada. Pfizer-Biotech accounts for 1,045,005 those vaccines that have been distributed within Ontario. Updates on the vaccine rollout can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Premier Doug Ford seems to be quite pleased to have Ontario in the lead with vaccine distribution. Despite this news, citizens are not satisfied and still have questions. What type of support or financial gain does Choi receive from Pfizer and Astrazeneca? If he does in fact have financial ties to any of the vaccine manufacturers, one can suggest that De Villa has done her part to support.

Premier Ford is also being questioned in regards to a possible conflict of

interest. Doug Ford’s family business Deco Labels is responsible for the COVID-19 related signage, stickers and decals posted all over the city. Let’s pause and think about this for a second. How many Covid related stickers do you see while shopping, grabbing food or going to your latest appointment?

David Menzies of Rebel News reached out to Ivana Yelich, the premier’s director of media relations for some answers, but unfortunately was unsuccessful. He then visited the Toronto location in hopes to conduct an interview, but was told to leave the premises. You can see how that all went down on the Rebel News website.

There has been an outcry for transparency across the country and citizens just aren’t’ getting it. How would Torontonians feel if they knew DeVilla’s husband was possibly collecting bank as she uses her power to project fear, consequently increasing a demand for vaccines?

Is it possible that other government officials are profiting from the suppression of Canadians? If so, how many of them are, and to what degree?

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper hopes to get some answers or comments from mentioned parties to provide insight and an update to the community.

Racist hate mail sent to black Toronto Public School Teachers raises alarms PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) continues its search for a Director of Education, the release of its first Human Rights Report and the creation of an anti-black racism course there is now a racist backlash. CBC News reported on Monday, February 22nd, 2021 that on February 17th, 2021, four TDSB teachers were sent a racist letter. It was delivered to Newtonbrook Secondary School in an envelope with no return address. There was a Toronto Star article inside the envelope in which the words,” The n _ _ _ s have taken over the

school system,” and “If you disagree you’re racist. If a black student fails the teacher is racist “ were spelled out. The letter continues with hateful comments with respect to black boys and the education system.

The letter prompted a quick response from the TDSB as it came in the midst of its annual Black History Month Celebrations. Shari Schwartz-Maltz, TDSB spokesperson told CBC News, “All of us were appalled, disgusted and extremely upset when we found out about this situation.”

Staff at the school has been informed, and a letter was sent home to parents. There is currently an investigation by the Central North District Criminal Investigation Branch and the hate crimes unit. Shari Schwartz-Maltz told the Toronto Star on February 23rd, 2021 that there has been a meeting of principals and superintendents with TDSB equity representatives immediately after the teacher received the hate mail.

D.Tyler Robinson, co-author and

project lead of the new anti-black racism course responded to the hate mail. He told CBC News, “There’s a responsibility to take a stance on the academic outcomes and achievements of black kids and Indigenous kids. They are Ontario’s kids and we need to support them.” He hopes that the province will allow this course to be taught throughout Ontario. He states, “The province is too busy working on the symptoms of anti-black racism when one course is working on the root cause. We need them to stand with us for this course and not centre whiteness when speaking about deconstructing racism.”

D.Tyler knows that this incident will bring attention to the issue of antiblack racism in Canada. He states, “A lot of people act like this kind of stuff doesn’t happen in Canada and that it’s an American curse. I don’t think it’s someone in the States getting a copy of the Star who sent this to us. It’s been clear we have this problem in our country too.”

The reality of overt racism is

something that D.Tyler knows that can be confronted directly instead of covert racism, which is more subtle and insidious.

He states, “Sometimes racism is obvious and it’s sad and it’s the covert racism, the hidden and elusive stuff that you can’t put your finger on that’s harder to deal with.” It is important that the conversation on racism be broadened as D.Tyler notes, “Kids are not the issue, they want to learn and talk about racism. The problem is adults who have very fixed and narrow opinions on racism with their own sort of prejudices.”

Minister of Education, Stephen Leece responded to the racist hate mails and told CBC News, “We condemn this vile form of anti-black racism-it has no place in our province or country, especially during Black History Month. Our province celebrates black excellence, courage, and sacrifice and categorically rejects this hateful speech.” These are good words but concrete actions are urgently needed.

PAGE 16

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Closure of Toronto elementary school due to COVID-19 variant outbreak PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The closure of a Toronto District School Board’s elementary school, Donwood Park Public School on Monday, March 1st, 2021 has brought attention to COVID-19 variants. CBC News reported on Monday, March 1st, 2021 that there were six cases of COVID-19 that involved variants. This has resulted in the recommendation by Toronto Public Health (TPH) that the school be closed commencing Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021.

Principal Andrea Lane sent a letter to parents and guardians, which states, “While a whole school dismissal may last

for 14 days, it can vary depending on the investigation by TPH which will notify us when the school is set to reopen.”

TPH revealed that there have been four cases, which have tested positive for the variants of concern and is believed to have been spread by community transmission. Students who have been in close proximity to the affected individuals have been informed and are aware of possibly being exposed. The news release from the TPH states, “Dismissing the school is a precautionary measure to allow TPH to complete an investigation while protecting the school community and preventing virus spread. This increases the risk that the virus will spread between people. Faster and wider spread of the virus makes it more likely that more people will get sick, which can increase strain on the health-care system. TPH is releasing this information in its efforts to ensure the public remains vigilant in efforts to help stop the spread and as part of the TPH’s response to COVID-19.”

The province’s advisory group released modelling projections which states, “Declines in cases, hospitalizations and ICU occupancy are slow. Public measures have decreased transmission and slowed spread of variants of concern. The details of these projections can be seen at the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard or on its Daily Epidemiology Summary at covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-epidemiplogjc-summaries-public-health-ontario.

These variants of concern are highly transmissible, and it is projected that they will comprise approximately 40% of the cases across Ontario by the middle of March.

There have been 449 cases in which the variants were first identified in England; there were 11 cases of the variants in South Africa, and two of the variants in Brazil. The Toronto Public Health sent a letter to school staff in Toronto on February 24th, 2021, which reads, “Recently, new strands of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been identified. Some of

these new strains are called variants of concern, because they spread more easily between people. TPH has identified individuals in some schools who have tested positive for a variant of concern. This is not unexpected, as these variants are known to be spreading in Toronto and Ontario.

TPH has recently started updating daily case counts and information on variants of concern.”

TPH reported that as of Wednesday, February 24th there have been eight schools where the variants of concern are probably involved. It states that, “The affected individuals and cohorts have been dismissed from school with guidance on their level of risk. TPH has followed up with close contacts in affected class cohorts and gas recommended testing.” TPH assures Torontonians that, “As Toronto continues to experience increased cases of variants of concern, it is more important than ever to follow the steps of self-protection.”

Toronto; home to some of the most talented creative minds in the world

BY GLORIA O’KOYE TC REPORTER Toronto is home to many upcoming inspirational creatives; from literacy, visual and many more art forms. However, too often the youth’s voices get overlooked and compared to other more established creatives. This can be discouraging for young creatives unless they have lots of confidence in themselves and have a strong support group.

Being a young creative myself, there are many times I have self-doubted my own work and had to fight the urge not to delete whole entire files off my laptop and toss my drafts into the recycle bin. I consider myself extremely lucky to have friends and family members who acknowledge my creativity and could only imagine internal battles other creatives are facing when they don’t have the necessary support.

I remember a time I had taken a long hiatus from the arts and came back to the art world by joining this amazing writing workshop led by One Mic Educators, a multi-disciplinary arts education enterprise dedicated to engaging the disengaged through the arts. They have executed consultations, facilitated hundreds of poetry/spoken word workshops, organized dozens of visits to Six Nations territories, assisted in fundraising thousands

of dollars for grassroots causes and delivered dozens of open mic events through their: LA3 Raza Open Mic series and Kings for Consent workshops.

One particular thing that stood out during my time participating at this workshop was that we were given a book called ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron (which I personally would recommend for all my readers who are creative). There was one part of the book that inspired me a lot and motivated me to showcase other creatives within the city. The section of the book talked about protecting the artist child from within and mentioned the different key factors that creatives have to face constantly from the moment their love for art was born. It gently reminded me that there are creatives whom we know are talented and may assume they know the worth of their art, yet they could be facing negative thoughts about themselves.

Hence why I want to shed some light on some amazing youth creatives that are doing tremendous things in the city and some ways you can support them! I had the honour to meet an incredible individual a while back and also had the opportunity to co-facilitate with her in a workshop series.

Natalie “Rare” Chattargoon better known as Rare, is a multifaceted Toronto born and raised creative. Her craft involves

spoken word poetry, photography, film and an educational background in Social Service Worker. She grew up facing many barriers and challenges throughout her journey that motivated her to strive for a better life.

Her work explores social issues through her art forms. She enjoys educating others on social issues, spreading love through art and helping others grow.

She hopes to engage people through the mind, body and soul. Rare takes pride in her community development work and empowers young leaders to go for their dreams. She has worked in many marginalized communities to try to break the stigmas surrounding social issues. She loves what she does and is very passionate. Rare is truly one of a kind, so divine and hard to find.

Royal Bankrolls is a media and fashion business focused on empowerment in style. The platform showcases poetry, merchandise and Rare’s new book.

She’s working on growing her brand everyday.

Rare’s World is a book of art created from the mind, body, and soul. It is a combination of poetry and photography in one. Covering topics of life lessons, a sprinkle of affirmations and photos that showcase beauty in black excellence. Rare is a multifaceted creative, who currently focuses on poetry, photography, and

film. In her new project ‘Rare’s World’ she shares an array of poetry from her adolescence till present, alongside photos that reflect on experiences. The book covers life, as she has experienced it, growing up in Toronto.

Rare’s poems are a story of resilience through a journey to healing, closure, and eventually seeing herself in a positive light. The photos are visual representations of her influences and how she envisions her world. The aesthetics build on black and red primarily, with a theme of royalty and growth throughout the book, depicted by crowns and roses.

To create the project, Rare committed a team of all black creatives and professionals to make it happen. Rare’s World is the tangible product of black excellence.

Rare is currently working with Arts Etobicoke and Glowz to create workshops around Zine making, which is a form of learning how to self publish your own work. The workshops have a variety of topics like learning about typography, poetry and creative writing skills. This program runs every Thursday and Friday. You can contact Rare by her business email Royalbankrolls@gmail.com for more information or sign up directly on the Arts Etobicoke website. We hope to see you there.

NEWS

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 17

Are vaccinations the light at the end of the tunnel?

LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH lashawna@carib101.com

BARBADOS TC REPORTER

BARBADOS -- COVID -19. One word that the entire population is tired of hearing.

It has been almost two years and this word has changed life the way that we know it.

However, there seems to be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel with many countries around the world rushing to vaccinate their entire population to have heard immunity.

Researchers note herd immunity as the safest way to achieve this is with a vaccine. In the Caribbean, the total amount of persons vaccinated per one hundred people to the total population is as follows: • • • • •

Barbados 0.21%- March 11th, 2021 Dominican Republican- 0.5 %- March 11th, 2021 Dominica- 0.56%- March 1st, 2021 Guyana- 0.24 %- 26th February 2021 Grenada- 2.67% 26th March 2021

The figures above show the amount of vaccinated persons to date in the respective islands. In Barbados as of March 11th, 2021, 50,703 persons have been vaccinated out of the total population of 285,000.

Despite some of these Caribbean islands rushing to have their citizens vaccinated, other countries have recorded no cases of the virus thus far- Monserrat.

In an article published by CARICOM TODAY on March 11th, 2021 it noted that, “All four of the islands’ cases had recovered. In a Press Release written by the Government Information Unit of Monserrat it said that the Ministry of Health and Social Services was confirming the recovery of Monserrat’s last four confirmed cases of COVID 19.” This announcement meant that the amount of active cases on the island is

zero.

What lessons can the other islands in the Caribbean learn from Monserrat as they seek to vaccinate their citizens with some of them noting their displeasure?

Citizens are autonomous beings and many of them are having second thoughts about taking a vaccine that cannot prevent them from contracting the disease. While the vaccine can prevent one from having the severity of the virus, it is not 100% fool proof.

In an article published by The Coversation.com it stated, “Persons can still be infected after getting the vaccination.

However, a person’s chances of getting seriously ill are almost zero. Many persons think vaccines work like a shield, blocking a virus from infecting cells altogether,” it read.

Not only citizens are noting their displeasure with the vaccine. In Barbados members of the island’s teacher’s union have stated that some of their membership are hesitant about taking the vaccine and that they believe their teachers should return to the classroom for the start of the new school term in September.

Pedro Shepherd (President of the Barbados Union of Teachers) in his article published on March 13th, 2021 says that the vast majority of unionized teachers are skeptical about returning to the classroom.

“We would be risking our lives to go in and assist the nation’s children because we would not have had the second vaccine by then. Some teachers might have [been vaccinated] in the first rollout, but the majority of teachers would have to wait until at least July to get the second dose and be in a good position to go back to school. So, we are proposing a September restart for full face-to-face and that is contingent on what develops in this country, because if we go into a third wave, then September would not be suitable or appropriate to return.”

In Antigua and Barbuda for example, the Prime Minister Gaston Browne refuted reports that an Antiguan variant of coronavirus has been discovered in the United Kingdom by Public Health England.

In an article published by The Nation News-

paper on March 13th, 2021 he said, “More than thirty two days have elapsed since the discovery of the negative results of contact tracing in the United Kingdom. Clearly, any variant of concern would have emerged by now,” Browne wrote, further stressing that “Daily tests conducted on material from Antigua by reputable external agencies have found no variant arising from Antigua.”

Browne assured the media that Antigua and Barbuda remains strict with their COVID-19 protocols and “Remains one of the safest places globally with comparatively low rates of infection and a high rate of recovery.”

In an article in the Jamaican Gleaner published on March 13th, 2021 dubbed “Vaccine Cock Up” it noted some inefficacies with persons line-skipping to receive the AstraZeneca vaccination at the National Chest Hospital and St Joseph’s Hospital in St Andrew on Friday.

“Yes, there have been instances of that (unscheduled people vaccinated) and what I’m told, is because we wouldn’t want the vaccine to go to waste,” said Greene, the Regional Director for the Western Regional Health Authority.

“Those instances were minimal”, he added.

“I’m not saying we didn’t have people who got the vaccine that were not initially scheduled but it’s not as wide as I’m hearing,” he told The Sunday Gleaner, bringing into the spotlight the transparency of the process used by the vaccine officials to reach those persons.

COVID-19 vaccines have strict timelines for when they must be used before expiring, including some that must be used within hours of being mixed and thawed.

“Once you take out a vial of the vaccine and put the needle in it to pull out the first dose, you have to use the vaccine within six hours,” Professor Peter Figueroa, a specialist in public health, epidemiology, and HIV/AIDS, told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday. Tufton admitted there were breaches.

“Persons have been contacted, in some instances, not necessarily from a list,

and those persons would have called other persons and a general rush would have taken place,” he said, pointing to Friday’s situation at St Joseph’s Hospital, where private healthcare workers were due to be injected.

“Some persons, having got appointments to go, took family members and that is not a part of the arrangement, and in some cases, some of them might have been called also, to be totally frank, by the organizers. I am sure we have had a few other breaches of the process around the country, but these were more isolated circumstances.”

One site administrator has reported to The Sunday Gleaner that unscrupulous health workers have been found to be enrolling relatives and people outside of the target group.

“Already, people trying to beat the system. They are sending their helpers, they are sending their friends, and claiming that they are a part of the workplace. It is so sad because they are robbing from people who need it the most,” said the administrator, who requested anonymity.

Officials in Jamaica state that the mishap was not due to poor planning however, this event signifies many of the inner challenges that Caribbean countries face when rolling out a major vaccination programme.

There is no one size fits all as it relates to proper planning of a vaccination campaign, but what all persons who are desirous of being vaccinated can do is to seek to go to the approved vaccination centres when they have an appointment.

Not only Jamaica has a problem with their vaccination programme. Many persons in Barbados have been taking to Facebook to note that although they have made appointments to have their vaccinations completed, they have not received their vaccination as yet. A problem that the Government of Barbados stated they are working feverishly to rectify.

All in all, there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel, but will the world finally be free of the dreaded COVID-19 virus? Only time will tell.

We have to protect our children; Ontario government changes to the Ontario College of Teachers Act PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There are many changes that the Ontario government has implemented in order to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to deal with other issues. An important change that was announced in a statement on February 22nd, 2021 has to do with the revocation of the licenses of teachers who are involved with sexual misconduct with students.

The Ontario government as part of Budget 2020 announced this change, and it came into law on December 8th, 2020. The statement reads, “These reforms will help to keep schools, childcare and early years safe in the province by preventing individuals unfit to practice from continuing to work directly with students and children.”

Minister of Education, Stephen Leece has expressed on numerous occasions his desire to get rid of teachers who are bad apples. He states in the press release on February 22nd, 2021 that,

“Our number one priority is the safety and security of all students and children. We took action to ensure no educator found guilty of sexual abuse can practice their professions with children and students by keeping these individuals out of our education and early childhood systems. Importantly, this move is retroactive and will ensure individuals found guilty of past sexual abuse are removed from our school, childcare, and early years settings permanently.

We will continue to protect every child in this province, which us why our governments have made these changes apply retroactively and the OCT and ECE have revoked certification of members who are found guilty of sexual abuse involving touching or physical relations and published all disciplinary decisions on their website. With these changes, our government is making clear that we will take a zero-tolerance approach by preventing these individuals from teaching ever again in this province. We will

continue to stand up for victims and protect the most vulnerable children.”

It was in 2002 that the first Professional Advisory was issued by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) titled, “Professional Misconduct Related to Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct.” It was sent to all the Ontario certified teachers in OCT’s monthly magazine, “Professionally Speaking.” The Student Protection Act was amended so that the Ontario College of Teachers Act clearly defines sexual abuse as: • • •

Sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between the member and a student Touching of a sexual nature, of the student by the member, or Behaviour, or any remarks of a sexual nature by the member toward the student

The details of this can be seen at the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario’s website at etfo.ca.

There has been a lot of media attention that has exposed educators who have sexually abused students over the

years.

In its February 2021 issue monthly magazine titled, “Professionally Speaking,” it was revealed that Bill 229 was approved by the Ontario legislature, which includes: •

• • •

Stronger penalties and broader definitions for acts of professional misconduct related to sexual abuse and child pornography, which strengthens the College’s mandate to protect public interest A mandatory sexual abuse presentation program that parallels the College’s focus on furthering teacher assessment Mandatory medical assessments to ensure accuracy during our investigation and hearing process Keeping disciplinary decisions public bolsters, the College’s commitment to public accountability and transparency

Many people are supportive of these changes. They believe that they will show that the province is serious about this vital issue. The safety and security of students must be protected at all times. This is something that is sacrosanct at all times and is inviolable.

PAGE 18

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Black Police Officers testified on racism within the York Regional Police Service MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Four black York Regional Police Officers and their lawyer appeared before the York Regional Police Services Board (YRPSB) on Wednesday, March 24th, to make a vitally important deputation on matters of systemic racism and discrimination within the service.

The officers include 19-year veteran Detective Neil Dixon. He is currently on leave as a result of suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, due to a near-death experience after a racial profiling incident involving two white YRP officers and a Sergeant.

Special Constable Vernley France has been with the force for nineteen years. In 2015, he came forward to address the issues of racial discrimination and anti-black racism in the workplace. As a result of his coming forward, York Regional Police retaliated in the form of a series of ongoing reprisals against the Caribbean Canadian Constable.

Police Constable Dameian Muirhead is an eighteen year veteran of the service. The Jamaican Canadian officer continues to endure various internal and external adversities while maintaining exemplary work performance as documented in all his formal work evaluations.

The fourth Officer is identified as Police Constable ST.

“The deputation is an act of bravery on the part of the officers who have been traumatized over many years. It is also an act of bravery on the part of the York Region Police Service Board to build bridges and address systemic racism,” explains the officers’ Counsel for Justice and Equity Courtney Betty. “The goal is to make York Region a model for other police forces to follow.”

Normally deputations are held at the York Region Administrative Centre’s chambers in Newmarket, but Wednesday’s deputation was live online on Zoom and viewable by the media and the public on YouTube.

Special Constable Vernley France was the first officer to give testimony in this deputation. France told the hearing that he came to Canada as a student and after his studies he decided to make this country his home.

“At the age of ten” he said, “I had a dream to become a police officer and in the

year 2002 I joined York Regional Police after completing Ontario Police College.”

“I am here today, because York Region Police have a very serious problem, York Region Police are black people,” “France said.

France explained how one officer told him that the only reason he was hired is because he is black, and how he was hired just to reflect the community. He was told by another officer that black people are low, and mostly criminals. France’s final words were “If something was to happen to me, York Region Police is responsible.”

The second officer to testify was constable ST who had almost the same experience as France. ST said he was bullied and harassed. “I faced discrimination by high-ranking officers,” he told the hearing, “I was receiving threatening phone calls from my supervisors even on my days off.”

Police Constable Dameian Muirhead spoke, and again for the third time, his story was very similar. Muirhead told the hearing that after an incident on the job, York Police sided with the perpetrators who had suggested that he be lynched.

“York Region Police,” Muirhead said, “have inflicted as much harm as possible to my wife and I.”

Nineteen year veteran detective Neil Dixon was last to testify and he reinforced most of what was already said by his

three peers. “I was told by my coach that I am a nice guy, but I have a language barrier because of my Jamaican accent,” Dixon told the hearing.”

In closing, attorney Courtney Betty thanked the board for listening, and commended the officers for coming forward saying, “I hope today would be a starting point to building a bridge that would be an example for many others.”

The YRPSB is a seven-member civilian governing body mandated to oversee the police service. Those in attendance were: Vaginia Hackson (Chair, Mayor of East Gwillimbury), Maurizo Bevilacqua (Vice Chair, Mayor of Vaughan), Wayne Emmerson, Josh Cooper, Jennifer Fang Walter Perchal, and Norma McCullough. Mrs. McCullough is the only black member of the Board; she is currently a member of the Association of Black Law Enforcers.

There are 2,400 men and women working for the York Regional Police under the command of chief Jim MacSween, Deputy Chiefs Brian Bigras , Paulo Da Silva, Cecile Hammond and Robertson Rouse. Deputy Chief Rouse, a Trinidadian Canadian, is the only Black officer in the service’s Upper Command.

There are 1.2 million citizens living in York Region, and 25,000 who self-identify as black.

Toronto Catholic School Board takes positive steps to fight anti-black racism in schools PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The on-going fight against systemic racism, specifically anti-black racism has particularly focused on the role of educational institutions. Within the Greater Toronto Area, both public and Catholic school boards have seen the importance of having anti-racism plans in place.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is one of the most recent boards that have been pressured to implement an anti-racism plan. There have been reports of racist incidents at schools including: St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, Francis Leberman Catholic S.S, Notre Dame Catholic S.S. and Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic S.S. that have been published in the mainstream media. These cast a negative light on the board as it seems slow to admit

and develop strategies to combat anti-black racism.

In the wave of George Floyd’s death and increased racist reports in Ontario, there was a statement released by the Chair and former Director on June 2nd, 2020, which states, “We have to face the truth that antiblack racism exists in the TCDSB.” Subsequently, former Student Trustee Taylor Dallin presented fourteen recommendations at a Special Board meeting on June 18th, 2021 regarding anti- black and anti-Indigenous racism in TCDSB’s schools. These came about as a result of consultation with students and the Equity and Human Rights Advisor. Some of these recommendations are: •

•

•

Disaggregated race-based student data collection be initiated so that the TCDSB knows the issues BIPOC students face and has numbers of representation Mandatory bi-annual and anti-racism training for all teachers, administrators and staff be put-in place which helps break down the racial barrier between themselves and students facilitates an understanding of BIPOC topics The TCDSB makes an official commitment to tracking anti-black racism given that the word “black” was not men-

•

• •

•

tioned a single time in the TCDSB Equity Action Plan Staff rights vs. human rights specific policy modelled around the Ontario Human Rights Code, which recognized the enumerated grounds of the charter, lays out wrongful behaviours and details an investigation process All TCDSB reports, and policies go through a race equity lens prior to being published Proper infrastructure be put in place to address equity needs within the TCDSB in the form of a more extensive and permanent equity team The TCDSB is committed to working with the African-Canadian Advisory Committee, the Indigenous Education Advisory Community and BIPOC students in implementing these recommendations

Dr. Brendon Browne was appointed as Director of Education of the TCDSB starting September 1st, 2020. This was good news given his expertise in implementing positive systemic changes. He wrote a letter on November 6th, 2020 titled, “TCDSB’ s commitment in addressing anti-black racism,” in which he outlined in detail his vision. He acknowledged the reality of anti-black rac-

ism and states, “As the Director of Education for TCDSB, I recognize my role and leadership as, being paramount to addressing systemic racism, ensuring equity and leading from an anti-racist, anti-oppression perspective.”

He states that one of his first decisions is to obtain data. He writes, “We are taking immediate steps to launch our identitybased data collection which will better equip us to identify and monitor disparities within our school system. This data will inform decisions that change outcomes for black students.”

There was a subsequent announcement that the Equity Department is working to create a Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy (DABR) after getting input from black students. There was a call out for Virtual Focus Groups from two streams. The first one involves approximately sixty-four students from different regions, which are done virtually, and the second one was from a questionnaire/survey.

In addition, TCDSB created African Canadian Heritage Resources for February 2021 Workshops on “Unpacking Anti-black Racism” that were conducted by Natasha Henry. There was also the first Student Voice Competition for Grades 7-12 students geared to combating racism in TCDSB schools.

PAGE 20

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

THE OG STORE

Organically Grown Store Providing Healthy, Safe Produce to the Caribbean community •

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“The OG store has top quality fresh produce. Excellent customer service and deliveries are always on time. Nikita is a pleasure to deal with.“ André Miranda, Scarborough Ontario You are walking through the produce isles, and you notice a section labelled “Organic.”

For some, unsure of what organic is, walk by and go to the brands that they know.

This is completely normal, but as of the early 2000’s, consumers began to make the connection between their diet, their health, and the environment. People are turning to clean labels and are demanding transparency in the foods they eat and the beverages they drink. Right now, organic foods are ideally positioned to address the concerns of consumers, and our energetic, and delightful business feature is stepping in to help her community.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Nikita Young, the founder of The OG Store, also known as the Organically Grown Store. Before I sat with her, I had a chance to visit her website https://www.shoptheogstore.com/. I was very impressed with the variety that she had to offer. From fresh fruit to organic snacks, even organic meat, The OG store website had a wide selection of choices for even the pickiest shopper.

I learned some things about consumers during my research and sharing this information with you will allow you to see where you fall, and how your consumer style affects how you shop for food. There was a study done by the Hartman Group in 2009 that determined three organic consumers: •

•

Periphery consumers. They make up 14% of organic consumers, and are individuals who are starting to lean towards organics, but have not committed to buying organic products Mid-level organic consumers. They make up 65% of organic consumers, and they are individuals who are not actively buying organic foods

Core consumers. This relatively small group of people (21%) are people who have made organic foods are part of their lifestyle.

Nikita shared with me that education, health, finances, culture, advocacy, and environmental issues shape how people think about their food.

“The OG Store,” I queried. “Interesting name.”

“Yes,” Nikita replied, “It stands for Organically Grown Store, but I will confess,” she laughs, “It is also because there is a little hood in me. I was raised in Malton after all.

This began for me three years ago. There were three of us: myself, my boyfriend and his friend. It was a co-operative idea and that is why I was interested in getting involved. Right away I started looking for organic wholesalers so that I could provide food for the community. I was also really interested in learning more and sharing my knowledge with others. Sustainability is an important concept, especially during times like this.”

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) released findings in 2012 that highlighted how organic foods benefit young children, and parents have been fans of organic food for years. The Organic Trade Association noted that 81% of families with children say that they purchase organic products because of their desire to avoid toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.

I love the produce I get from the OG Store! It’s fresh and tasty and I also like the fact that there is no plastic packaging involved at all. I always look forward to my deliveries: highly recommended.

Katie Weston, Newmarket Ontario

It is not an easy task starting an organic store, and Nikita shared with me some of her difficulties.

“Finding a wholesaler that you can work with can be difficult. I really wanted to work with local farms. I spent last year reaching out to people with farms. Sometimes I went and volunteered my time so that I could learn more about the industry.

I found some farms on Facebook through the Black Toronto page. The farm was looking for volunteers, so myself; my sister, her friend and my son went out there.

When I went to pick apples for the first time, it was amazing. It was my birthday, and no one wanted to go with me. I was in heaven. I was eating off the trees.

That was September 29th, 2020, and since

then I have been hooked.”

While speak with Nikita, I learned a lot about produce, things that I had never even thought of. For instance, many consumers mistake labels like “natural” and “fresh” for organic. They purchase these items thinking they are organic, and they are not. Another hot topic is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which is pushing many consumers over to organic foods.

Health-minded individuals are more likely to purchase organic foods because it is healthier than conventional foods. Many of them are avoiding the toxins that are found in conventional foods. I asked Nikita about this to hear what she was hearing from her customers.

“There are organic and conventional foods. Conventional produce is sprayed with pesticides. One in particular is Glyphosate. There have been cases where being exposed to Glyphosate was linked to cancer. There was a man who won a lawsuit against Monsanto. He was spraying with it daily, and developed cancer. They also use GMO. These products are used just to make the produce look good. It displays well, but the flavour is not there, and the nutrients are not there.”

This push toward more organic farming methods, fewer chemicals, and better soil management is not a new one.

It began back in the 1940’s, and the push now is to return farming back to the way things used to be.

“If you have had an opportunity to try organic produce, the first thing you will notice is a difference in the taste and the flavour,” Nikita shares with me. “Organic is labour intensive. They use all the elements of nature: Beneficial bugs, plants that ward off bugs, netting, spraying the fruit with water. There is a lot more care that goes into organic.”

Regardless of what drives people to organic foods, those who try it often become regular consumers. “It is really easy,” Nikita tells me, “all you have to do is go to the website, choose the things you want, choose if you want delivery or if you want to pick up from our Mississauga location.

Generally, I get mangos, apples and oranges because they don’t go bad as fast. I will be farming this year, so I will have vegetables in the summer.”

It is an exciting new venture for Nikita and her team, and an amazing opportunity for the community to support local businesses and to take a healthy approach to eating.

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PAGE 22

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

NIGEL BIRCH

Every day for him is Valentine’s Day I want our love To forever be A means To new beginnings.

Where I take up Humbleness as a hobby, To never claim To know you, But consistently try To get to know you, Even though I know you More than most do.

My ears are on a mission To listen & take notes On your library of thoughts You know...

What makes our Classic Man a master at his craft is his ability to use the sounds of the letters, the number of syllables in the words, which syllables to stress.

He methodically chooses the right words, like a painter chooses the right colours. He writes in a way that provides images to his readers about what’s happening rather than telling them.

He creates an experience and pulls his readers in so that they are open to engage with his writing on an emotional and intellectual level. He provides poetry for his readers that resonate on both levels; it makes them think and makes them feel. When you are reading one of his poems, you know that there is going to be an experience; it will be a personal one created out of your imagination, which makes it immersive and more enjoyable.

In the world of art and entertainment, everything is subjective.

Poetry is an accessible form of selfexpression and it’s highly therapeutic.

His art breaks the rules of conventional wisdom, and it is why we are all drawn in by the words of Nigel D. Birch.

Nigel is true to his purpose of showing people that love is always available, present and exists in all of us.

He writes from the standpoint of love and identity, and brings a new perspective to loving oneself, and loving others. Metaphors, similes, imagery, and passion are tools in his arsenal, with a vision to freely express, share, and spread love. To him, “Every Day is Valentine’s Day,” and he continues to use various artistic mediums such as: poetry, books, theatre, film and music to express, share, and empower others.

I met Nigel through a mutual friend, the creative genius Mark Stoddart. I first heard his words in a video produced for a project we are working on together called Beloved. You can’t help but be moved by his words; how they are framed, and how they make you feel when you are watching the video. I knew there was some depth there, so I wanted to know more. When I had the opportunity, I found out exactly how and why Nigel had become the man that he is.

“My tribe and family always

come first,” Nigel begins. “My parents have had a huge impact on my life.

They were married for thirteen years, and did end up getting divorced, but there was never any bad blood. They both spoke very highly of each other, and they showed love to each other in a beautiful way.”

I am the oldest of two (I have a brother), and for a while, I lived communally and around a lot of adults. This in itself is a different experience, and I learned how to communicate with adults at a different level. I have always felt very protected, and it has aided in my confidence.”

Nigel left Toronto when he was seventeen years old to live with his father in Atlanta.

“My mom allowed my brother and I to go to Atlanta to finish high school. Again, this is very unconventional. Usually moms hold on tightly to their children, but the arrangement ended up working well for both of them. My dad was re-married, and this gave my brother and I structure, plus my mom was working a lot, so I am sure she was relieved that we were being cared for.

Living in Atlanta made me a King. It was while living there that I came into my own. I wasn’t dabbling in my purpose yet, but I had some great men around me who served as mentors. I would have to say that my dad served as the creative behind my genius. He had been a journalist and wrote poetry as well. I wasn’t really thinking about purpose at that age, and I was about twenty-four years old when I first displayed my poetry.” Nigel chuckled. “I bombed the first time that I read my poetry on stage, so I began to doubt myself.”

Nigel decided to put poetry to rest for a bit, but there was something gnawing at his soul that was urging him to perform. He didn’t let go of that feeling, and when he came back to Canada, he wanted to bring all that he had learned from Atlanta. He began curating events; for some reason, he was being pushed in that direction.

Soon he was hosting events, and his love for the stage grew. When he was given the opportunity to do stage plays with Troy Crossfield, he wasn’t sure, but being the man that he was, he jumped in headfirst. With assistance from his acting coach Douglas Prout, Nigel made his debut in A Little White Lie, and this took Nigel to a whole new level of thinking. Now, he truly had the courage to perform in front of people.

His purpose resided in him; the love for poetry was never far away, so he decided to revisit that feeling.

He had over ninety pieces that he had compiled, but when he asked one of his friends to review them, she informed him that many of them were out-dated.

So, what did he do? He went back to writing.

“I truly began to understand

the power of my purpose. I could listen to somebody, and change things according to how he or she feels, and how he or she visualizes it. My next move was to write a stage play, and this was the genesis of He said, She said, They said, We said. It was after this that my writing was recognized for what it is.”

Soon he was being approached about his writing for events, and celebrations. The one that stands out to him the most was his performance at the Black Diamond Ball in 2019.

“I performed a piece called “Black Woman” at Black Diamond Ball, and the reaction was incredible.

Women were coming up to me after I finished to say ‘Thank you for having the courage to do that on stage.’ Some women were in tears and some were joyous. I realized my true purpose then.

My purpose was to lift-up the most illtreated people in the world.

The Black Woman video went viral. This is how people know who I am.

I started to build a brand around that.

I dropped it on International Women’s Day 2019.”

Since then, we have seen nothing but greatness from Nigel D. Birch.

He most recently won the “Young, Gifted, and Black, Entrepreneurial Award 2021 for Artistic Excellence, Spoken Word, and Poetry.,” and whether it is his poem “Dear Momma,” or “Everyday is Valentine’s Day,” “Propose to her Melanin,” or his infamous 11:11 Mixed Tape Messages, Nigel continues to show black men how to hold themselves to a standard, and pour into women.

There is so much more that this man of words has to offer, and we can only sit back in awe and wonder, what is next?

Be the first man To read your mind.

Love isn’t for the faint of heart But don’t be afraid to fall 10 times over...

I want you To get use to The high intensity impact Growth gives you.

Let’s push each other To become Our greatest self As gravity pulls us closer.

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

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FOOD

PAGE 26

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

caneggs Breakfast made easy with Making lives simpler and healthier!

NOEL CUNNINGHAM noel@carib101.com

CULINARY EXPERT

Eating healthy has never been easier.

Let me introduce you to Caneggs protein pancake mix. Preparing a healthy breakfast before you start your day can be very challenging especially when you are out of ideas. If you are looking for fast ways to prepare a healthy breakfast with high protein I have you covered.

One mix, many choices.

Regular pancakes are made of all-purpose flour/wheat flour making them

high on carbs. The Caneggs Protein Pancake Mix is made with Caneggs egg white powder, blended with the goodness of oat flour, and whey protein. This makes it a healthier and more nutritious diet option. The Caneggs Protein Pancake Mix is an instant wholesome meal that keeps you going through the day all you have to do is just add liquid of your choice and you are on your way.

The protein mix is versatile you can add water, or any milk of your choice such as chocolate milk, soy, almond or cashew milk.

To secure a pack or two you can visit caneggs.com to purchase.

You will realize the difference in texture compare to your regular pancake.

These are much lighter and equally tasty. What I also love about this mix in particular is that it can satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you feeling guilty, perfect for post workout to refuel the body. Here is my blueberry pancake recipe with a drizzle of honey that you can easily whip up in the comfort of your own home.

Blueberry pancake recipe with honey

Benefits of Caneggs Protein Pancake mix • High source of protein (26g) • Excellent source of amino acid profile • Excellent source of BCAA for muscle repair • Source of fiber • Only 7g of fat • Only 2g of sugar • Curbs hunger

Ingredients • 2 cups Caneggs protein pancake mix • 1 cup water • ½ cup fresh berries/frozen • 2 tbsp Honey to drizzle • Pan spray or coconut oil for cooking

Directions In a medium bowl combine protein mix and water together or liquid of choice and set aside.

In a warm pre-oiled frying pan over moderate heat cook pancakes on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Assemble your pancake stack, garnish and enoy.

If you have a waffle machine at home you can always pour the mixture into the waffle maker and it is just as delicious. Serve with low-fat whipped cream and fresh berries.

Social gatherings can have deadly consequences.

Stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Learn more at ontario.ca/covid-19 Paid for by the Government of Ontario

PAGE 28

FOOD

Mindful eating: a practice with many benefits Mindfulness is about learning how to focus your awareness on the present moment. Here are some advantages of mindful eating and how you can implement this practice in your daily life.

BENEFITS OF MINDFUL EATING If you pay close attention to what you eat as well as when, where and why, you’re more likely to make healthy food choices and adopt better eating habits. For example, you’ll be more aware of how certain foods affect your energy and mood.

Mindful eating can also help you recognize your body’s hunger and fullness signals. This helps reduce the likelihood of overeating or emotional eating.

In addition, taking the time to savour the experience of each bite can increase your enjoyment of eating and help you develop a better relationship with food. Plus, a slow, deliberate style of eating is good for digestion.

HOW TO EAT MINDFULLY The key to mindfulness is to be completely focused on the activity at hand. Here are a few ways to help you be more aware of what you eat.

• Avoid distractions. Set aside time to eat rather than doing so on your commute or while you work. Put down your phone and turn off the TV so you can focus on your meal.

• Use your senses. Take the time to appreciate the colours and aromas of your food before you start eating. Focus your attention on the textures and flavours of each bite.

• Eat slowly. Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Put down your utensils between each bite to help you avoid eating on autopilot. This will give your body time to signal that you’re full.

Keep in mind that cooking is also part of the mindful eating experience, and preparing a meal increases your awareness of the textures, flavours and nutritional value of each ingredient.

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Find what healthy eating means for you This March, the theme for Nutrition Month is Good for you!

Dietitians help you find your healthy. The purpose, according to Dietitians of Canada, is to emphasize the fact that healthy eating looks different for everyone and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as: • Your overall health • Your nutritional needs • Your taste preferences • Your culture and food traditions • Your dietary restrictions In other words, what constitutes healthy eating is unique to each person. Here are a few ways that a dietitian can help you find what works for you.

COUNTER MISINFORMATION Dietitians can help you break down misconceptions about healthy eating. For example, you don’t have to limit yourself to salads or cut out all carbs in order to eat healthy, despite what a variety of social media trends would have you believe.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Dietitians of Canada provides a variety of online resources to help you connect with local dietitians, learn more about nutrition and discover delicious new recipes.

Visit: • Dietitians.ca • Unlockfood.ca • Cookspiration.com

Instead, a dietitian will direct you toward reputable sources such as Canada’s Food Guide, which promotes a wide range of ingredients that can benefit your body. From whole grains and unsalted nuts to vegetable proteins and fresh fruit, there are plenty of nutritious foods that can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.

PROVIDE PERSONALIZED ADVICE Given their extensive knowledge of nutrition, dietitians understand how to take your various needs and preferences into consideration to create a meal plan that works for you. By consulting a dietitian, you’ll gain access to a wealth of professional advice that suits both your body and your taste buds.

If you’re ready to discover what healthy eating means for you, schedule a consultation with a dietician in your area.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

HEALTH

PAGE 29

Change your heart health in three months or less W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

It’s said, “Being wrong is acceptable, but staying wrong is unacceptable.” So, think twice if you believe a high fish diet alone is providing you with enough essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to decrease your risk of heart attack. We were shocked when blood tests showed, despite our healthy diets, that our absorption of fish oils was not making the grade. What are people getting wrong, and how can you get it right?

Oil and water do not easily mix, and most oils pass through your waterbased body until enzymes in the small intestine break down fats. But it’s a mistake to believe this process is perfect.

We wrote previously about a supplement called Omega3X which uses digestive enzymes to facilitate absorption of essential fatty acids. We promised to put it to the test and report back to you.

First, we stopped taking any omega supplements but continued a diet rich in fish. Then we tested our blood using the Omega-3 Index. We both failed. (Giff 5.56% and Diana 5.47%) These scores placed us barely above the “undesirable” high risk zone as measured at 4% or lower on the Index.

Then, for three months, we took Certified Naturals Clinical Omega-3X Fish Oil, a specific product containing MaxSimil that breaks down the hard-to-digest triglycerides of fish oil into more readily absorbed monoglycerides.

Then we took another blood test.

The results were compelling. The measurement of the two most important omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) was now in the category of low risk for coronary heart disease – a result of between 8-12% on the Omega Index. (Giff 9.64% and Diana 11.64%)

First to decrease your risk of a fatal coronary attack, you gain advantage with high doses of vitamin C. Dr. Linus Pauling, a Nobel Prize recipient, observed that most animals escalate vitamin C production when confronted with stress, but humans lack this ability.

Then Dr. Sydney Bush, an English researcher, showed that high doses of vitamin C opened clogged arteries, a huge discovery.

Any vitamin C product will do, but we recommend Medi-C Plus because its powdered form makes high doses easier to take and because it includes lysine, which builds strong cell walls.

Second, our experiment shows it is important to supplement with omega 3. But not all omega supplements are equal. MaxSimil, developed by a Canadian company, is a fish oil that is absorbed three times better than typical fish oils. It’s produced from small fish like sardines and anchovies rich in omega-3 fatty acid.

Fatty acids help prevent heart attack by decreasing cellular inflammation.

Researchers have reported for years that chronic inflammation is a factor in coronary

attack. Now, the Omega-3 Index can accurately measure the amount of these fatty acids in our red blood cells.

Studies also report that people consuming fish oils show decreased blood triglycerides, decreased total cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol, and raises good cholesterol. These patients also had fewer irregular heartbeats and heart attacks.

Low levels of essential fatty acids have been associated with mood imbalances and joint problems.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has reported that the Omega-3 Index is just as important as cholesterol blood level. It’s alarming that nearly half of all North Americans are in the high-risk category for heart attack.

The message is clear. If you want to be certain that you are absorbing essential fatty acids, get a blood test to measure EPA and DHA. Send a single drop of blood using a test kit provided by OmegaQuant. Your result is mailed to you.

Take it from a 97-year-old; it’s never too late to reduce the risk of a coronary!

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

COMMUNITY

PAGE 31

The freedom to travel and what that means for Canadians NIKITA YOUNG

nikita@carib101.com

MIND, BODY, SOUL

Here in Canada we have lived relatively freely. Our rights as Canadian citizens are envied all over the world. Canadian passports are one of the most accepted passports worldwide, and it was one of the reasons many were proud to be a Canadian. In this new Covid era it seems like a passport is barely enough to get you anywhere no matter where you are from.

With all the new travel restrictions implemented by our government and governments worldwide, being prepared before your travel has never been so important. It is now an overwhelming process for some to travel outside of Canada mainly because of the process to come back home. Under our Charter of Rights section 6 is our mobility rights and the very first line states “Every citizen of Canada has the right to enter, remain and leave Canada.” So why is it such a hassle to come back home now?

It seems our rights to travel freely are being trumped by The Quarantine Act, which went into effect March 26th, 2020, but do the current conditions really even give reason enough for this Quarantine

Act to be implemented?

The travel industry has been the most affected industry in this so-called “pandemic.” The Global Business Travel Association reported a 52% drop in business travel in 2020 due to travel restrictions. They also predict a 21% increase once more people take the vaccine.

What about those who choose not to be a part of this experimental gene editing inoculation project? Will we still be able to travel freely? The idea of being shut out of society for not taking an experimental drug is a big concern for the many people who are refusing to take it under all circumstances.

According to Dr.Fauci in a tweet on February 4th, 2021 he says people will still have to wear masks and social distance even after taking the Covid shot because they still don’t have data showing that vaccinated people don’t spread the virus. Why are vaccinated people being deemed safe to travel over unvaccinated people if there is no proof of that being the case?

The vaccine that technically is not even a vaccine by definition is being propagandized by media and corporations as the only way to save the world, almost as if it were the second coming of Jesus and many are not drinking the Kool-Aid. If you want to keep your right to travel without taking part in an experimental drug program, it will be on you to fight for that right. You will need to take a PCR test to travel to most

countries with the exception of Mexico, Albania, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Tanzania. To get back home to Canada you will need a PCR test both before you leave and at point of entry plus you will need to quarantine in an isolation facility at your own expense under these quarantine act measures.

The government has created many barriers that have intimidated Canadians out of traveling to see loved ones, taking business trips and just enjoying the right to decide for themselves if it’s safe enough to travel. If you are in a situation where you do need or want to travel it’s good to know that you do have options, and there are resources out there for people who wish to preserve their rights even in emergency situations. Activists worldwide are stepping up and sharing their experiences with traveling and avoiding some of the orders by speaking up for their rights and it’s working.

Chris Sky, a freedom of choice activist in Toronto, has been at the forefront of exposing the validity of the Covid restrictions. In a viral Instagram live post he streamed his experience of travelling back home through Pearson Airport showing all Canadians how to exercise their right to refuse Covid testing and being taken to an isolation center. When he was in the part of the airport where people were lining up to get tested he simply proceeded to walk out

and told the officers that he is refusing the test. Chris was issued a fine and said that he will be fighting it in court. He has all confidence that he will win his case because of section 6 of our charter, and he also went home that day instead of to a government facility.

It’s intimidating standing up for your rights especially since it’s so hard to even decipher what our rights are exactly, but if you wish to preserve your rights it has never been more important to learn them and stand up for them. It might be a good idea to talk to a lawyer about what your rights are exactly so that you will be able to exercise them when needed.

Preserving our rights and freedoms are just as important as staying safe from a virus. If you remain afraid of living, then what’s the point of being safe if you can’t do anything you enjoy or be with the people you love. It will take the brave people stepping up to say no to the implementation of medical tyranny and the technocratic globalist takeover.

Those who see taking the vaccine as a way out will only be subjected to drug after drug for variant after variant and anything new that may arise.

Vaccination passports are a dangerous game and puts everyone’s lives at the mercy of the rich and big pharma. Even if you are pro vaccine you should be concerned about being subjected to mandatory drugs or access to your rights.

PAGE 32

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Smart tips for doing your

homework “Go do your homework” probably isn’t your favourite thing to hear. In fact, for many kids, this compulsory school activity can be super hard.

QUIZ

How well do you know your

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can make doing your homework more fun and productive. Here are some helpful tips.

Do you love books and TV shows about animals? Are your favourite movies Madagascar, Zootopia and The Secret Life of Pets? If so, find out how well you know your animals by answering the questions in this multiple-choice quiz.

GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS You’ll likely have a hard time concentrating on your homework if your siblings are playing right next to you or if there’s a TV, phone, tablet or computer nearby. In order to focus, you should create a space that’s free of distractions. You can do this by simply closing your bedroom door and turning off your devices. You can also ask your parents to buy you noise-cancelling headphones.

animals?

1. How many teeth do rabbits have? a) 4 b) 12 c) 28 2. How far away can the roar of a lion be heard? a) 500 metres b) 1 kilometre c) 8 kilometres

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS If your pencil lead keeps breaking, your pen drips or your eraser creates smudges rather than getting rid of your mistakes, you may get frustrated and end up wasting time. Before you start doing your homework, make sure you have the tools you need and that they work properly.

TAKE SHORT BREAKS After finishing an assignment or exercise, reward yourself with a 10-minute break before you move on to the next task. During this pause you can move around, call your grandparents or read an article from a magazine you like. You may find that splitting your homework into sections is a great way to stay motivated.

ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT If you don’t understand your homework assignment or if you get stuck on a particular question, try to find more information. You can look for an explanation in your textbook, ask a classmate, talk to your parents or refer to an online homework resource. If you can’t figure out how to do the work, be sure you talk to your teacher the next day.

Lastly, try to avoid doing your homework when you’re hungry or tired. A good time might be after you’ve had a healthy snack or dinner.

Amazing numbers

3. How many vertebrae are there in a giraffe’s neck? a) 7 b) 21 c) 44

9,550

4. What do you call male, female and baby cats? a) Simba, Nala and Kion b) Tomcat, queen and kitten c) Buck, doe and kitten 5. What are horses physically unable to do? a) See the colour yellow b) Sleep lying down c) Vomit

The oldest tree in the world has been around for 9,550 years. You might think it’s gigantic, but on the contrary, this spruce growing at the foot of a mountain in Sweden is barely four metres tall and looks like a slightly banged up Christmas tree.

13,333

96,000

13,333

2,300,000

In space, some distant planets are spinning at an astounding speed of 13,333 kilometres per second. That’s the equivalent of 48 million kilometres per hour.

Amazing!

96,000

Migratory birds travel impressive distances every year. The Arctic Tern is the species that holds the record for the longest migration ever recorded: 96,000 kilometres. Not bad for a small bird that only weighs about 100 grams.

500,000

500,000

In 2017 in Tel Aviv, Israel, a team built a 36-metre tower with 500,000 Lego blocks! This ambitious project was a tribute to Omer Sayag, a young Lego fan who died of cancer.

9,550

2,300,000

To build the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, nearly 2.3 million blocks of stone — weighing an average of 2.5 tonnes — were assembled without using heavy machinery.

5,000,000

The human body has nearly five million hair follicles. Some are almost invisible (like the hair on your face), and others are easy to spot (like the ones on your head). In fact, it’s interesting to note that there are about one million hair follicles on the human head alone.

Answers: 1-C, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-C

LIFE

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

Pursuit, perseverance and providence Champions are only celebrated in the ring; the “real fight” is always behind the scene.

The preparation and the effort that goes into what makes them champions. You need to be patient, you need to persevere, and you need to be persistent.

In your stride for excellence, stay focused and be persistent. Nothing of significant worth happens overnight. God won’t give you a blessing that your character won’t sustain. Give your best to every waking hour of life, and let God do the rest. Just as a farmer can’t control the rain and sunshine, sometimes, all we can do is plant our seeds, water them, and let providence takes over.

The story of the Chinese bamboo tree teaches us critical lessons about life, perseverance, patience, faith, and growth.

In the first four years, the tree never shows any signs of growth, but in the fifth year, just within a period of six weeks, it grows as tall as 80 feet. The question is; does the Chinese Bamboo Tree really grow 80 feet in six weeks?

Did the Chinese Bamboo Tree lie dormant for four years only to grow exponentially in

DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The litmus test for every life pursuit is the ability to persevere, to be patient to see the dream come to fruition. Your ability to stay dogged even when the outcomes are unpredictable. I love the sayings of Earl Wilson, “Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure.” Today, we live in a quick-fix society.

We get frustrated if we have to wait more than two minutes for almost everything. We want instant solutions for every problem; we hate process and protocols. We want it, and we want it now. But the reality is, nothing of significant worth happens overnight.

the fifth? Or, was the little tree growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond? The answer is, of course, obvious. Had the tree not developed a strong unseen foundation it could not have sustained its life as it grew.

The same principle is true for us as humans.

People, who patiently work towards worthwhile dreams and goals, building strong character while overcoming adversity and challenges, grow the strong internal foundation to handle success.

Can we stay focused and continue to believe in what we are doing even when we don’t see immediate results? In a culture driven by instant gratification – this is our biggest challenge. The change or progress we are working towards may be slow, even invisible at times, but suddenly, as in the case of the Chinese Bamboo Tree, with persistence and continual effort, you will get the result.

Without a solid foundation, nothing you build will stand the test of time.

Focus on building character before pursuing success. Mushrooms grow overnight.

Hence, they wither with intense wind. God is more concerned about the foundation on which your success or progress is built, not the success itself. Don’t jump the gun. Be patient, persevere, have faith, and stay focused. Study when you need to, play when you need to, pray when you need to, and take risks when you need to. “The price we don’t pay today, will be paid tomorrow with interest.” John Maxwell has rightly said, “The only hope for changing our lives is to change something we do daily. In life, we can either play now and pay later, or pay now and play later. Either way, we have to pay.”

Don’t take life too seriously, but don’t take it casual either. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. There are certain answers to life’s questions that elude man.

Give room for divine providence. You won’t always have control over every outcome of your life; don’t try to. When life doesn’t make sense, turn to God, and when all things fall into place, don’t forget your maker.

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PAGE 34

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

I want to relive my trauma.

It is the only way to heal SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

My days in Panama began to flow into each other. I had begun to lose track of what day it was, not because I didn’t care, it was because I didn’t want to think about how long I had been there.

I had built a routine. I would wake up, roll up my bed, shower, eat breakfast, and then the gates were opened to our house, and we were allowed to do what we wanted.

I had begun to spend a lot of time walking around the prison. Panama was truly a beautiful country, and this was coming from someone who was only seeing a distorted fraction of it. I still remember the green of the trees, the flourishing flora, the heat of the sun; I would at times close my eyes and imagine being on vacation. I would imagine I was on a beach, soaking up the sun, sipping on something fruity, and delicious.

I would open my eyes to my reality, and each time think about how stupid I was to be daydreaming at a time like that.

It is funny how much turmoil happens in your soul when you are dealing with a traumatic situation. I was doing my best to stay hopeful even though every day, I was faced with a harsh reality; I might be here for a while.

I had met other young women who shared their stories with me. Each story I heard sent me further into depression.

Some of these women had been waiting for trial for over two years. I heard about lawyers who wouldn’t even show up to see their clients. Each story forced me to face an uncomfortable realism; I had put myself in this position. My decisions had put me in this place. Very soon, I could be that person saying to someone, “Oh! I have been here for three years waiting for my trial.” That thought to this day shook me to my core.

What also shocked me was the reaction to my story from the women in the prison. Most of them initially thought that I was in there for smuggling or trafficking drugs. When I shared with them that it was not the case, they would sit there in amazement. “They locked you up for that,” some of them would say, unsure of what to think.

It made me think, and justified some of my initial thoughts. Could the American government not have handled this a different way, especially because I was Canadian.

Could they not have contacted the Canadian government and requested me to show up at the border, turn myself in for questioning. Why did they have to go

to such extremes and have me locked up in another country 1,000 miles away?

It didn’t make sense to the women there, and to this day, it doesn’t make sense to me.

I began to take comfort in the fact that these women were so open to sharing their stories with me. It was around that time that I began to document my experiences on scrap pieces of a paper. There were certain parts of this experience that I did not want to forget. I truly believe this is when writing really became part of my life.

Writing became the way that I took pictures of my experience. Like a photographer, I wanted to capture the nuances of my experience. I knew that when I walked away from this experience that I would need reminders of exactly how I felt during this time in my life. I didn’t know that writing would become such a large part of my life. That I would be using it as a tool to not only heal myself, but to also heal others.

With pen to paper, I began to express my feelings to my parents, my boyfriend at the time, my friends. I wanted them to know how sorry I was for causing them worry, causing them pain.

Now, I wonder where these scrap pieces of paper are. I really want to find them to share them with you. I also want to go back to where my mind was during a time of great sadness. I want to relive my trauma. It is the only way to heal.

I challenge you to say yes and just dream GARCIA AKUA

garcia@carib101.com

COSMIC CORNER

Peace, love and light star family! I hope this finds you all well. We have embarked on one year of the pandemic. One year of changes, lockdowns and new ways of doing just about everything social. We are all zoomers, from work to family functions, children are bombarded by screens and we all have used Amazon and online shopping far more than we should. We are Covid fatigued, we yearn for social contact, but are anxious at the thought of deep engagement. We have been through a lot this year.

It’s time to process. Pisces season enters the chat.

On March 13th we have our last New Moon of the cosmic cycle with Pisces being the last sign of the zodiac. It’s

time for closure. All month we have been focusing on releasing our fears and illusions. With the Pisces New Moon we have an opportunity to dream and vision for the year ahead regardless of those fears. What would your ideal life look like if you did not have doubts and fears? This is the vision we should be looking to everyday. This is the motivation to keep pushing through regardless of the pandemic or the last year we have gone through.

What have you learned? How have your heart’s desires changed or grown over the last year? With this New Moon, we also have Venus and Neptune both in the sign of Pisces as well. Venus is all things love, worth and finances while Neptune represents our dreams and visions, it is spiritual and intuitive. The universe is asking if we are willing to set new goals and intentions around pursuing our dreams. Are you brave enough to follow your intuition and your heart? Are you spiritually grounded enough to manifest these dreams without fear?

Fear has been the headline for the past year. It is extremely easy to buy into all the distractions taking you away from your goals and dreams. Life itself is a

task to maneuver. We have to manage our households, families, relationships, jobs, etc. It can be hard to find the time to dream much less pursue. However, many people are living unhappy lives because they are not living a life they are fulfilled or satisfied by. Many relationships haven’t made it through the pandemic. Many businesses have been forced to lay off or close down.

A lot of the things we were dedicating our time to didn’t last the test of the pandemic.

With all the lockdowns and lock ins, it gave us some time to think about what really matters in our lives.

So, in fact, we do have time to dream. You have to prioritize that time.

You have to prioritize you. Your dreams matter, your goals and aspirations matter, self-fulfillment matters. Stop letting your past fears interrupt your future dreams.

Stop allowing the voices from outside to tell you what’s best for your inside. The universe is giving us an opportunity to dream.

Spring is around the corner, we can plant the seeds of our dreams and water them to reality, but first we have to dream. Are you ready to put your fears aside and the dream bigger for you? I challenge you to say yes and just dream.

LIFE

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 35

Toronto Catholic School Board takes positive steps to fight anti-black racism in schools PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

YOUTH EDUCATION

The on-going fight against systemic racism, specifically anti-black racism has particularly focused on the role of educational institutions. Within the Greater Toronto area, both public and catholic school boards have seen the importance of having anti-racism plans in place.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is one of the most recent boards that have been pressured to implement an anti-racism plan. There have been reports of racist incidents at schools including: St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, Francis Leberman Catholic S.S, Notre Dame Catholic S.S. and Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic S.S. that have been published in the mainstream media. These cast a negative light on the board as it seems slow to admit and develop strategies to combat anti-black racism.

In the wave of George Floyd’s death and increased racist reports in Ontario, there was a statement released by the Chair and former Director on June

2nd, 2020, which states, “We have to face the truth that anti-black racism exists in the TCDSB.” Subsequently, former Student Trustee Taylor Dallin presented fourteen recommendations at a Special Board meeting on June 18th, 2021 regarding anti- black and anti-indigenous racism in TCDSB’s schools. These came about as a result of consultation with students and the Equity and Human Rights Advisor.

Some of these recommendations are: •

•

•

•

•

Disaggregated race-based student data collection be initiated so that the TCDSB knows the issues BIPOC students face and has numbers of representation Mandatory bi-annual and anti-racism training for all teachers, administrators and staff be put-in place which helps break down the racial barrier between themselves and students facilitates an understanding of BIPOC topics The TCDSB makes an official commitment to tracking anti-black racism given that the word “black” was not mentioned a single time in the TCDSB Equity Action Plan Staff rights vs. human rights specific policy modelled around the Ontario Human Rights Code, which recognized the enumerated grounds of the charter, lays out wrongful behaviours and details an investigation process All TCDSB reports and policies go through a race equity lens prior to

•

•

being published Proper infrastructure be put in place to address equity needs within the TCDSB in the form of a more extensive and permanent equity team The TCDSB is committed to working with the African-Canadian Advisory Committee, the Indigenous Education Advisory Community and BIPOC students in implementing these recommendations

Dr. Brendon Browne was appointed as Director of Education of the TCDSB starting September 1st, 2020. This was good news given his expertise in implementing positive systemic changes. He wrote a letter on November 6th, 2020 titled, “TCDSB’ s commitment in addressing anti-black racism,” in which he outlined in detail his vision. He acknowledged the reality of anti-black racism and states, “As the Director of Education for TCDSB, I recognize my role and leadership as, being paramount to addressing systemic racism, ensuring equity and leading from an anti-racist, anti-oppression perspective.”

He states that one of his first decisions is to obtain data. He writes, “We are taking immediate steps to launch our identity- based data collection which will better equip us to identify and monitor disparities within our school system. This data will inform decisions that change outcomes for black students.”

There was a subsequent announcement that the Equity Department is working to create a Dismantling AntiBlack Racism Strategy (DABR) after getting input from black students. There was a call out for Virtual Focus Groups from two streams. The first one involves approximately sixty-four students from different regions, which are done virtually, and the second one was from a questionnaire/survey.

In addition, TCDSB created African Canadian Heritage Resources for February 2021. Workshops on “Unpacking Anti-black Racism” that were conducted

by Natasha Henry. There was also the first Student Voice Competition for Grades 7-12 students geared to combating racism in TCDSB schools.

PAGE 36

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

THIS AIN’T NO FAIRY TALE; Interview with Meghan Markle RALPH BRYANT ralph@carib101.com

BLACK MINDS MATTER Like so many people, I was shocked, but not surprised, by the interview with Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, with Oprah Winfrey, detailing their struggles inside the royal family. It is a devastating account of bullying, the negative side of social media, and racism. It is also a reminder that money and fame are not enough to insulate yourself from mental illness.

During her interview, Meghan Markle talks about her lowest point, “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. I thought it would have solved everything for everyone.” That is an incredible revelation to think that a beautiful, accomplished woman - a star in her own right - would be treated so shockingly that she would think committing suicide would be a better option.

Who knew I would have something in common with a Duchess, but it is true. Many times in my life I felt the same way; better off dead. According to a study by the Government of Canada, 11.8% of people think about committing suicide.

These are people that, like me, are struggling with the difficulties of daily life. Now, imagine living in what is literally a fairy tale setting and what should be the happiest time of your life, and it turning into such a nightmare that someone would walk away from all of it.

You hear some critics say Meghan Markle should have known she was marrying into a family whose sole existence is to be fodder for the media hordes

of Britain, and are brutal and relentless on a good day. However, how could anyone really prepare himself or herself for the onslaught that made her leave England?

Now, add to that the invasions of her privacy, to which she won a case against the Mail newspaper, calling the newspaper’s practices “illegal and dehumanizing.” Not to mention, the claims of racism against the British press, speaking out about headlines such as “Gangster Royalty.”

Perhaps the most disturbing allegation is that members of the royal family were inquiring about what color the children might be. For anyone to have asked that question is, excuse the pun, beyond the pale. Meghan Markle might understand that better than anyone. She described herself as “more than an other” when talking about her own mixed-race identity back in 2015.

And let’s be clear, telling Meghan Markle that she should have known what to expect from the sensationalized treatment of the British press, is yet another example of blaming the victim. This is something that women experience far too often. However, this is not a case of “he said, she said” or played out in the privacy of Buckingham Palace. Much of her abuse has taken place in the public eye, in the harshest light possible, but that is a long way from being “the most trolled person in the world, as Meghan Markle described herself on World Mental Health Day. “There is a difference between being rude and being racist,” she said during the interview.

It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old, rich or poor, from the hood of Compton, or a fairy princess from England, no one is immune from struggling with mental illness. We also cannot discount the impact of troll culture on social media and a media culture that is more focused on click bait than on humanity. We should be demanding that all people who suffer in this society be treated with the respect that everyone deserves, no matter whether you are Cinderella or a Duchess.

At-home charging options for your EV Every year, more charging stations are added along major highways and in other high-traffic areas across the country. However, when it co­mes to everyday use, the most convenient and in­expensive option is to charge your plug-in hybrid or electric car at home using one of these three power sources.

1. A 110/120-VOLT WALL SOCKET Most electric vehicles come with a charging ca­ble that can be plugged into a regular three-prong 110/120volt household socket. This will supply your car with about eight kilometres of range for every hour of charging time, making it the slowest option. However, an overnight charge generally provides enough power for a daily commute. Just make sure nothing else is plugged into the same circuit.

2. A 240-VOLT APPLIANCE SOCKET Another option is to charge your electric car using the same type of 240-volt socket you use to run a dryer or other heavy-duty appliance. Referred to as level two charging, this method usually provides about 30 kilometres of range per hour, which significantly cuts down on charging time. If you don’t have a 240-volt socket in your garage,

you’ll need to hire an electrician to install one and possibly upgrade your breaker panel.

3. A 240-VOLT CHARGING STATION You can also purchase a home charging station that operates at 240 volts. These units are typically wall-mounted and can include smart features that allow you to power up remotely and view data on your usage. To ensure the station is safely installed, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician. Fortunately, many governments offer rebates for the purchase and/or installation of home charging stations.

Always consult the owner’s manual for your electric vehicle before plugging it into an unfamiliar power source.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

Following your passions despite uncertainty TARA MYSHRALL tara@carib101.com

COMPELLED TO CHANGE At the start of the pandemic, I decided that despite all the changes that were taking place and the lack of travel (that one is really difficult for me!), that I would use my time at home to try new things and diversify my portfolio. I embraced the uncertainty in life that was caused by the pandemic and used it as an opportunity to grow.

Instead of being thrown off by not knowing how COVID-19 would affect me, I committed to my goals and used this time to explore my other creative interests and passions.

I have always loved my corporate roles, but I felt a calling to do more. I wanted to tap into my creative energy and explore some of my passions that had been put on the backburner for way too long. I started writing this column, which I adore! I love sharing my perspective with all you wonderful people! I wrote an e-book and had a chapter published in an anthology called Breathe, part of A Beautiful Life publication. I started teaching a class on abundance vs scarcity mindset, to a group of outstanding women and I started teaching as an associate professor at Conestoga College. I love finally doing some of the things I always wanted to try.

As all this was unfolding, my corporate organization was acquired by another company and I found myself spinning. My job has always been my grounding point, regardless of all my other endeavours. I love my clients and helping community organizations with technology solutions. Despite being able to handle uncertainty in other areas, this transition to

working for a new company was very difficult and left me spinning.

Here I was, the queen of ambiguity, feeling distraught as I just didn’t know what to expect with my new organization.

Has this ever happened to you? The thing that grounds you changes and all of a sudden, you feel like you’re floating, spinning or sinking? You’re not sure where to plant your feet, if you’re safe or how things will play out. Needless to say, this acquisition created a lot of feelings of uncertainty.

Over the past couple of months, people who know me have made some interesting comments about doing too much and encouraged me to take things off my plate or look for a new corporate career. At times I thought they were right! Maybe I was doing too much?

But I had to dig deep and figure out why the uncertainty of the new role really bothered me so much. Why was I letting others’ perspectives bother me so much? When I took some time to reflect, I got very clear. I realized that I am not doing too much. I am doing exactly what I want to be doing and what some view as work, just isn’t work for me. I love the things I do with my time and the lessons that have unfolded for me as a result.

Today, I was on a training session with my new company and they spoke all about inclusion and diversification of perspective and workforce. The CEO mentioned that the more diverse the groups, the broader the perspective and the growth. This dialogue brought back the grounding I needed. I felt hopeful that this organization aligns with my core values. The fear I was feeling slowly eroded and a sense of excitement set in.

It can be very difficult facing the unknown but if we push through the fear there are amazing lessons and rewards on the other side. We will never know if we don’t start, if we don’t follow our passions.

Take some time to reflect on your life.

Where are you letting uncertainty prevent you from moving forward?

7 tips to make spring cleaning more eco-friendly Are you ready to freshen up your home after a long winter cooped up inside? Here are seven ways to give your house the deep clean it needs while also helping to protect the environment.

1. AIR-DRY YOUR LAUNDRY Since dryers use a massive amount of energy, take advantage of nice weather by hanging your clothes and linens outside or use a drying rack.

2. OPT FOR NATURAL CLEANERS Choose biodegradable products rather than harsh chemicals that harm the environment. You can also use white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice to get the job done.

3. USE WATER SPARINGLY Fill a bucket rather than repeatedly opening the tap to rinse your cloth. When possible, use a broom instead of a mop.

4. SWITCH TO REUSABLE RAGS Give up paper towels for good. Buy washable cloths, or better yet, use cut-up

towels and old T-shirts that would otherwise be thrown out.

5. DONATE UNWANTED CLOTHES If they’re in good condition, you can give old clothes to a local charity. Items that can’t be worn anymore should be recycled.

Look for a garment collection program in your area.

6. REDUCE PAPER WASTE If an accumulation of bank statements and other mail is creating clutter in your home, switch over to receiving notifications by email instead.

7. CHOOSE A NATURAL SCENT Rather than rely on aerosol air fresheners, fill your home with the natural fragrances of cut flowers, essential oils, reed diffusers or stovetop potpourri.

Lastly, make sure to schedule maintenance calls for all your appliances. This will ensure they con­tinue to run optimally and are as energy efficient as possible.

LIFE

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Kitchen trends of 2021

Touchless design features for a germ-free home Touchless technologies have long been featured in public spaces to limit the spread of germs. Now, these motion-activated innovations are making their way into homes.

Here are a few you may want to adopt.

If you plan to remodel your kitchen this year, you should know that lacquered cabinets, exaggerated modernism and large cabinet handles are passé. When it comes to kitchen designs, here’s what’s trending in 2021.

• Light switches. Illuminate your home by walking past conveniently placed sensors.

• Faucets and toilets. Touchless versions will help keep your bathrooms sanitary.

• Soap dispensers. Wash your hands without getting the dispenser dirty.

• Appliances. Dishwashers, refrigerators and ovens are increasingly featuring technologies that allow you to open and close them without using a handle.

• Garbage bins. Open and close your trash can with motion-activated technology.

OVERSIZED PANTRIES Whether free-standing or walk-in, large pantries with showcase-like shelving and plenty of hideaway storage are a hit in kitchens of all styles. If you have the space for it, this trend is for you.

You can find touchless technologies at hardware and appliance stores in your area.

STORAGE WALLS If there’s limited room in your kitchen, floor-to-ceiling storage rather than multiple cabinets will maximize the space to accommodate all your cooking essentials.

Pro-tip: add electrical outlets inside the cabinets so you can plug in small appliances.

HIDDEN RANGE HOODS Range hoods that are integrated into cabinets or walls are increasingly po­ pular. You can also hide them behind tile or natural stone. However, make sure your range hood is positioned for optimal ef­ ficiency and easy to access for repair or replacement.

WARM NEUTRAL TONES Browns, beiges and greys are taking centre stage in 2021. Hardware should also be warm. Choose matted gold, copper, champagne and charcoal pieces for your drawers and cabinets as well as your faucets and other fixtures.

NATURAL MATERIALS Wood, stone and other materials that evoke the natural world are the backbone of minimalist, contemporary, rustic and garden-themed kitchens. Opt for understated matte finishes and warm rather than cool tones.

If there’s one trend not to ignore in 2021, it’s the rising tendency to favour locally crafted items and regionally sourced materials. When renovating your kitchen, be sure to buy decorative items, cabinets, hardware, tile and stone from retailers and craftspeople in your community.

A brief guide to home additions

Home theatre essentials Enjoy a big-screen experience at home with your very own home theatre. This renovation project is easier to pull off than you might think. Here are five things you’ll need.

3. SEATING Opt for luxurious single seating in plush leather or soft fabric. Black recliners are a classic choice, but upholstered chaise lounges may offer greater comfort.

1. TV OR PROJECTOR Before you choose your viewing system, compare the pros and cons of a big screen TV with those of an overhead projector.

Opt for the biggest screen you can afford with the highest resolution.

4. SNACK STATION Save space for the movie snacks you love most. Your snack station can include a popcorn maker, a mini-fridge, a bar, jars of candy, a soda-making station or a water cooler.

2. SOUND SYSTEM The best home theatre systems don’t skimp when it comes to sound. Consider adding built-in speakers to the walls or ceiling. Also, make sure your system includes a subwoofer, as rich bass notes will make the cinematic experience more exciting.

5. LIGHTING Blackout curtains are a must, and overhead lighting on a dimmer will allow you to quickly get the show started. Consider adding LED light strips to create a theatre-like atmosphere. They can be placed behind movie posters, underneath seats or along path­ w ays to the rest­­room, snack sta­tion and exit.

Once you’ve pi­­cked out the es­sen­­tials, you can choose one or more add-ons.

Consider including an electric fire­place, a video game con­ sole or simply some soft blankets to curl up under.

Building an addition is a great way to expand your living space with­ out moving. Here’s what you should know about this type of renovation project.

TYPES One way to add space to your home is to build another storey. How­ ever, if you have the square-footage, house extensions can also be lateral. Alternatively, an extension can be added to the rear of your home.

What’s more, house additions can be built on piers or a foundation. If you want to build a sunroom, carport or storage room, you’re better off building the extension on piers. How­ ever, if it’s a space that will be fre­quently used, you may want to put in a foundation.

STEPS Adding an extension can be broken down into three basic steps: plan, build and inspect. At each stage, you’ll need to rely on the expertise of the right professional to ensure your addition is functional, safe and to-code. You’ll need an architect to design it, a contractor to

build it and an inspector to ensure everything is just right.

COSTS Building a home extension is a major renovation and will likely come with a hefty price tag. However, you can save on expenses by carefully planning out your project and choosing materials that are modestly priced. Also, extensions built on piers are more affordable than those built on a foundation.

The best way to get started on an addition is to reach out to an architect who can help you draw up the plans and get the necessary permits for the project.

FUN

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 39

WEEK OF MARCH 14 TO MARCH 20, 2021

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: CANCER, LEO AND VIRGO

Your ambition and enthusiasm will allow you to grow your income.

You’ll be able to afford to treat yourself. If you book a week­long vacation, it will be a memorable experience.

TAURUS

To avoid any unpleasant surpri­ses when it comes to your finan­ces, take the time to look over your bills. A mistake regarding a sum of money might have been made and could cause a major in convenience.

PUZZLE NO. 731 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 731

HOW TO PLAY :

GEMINI

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

It’s important to think long and hard before you embark on a new adventure that’ll change your day­to­day life. New options will be­ come apparent as the week un­folds.

CANCER

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.

You’ll receive invitations to par­ticipate in an array of activities, each more exciting than the last. However, don’t forget to make time to rest and relax.

LEO

At work, as well as among your family and friends, you’ll be in charge of organizing a large­s cale event. It’ll be quite a challenge to plan. You’ll also be asked to get involved in your community.

PUZZLE NO. 21

ACROSS

1. Quarrel 5. As of now 8. Blemish 12. Formal promise 13. Lobe’s location 14. Seclude 15. Able to read

17. At the summit of 18. Movie-rental choice 19. Exporters 21. Bronze coin 23. Faulty item 24. Volcanic emission 26. Destroy the

interior of 28. Entice 32. Attendee 34. Thick stuff 36. Law 37. Put a stop to 39. Vote of no 41. Caustic material 42. Be suitable for

44. Ascended 46. More sharply inclined 50. Beneath 53. Weeder 54. Bring back 56. At leisure 57. Damage 58. Bottomless 59. Win by a ____ 60. Observe secretly 61. Makes mistakes

25. “Sanford and ____” 27. Freight weight 29. North American mammal 30. Tissue layer 31. Following ess 33. Arbitrator 35. Rowing implement 38. Chip’s companion

DOWN

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 21

1. Auctioneer’s cry 2. Duet 3. Connected 4. Topic 5. Positive response 6. Dines 7. Wooded 8. Tremble 9. Water duct 10. Perfume 11. Hamilton bills 16. Clanged 20. Bolt’s partner 22. Jerk 24. Period in history

40. “Forever ____ Girl” 43. Stipulations 45. Insulting 46. Leg bone 47. Hubbub 48. Snakelike swimmers 49. Harvest 51. At all times 52. Salesmen 55. Strive

VIRGO

You’ll embrace a form of spiritu­ality that will allow you to have a more active social life and meet interesting people. You’ll form new friendships and improve your well­being.

LIBRA

You’ll finally get your priorities straight this week. You’ll end a long period of procrastination and set in motion some much­needed changes.

SCORPIO

You and your partner will talk about taking a vacation, which will encourage you to learn more about certain destinations that you’ve been interested in for a long time.

SAGITTARIUS

If you have concerns about your health, take the time to visit your doctor and have the necessary tests done. Either everything will be fine, or you’ll receive extra­ordinary care that’ll allow you to quickly heal.

CAPRICORN

At work, your willingness to take the initiative will help you reach a long­term agreement with cer­tain people. This will ease most of your financial concerns and help you eliminate a few debts.

AQUARIUS

Either at home or at the office, a number of compromises must be made to restore the peace. You’ll need to work on your patience if you want to get through a mind­boggling situation.

PISCES

Are you overzealous? There are days when you need to respect your limits. Remember to consi­der your own needs before you commit to helping others. A fam­ily member may prove to be de­ manding.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

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PAGE 42

REAL ESTATE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

The pandemic, house prices and the future of real estate JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

In December 2019, the average home sold for $819,000. One year later, in December 2020, the average home price climbed to $935,000 and two months later, in February 2021, the average home in the GTA sold for $1,045,000. Last month, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) said that there were 10,970 sales, an increase of 52.5% compared to February 2020. The average price climbed by $110,000 in two months. We are in lockdown, so what is the relationship between lockdowns and real estate sales?

During lockdowns, less sellers are inclined to put their homes up for sale. This can create scarcity and lead to multiple offers. With multiple offers, the price keeps climbing. I submitted an offer on a home in Vaughan that was listed for 1.6 million.

The home sold for 2.1 million. It’s a regular home, approximately 2,900 square feet but

attracted 7 bidders. TRREB president, Lisa Patel, said that “It’s also evident that the supply of listings is not keeping up with demand, which could present an even larger problem once population growth picks up following widespread vaccinations later this year and into 2022.”

Immigration is on the rise. With more families settling in the GTA, prices will continue to climb. Record low interest rates add extra fuel to an already heated economy. With a low interest rate, more homes are changing hands and the government is churning much needed tax dollars to pay for COVID-19. To put this into perspective, take a look at the amount of land transfer tax the government collected from the purchase of homes in February alone.

When you add other spin-offs such as HST, property tax and capital gains tax, you will understand that with higher home prices, the wheels of commerce spin faster.

TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer commented that “In the absence of a marked uptick in inventory, the current relationship between demand and supply supports continued double-digit average home price growth this year. In addition, if we continue to see growth in condo sales outstrip growth in new condo listings in Toronto, renewed price growth in this market segment is a distinct possibility in the

second half of the year.” The condo market had cooled between October to December 2020. Once lockdown was announced, supply dropped and the current condo market is on fire. First time buyers are afraid of losing out and this is creating buying frenzies, pushing prices even higher.

Remax Ontario predicts that the residential market across Ontario will remain strong for 2021 with the average home price increasing by 10% for London, 7% for Kitchener-Waterloo and HamiltonBurlington, 12% in Niagara and 10% in Kingston, Cornwall and Thunder Bay. Many senior citizens who, in normal times, would have sold and moved to a retirement home, choose to keep their homes instead. It is estimated that this accounts for about 10% of properties up for sale in a given year. Many families, instead of moving to another home, choose to stay and use some of their equity to renovate their existing home or to invest in a second property.

With the pandemic, the wealthy benefit as we can see with companies such as Amazon. Investors with multiple residential properties can use their equities to buy up others. It is becoming increasingly difficult for first time buyers to save enough for a down payment. In addition, many of these buyers are not qualified for a mortgage to match the current selling prices of

homes. Low-income earners are caught in a rabbit hole leading towards an emerging trend where families are forced to pay rent for the rest of their lives. A word of advice—buy anything you can afford. With our government printing more money, inflation will push home prices even higher.

Currently, the number of homes on the market is increasing. This is good news because with more homes available, the demand will subside momentarily. A word of caution for buyers who bought homes that will be closing in early or late summer; It’s best to ask your lender to appraise the property as soon as possible. If prices drop by the time you are ready to close, the appraised value will be lower and the lender will lend based on the appraised value and not necessary the sold price. This can be the monkey wrench that will land a buyer into financial trouble. When shopping for interest rates, the current spread between variable and fixed rate mortgage is narrow. The fixed rate in my opinion is a better option.

This pandemic taught us that the world is small and when a butterfly flaps it wings, it becomes the wind under the wings of Toronto’s soaring house market. When it comes to real estate, the high prices today will look like a bargain tomorrow. Don’t wait for the other train.

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PAGE 44

FINANCE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Five tips to buy in a hot real estate market CLEVE DeSOUZA cleve@carib101.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Home prices are rising even as sales set alltime records.

According to Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), the average price for properties in Toronto for January 2021 was up by 15.5%. That’s an increase of $967,885 over just a year ago.

The growth comes primarily from low-rise housing segments. The average price for a condominium was down in Toronto, but TREB expects the condo market to pick up this year.

We are still in a red-hot sellers market and many buyers are finding it harder to land that dream home. This article provides some tips for how to buy in this hot market.

Tip #1: Buy properties during fall and winter If you’ve thought about investing in a home, get ready. Traditionally, house prices are higher in the spring and summer.

The weather is comfortable, which makes shopping easier. Homes look their best.

Plus, people like to move in the summer.

There are fewer weather-related difficulties and it gives the kids a chance to settle in before school starts.

Real estate price trends show that prices are lower in the fall and winter. So, the best thing is to bundle up and buy when fewer people are shopping.

Tip #2: Take advantage of low rates while they last This year, there may be added incentive to buy in the spring and summer. Mortgage rates dropped last March when the Bank of Canada kept rates at historic lows to support the economy during the pandemic.

It wasn’t long ago that rates were in the 7% range, but some are now as low as 1.4%. This puts upward pressure on housing prices, forcing the government to temper the rates to support the economy as we emerge from the pandemic.

The low rates won’t last forever, though.

Tip #3: Get your mortgage pre-approved Pre-approval helps you shop with confidence in a hot market. Finding a qualified mortgage agent allows you to evaluate your situation and pre-shops the lending market to get you pre-approved.

Note that pre-approval is not an approved mortgage. It does provide a high level of confidence that you will be approved. It also gives you and your real estate agent more certainty on how much you can afford. It also makes it faster to complete your mortgage paperwork.

Tip #4: Stay calm and make smart buying decisions Prices in Toronto have skyrocketed and many people believe their dreams of ownership have vanished. That’s not true. The trick is to maintain a resilient mind-set and create a strategy.

You will have to make decisions about where you live and what you can afford. When we talk to clients, we look at the cost benefits of alternate locations. We remind you to consider your commute to work and school, proximity to family and friends, as well as the likelihood of your investment growing in value.

In a hot market, you need an agent to help you through bidding wars, know when interest rates will rise, predict when the market will crash, and guide you to the right property.

Tip #5: Never forget the power of leverage in real estate You can own properties by coming up with a fraction of the overall value of the property and the bank will lend you the rest. It’s called leverage. It works like this. When you buy a home, you give the bank a deposit.

The bank finances the rest of the purchase price. If you buy a $500,000 home and it grows in value by $25,000 a year, you can sell it, pay back the bank, and pocket the profit. Congratulations! You just leveraged the bank’s money to invest in your future.

I strongly recommend you get professional help when employing advanced strategies such as leverage.

Assets do I put my “Trust” ANDREW STEWART andrew@carib101.com

FAMILY ADVISOR

Instead of using a will to transfer their estate, some individuals transfer assets into a family trust during their lifetime. Trusts are often used in tax and estate planning because of the flexibility they offer over the control, management and distribution of appreciating assets.

Transferring assets into a family trust gives the settlor the opportunity to establish the terms of the trust in the trust document. A family trust also gives the settlor flexibility over the timing of distributions, type of distributions and amount the trust’s beneficiaries receive.

What is a Trust?

The trust relationship is created when a person who initially owns certain property (the settlor of a trust created during lifetime or a testator of a Will) transfers possession and legal and beneficial ownership of the property, to someone else. The person who receives possession of the property, and the legal ownership, is the trustee of the trust. The person who receives the beneficial ownership is the beneficiary of the trust. The trustee is given authority

to manage the property according to the terms outlined in the trust agreement, for the benefit of the beneficiary. A trust is not a legal entity but is considered a separate taxpayer for income tax purposes.

Some reasons to set up a Family Trust include: • To provide for the maintenance and financial well-being of children and ensuring the financial care of children with disabilities. For parents and grandparents looking to invest for children, taking the time to pick the right investments is a worthwhile endeavor.

However, if the child is under the age of eighteen, he or she cannot yet invest as an adult. If you want to build an investment portfolio for a child, then an informal in-trust account is a lowcost and flexible option • To benefit a spouse or common-law partner, or an ex-spouse or ex-common-law partner • To provide for the maintenance and financial well-being of elderly family members • To maintain and administer a cottage or vacation property for the benefit of future generations • To protect privacy, since the trust agreement, the nature of its assets and beneficial interests do not have to be disclosed to the general public • To save probate fees, since assets in a trust do not form part of the estate and are not subject to probate fees • To ensure the settlor’s wishes are carried out, since a trust arrangement

may be protected from legal changes that may otherwise apply to wills A formal trust can be used in many tax and estate planning contexts to provide tax savings, control and protection, and as a vehicle to transfer wealth to future generations. From a Canadian tax perspective, an inter-vivos family trust can facilitate income-splitting to lower the overall family tax burden through the funding of family expenses, such as children’s educational costs in excess of RESP limits.

While the use of a family trust can facilitate an income splitting strategy and provide control and protection over family assets, a trust structure may not be appropriate for every family.

Some other considerations in establishing a family trust include: • The additional complexity and administrative tasks and costs • The legal fees involved in retaining a trust and estate lawyer to provide advice and draft the trust agreement • The annual costs of maintaining the trust, including legal and accounting (bookkeeping) fees and tax return preparation • Annual trustee fees that may be charged by the trustee(s) unless waived.

Given these costs, unless there are valuable non-tax reasons for establishing a trust structure, it is generally suggested that a trust should not be established with less than $500,000 of capital.

AUTO

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 45

What is horsepower, exactly?

Car dealers and advertisers often talk about horsepower. If you’ve ever wondered what this term means, here’s what you should know.

WHY IT’S CALLED HORSEPOWER Horsepower (hp) is the theoretical power that one horse can generate. The term was coined in 1782 by Scottish inventor James Watt, who, based on his observations at a coal mine, determined that a horse was capable of accomplishing 33,000 footpounds of work per minute, which meant it could pull 330 pounds of coal 100 feet per minute.

The typical mid-size car has about 170 hp.

This means that the maximum power it can generate is equivalent to the force produced by about 170 horses.

WHY HORSEPOWER IS IMPORTANT Horsepower is the most useful metric for measuring engine performance. Greater horsepower translates to faster vehicle ac­­ celeration and higher speeds. Plus, along with torque, horsepower is vital to towing capacity.

WHY CARS NEED SO MUCH OF IT Compared to Watt’s horses, which hauled heavy mounds of coal at a modest pace,

your car engine powers a massive load, with the average mid-size car checking in at around 3,300 pounds. In addition, you need to travel much faster. This requires the power of a lot of horses.

Finally, in case you were wondering, the car with the most horsepower is the Lotus Evija, which has a stampede of 1,973 hor­ ses under its hood.

THE MATH OF HORSEPOWER Horsepower is calculated as follows: force (in pounds) multiplied by distance (in feet) divided by time (in seconds).

When should you replace your muffler?

On average, mufflers need to be replaced every five to seven years.

However, this is merely a benchmark, and sometimes they need to be replaced earlier than expected.

THE REASON YOUR MUFFLER IS IMPORTANT The muffler’s main job is to reduce en­gine noise, which other­wise would be deafeningly loud. How­ ever, it also improves vehicle performance by clearing exhaust gas from the engine. This allows the engine to take in more oxygen and generate greater power, which translates to an improvement in fuel economy.

SIGNS YOUR MUFFLER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED Here are the main indicators that your muffler is nearing the end of its lifespan:

The 2021 Lotus Evija

• Excessive engine noise. If your car makes a loud roaring, thumping or clunking sound when you drive it, the exhaust system may have

A guide to chrome accessories If you want to enhance the look of your car without spending a fortune, chrome is an excellent option. Here’s the lowdown on chrome car accessories.

WHAT’S CHROME AND HOW’S IT ADDED TO A VEHICLE? Chrome is created through a process called electroplating. It requires that a coat of chromium be applied to a metal or plastic item.

Car accessories made of chrome can be either overlays or replacements. Overlays are coverings that fit over existing vehicle parts and features. Replacements are complete parts, and installing them requires the removal of the old corresponding part.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CHROME? First and foremost, chrome is stylish. This shiny, silvery material lends cars a poli­ shed, classy look. In addition, chrome accessories are generally stronger than the

factory parts they replace.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR CHROME ACCESSORIES? Almost any car component can be accentuated with chrome (some auto enthusiasts even chrome-plate engine components). However, these are the most commonly chro­med car parts: • Grille • Bumper • Rims • Door handles • Gas cap • Tail light trim • Headlight trim • Rocker panels • Post trim • Hood shield • Fender trim Chrome accessories are usually easy to install. However, if you’re looking for quality custom work, make sure to visit an auto body shop.

loose parts or be broken.

• Bad fumes. If your muffler starts to emit foul-smelling or unusually thick fumes, this is a sure sign that it needs to be replaced.

• Dripping water. A bit of condensation in the muffler is normal, but if it’s leaking water, there’s definitely an issue.

REPLACE YOUR BROKEN MUFFLER ASAP If your muffler is broken, driving your car will be noisy, and your engine’s performance will weaken. More importantly, this broken com­ po­ nent poses a safety risk. A faulty muffler can expose other road users, especially cyclists, to dangerous ex­ haust fumes. In some cases, these fumes could enter the cabin of your own vehicle.

If you notice an issue with your muffler, bring your car to a qualified me­ chanic right away.

PAGE 46

SPORTS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, March 17, 2021

This week in sports The latest updates on all of your favourite sports (and rightly so). This means Jamaica can celebrate its first UFC champion!

MARCEL MARIAK marcel@carib101.com

TC JUNIOR REPORTER

Hockey: Nation mourns the loss of ‘Canada’s Hockey Dad.’ The hockey community is in mourning following the death of hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky’s father. ‘Canada’s Hockey Dad,’ Walter Gretzky the father of the Great One who dominated the hockey game in the 1980s passed away on March 4th at the age of 82. Walter Gretzky was a pillar in the hockey world. Not only did he help create the greatest hockey player to ever live, inspiring generations for years to come, he was also the ideal model of what it means to be a Canadian. Although the stories and legacies told by the people who knew Walter vary, they always make a point of mentioning his humble demeanor and willingness to always help others. Walter was buried in Brantford, Ontario, and his funeral was broadcast live on media networks across the nation. Walter’s passing created an outpouring of tributes and support on social media, showing that while we may all have our differences, a single outstanding individual can unite us and serve as a reminder of what it means to be Canadian.

Mixed Martial Arts: UFC 259 - Jamaica gets its first-ever UFC champion in controversial victory!

In combat sports, there’s seldom any question as to who won a bout. It’s typically easy to determine the winner of a fight because one competitor is standing and the other one, well, isn’t. Every once in a while, the MMA philosophers get a chance to debate a controversial judge’s decision or dirty technique. This time, not only did fans witness a controversial championship bout, Jamaica also got its first-ever UFC champion.

In the men’s Bantamweight championship, the Russian champion Petr Yan defended his belt against the JamaicanAmerican Alazani Sterling. The fight ended with a rarely seen disqualification. Late in the fourth round, Petr Yan threw a brutal head-knee to his downed opponent. The strike had enough power to snap Sterling’s head back and nearly knock him unconscious. The fight was immediately paused by the referee, and when Sterling failed to get back up after a couple of minutes, he won the fight by disqualification. While Yan’s knee was unquestionably a dirty hit, Sterling’s failure to return to the fight sparked intense controversy in the MMA world; with several big-name fighters like Henry Cejudo and TJ Dillashaw claiming that Sterling exaggerated the injury to win the fight by disqualification. No matter what the MMA community argues, the official ruling stands as a disqualification

Basketball: Kyle Lowry looking likely to leave the Raptors - sells his Toronto home.

Rumours about a possible Kyle Lowry trade have been going around for a while. With the success of the Raptors in the past few years, it’s no surprise that when whispers about a possible trade of our favourite point guard began circulating through the grapevine, the situation immediately became big news.

Last week, Lowry sold his Toronto home, which sent shivers down the spines of all hardcore Raptors fans. Although negotiations between clubs and players are secretive and difficult to predict, it’s beginning to look more and more likely that Kyle might be looking for a new team to represent. Not only did Lowry decide to sell off his house during the pandemic (an atypical move for someone who’s looking to keep playing for the Raptors), he also sold his Toronto mansion for quite a bit below its market value. With the trade deadline fast approaching, what this seems to suggest is that Kyle Lowry has his eyes on settling in another city in the very near future. This predicament leaves fans with an ominous question: is this the end of Lowry in Toronto, and if so, who would replace him?

Soccer: UEFA cracks down on racism in the sport.

Over two decades into the 21st century, it’s a shame that we still need to tell people that racism has no place in society. Unfortunately, racism continues to be a constant issue around the world. Just last week, the soccer world was shocked when a referee made a racial remark to a coach during a UEFA Champions League group-stage game between Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. During the game, an argument broke out after a UEFA referee referred to Istanbul’s assistant coach as “the black one.” This comment sparked an outrage with players of both teams and the game was eventually abandoned as players began walking off the pitch. The game hadn’t even gone on for fiftee minutes.

To control the damage done by their referee, UEFA instantly put the arbiter under suspension and has launched an investigation into the offence. Tentatively, the official will have to attend a reeducation class before he’s able to return to the pitch.

In the past UEFA, as well as other soccer associations, have been poor at handling racism-related issues. At times, it seemed that they simply didn’t care. This time, the situation was different. The controversy on the field sparked a massive social media storm when several big-name players from around the world began condemning racism.

Many still believe that the soccer world is failing to take racism seriously.

Despite the various anti-racism campaigns and programs implemented by leagues and organizations around the soccer world, racism is still very present in the sport today.

It’s no secret that racism breeds racism; and if a sport as popular as soccer fails to take it seriously, it demonstrates to countless young fans around the world that racism is ok or just an afterthought.

Baseball: Blue Jays pitcher, Robbie Ray, looking strong in spring training.

In baseball, spring training is a series of exhibition games that teams play against each other to practice strategy and improve performance. While it’s common to see players performing better as they get farther into spring training, it’s unusual to see a player improve in the middle of a game. That’s exactly what happened when the Jays played the Detroit Tigers!

Although the Jays lost 5-1 to the Tigers, the real takeaway for fans was the performance of Robbie Ray. Although the recently traded pitcher took a little while to get into his groove. Robbie played for 21/2 innings, walking two hitters and giving up an RBI double. Despite this, Robbie Ray also got an impressive 6 strikeouts which redeemed him in the eyes of fans…

but that’s not the interesting part. The odd yet very satisfying facts lay in Ray’s pitching statistics. As a rule of thumb, as pitchers become fatigued following subsequent pitches, their pitch velocity tends to decrease. Not Robbie Ray. When pitching his first two batters, Ray’s velocity was between 94-95mph. In the rest of the inning, Ray’s velocity ramped up to an impressive 96-97mph range with him even throwing a 98mph slider at one point.

After the game, Ray attributed his increased velocity to an efficient change he made to his posture while pitching.

The Blue Jays’ manager, Charlie Montoyo, was incredibly happy with Ray’s performance despite the team’s harsh loss, “It’s huge how he made that adjustment. His stuff looked really good today,” praised Montoyo,’Although the Blue Jays have many things to improve and tweak before they’re ready for their first season game against the Yankees on April 1, fans can rest easy knowing that we have dynamic players on the team who are capable of making big improvements on the fly!