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LOSING CONTROL

PASTOR AL MILLER/TORONTO CARIBBEAN Freedom… is only possible by con- lasted for generations. Some are still stantly struggling for it! with us today. Many of our fierce wars Albert Einstein and battles of recent recorded history are the result of these regimes and alHistory is replete with men, who in liances. their lust for power and driven by greed have devised amazing schemes A validating example of this premto enslave their fellow men. Many ise is the journey of our forefathers have in that quest, developed regimes from the continent of Africa, through and alliances that have outlived them the middle passage, depositing them and become in some instances, dy- in what is now called the western nasties of enslavement that have world; the Caribbean and the Ameri-

cas (north and south). They struggled with hard labour, blood, sweat and tears to attain the freedoms we enjoy today. They paid a great price. Freedom should therefore be our most prized possession! It should never be surrendered but passed on as a precious gift to our children and our generations to come.

Continued On Page 8

PAGE 2

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

TARA MYSHRALL Goodbye fear, you aren’t welcome here!

“Everybody wants to run from fear. For most people, the thing they fear most is the thing they know is going to happen from the time they are born: that they’re going to die. If we can just use fear as a fuel instead of as a disabler, then imagine what we could accomplish!” Tara Myshrall Have you ever dreamt of climbing Mt. Everest? How about skydiving over the vast Grand Canyon? For my faint-hearted and justifiably sane readers, the answer is probably “absolutely not!” For this edition’s featured woman, Tara Myshrall, that is just another day in her unique life of pushing the limitless boundaries of possibility and looking at her fears dead in the eye.

This might just be my own imagination, but I like to envision her as a sort of double agent: by day, she’s a strategic account executive and by night, a transformational coach offering her life experiences to change the lives of every woman she encounters. In whichever aspect, this avid adventurer’s bright outlook on life is so alluring that you would never know just how many obstacles she’s faced to own the prestigious title of “self-made millionaire.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Tara was the eldest of five children in a Trinidadian Canadian household. As the older sister to four brothers, it’s not too surprising that she developed a somewhat ruffian attitude growing up. Often getting into physical fights with boys who attempted to bully her in school, she had a reputation for being a tough scrapper girl. For much of her elementary life, she struggled to find where she would fit in as an overweight troublemaker from a mixed-race background. However, at that early age, she did notice that she had an ability to make others laugh and bring friendships together.

Moving onto the next vital phase in her life, she remembers sitting in her high-school’s auditorium next to her ninth grade English teacher, watching honour roll students walk across the stage to accept their certificates. She told her teacher that she aspired to be up there too by the following school year, as she was ready to shed her disruptive past and start anew.

Her teacher discouragingly laughed at her. “She said “Tara, you know that you’re pulling in a 50-something and not paying attention in class. You’re not going to get there.” That was a really big moment in my life. It’s not that I wasn’t smart enough, I just didn’t necessarily agree with all of the things that they were teaching us. But if you want to see, I’ll show you.”

By the next semester, Tara was on honour roll. She even went a step further by getting into student council.

“That took me from the scrapper girl fighting for a place at the table to basically the leader who was running the table.”

At age eighteen, Tara left home after tensions raised in her household following her getting into a relationship. For a short time, she lived in her boyfriend’s car and often couch-surfed while trying to figure out what her next steps were. Ultimately deciding to leave her post-secondary education at York University prematurely, she worked tirelessly to build herself up enough to rent an apartment. Her efforts rewardingly paid off, as it was only up from there. From becoming a manager and regional trainer at Danier Leather to securing multiple positions in the IT field for over ten years now, she singlehandedly built her career from the ground up. For many, this is where their journeys would end. I mean, to go from nearly nothing to a well-paying profession, what else could you wish

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“I always had this desire to give back and so there’s always been this calling to do the life work, to do the purposeful work. And so that’s where the coaching comes into play.”

Eight years ago, Tara stumbled upon a different path in her free time. Leveraging all of the trials and tribulations she faced in the past such as poverty, abuse, infidelity, betrayal and even medical complications, she decided to use her personal experiences to help others, specifically women who are unaware of the true power that they hold in the ability to control their own destinies.

“You know that great poem that goes like “Who am I to shine bright?” But it’s like, by shining your light, you give permission to others to shine too. When I decided to start doing this, it was hard, and it was scary. I have a corporate role, so could I really put myself out there and be vulnerable? Especially as a West Indian, where you’re taught to keep your business to yourself. But I thought, if I don’t share, if I’m not authentic, if I don’t show up and show all the scars then how am I truly going to help anybody else? It’s not only sunshine and rainbows and that difficult time that you get through is equally, if not more important than the sunshine.”

She continues. “When I jumped out of that plane, when I climbed that mountain, did you know I’m afraid of heights? When I joined that software company, I didn’t know anything about software. When I decided “No, I’m gonna stay in this car until I can get enough money to get my own place.”

I didn’t know what I was gonna do the next day. But if you look fear in the eye and you use it to compel you forward instead of making you stay in the same spot, that’s when we really make change. That is what drives me to do what I do.”

Today, alongside taking bookings for motivational speaking presentations, she offers retreats and six-week online courses ranging from group experiences to one-on-one training sessions. With a focus on giving oneself permission to expand, the programs promise to equip attending women with practical tools to assist in overcoming limiting beliefs blocking true potential and finding freedom from painful pasts.

“As women, we’re taught our whole life to conform and be what we’re supposed to be. And what we’re supposed to be is created by those that are in power, which generally are white males. So, in order for us to break through those boundaries and reconnect, we have to overcome the fear, we have to overcome the centuries of conditioning, and we have to really connect back into our inner voice. It’s so important for women to feel that they have permission to do that.

Whether you’d like to check out Tara’s different transformational courses, read her free e-book Permission to Rise on her inspiring journey as she climbed Mount Everest, or to join her Inner Circle to receive monthly empowerment love notes and news regarding upcoming events via email, head over to her website taramyshrall.com today!

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NEWS

PAGE 3

The Awakening World Truth Summit Emergency Broadcast: Holding those in power accountable, and not flattering those who wield it SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“I have worked at other news broadcast stations before, and one thing that I noticed is that the truth was not being told.

It was refreshing to work with a group of journalists whose goal was to share the truth. That is what it is about; the truth.”

Kerry Lee Crawford (Media and Broadcast Specialist) As some of our readers may know, Carib101 Media Group has taken on a new initiative with the development of their mainstream news platform TCN.video.

As a slight departure from the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, TCN.video not only covers stories that occur in real time in Toronto, but also news that is occurring all over the world.

As a media and broadcasting conglomerate, we began to look at what the future of ethical journalism was in an age of fake news, and misinformation. We started analysing how journalism with a public purpose was being overwhelmed in a do-it-yourself world of communications, which has led to a movement where facts and expert opinion are side-lined in public discourse.

We wanted to resurrect the true duty of a journalist, which is to separate lies from facts, to inform viewers as honestly as possible, and to aim at the closest approximation of the truth. We felt the need to end the inventing or doctoring of stories to fit the political lines of media outlets, which is an abandonment of basic journalistic ethics.

The primary role of a reporter is not persuading readers or viewers to back your position; this is what journalism has turned into, and that is no longer journalism, that is communication. Every day before I start my show Simone Jennifer Smith LIVE, or write my articles for the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper I ask myself, “Am I enlightening my audience or confounding the truth? Am I allowing them to make a free choice or pumping propaganda down their throats? Am I working in the interests of the readers and viewers who ultimately pay my wages or for owners whose primary loyalty is to shareholders?”

On Thursday, April 8th, 2021, the TCN.video team which includes Grant Browning (Founder/Production Manager), Kerry Lee Crawford (Journalist, and Media Specialist), and myself made a decision to host The Awakening World Truth Summit Emergency Broadcast. Viewers of TCN.video, and readers of the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper had begun reaching out to us because they had heard what was coming down the pipeline: more lockdowns, more restrictions, and more bureaucracy.

In 24 hours, the team brought together four speakers who were willing to speak on what was happening, each with their own perspective, but each sharing their discomfort with the direction that this world is taking. Our very first guest was Dr Richard Schabas, a former Chief Medical Officer of Health in Ontario.

“The first thing that I want to say is that people need to be mindful of the snake-oil salesmen who are telling you that getting the vaccine is a bad thing. I flew all the way to Toronto to get my vaccine shot because I know that it is effective.”

Dr Richard Schabas

Dr Richard Schabas has most recently come out in support of MPP’s who are against the lockdowns that have occurred during this pandemic. During the 30-minute interview, he discussed the fear mongering that has been executed to encourage compliance.

“What we have done to our children is criminal,” he stated. “Children will be paying the price for years to come. It is serious, but it is not the apocalypse. I truly believe the government threw away the rule book when it came to handling this pandemic.”

He spoke in depth about the mistakes that were made during the S.A.R.S. pandemic and reiterated that even back then quarantining had no effect on bringing down cases. “They did not do a proper post-mortem after S.A.R.S, and the one difference between S.A.R.S and COVID-19 is that it had a much shorter life span. Now all that we are seeing is this monkey see, monkey do when handling the pandemic, and it is clearly not working This will end when people stop obeying.”

Our next guest was no stranger to TCN.video, the loved and hated (depending on your level of polarization) MPP Randy Hillier.

“This is a war on our faith, a war on our freedoms.”

MPP Randy Hillier has been religiously outspoken about the handling of this pandemic. He has actively stood up for communities that are not even in his jurisdiction because he sees what it is doing to the nation.

“We are putting ourselves in jeopardy,” he began. “We are all under this relentless barrage of fear, and conformity is the highest achievement you can have now. Securing livelihood is guaranteed in our constitution, so you have to have the confidence that the constitution is there to protect you from the government.”

His advice to viewers, especially business owners, was to open up, and if you are ticketed, sign the ticket and fight it.

We had a special in person interview with Vlad Sobolev the founder of Hugs over Masks, and the discussion with him was eye opening.

“I’m not anti-vaxx, or anti-lockdown, I am pro-human.”

What made the discussion with

Vlad impactful were his personal experiences, and how those experiences had shaped him. “I was born in communism, and this is why I can see further down the road than many people can. I now call this country Chinada (China and Canada joined) because I see the attempts that are being made to make Canada a tyrannical state. This is why when you go to the protests, you see so many immigrants there.

Many of them come from tyrannical states and are in no rush to be back in one.

For many Canadians who are born and raised here, they have blind spots; it is impossible for them to see what is coming. Our goal as a movement is to activate people to stand up for themselves and take back their rights and freedoms.”

We ended the Emergency Broadcast with Human Rights Activist Mitchell Gerber. What this interview did was tie together what many have been observing in the present with what could be our near future.

“Be without fear in the face of your enemies.”

For over twenty years, Mitchell Gerber has been actively speaking out against the horrifying act of organ harvesting that is occurring in China. In the middle of our interview, we took the time to show a clip of our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau showing admiration to the Chinese government who in his words, “Know how to get the job done.”

What we learned from Mitchell is that the killing of Chinese citizens for their organs is actually government funded, and this is the government that our Prime Minister admires?

A journalist’s job is to hold power to account, not flatter those who wield it.

As a network, and a team, we will continue to question untruths rather than parade them as facts. We will continue to report as honestly as humanly possible rather than indulge in political grandstanding. Power to the people!

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 5

Push to have education workers vaccinated is underway during COVID-19 pandemic PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There has been much attention directed to vaccines that are currently being used to fight the COVID-19 virus. According to the Government of Canada’s website (canada. ca), there are specific clinical trial phases that potential vaccines have to undergo, before they become available to the public.

Steps are underway to fast-track their development and to decrease the time between trial phases by: • •

•

•

Using trial processes that test multiple vaccines at the same time Running trials at the same time rather than doing them individually, which reduce the number of trials and steps needed Numbering how long it takes to collect and assess the data launching trials in areas affected the most by the pandemic (highest number of cases and severe illness) Increasing collaboration, which means that manufacturers are able to speed up development without compromising safety and effectiveness (how well it works)

There was an open letter from OSSTF Toronto to: TDSB Director and Chair, Toronto’s Chief Medical Officer and Ontario’s Minister of Health on Thursday, March 25th, 2021, which laid out four urgent concerns on behalf of education workers.

The first one states, “We call on the Provincial Government and Toronto Public Health to ensure that all education workers currently working in-person be considered

High Risk and begin with those workers in congregated special education sites and classrooms, so that they are eligible to receive their first vaccine at the beginning of Phase 2.”

The provincial government has indicated that they would be eligible to receive it at the beginning of March. On Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) passed seven motions at its board meeting which culminated with the Chair of the Board writing a letter to the Premier of Ontario, “Requesting a change to the provincial framework to allow educators to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” (www3dpcdsb.org).

The letter was sent to the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. The letter was titled, “Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccines for DPCDSB in Peel Region Schools.” It states that based on motions which were approved by the Board of Trustees they are requesting vaccinations for education workers as quickly as possible. The letter identifies some of the prevailing factors as: •

The Region of Peel is one of the hardest hit areas in the province for COVID-19 and COVID-19 virus transmission in the community continues to have significant impact on Peel Region schools The Region of Peel remains in a provincially designated Grey-Zone lockdown Peel Public Health has confirmed that COVID-19 cases of variants of concern (VOC) have been identified in our schools in Peel region; these new strains of COVID-19 are known to spread faster

• •

Approximately 42% of DPCDSB schools have experienced at least one positive case of COVID-19 since returning to in-person learning in February. The letter concludes, “Expedited vaccination for our education workers is necessary to take action, break the chains of transmission and save lives.”

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The statements, opinions and viewpoints made or expressed by the writers do not necessarily represent the opinions and views of the Toronto Caribbean, or the publishers. Toronto Caribbean News Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims, statements, opinions or views, written or reported by its contributing writers, including product or service information that is advertised.

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

African Canadian Advisory Committee pushes TCDSB to develop anti-black racism equity policies and Initiatives PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The African Canadian Advisory Committee has been vital to TCDSB since 2017.

The Statement of Principle of the ACAC reads, “It is committed to advancing the interests of students, parents, staff and stakeholders within the African diaspora, The group has a strong desire to ensure access in areas of black students achievement and well-being, black parental engagement within the operations of Catholic educational service delivery, based on data that enhances culturally and responsive pedagogical practice.”

This overriding philosophy has shaped the committee since its formation. The ACAC, “Believes that the development and implementation contained in the Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy is an appropriate conduit to navigate the challenges of a school board in its attempts to address the needs of the African Diaspora.” (tcdsb.org/For COMMUNITY/Community Relations/Advisory Committees).

It was in 2008 that the provincial government proposed the Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy which contained eight areas of focus: inclusive of Ministry objectives, action plans, expected outcomes, resources, timelines, responsibility, accountability and reporting.

The ACAC has been chaired by Ken Jeffers, who worked for the City of Toronto and and has since retired, as well as long-time community members, Kirk Mark, who served as Senior Coordinator of Community Relations. At its meeting on November 8th, 2017, Ken Jeffers raised the important question, “What are the barriers that have hindered the TCDSB to move forward?” There were discussions around the Anti-black Racism Secretariat and the work of Patrick Case on a method for the collection of identity-based data collection. The ACAC has met fifteen times since its first meeting on June 14th, 2017.

At the January 31st, 2018 meeting, Ken expressed frustrations that after forty years the TCDSB was still having difficulties formulating an equity strategy.

There were concerns expressed about setting goals with respect to dealing with anti-black racism in the TCDSB to ensure that there is an equitable outcome.

At the June 21st, 2018 meeting, there was the announcement that a TCDSB’s Equity Plan would be launched, which would incorporate Catholic values and ethos. At the August 27th, 2020 meeting there was discussion of the motions that were presented by Student Trustee at the June, 2020 Board Meeting. It was revealed that there will be the creation of a Race Relations Committee.

On October 22nd, 2020, there was a special meeting to discuss the Terms of Reference and support that was given by the Board of Trustees to go forward with strategies to Dismantling Antiblack racism (DABR). It was subsequently on November 6th, 2020 that the Director of the TCDSB released , “TCDSB’s commitment to Addressing Anti-black Racism,” in which he shared his personal vision of how he plans to execute an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach.

Derek Chen, Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, Indigenous Education and Community Relations was charged with taking the ACAC’s ideas to the TCDSB.

Unfortunately, in March 2021 Kirk Mark resigned from the ACAC. His statement of resignation reads, “I resigned from the TCDSB’s ACAC because I did not want to be a distraction. The main issue of systemic anti-black racism does not appear to be the central focus of the school board, namely addressing: the concerns of black students, parents, staff and stakeholders in a timely manner, notwithstanding the current articulated performative language through segmented programmes.”

In addition, Ken Jeffers has also resigned from the ACAC. In the meantime, the TCDSB is recruiting members for the Race Relations Committee (RCC). It is expected to have ten members consisting of: trustees, staff, parents/guardians and students. Its mandate is “To advise the Board on policies, programs and sservices, which support student achievement and well-being within the Catholic Mission/Vision of the TCDSB and Catholic Social Teachings.”

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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Maintaining power and wealth in the hands of the few PASTOR AL MILLER pastormiller@carib101.com

JAMAICA TC REPORTER Continued From Page 1 Even our religious experience validates the premise. The God of the universe gave His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), to pay the ultimate price to bring true and total freedom to mankind everywhere. Freedom even in spiritual things has come at a great price; hence we must treasure it!

Many of us have seen, through the media, the pressure, injustice and pain, suffered by people around the world still enslaved by evil regimes. A few of us have witnessed it first-hand through interaction with citizens of these nations.

We who have tasted freedom have no desire for anything else. Hence, we protect and cherish our freedom and do not take lightly any attempt to rob us of our freedom. We, the children of slaves, are very sensitive to any shadow of possible entrapment under the guise of development or global advancement, as we do not desire to be in bondage again to any. Who the cap fit, be warned!

Those in our generation consumed by lust for power, control and greed are conscious of this sensitivity and will attempt more subtle ways to gain the objectives of their nefarious intentions. They often subscribe to a philosophy that ‘the end justifies the means’, so anything goes. They will put bait and expect us to bite it slowly or warm us in cold water in order to dull our sense of flight, like the proverbial story of the frog who doesn’t jump out of a pot of boiling water because it gradually heated up and he adjusted to each temperature change.

We can see it some aspects of globalization; change of monetary system to cashless indicating that it is for security measures; need for identification in order to resist terrorism and also better for disease control. These excuses are all about maintaining power and wealth in the hands of the few, for the control of the many.

The favoured tool of evil men to gain control and oppress people has always been and continue to be FEAR enveloped in lies and deception. We are familiar with that successful tactic.

Fear has for decades trapped our nation by garrisons, dons, gangs and guns.

The trained eye, historians, wise minds and spiritually sensitive, know that the sign of fear induced actions on a society is the indicator that something sinister, with the aim of control is coming. The pattern has been consistent from beginning with the fall of man in Genesis. You will be controlled by whatever or whomever you fear unless you overcome it.

COVID-19 has gripped the world in intense and prolonged fear. The question has to be asked; is it by man’s design, by chance or by God?

I can tell you, it is not His modus operandi. If it is not God and it is clearly too structured to be chance, then it is the work of men with a clear intent. Regardless of the who or what behind it, once fear is driving it, evil men will always follow behind it to use it. Fear is never the problem; it is what is behind it.

The ‘what’ always has a defined ‘who’, the originators who designed it for their desired outcomes. Simple examples are crime rings, such as, the mafia and drug cartels we see internationally. In our local history, the political ideology that led to political tribalism, which produced garrisons that have now morphed into a donmanship culture, increasing gangs and all types of nefarious activities. There is always a defined force behind fear.

When you carefully examine COVID-19 and its development, if it is not by design in its origins but chance, then at minimum some forces have decided to use it to advance their agenda. It is clear that careful thought and abundant resources have been engaged in a process to control people; driven by media hype, systems control and manipulation of processes. It is made obvious by the efforts to shut down and shut out any other voices, views, or opinions that do not conform to the projected narrative.

Notwithstanding who is behind it, the thing that is creating the fear in the society must be seen as a common enemy.

So too are the originators and those who are using it for their own ends. This you will soon be able to tell as it becomes evident.

You will be able to identify those who are benefitting the most from the maintained fear. The benefactors of fear often invariably mobilise their machinery to intensify the fear as it affords for greater levels of fear to advance their agenda.

The fear-gripped world, devastated in many ways by COVID, has been waiting with bated breath for a promised vaccine solution that would end the nightmare. The world is now hearing from the same source that the vaccine will have little immediate effect and as such all restrictions remain, because it will require multiple vaccinations for the majority of the

population.

This raises many questions that need to be answered, not least of which is the integrity of the voices and especially when they have sought to silence any other view, except their own, even when those opinions are from among their own ranks and scientific associates. The question of motive looms large. Confidence in leadership can only come from honesty, transparency, openness, truth and dialogue. Anything else can never be trusted and gain support from the people.

Vaccines have a place First, let us define medically what a vaccine is unless there has been a recent change.

It is “preventative inoculation to confer immunity against a specified disease.” This is the standard of determination. Whatever does not fit that definition cannot be rightfully called a vaccine.

Vaccines are not new; they have been used for a long time, some with eventual good effect. In the early stages, there were serious casualties and side effects.

With time and increased knowledge and management, we have reaped the benefits.

The fact is, any alien substance injected into the body is always potentially dangerous, even when it can eventually help. Hence great care, research and proper testing must be done for its use to accomplish the intended purpose. More so the element of time is critical. Time must be given to properly test and prove a vaccine’s side effects.

Human beings are not guinea pigs to be objects of potentially harmful trials as if they are expendable. Human life is sacred and must be treated as such by all. Those who do not reverence human life cannot be trusted.

The fact is, proven alternative medical solutions are available to treat COVID-19, so no need of rush vaccinations and thereby produce human casualties.

Evidence is now the restrictions of the AstraZeneca one of the better and less risky than others being proposed made of substances of unknown effects.

The disappointment to a world that is expecting “inoculation against” a virus is hearing something contrary as the current reality. The long-awaited vaccine gave people hope that it would bring an end to COVID restrictions and restore normalcy. The providers and the World Health Organization (WHO) are now saying even with the vaccine persons can still contract and transmit the virus.

Naturally, this raises questions that must be asked and answered truthfully. In a free democracy, this is essential.

It is an individual right entrenched in our

Constitution and supported by our Christian values that full disclosure of information be known to make informed choices.

Particularly concerning one’s health and any injectable into the body.

Critical questions to be answered • Are each of the injectables proposed a preventative inoculation against the COVID virus? If not, Why not? If it does not, and allows for infection and transmission then can be defined as a vaccine?

• Which ones are and what is the purpose of others?

• What are the contents in each brand from each source?

• What are the known or expected effects and side effects?

• What are the possible long-term effects, since no one knows having not tested it?

• Some of the injectables are new technology not used on humans before.

• Is it true to your knowledge that a shot may be necessary every year and possibly altered for mutating strains?

Why are we imposing these injectables wide scale when there are so many uncertainties surrounding the later possible effects, especially when existing medication can control and so prevent the injection?

Would this not allow for proper testing without human casualties?

These for starters are a few of the questions our national leaders must answer upfront or at least open for debate.

The people cannot be asked to inject into their bodies what they do not know, with both short-term and long-term side effects unknown, especially when the action is irreversible. Such action would be irresponsible and leaders who expect it would have to be so considered.

The people need answers to these and other questions now There are some of us who still believe that the body is a great, unique and amazing construct by an all-wise God. Men cannot better it. Therefore, the best wisdom is to corporate with it, support and strengthen its natural order, not plan to reorder, transform, deceive, direct or reconfigure it. Such action will create internal conflict with possible very negative effects.

Let’s be careful of those who are mindful to ignore established medical procedures. Let’s be mindful of those who are willing to subject you and me to untested or low tested medications. Be careful of those who think they are wiser than their creator. These usually belong to a group of freedom takers or freedom infringers, against whom we must always be diligent.

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NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Postponing of the March break was intended to limit travel and family gathering PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There are many concerns among education stakeholders with respect to what is going to happen as Ontario schools forward to the April school break.

It was back in January when the numbers hit its highest and since then it has plateaued to 2,435 infections as reported on Saturday, March 27th, 2021. For the last seven days, it has averaged 2,094 compared to 1,264. When the province decided to delay March Break, it was hoped that the postponing of it would help to decrease community transmission and result in a lower number of infections.

The rising number of infections has many people wondering whether the April school break should go ahead. Ontario Premier, Doug Ford told CTV News, “I can’t give a direct answer right now. The Education Minister will be keeping a sharp eye on it, as well as the Chief Medical Officer, and myself. To be very frank, I don’t want to predict two weeks out, but we’ll be out here every single day, communicating with the people.”

Ontario Education’s Minister, Stephen Leece informed CTV News that he is waiting on recommendations from Ontario’s top medical doctor, Dr, David Williams before he makes any final decisions about the school break, and at present it is still expected to commence on April 12th. He states, “If that advice changes. I’ll communicate that quickly.”

It is particularly troubling in light of the report on Monday, March 29th, 2021 by the COVID-19 Advisory Table which revealed that new variants of concern (VOC) make up to 67% of all Ontario COVID-19 cases. Currently, there are 2,345 schools

which have reported at least one case according to the provincial government website released on Thursday, April 1st, 2021.

On Monday, March 29th, 2021, Premier Ford released a statement; “We see the numbers going up by a rapid speed right now. By the end of the week, we’ll have a clear direction that will give people at least a week to ten days’ notice.”

Education Minister, Stephen Leece stated, “We recognize closures are very difficult for children and we seek to avoid them.” Marti Stiles, which is the NDP critic of education, is supportive of going ahead with the April school break because it is well deserved. She states, “It’s clear we should have given folks a break in March.

Now Ford has called into question whether people will get a break at all.” It appears now that the postponing of the March break, which was intended to limit travel and family gathering, did not have the desired effect.

The Globe and Mail reported that Dr. Williams told reporters that a committee which consists of public-health and

education officials will make recommendations after examining the latest data on schools. He states, “Things can change pretty quickly on the upswing, and we have seen some paces come back down again as we put some limitations.” The Globe and Mail revealed that an email sent to principals and vice-principals alerted them of the possibility that classes, schools or the entire board be moved to remote learning for some time.

Minister Leece stated, “For students’ mental health and development, and for their learning, students will be in class...exactly where they belong.” He tweeted, “Against third wave and VOC, strong protocols have kept 98.7 % of schools open and 74% without any cases.

Students deserve to be in class.”

Data from the government revealed there have been 13,278 school-related cases, which involve 9,936 students and 2,179 staff. Sixty-three schools are currently closed which represent 1,240 out of 4,828 schools, which is approximately 25% of schools.

Union Station history: Let’s share the story TVISHA MISTRY

tvisha@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The Union Station, downtown Toronto; many of us know it as a railway station and almost all of us have walked past it on a regular day. But do you know the historical significance the location holds in black history?

Union has partnered with Nia Centre for the Arts, a Toronto-based charitable organization, to showcase Union history through tributive black art. The exhibit, “Here Again At the Crossroads” was launched on March 23rd, 2021, and will be live online and in Union Station until May 31st, 2021.

“Nia Centre’s creative and cultural vision aligns with our mandate of celebrating creativity, diversity, and inclusion through our free arts and cultural events,” said Syma Shah, Executive Director of programming at Union. “While we have

been challenged in how we can physically present exhibitions, we have been able to adapt and showcase the thought-provoking work through our microsite. Being able to work with an exceptional partner like Nia Centre, we have a unique opportunity to build awareness of the contributions, history, and stories from black communities. We are honored to provide a platform to promote the artists and help them reach new audiences,” she added.

Nia Centre for the Arts is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009. The institution is dedicated to connecting community members and supporting the development of a healthy identity in black youth through artistic and cultural experiences. Last year, the Centre launched construction to transform its facility into Canada’s first professional black arts centre.

Showcasing history, Nia Centre for the Arts brings together three contemporary black artists “to present and explore what it means to be at a literal and proverbial “crossroads”.”

“The conversation we have been having for decades is around how we support and value black lives. Despite corporations, organizations, and people spurring out into the streets saying Black Lives Matter there is still a debate,” stated Alicia

Hall Executive Director of Nia Centre for the Arts. “We are calling on people to defend Black Lives Matter, Black Health Matter, and Black Artists Matter. The goal of the exhibit among many is to reflect whether or not we truly support black people to lead happy, independent, and free lives. Which is why it is very important to emphasize on the ‘again’ part, as this is a revisited conversation,” Hall added.

The exhibit showcases work from Canadian multi-media artist- Jordan Sook, Andre Wagner- award-winning photographer, and Jayda Marley- acclaimed Queer Afro-Indigenous poet.

Through their pieces, the three artists pay their tribute to black history while portraying their perception of the current state of the world, in terms of racial injustice.

Jordan Sook’s piece entitled “Thank You for Keeping Us On Track”, pays tribute to the black Canadian train porters who were the first to form a railway union in 1917 in North America. The 15ft sculpture comprises of handcrafted hats that are inspired by those worn by the porters.

“Train stations are in many cities. They are a place in which people and goods move freely every day. In the case of Union, it is black men working particularly

in the nineteen hundreds as train porters.

It is often a job they did without pay, relying solely on tips. In terms of working conditions, we are talking about that,” stated Hall.

Alongside the tribute to porters, Union will exhibit Jayda Marley’s poetry (with audio) “A Ticket to the Revolution,” based on a utopian world with equality and freedom. The poetry captures the world of our dreams where we can live freely without the rules and restrictions of a modernday capitalist world.

Lastly, the exhibit will feature photographer Andre D. Wagner’s collection of images. His panel of the three striking black and white photos represent the struggle between the American dream and the reality of being black in America.

“This exhibit isn’t going to provide answers, but rather it poses questions and encourages people to think: about where we are as a society, to reflect on their role in racial injustice,” says Alica Hall.

Currently, Union encourages all commuters who pass through the station to visit the exhibition in person. However, a special microsite has been developed to experience the exhibit remotely. You can access the exhibit though through: torontounion.ca/hereagaincrossroads

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

NEWS

PAGE 11

We are not as smart as we think we are; actually our minds are controlled SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Influencing people’s behaviour is nothing new to the Government, which has often used tools such as legislation, regulation or taxation to achieve desired policy outcomes. But many of the biggest policy challenges we are now facing – such as the increase in people with chronic health conditions – will only be resolved if we are successful in persuading people to change their behaviour, their lifestyles or their existing habits. MINDSPACE, Influencing behaviour through public policy What if I was to tell you that most of your behaviour in the last year was achieved through the unethical use of covert psychological strategies? That our government was using “nudges” in their messaging campaigns.

What if I told you that they had used tools as incentives and information to change behaviour by changing your mind because they realize that people do not always respond to situations in the most rational way?

I was most recently introduced to an article by Gary Sidley called, “A year of Fear.” (https://thecritic.co.uk/a-year-offear/). In the article he exposes information that is chilling, but worthy of sharing because after reading it, it made perfect sense as to why many of us have been reacting to this pandemic.

He shared that a major contribution to the mass obedience of the British people is likely to have been the activities of government-employed psychologists working as part of the “Behavioural Insights Team,” a team conceived in 2010 dedicated to the application of behavioural science to policy.

They had put together a discussion document called MINDSPACE, which happens to be a checklist of influences on our behaviour derived for use when making policy. Hmmm!

Naturally I was intrigued, and decided to take a look at this 96-page document. What I found was intriguing, but not surprising. It made me think; how many of these tools have been used on the Canadian public, and more specifically, had any of them been used to influence the Canadian people during this pandemic?

I am going to briefly break down

the acronym MINDSPACE, but I encourage you to take a look at the link that I provided above.

Messenger We are heavily influenced by who communicates information Quite naturally, we give weight to information if the information comes from a perceived authority. It was found that people are more likely to act on information if experts deliver it. It makes me think about all of the announcements and press releases delivered to us during the pandemic, and the fact that our politicians weighed heavily on a handful of selected doctors to deliver messages to the people.

It is important to note that we are also affected by the feelings we have for the messenger. We may irrationally discard advice given by someone we dislike (government officials), so they will use sports stars, entertainers or social influencers to deliver that same message.

This is something to think about the next time that someone you really like seems to be aligning his or her message with the powers that be.

Incentives Our responses to incentives are shaped by predictable mental shortcuts such as strongly avoiding losses We dislike losses more than we like gains of an equivalent amount. If you get the vaccine, life will get back to normal. We all want life to get back to normal. The incentive is taking the vaccine, and the avoided loss is the loss of our freedom.

Norms We are strongly influenced by what others do Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we are not as strong minded as we think we are. In actuality, we tend to do what those around us are already doing.

We tend to act on social and cultural norms, which are the behavioural expectations, or rules, within a society or group. Norms can be explicitly stated (“Wear a mask” signs in public places) or implicit in observed behaviour (everyone wearing masks). We often take our understanding of social norms from the behaviour of others, which means that they can develop and spread rapidly.

Some social norms have a powerful automatic effect on behaviour (e.g. socially distancing) and can influence actions in positive and negative ways. The power of following social norms may come from the social penalties for non-compliance, or the social benefit that comes from conforming.

If the norm is not immediately apparent to people, repeated efforts may be required for its effects to become self-

sustaining. It makes sense that every other commercial we will see someone wearing a mask. It is in the efforts to normalize the behaviour. If you are not wearing one, YOU are not normal.

Defaults We go with the flow of pre-set options Once again, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but many decisions we make every day have a default option, whether we recognize it or not. Defaults are the options that are pre-selected if an individual does not make an active choice. Defaults exert influence as individuals regularly accept whatever the default setting is, even if it has significant consequences.

What are some of our default settings? Well for some of us, it has become strapping a mask on our faces when we leave the house. It has become isolating from our loved ones. It has become sitting glued to the television watching the COVID-19 death count. It has become condemning those who do not accept the social norm and labelling the anti.

Salience Our attention is drawn to what is novel and seems relevant to us In our everyday lives, we are bombarded with stimuli, and this can become very overwhelming. As a result, we tend to unconsciously filter out much information as a coping strategy.

We are much more likely to be able to understand things that are presented in ways that relate directly to our personal experiences than to things presented in a more general and abstract way.

Another way to explain it is using the term confirmation bias. This is a tendency for people to pay little attention to information that challenges an existing belief, and only focus intently on information that supports what we belief. For example, if I wear a mask, socially distance, and take the vaccine, I will not get COVID-19 or pass it to others, even though research shows that this is not the case.

Priming Our acts are often influenced by subconscious cues Are you aware that the way you act is often influenced by subconscious cues? Priming shows that our behaviour may be altered if we are first exposed to certain sights, words or sensations. Priming seems to act outside of conscious awareness, which means it is different from simply remembering things.

Examples of priming are the many commercials that have littered our television screens reminding us that we have to practice all government mandates in order to keep safe. Remember, you are not wearing a mask for you; you are wearing it for other

people. If you don’t do this, you are selfish.

Affect Our emotional associations can powerfully shape our actions Affect (the act of experiencing emotion) is a powerful force in decision-making. As human beings, we are driven by our emotions.

We respond to words, images and events, and the response can be rapid and automatic. Emotions are so strong that we can experience a behavioural reaction before we realise what we are reacting to.

Think about this the next time the government of Canada shows you a video with an elderly person in a hospital bed, tubes running through them, and then that sound that comes from the heart monitor indicating death, due to COVID-19 of course.

Commitments We seek to be consistent with our public promises, and reciprocate acts Human beings are procrastinators, and tend to procrastinate and delay taking decisions that are likely to be in our long-term interests. It has been shown that commitments usually become more effective as the costs for failure increase. One common method for increasing such costs is to make commitments public, since breaking the commitment will lead to significant reputational damage.

The government of Canada has asked us to commit to following all of their COVID-19 policies and procedures so that we can go back to seeing our friends and family.

This means we have to commit to masking, social distancing, skipping holidays (there is always next year), and staying home.

Ego we act in ways that make us feel better about ourselves Sigh! We tend to behave in a way that supports the impression of a positive and consistent self-image. When things go well in our lives, we attribute it to ourselves; when they go badly, it’s the fault of other people, or the situation we were put in. This phenomenon is known as the “Fundamental attribution error.”

The cases are going down, so this must mean that people are doing what they are supposed to be doing. They are following protocols, and of course, they are going to get their vaccine.

What is that, cases are going back up again. It must be those damn anti-maskers, and conspiracy theorists.

I urge you to read and reread MINDSPACE. Although this discussion piece was intended for the British audience, I find it strange that our government has implemented many of the same techniques.

Makes me wonder.

PAGE 12

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Will Digital IDs be a way for governments to discriminate against people?

NIKITA YOUNG

nikita@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The race for mass vaccination is on. Despite reports from VAERS of over 2,000 deaths and over 50,000 adverse reactions caused by the vaccine, people are still lining up to take it. Now that over 5.5 million people in Canada have received their first dose, the government is exploring ways for people to be able to show proof of their vaccination to give them access to the freedoms they once had.

Many support the idea of showing proof of vaccination because they believe that anyone not vaccinated is a virus spreader. Others who do not believe that a vaccine is the only way through this pandemic see the digital ID as a way for governments to discriminate against people that don’t believe in the pharmaceutical industrial complex.

Justin Trudeau has shut down the idea of a vaccine passport in the past but seems to be open to it under a different

term such as the digital ID The digital ID will resemble something like China’s social credit score, where people will be required to take pharmaceuticals and obey all government directives to have access to the services and public spaces we once used freely. On the Government of Ontario’s website, it says that the digital ID is optional right now, and that regular forms of identification will still be accepted.

Dr. Naomi Wolf, a former advisor for Bill Clinton and author of the book “The End Of America”, has been sounding the alarm in the United States on the dangers of allowing this type of application to be mandated across the world. In an interview on the show The High Wire, she explains how this technology will and is already being used to shut people out of society and shape political views in favour of whoever is in power. People who go against the narrative will be tracked by location, affiliations, online free speech, and medical choices. Naomi also goes over how medical mandates are dangerous, illegal, and a violation of human rights because a person’s ability to make a living can be cut off by governments if they don’t follow the government directive. This could be anything from taking experimental drugs to limiting how many children you are allowed to have.

In Israel, they have rolled out the

“green pass” giving only vaccinated people access to gyms, restaurants, and other spaces that were open to the public. This has created a divide in Israel and has ostracized and targeted those who have chosen not to take the vaccine. The United States is also working on their vaccine passports that will limit travel for those who remain unvaccinated. New York has already rolled out its use of the vaccine passport and now anyone that wants to go to a ball game or concert at Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Center will require vaccination before being granted access to these public spaces.

The vaccine passport or digital ID will link your medical data to all your identification and also be connected to your bank

account and credit accounts. Information about this can be found on the government of Ontario website. Most Canadians just want to do what they think is the right thing and don’t want to push back against government directives, but with the world we are walking into, it has never been more important to understand what we are giving up and what we are accepting.

Even if you are pro-vaccine you should still want to be able to choose what vaccines you want to take and what medical procedures you want for your body. It should always be an individual’s choice what is done to their body. Giving up that right to your government will never be a good thing for humanity.

A new strain of BS, and a third wave of propaganda MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

When trying to find out why bad things happen, good investigators always look for the ones who stand to benefit most from the crime and therefore a motive is established.

Let’s just say all small businesses were ordered closed with the exception of a few who were deemed essential like drugstores and supermarkets, but the huge businesses with 24/7 online shipping and mega shopping centres were allowed to open, can this be called democratic or self-serving?

When an abusive husband wants to have total control of a timid wife what does he do? He first isolates her from her

friends under the disguise of protecting her, forbids her from going out and if she rebels, what is his next move? He beats her up all in the name of protection.

Just think about the folks that were either roughed up and thrown in jail or fined for not wearing a mask or for speaking up for their rights at a rally right here in Canada. Does this sound familiar?

Another trait of an abuser is to pretend that he or she is a victim of the circumstances. This is done by telling the victim, “If you had done as I instructed this would not have happened.” Or, “It is your fault that you are being locked down. Too many of you were in the park.” Sounds familiar? Trinity Bellwoods park in 2020. Now, start thinking.

Not all crimes start off with brute force, some are psychological in nature. Constant brainwashing is a very vital tool of any abuser that plans to keep the victim scared and in a state of total compliance.

The old folks used to say that too much of one thing is good for nothing and they were so right. For over one year now

the so-called high-end news agencies are feeding the public with a steady diet of fear, fear and more fear.

Fear that has little children crying hysterically if their mask falls off and asking mommy or daddy “Am I going to die?”

The sad thing about all of this is the silent punishment that has been handed out to anyone who is awake enough not to comply with this abuse. Such a person is shunned. These human rights abusers along with those who have no self-respect, are drawing lines in the sand for the rest of humanity and it’s very disturbing.

When an abuse victim has sunk so low as to defend his or her abuser, it is safe to say that person or persons are in serious trouble. These days it has become the norm for some people to call the police on their next-door neighbour if he or she has a few friends over. Snitchers are everywhere.

Sometimes most victims never see the true evil of his or her abuser until it is too late. In all this, there are those who stand to and are making millions from the sufferings that they inflict on the human

race with absolutely no remorse.

Now a quick review; first, frighten you, then close your businesses, put you on continuous lockdowns, drain your savings, intentionally cause organized bankruptcy, fine you left right and centre, step on and demolish your charter of rights, jail you for no reason, then introduce (some kind of debt relief program) after which you will sign over your assets willingly which of course makes you homeless and thereby a (ward of the state) totally dependent on …......... think. Do you see the benefactor as yet? Remember, “You will own nothing and you’ll be happy.”

If you think the enterprise is finished, think about this and let it soak in. In just over a year Canadians went from being told to wash their hands frequently to, “If you don’t take this (injection,) you won’t be able to go to the cinema or travel.” Now have you seen who stands to benefit as yet?

If so, Canadians can expect “A new strain of BS, and a third wave of propaganda.”

NEWS

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 13

Surprise announcement of closure of schools in Peel and Toronto leaves many parents and guardians unprepared chains of transmission and keep our schools safe.” He notes, “I know this will be challenging for parents to navigate and we appreciate all the sacrifices parents continue to make as we continue to fight COVID-19 in our community.”

The decision was made by Peel Public Health (PPH), which issued a Section 22 order. It will be effective from 12:01 a.m. on April 6th, 2021 and will result in students in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga switching to online learning for two weeks. The Peel District School Board (PDSB) announced on its website (peelschools.org/media/news release):

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

For weeks before the Easter break, many education unions and concerned stakeholders were calling for schools to close in the midst of the rising cases of COVID-19 in Ontario schools.

The news that Peel schools would be closed starting Tuesday, April 6th, announced on Monday, April 5th, 2021 caught many people by surprise. Dr, Lawrence Loh, the top medical doctor states, “This closure is a necessary step to protect staff and students in Peel Region. With increasing case counts and the presence of variants of concern, we need to break

•

• •

All students (K-12 including Special Education Programs) will learn at home remotely beginning Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 All before and after-school programs are closed until Monday, April 19th, 2021 Spring Break will carry forward as planned the week of April 12th to

16th, 2021 The Dufferin Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) issued a statement to parents: • • •

•

All DPCDSB schools located in Peel Region will switch to remote learning effective Tuesday, April 6th This DOES NOT affect DPCDSB schools located in Dufferin County Students who require learning devices or learning resources should contact their school directly by email or phone The remote learning school day will mirror the in-person school day in terms of starting and closing bell times, live instruction and class schedules

680 News reported on Tuesday, April 6th that the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be switching to remote learning for all students starting Wednesday, April 7th, 2021. In a letter communicated

to its staff on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 they announced, “Toronto Public Health (TPH) has just announced that all schools in Toronto, including those in TDSB will be closed to in-person learning as of Wednesday, April 7th, 2021.”

The closure of these schools in Peel and Toronto has elicited positive reactions from the educations’ unions. Sam Hammond, President of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) issued a statement on Monday, which states that, the Public Health Units, especially those which are in areas of high cases of COVID-19 should take “Immediate steps to ensure the safety of educators and students, including a temporary move from in-person to virtual learning.”

It is interesting that the closure of these schools come at a time when Education Minister, Stephen Leece insisted that students belong in schools. The safety and security of students is paramount.

Peel Regional Police partner with Global Medic to provide food to families in need son of the 21st Century, Peel Regional Police collaborated with Global Medic to provide food to Peel Region food banks.

Despite the pandemic stricken year that was 2020, Peel Regional Police’s Youth Engagement Bureau seized an opportunity to work with a Canadian disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, Global Medic, and delivered over four hundred boxes of non-perishable food items to local food banks in the Region of Peel.

An increased number of families

ADRIAN ADORE

adrian@carib101.com

PRP REPORTER

During the most challenging holiday sea-

in the community had need of additional resources during the 2020 winter holidays.

This initiative was a positive response to the identified need and came about through community collaboration and the sharing of available resources to support those in need.

As a continuation of this effort over the month of March, members of both the Divisional Mobilization and Community Mobilization Units re-connected with Global Medic and obtained a further fifty boxes of non-perishable food items.

These boxes went to various food banks within our community.

This initiative will be ongoing moving forward as Global Medic has committed to a partnership with Peel Regional Police to donate and distribute a variety of kits to the community on a regular basis.

A well-fed community encourages a healthier community. Working together for the well-being of our community is the key.

Call on the Federal government by Ontario’s Minister of Education for Children to be Vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible Premier, Doug Ford made of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who he blamed for the shortage of vaccines in Canada.

In the letter, Minister Leece is requesting that the federal government look ahead and make plans to procure COVID-19 vaccines for kids. He wants to plan ahead to ensure that Ontario’s students are able to obtain the vaccines pending approval by Health Canada. In the letter Minister Leece writes, ”Already numerous clinical trials are underway to assess the safety and efficacy of vaccines in children and youth of different ages. Some of these clinical trials may begin to return results in just a few short months. While this is hopeful news, it also underscores the necessity to start to plan immediately so that Canada is the leader on vaccine roll-out.”

He continues further, “Vaccination of children and students will be a critical part of ending the pandemic and keeping our children safe. Children and young adults often experience milder symptoms of COVID-19 when compared to older

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As Ontario enters the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and numbers continue to rise in schools across the province, the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce has penned a letter to three federal ministers.

The letter is directed to: Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Patty Hadju, federal Minister of Health and Anita Anand, The letter was dated March 26th, 2021, and coincide with the accusation that Ontario RY 10TH

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1. We would call on Minister Anand to ensure that Canada immediately procure a robust supply of vaccine from a diversified range of potential suppliers for children under 16.

2. We ask Health Canada to stand ready to vigorously and rapidly review and, if safe approve vaccines as companies complete their clinical trials and submit their vaccines for approval.

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adults, but they are not immune. They can also spread the disease to those who are vulnerable and at risk, in child and education settings, in their households and in the community more broadly. To achieve this imperative and to ensure recovery for human health and our economy, we are calling on the federal government to take immediate steps in preparation for the availability of vaccines for children and youth.”

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CTV News reported on Sunday, March 28th, 2021 that Moderna is in the process of recruiting Canadians kids between six months to 12 years for trials of its COVID-19 vaccines. In addition Johnson & Johnson are planning on testing their vaccines between kids 12 to 17, and AstraZeneca is conducting trials on kids below this age range. At present, the vaccine produced by PFizer is available for adults and can be administered to children under the age of 16.

Minister Leece is not just pushing the federal government to procure vaccines for kids but he is expecting resources to ensure that Ontario is ready. 2022 will be an election year in Ontario, and the Minister is no doubt looking ahead to ensure that the school year runs smoothly. There are still a lot of uncertainties, challenges and issues that remain to be resolved. Vaccinating kids is one important objective.

NEWS

PAGE 14

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Who decided for people in Ontario what is essential and what is not essential? government, but as of late, the definition of democracy in Canada has become blurry.

Canada is supposed to be a prime example of democracy because of its political stability, free elections, and extensive civil liberties, but I beg to question; are Canadians the ones who are really calling the shots in Canada? Is the democratic parliamentary system truly democratic?

In the last year, we have witnessed events that cast doubt over people’s trust in this “democratic” system.

After the announcement last Tuesday about yet another lockdown, our office has been receiving phone call after phone call, email after email, of people frustrated with what has been going on.

In dialogue with a community member, she expressed her concerns over the new lockdown protocols, and how much they have started to affect her family.

“Whatever I have to do to fight this I am going to do,” she told me. “Simone, enough is enough. How do I get in contact with Doug Ford? Can you help me do that?

I had no problem adhering to all these policies; it is this latest one that has really pissed me off. I am a mother who has been homeschooling my children before this pandemic even started. I do a lot of things with my children in the home, and when I went to the Dollar Store this weekend, and they told me

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Who would have ever thought that there would be a time in our lives when what we eat, who we talk to, what we buy; when we buy it would be controlled strictly by the government?

We live in a country that is said to be a democratic one. Democracy, in its Greek roots means, “Rule by the people.” This means that as Canadian citizens, we should have just as much say on how our country is run, hence the development of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As citizens living in a democratic society, we have rights, which include: the right to speak freely (as long as we are not harming others in the process), to practice our religion, and to vote.

Citizens in a democracy also have responsibilities, one of them being whom we choose to lead us. We also must keep informed about what is going on with our

that I couldn’t buy arts supplies, or pens and pencils for my children, this really hit home.

Who are the people determining what is essential and non-essential? What gives them that right?

I listened empathetically and thought long and hard about the question she asked. Who was determining what is essential and non-essential, and who had they consulted before they made these decisions?

This type of strong-arming by the government could be the beginning to the end of what we all see as a democratic society. All of the articles that I have seen written about the new lockdown measures have spoken to what is allowed and not allowed, and I am happy that they did. What they did not speak to is the fact that we as humans, as citizens in Canada have the right to question the government, to ask them how they decided for all Canadians what was essential for them.

The government’s logic is that cordoning off “non-essential” goods will encourage more people to stay home and buy their good online from smaller companies.

Maybe they are not privy to what happened last year in a drugstore in LaSalle. In this incident, hair products for African descendants were taped off and deemed as non-essential. This naturally raised some eyebrows,

but naturally, because it was not happening to us, little was said or done.

Now of course it has hit closer to home. Now many of us are realizing that something that may seem like nothing to someone who doesn’t need certain products is essential for other people.

This brings us to a very disturbing fact that is slowly turning into a trend; our human rights are being ignored. Many people want to stand up for themselves, but don’t know where to start.

Here is where we have to come together as a nation and say what we believe is right no matter how unpopular it is, especially when comes to defending our rights and freedoms. When are freedoms are being repressed and we remain silent, we become complicit in that repression.

We cannot be complicit. We cannot follow the crowd. We have to speak up. We have to speak with intelligence, and we have to be LOUD.

Yes, at times you will be attacked, I can assure you of that. You will lose some friends and make some enemies, but I tell you that there is a resistance growing. You are not alone.

We must take back our rights! We must fight for our freedoms. The revolution will not be televised.

If the school is safe, then why was a girl stripped naked and placed in solitary confinement?

“I went inside, and I hugged my daughter, and she gave me this painting,” Marksman said. “I look down at her hand and saw the bruise and I ask her what happened to her hand and she told me Miss —is who bit her.”

Her daughter was subsequently released into her care in 2017.

She was not the lone person back in 2016 to question the less than favourable happenings at Government Industrial School.

In 2016, Child Advocate Shelly Ross stated that the lone reform institution for young offenders was a “hell hole.” Speaking then to Nation News she said that she had been carrying out an investigation into the girl’s section and she concluded that very little reform had occurred. “GIS is a hellhole,” she said. “I have interviewed several young girls recently who went there and who have left without one certificate after spending three to four years there. They have nothing to show and some of them are worse than when they went in.” Ross said the school had no remedial programmes. In addition, she said one of the things she had discovered was that the majority of girls were displaying behavioural problems linked to sexual abuse.

In 2017, another parent shared to the Nation Newspaper that her daughter had been attacked while a ward of the Government Industrial School. Deborah Small, of Sergeant’s Village, told the MIDWEEK NATION the school had informed her that her then sixteen-year-old daughter had been involved in an altercation at the school and had to be taken to a doctor. “I went to a

LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH lashawna@carib101.com

BARBADOS TC REPORTER

BARBADOS -- This week the Government Industrial School has been at the centre of controversy after an image emerged of a fourteen-year-old ward of the state naked in solitary confinement.

This is not the first time a ward at the lone juvenile detention centre located at Barrows, St Lucy has been a victim of such an act.

In 2016, Mitchelle Marksman’s daughter who was then fifteen-years-old went to the Nation Newspaper to speak about how her daughter was being treated at the time. She told the local newspaper that she could not receive any information on why her daughter was sent to the Psychiatric Hospital.

Speaking to the Nation Newspaper five years ago, she queried why her daughter who had no mental history was being sent to the Psychiatric Hospital.

Furthermore, she questioned why her daughter had bruises on her arm. Her daughter verbally told her the staff member RY 10TH

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meeting there in March and she had a big mark on her face. The staff told me she got in an altercation with some other girls, so I went to see the principal and he assured me it wouldn’t happen again.”

These are only some of the reports that have come from parents who have questioned what has happened behind closed doors.

Cultural Ambassador to Barbados Anthony (The Mighty Gabby) Carter told Toronto Caribbean News that for too long Barbados had been criminalizing children.

He recounted his experience almost two decades ago when he conducted classes at the Girls Industrial School back when it was located in St. Phillip.

“I noticed something years ago when I went up there. All nineteen of the girls had fungus on their feet and I thought it was really strange. I asked one of the girls why they had fungus on their feet and total silence emerged immediately. Finally, one girl said, ‘Sir when we come up here, they put us in a room with a bed that has no bed sheet or pillowcase. After being there for awhile your skin starts to itch and it is really bad and eventually we does end up with the fungus on us feet,”

Carter said that he has not spoken up about what he saw over two decades ago, and it has haunted him. He recounted what a young lady told him when he attempted to chide the young ladies for the mistakes they made. He said seventeen of the nineteen young ladies told him that they did nothing wrong.

“She said she was naked, and her mother beat her until she went outside. The

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last thing she remembered is looking up and seeing she is in the ambulance. Her mother had beaten her unconscious. Her mother said she had to leave. She said she was not comfortable with her aunt and she decided to run away.”

Carter said that for many years the Government Industrial School had been imprisoning children that were victims.

Despite these claims of former parents and facilitators about the state of the Government Industrial School, in an article published by the Nation Newspaper on March 21st, 2021, following a press conference the acting Principal Ronald Brathwaite stated the Government Industrial School is a safe place.

“The Government Industrial School is a safe place for all children that come to it,” Brathwaite said. “There are numerous boys and girls who have come through the school and their circumstances have been enhanced from being at the school.”

If the school is safe, then why was a girl stripped naked and placed in solitary confinement?”

Why is it that for the past five years there have been stories from parents who note their children had bruises that they did not enter the institution with?

There is something amiss at Government Industrial School and the Government of Barbados needs to do a thorough investigation to determine the root cause.

NEWS

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 15

If Sanofi is an example of how a leader in vaccine manufacturing conducts business, everyone should be concerned report concerns while ensuring that they will not be subject to discipline or discrimination. CEO Paul Hudson says, “Integrity is a commitment that must guide our behaviours beyond mere compliance with law and regulation, driving us to make the right choice when facing any situation.”

As we take a look into the company’s history, we learn that Sanofi did not always stay true to its own standard of integrity or ethics code.

On December 19th, 2012, the US Department of Justice announced that Sanofi US agreed to pay $109 Million to resolve multiple allegations including the violation of the False Claims Act by giving free product kickbacks to physicians.

On April 4th, 2016, health officials in the Philippines launched a dengue vaccination program only to announce major problems with the vaccine months later.

The Department of Health suspended the vaccination campaign as a nationwide controversy erupted, triggering headlines throughout the country.

Sanofi execs knew full well about the science study and shrugged it off at the time. “There are two main culprits: Sanofi for developing and marketing the vaccine without gaining a basic understanding of the biology of dengue, and the WHO for validating their conclusions,’’ says Scott Halstead, former director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

Former DOH secretary Susan Pineda Mercado ripped health officials and Sanofi for exposing people to a severe in-

AMANDA WILLIAMS amanda@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

In March 2021, Canadians received news that Toronto will be home to the new $925 million vaccine manufacturing facility located on Sanofi’s existing site at 1755 Steeles Ave W. in North York. According to a company spokesperson, the site currently produces millions of doses of vaccines against diseases like pertussis, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria. Sanofi has seventy-three manufacturing sites in more than 170 countries and claims to be one of the leaders in the vaccine industry.

Canada’s federal government supports the new facility with a whopping $415 million investment and another $55 million from the Ontario government.

Sanofi will invest more than $455 million to build the facility and an additional $79 million a year to fund Canadian research and development. The project is expected to create 165 new jobs in Canada and maintain another 1,100 others.

On Sanofi’s website, you can find a section dedicated to their code of ethics.

The company encourages all employees to

fection. On her Facebook page, she wrote, “This is the biggest government funded clinical-trial-masked-as-a-public-healthprogram scam of an experimental drug in the history of the DOH.”

To add even more fuel to the fire, Sanofi acted as if they were above the law.

Government regulators cited Sanofi for ignoring warnings that it violated Philippine law by promoting Dengvaxia to the general public through TV and radio ads.

On September 4th, 2018, The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Sanofi had agreed to pay more than $25 million to resolve charges that its Kazakhstan and the Middle East subsidiaries made corrupt payments to win business.

If these are examples of how a leader in vaccine manufacturing conducts business, everyone should be concerned.

In June 2019, Sanofi announced a “Voluntary Departure Program” to reduce its R&D departments in France and Germany by 466 workers as it shifts away from cardiovascular drug development. Sanofi, therefore, is going where the money is, toward immuno-oncology and rare diseases, where biologics and gene therapies play a big role, cites BioPharmaDive.

Was Sanofi privy to information that would cause them to change strategies that would allow them to get into the Covid vaccine game in time?

Sanofi’s stakeholders include United Nations Bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, Global Compact, and non-govern-

ment organizations such as DNDi and to no surprise the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Gates foundation was involved in the tabletop exercise called Event 201 that has eerily played out right before our eyes. You can watch the event at www.centerforhealthsecurity.org. The Gates foundation also has ties to countless organizations surrounding the implementation of Covid measures and has been extremely vocal about his desire to vaccinate the world, as well as his views on population control, which many can say has contributed to vaccine hesitancy.

Every step the government has taken to “keep us safe” has essentially backfired. They have based their decisions on modelling rather than evidence, and Canadians are losing trust and faith in their government. The new facility is expected to enhance influenza pandemic preparedness efforts and vaccine manufacturing capacity and is to be completed by 2026.

What process does the government use to decide which companies are trustworthy, qualified, and eligible to receive millions of dollars and the power to conduct experiments on the general public? Even the WHO currently has multiple lawsuits filed against them, including negligence and crimes against humanity.

Who is responsible for holding these companies accountable and ensuring another government-funded program doesn’t fail?

Canadians want answers.

Education unions call on government to close schools or vaccinate teachers 2021. The letter states, “We firmly believe that the most vulnerable citizens, including elderly Ontarians, frontline workers, those who work in long-term care homes must be prioritized, as well as those who are highly vulnerable to the virus, especially those in areas with high case counts.

To that end, we are calling on the government to shift to remote learning, especially in areas where case counts are increasing at alarming rates, until education workers and teachers have had the opportunity to receive the vaccine and for it to have taken effect - in other words, Virtual Til Vaccinated.”

The choice is either school closure or vaccination.

There is currently a petition at change.org, which has received 67,408 signatures with a goal of 75,000 titled, “Vaccinate All Teachers and Support Staff ASAP.” The petition was started by Vince Volpe and is directed to Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

The petition states, “The Ontario government needs to prioritize teachers as essential workers and get them vaccinated immediately so we can keep our students in school and keep our teachers, staff and their families safe and healthy.”

The Ontario government has indicated that during phase 2 of the vaccina-

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As the COVID-19 cases increase across Ontario, and cases of the variants of Concern (VOC) continues to escalate; teachers’ unions have raised the alarm bell.

On Monday, April 5th, 680 News reported that medical officers in Toronto, Peel and Ottawa have called on the Ontario government to implement another stayat-home order instead of the emergency brake. A letter that they sent to Dr David Williams states, “While the implementation of additional province-wide public health measures is welcome, stronger measures will be required to reverse the surge our health units (among others) currently face.”

OSSTF has called on the government to close in-person learning in hotspots and switch to online learning in a media release on Tuesday, April 6th, RY 10TH

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tion roll out, teachers may be vaccinated in mid-May instead of June as it had originally planned. Andrea Horwath, Leader of the NDP told 680 News that the Ontario government should ensure that education workers are vaccinated during the April break and to make adjustments to classrooms.

She states, “Parents, educators, and students across the province have been thrown into chaos once again. We must use this moment to make classrooms safer so students can safely return after the April break.”

In an open letter that was sent from TDSB union leaders to TDSB director, chair, Chief Medical officer and the Ontario Minister of Health on March 25th, 2021 there were four calls to actions. The third one states, “We call for a shift to online learning for the first four days after the long weekend and for at least the first week after the spring break in order to keep schools as safe as possible.” Richard Southern tweeted on Monday, April 6th. “

I asked Solicitor General Sylvia Jones if there is a plan to start vaccinating teachers now. She said the short answer is yes, that the province will have that ability when it gets more doses from the federal

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government (there are one million doses in the freezer in Ontario).

Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton tweeted on Monday, April 5th, 2021, “If schools are being closed because they are a COVID-19 risk then why are we not vaccinating teachers during this multi-week closure.”

On Wednesday, April 7th, ETFO held a virtual press conference in conjunction with education unions, OSSTF, OECTA, AEFO as well as other education partners. It was held to express concerns about school safety and the importance of ensuring that education workers are vaccinated immediately.

CityTV News reported that the union leaders expressed their utmost belief that online learning should be adopted province-wide and not just in Toronto, Peel and Guelph until the government can ensure the safety of students and staff. They call for the mass vaccinations of education workers as a priority. The announcement of the third state of emergency by the Ford government on Wednesday, April 7th, effective 12:01 am Thursday, April 8th, 2021 did not indicate whether it applies to public schools.

Clearly, the education unions hoped it would.

NEWS

PAGE 16

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Concerns about online learning becoming permanent; Education unions foresee potential problems remote learning on snow days and in the event of an emergency that results in a school closure.”

The Globe and Mail reported that during the current school year there has been about 300,000 elementary and 100,000 high school students registered in school boards across Ontario. Furthermore, Ottawa’s Public and Catholic school boards have already called on parents to select either in-person or virtual learning for their children. This request is being made in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The document notes, “If implemented, this change will help ensure students have continuous access to public education, even when they cannot attend a physical school.” Many education stakeholders are concerned about the implications of this decision in terms of how it could impact the public education system.

Caitlin Clark (spokesperson for the Education Ministry) stated “Online learning has been absolutely critical throughout the pandemic and in mitigating learning loss.

We continue to consult and engage with stakeholders on maintaining this choice

PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There has been much concern among education stakeholders about what will happen in schools after the COVID-19 pandemic has waned. On Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 the Globe and Mail revealed that it gained access to a confidential Ministry of Education document, which indicates that the government plans to make remote learning permanent.

The document states, “If introduced and passed, beginning in September 2021, parents would continue to have the ability to enrol their children in fulltime synchronous remote learning if they chose going forward. School boards would also be required to provide students with

for parents and ensuring its availability this September.”

The document indicates that students in high schools will be able to pick courses from a prescribed list of online courses in time for the 2022-23 school year.

These courses will be either a teacher-supported online one, or independent by TVO (English- based) and TFO (French-based).

Harvey Bischof, president of OSSTF told The Globe and Mail on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 that, “Along with a variety of concerns, which include pedagogical concerns, social-emotional concerns. I worry that they are building an infrastructure that they could easily then sell off to the highest bidder in order to privatize a chunk of Ontario’s public education system.”

Stephen Leeece, Ontario’s Education Minister, satiated that a final decision is coming within the next few weeks. He states, “I believe so strongly that keeping schools open is fundamental to their (children’s) health and to their wellness, but I also believe parents will make the best decisions for their children. So right now, we’re consulting with a variety of partners

in education to get their perspective on how we can potentially create a system that is safe, but also provides parents the choice that I think Ontarians benefited from this past summer.”

It is clear that the government hopes to build on the momentum. Sam Hammond, president of ETFO told CP24, “The move to virtual learning was never intended to be permanent; it was a temporary measure intended to deliver emergency instruction during a global pandemic.

To be clear, this plan will negatively affect students, increase inequities, lower standards in publicly funded education, and put us one step closer to the privatization of public education.”

Furthermore, Liz Stuart, president of OECTA stated, “I think we can all agree that safety is always paramount, but both the education and health experts have been very clear about the fact that we understand the importance of in-person learning because that’s the best for students, not just academically, which is important, but also for that social and emotional piece.”

DearSelfLove: Kaysia Baker explains why self-love is so important to her ing exercises? There is no one way when it comes to showing love to YOU!

However, self-love is usually marketed and/or misunderstood as something that is always positive and joyful. It barely talks about the not so pretty parts such as the hurt and tears of rebuilding a strong and healthy relationship with you. We try to focus on the good parts of the healing journey, but there should be an emphasis that it is not easy. It also needs to dive deep into the ugly and to express thoroughly that to draw out the beauty of self-love, we must come face to face with the truth and what we tend to push under the rug.

The journey to self-love can be unpredictable and there may be times you will take one step forward and ten steps back, but the most important thing is that you made progress.

Everyone has their own experiences, interpretations, and perspectives when it comes to self-love, and I also want to let everyone know about a powerful individual that has been doing great and necessary work within our communities. I want to give thanks to this beautiful soul as they share more about their story and what they are currently doing to promote self-love. Through the storms and tribulations, they were and still are continuing to outshine any obstacles to shed more light into this world.

“My name is Kaysia Baker and I am a twenty-seven-year-old mother to a beautiful one-year-old. I was born and raised in Toronto. Both of my parents emigrated from Jamaica in the early 1980s.

As a child of immigrant parents in Canada, I was well aware of the hustle it took to become someone in this world. My mom provided my sister and me with the

GLORIA O’KOYE

gloria@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Love! One of the most cherished and despised feelings that had been ingrained in us since the beginning of humankind.

It has often been mistaken for infatuation and other emotions. It is often the cause of a person reaching their breaking point.

Books, famous quotes and sayings, TED talks, love gurus, and much more profit so much on giving advice and tips on achieving love and healthy relationships. There are also online tests and readings on compatibility, personality, and love languages to understand how you give and receive love.

When we usually think of love we think of others. We forget that the most important love we need to maintain is the love we have for ourselves.

When you first heard the word ‘self-love’, what are the first thoughts that come to your mind? Does this word hold weight in your daily life, or is just another trend that society is hyping up but not understanding the word in-depth? What are some self-care practices that promote selflove? Is it a night out with your friends?

Turning off all your devices and reflecting on nature or in a quiet place indoors? Is it listening to meditations or doing breathRY 10TH

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best she could as a single parent, I would go on to say she succeeded. When I was younger, my mother would strive to make sure we were involved in many extracurricular activities from girl guides to swimming lessons. Our summers were eventful and holidays were always memorable. My mother always encouraged us to try new things and to explore the world around us.

Education in our home was always pushed as a marker for success. With that being instilled in me as a young child I would always push hard to become successful. I did meet many challenges with that in high school, but I eventually got my act together in college. I graduated from Humber College in 2016 from the Early Childhood Educator Program. Working with children has always reminded me to never lose sight of the child in myself and to always remain joyful.

I started DearSelfLove in January of 2019. The page was created to simply keep me inspired while I inspire others on my journey! When I first began the page I was at a point in my life where I desperately just wanted to heal from a lot of painful experiences.

Before DearSelfLove I was always in and out of a healing journey. I was reading the right books, gaining the right knowledge, surrounding myself with somewhat of the right people. I was frustrated and impatient at the fact my healing wasn’t happening fast enough. At the time I was going to continue to live my life the way I was until a special person in my life named Nathan Baya, offered me the idea to run a page and provide positive and inspirational content.

At first, I was hesitant and afraid, then the idea grew on me and I took a

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chance. I am so glad I said yes that day!

This page has allowed me to express and heal in a multitude of ways. If I knew the power of loving others amid my brokenness would heal me, I would have said yes years ago.

In the year and a half that I have been running this page, the one challenge that I have faced was during pregnancy.

During my pregnancy, and a bit of a time after, I took a hiatus from the page itself.

I was having a hard time connecting to myself which spilled over into connecting with others. I am a woman of integrity and truth. With that I felt as though it wasn’t right for me to share positivity with others from a place I didn’t truly feel myself. I gave myself time and when the time was right I came back to what I knew I had the capacity of doing.

I knew that meant making new choices that reflected my personal growth.

Now I am taking DearSelfLove day-by-day and speaking things only of my heart to share with others. I want to remind others the journey is never linear and it is never perfect but it is always for you!

Self-love to me means knowing you have good, amazing, bad, and crappy stuff about you but you CHOOSE to love all of that about you regardless. It means knowing your worth and walking in that!”

I want to thank Kaysia for pushing this wonderful initiative and continuing to thrive in all she does. Please continue to support her and the DearSelfLove page by following DearSelfLove Instagram, participating in upcoming events, comment and share among your networks!

NEWS

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 17

A Community Coming Together; spirited relief efforts for the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

As you look up in the sky, what seems like snowflakes is actually ash, a disturbing reminder for residents on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In the coastal town of Barrouallie, about nine miles from the volcano, families are trudging towards shelters, carrying whatever they could pack; duffel bags, shopping bags, and backpacks stuffed with personal belongings.

For some it has become a decision of do I stay or do I go? The pandemic has made this choice even more difficult after citizens of the island were told that they would need to be vaccinated if they choose to go aboard ships evacuating people from the island, or if they opt to go to a shelter.

For some families, regardless of their choice they will have to face the fact that they will be separated from their families. Authorities have made it clear that those who stay in shelters will be tested for COVID-19, and

that anyone who tests positive will be taken to an isolation centre.

All of this came to be after scientist’s noted seismic activity at 3:00 a.m. last Thursday. The activity indicated that magma was on the move close to the surface. As predicted, the La Soufrière volcano erupted on Friday morning, with scientists warning that the eruptions may continue for several days to weeks. Around 20,000 residents living in the “red zone” were told that they would have to quickly evacuate their homes.

The last time La Soufrière erupted was in1979, and the previous disastrous eruption was in 1902, which killed about 1,600 people. The volcano stands at 3,864 feet above sea level, and according to the Seismic Research Centre has previously erupted in 1718, 1812, and 1814.

According to experts and scientists who are keeping a watchful eye on the volcano, the ash column rose more than 20,000 feet high and the majority of the ash is heading northeast into the Atlantic Ocean.

Most recent updates speak about massive power outages on the island, and according to sources on the ground, it is day four, and everything looks like a battle zone.

The skies are bleak, and grey, and the ash is beginning to harden on the ground due to the showers that have followed the explosion. Tweets are coming from the island sharing with the world that many homes are

still without water and electricity.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines now faces multiple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, an outbreak of dengue fever, and now the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

In our usual fashion, organizations and individuals across Toronto are rallying together to provide assistance to the island.

If you want to donate, your time, or supplies, here are a few businesses and organizations that are leading the charge. If you know of any more efforts, please email them to info@ carib101.com, so that we can continue to update the community.

CARI-ON CARI-ON is a disaster preparedness organization located in the Greater Toronto Area.

They are working closely with the St. Vincent and Grenadines Consul General to Toronto and the National Management Organization of SVG to coordinate community groups and individuals wishing to contribute to relief efforts.

Donations can be made by: etransfer, or GoFundMe. They ask that you kindly share this information with friends and family.

Etransfer: carionsvgvolcanorelief@gmail.com GoFundMe: St. Vincent Emergency Aid - Help Needed!

$23,082 raised; Goal is $100,000 Hayden Jones (Chair, CARI-ON): 1-416-889-3293 | carion.org@gmail.com Gideon Exeter: 1-416-992-4253 Sandra Sutherland: 1-647-706-0732 Bev Adams: 1-647-462-5441

Taste of Life Restaurant This is a Vincentian restaurant located at 9 Milvan Drive, in Toronto Ontario. You can drop off food and clothing donations to Unit #5. They are in the process of packing barrels to send down in aid of families living in St.Vincent.

1 Resource Services Corporation, Black Ottawa Business Network Social Group and Aroma Salt Therapy & Beauty Spa 9 - 1021 Cyrville Rd, Ottawa , ON Friday at 5 PM EDT – 8 PM EDT Price: Free · Duration: 3 hr.

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook They are also taking donations and asking for assistance for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is wonderful to see communities coming together during difficult times. It is times like this that true humanity shows through, and even if it is for a brief minute, we can focus on helping each other.

The best activities for your health are pumping and humping W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER

When asked how they exercise, people often report jogging, bicycling or walking. How about weightlifting? Authorities say that picking up weights is not about winning a medal. Rather, as we age, strength exercises can help circumvent medical problems.

Take it from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who famously remarked, “The best activities for your health are pumping and humping.”

Let’s leave the humping part aside for now. When it comes to pumping weights, there are a lot of myths. First, lifting dumbbells is not just for building muscles. In fact, it helps to fight one of the problems that can

change your life in a split second.

Getting older is invariably fatal. But long before the final event, we begin to lose bone density, usually starting in our thirties.

By age seventy, many people have lost 40% of their peak bone mass. This often sets the stage for a fractured hip in the event of a fall.

Osteoporosis (thinning of bones) makes bones look like Swiss cheese, and it can have tragic consequences. For instance, among the elderly who fall and break a hip, there is a high chance of imminent death. A large population-based study showed that one in three adults aged fifty and over died within twelve months of suffering a hip fracture.

Even when survived, hip fractures have a devastating impact on quality of life by reducing independence and increasing social isolation. Moves to assisted living are common.

No one will ever forget the telephone call that a parent has fallen and fractured a hip. And if they’re seventy-five years of age or over, in spite of all that can be done medically, the risk of dying within one year is 40% or higher.

Lifting weights decreases the risk of fractures by building up muscle strength, slowing bone loss, and helping with balance.

Muscle strength is an important factor for the elderly to maintain functional independence, the ability to carry out daily activities such as walking up a flight of stairs, going grocery shopping, and bathing without help. People who neglect basic core strength eventually find it hard to get up from a toilet seat. It comes as a terrible realization when individuals must acknowledge dependency on others to meet their daily needs.

Weightlifting slows bone loss, and some studies show that regular strength exercises can improve bone mass. How does it work? Exercises that involve use of strength, including weightlifting, but also walking, gardening and even dancing place forces on your bones, stimulating your body to do regular maintenance. Don’t forget the importance of good nutrition, including adequate calcium and vitamin D.

Strength training helps with managing or losing weight too, as it can increase

metabolism to help burn more calories. Getting rid of excess fat should be high priority for anyone overweight, as it’s linked to chronic inflammation. Furthermore, obesity triggers type 2 diabetes, increasing the risk of blindness, kidney failure, leg amputation and heart attack.

Building muscle and stronger bones will also mean better balance since it works the systems that keep you stable, and that will reduce your risk of falls.

Strength training can have another benefit when exercises work the body’s core.

Most people carrying extra weight aren’t thinking about the ineloquently named non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

But it affects 25% of the population worldwide. It’s fast becoming the number one reason for liver transplant.

NAFLD involves visceral fat, fat that accumulates around the liver and other abdominal organs, and is accompanied by inflammation. A serious problem, it can increase the risk of cirrhosis and cancer. So, grab some weights and start pumping.

PAGE 18

NEWS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

New projects will help vulnerable seniors connect to community MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The United Way Toronto has teamed up with the Allan Slaight Family Foundation to support and fund fifteen projects over six years.

Nine innovative new projects funded by United Way Greater Toronto’s Allan Slaight Seniors Fund will engage vulnerable seniors in creative ways that reduce their social isolation, which has been exacerbated through this present situation.

Since seniors are at greater risk of falling through the cracks of the health and social service system, these projects go beyond traditional formats to reach those who have historically faced barriers to support.

Those engaged will be black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2S individuals. These initiatives recognize that many elderly individuals are eager to develop new skills, share knowledge, and connect with others.

These nine projects are as follows: • Native Canadian Centre Toronto • The 519 • Parkdale Community Foodbank • TAIBU Community Health Centre • WoodGreen Community Services, • Unison Health and Community Services • VHA Home HealthCare • Human Endeavour • LOFT Community Services In addition to these new projects, six Allan Slaight Seniors Fund projects were launched last September, these are.

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Toronto • Etobicoke Seniors Support Services • FoodShare Toronto • Hospice Toronto • Native Child and Family Services of Toronto • St Leonard’s Place Peel In 2019, the Slaight Family Foundation launched a $15-million gift, the largest individual gift in United Way Greater Toronto’s history. Its purpose is to help connect vulnerable seniors with community support. It is also to help them stay active, vibrant and engaged with their communities.

I spoke with Ruth Crammond (Vice President of Community Investment and Development at United way Greater Toronto), about all things concerning these initia-

tives surrounding disenfranchised seniors.

Crammond was asked how her organization contributes to senior’s health, to which she answered,

“We know that keeping seniors connected is so important to keeping them healthy and at home, and we know that human connection, connection with community, connection with each other is what keeps people feeling well.”

When this present situation just started, and people over seventy were asked to stay at home, her organizations were very concerned with the isolation that seniors would experience. “With the isolation came the burden of having to get food, and food that was culturally acceptable for seniors of different cultural backgrounds as well,” explained Crammond.

“So that’s when,” Crammond told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “we made big efforts at United Way to work with our community partners to make sure that culturally relevant foods were available to seniors’ whether we had to team up with Caribbean restaurants, or Tamil grocery stores to have these foods delivered.”

Crammond sounded excited as she talked about the United Way combining forces with the Allan Slaight family foundation to work on a number of projects for uplifting seniors.

“First of all,” She told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “they gave us one of

the most generous gifts that United Way have received from a single foundation over many years, an amount of money that allows us to have a significant impact.”

“We had more than 200 applications,” she said, “out of which we selected fifteen so we really had very interesting projects to choose from. We wanted to see innovation, programs that wanted to reach people that were falling between the cracks.”

One such project is the TAIBU Community Health Centre that will engage seniors of African descent through the expansion of the Ubuntu Village.

“What I love about this project,” Crammond said, “is that it’s a peer led project of seniors helping other seniors, bringing their culture together and trying to help people stay active while aging at home.”

Crammond said the peer support culture lends on the support and really brought a unique aspect to this project and that is the reason this one was chosen.

What United Way, the Slaight Family Foundation and the rest of partners are doing for seniors can be summed up in one sentence.

“Allowing seniors to live their later years with customized care and a sense of dignity.”

Endometriosis Community Program seeks to help BIPOC women PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The launch of the Endometriosis Community Program (ECP) on March 24th, 2021 occurred during Endometriosis Month.

The brochure identifies endometriosis as a painful reproductive condition with symptoms of: painful periods, pain with sex, bowel and bladder disorder, neuropathy and infertility, according to the website, www.wombcareclinic.ca.

Amoy Jacques, registered kinesiologist and public health researcher and Joanne Ukposidolo, registered pelvic floor physiotherapist founded ECP.

In my interview with them on Fri-

day, April 2nd, 2021, Amoy who has a Masters of Public Public Health states that it was because of her personal and professional experiences that motivated her to develop this program. She has had challenges with uterine fibroids. The ECP will provide a brave and safe space for black women to find a supportive space.

Joanne emphasizes that the ECP is targeted to BIPOC communities to ensure that their medical issues are addressed equitably, fairly and sensitively with compassion and love.

As a member of a religious community, she believes it is important that women move beyond an identity of suffering to embracing solutions that involve medical interventions.

The Endometriosis Community Program will focus on the following area: Increasing your knowledge of the female reproductive system, understanding your symptoms, providing you with the best tools for management, and building resilience along your journey. This is meant to be informative and enriching for the par-

ticipants.

Topics to be covered are: female physiology, pathophysiology of endometriosis, symptoms of endometriosis, goal setting, communication and advocating strategies, lifestyle management, exercise management and building resilience.

This six-week program is intended to provide the following benefits to each participant: self-management strategies to reduce your pain, navigation of the healthcare system, how to get the best outcomes for your endo-situation, access to a team of healthcare experts who want you to thrive in your endo-journey, resources to manage your symptoms, access to a supportive community and is taught through a cultural humility lens.

Stacy Savary as an endo-warrior will be involved in the ECP as a patient advocate. She describes her personal struggles in her book, “The Perfect Storm” which was released in 2020. She recalled after seven years of marriage and failure to get pregnant she was totally devastated. Only after pleading with her surgeon was she able to

have her first surgery in October, 2017. It resulted in sixteen fibroids and two large cysts being extracted. It was unfortunate that it was at thirty-six years of age that she discovered that she had endometriosis. She is on a mission. She writes in her book, “If you feel something in your gut that something is wrong with you, please seek the right help. If you continue to fight for yourself and advocate for yourself, you will see your way through any challenges. It took seven to ten years for me to get diagnosed.”

Stacy’s openness, transparency and vulnerability in sharing her personal stories will help many BIPOC women to become proactive and informed.

This no doubt will lead to awareness, knowledge and understanding of this disease.

The ECP will commence on Monday, April 12th, 2021 and end on Monday, May 17th, 2021 and will be offered in a virtual platform.

Registrations can be made at www.wombcareclinic.ca

PAGE 20

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

PLAY HI! STAY HI! GET HI! HiBnB; Putting Canada on the map for cannabis tourism SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

There are aspects of this story that will intrigue, inspire, motivate, and even surprise you. There is something that I want to share with you that will hopefully shine some light during these dark times.

Last week, I was introduced to a concept that is not foreign to us but has opened up in a brand-new market. It is a getaway during this pandemic (for those who need a change), and a way for Canadians to make some extra money doing something that they love. This concept will give the public a few more options for local entertainment that allows you to follow COVID-19 protocols, and still enjoy all Canada has to offer. It has this ability to connect the consumer with its brand, and to possibly help de-stigmatize an industry that is gravely misunderstood.

HiBnb is exactly what it sounds like, an alternative to AirBnb for the cannabis community, and the canna curious. Yes, those individuals who are new to cannabis or have never tried it before but are open to the idea. It is also for those who are eager to know or learn more about cannabis.

As a cannabis subscriber, I have to admit, I was very excited to learn about this idea. What is lucrative about this concept is that it provides business opportunities for the right individuals, especially those who are cannabis subscribers. It is time that we as Afro-Caribbean’s find a comfortable space to not only enjoy cannabis, but also make some money while enjoying it.

There are many misconceptions that will have to be addressed before the community completely opens up to it, but I thought for now it would be good to introduce the idea. This meant that I would have to speak to the minds behind the product.

I finally had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Becker (Founder of HiBbB), and her partner Kelly Ehler. I will tell you this; cannabis subscribers are some of the friendliest people in the world. I enjoyed the lightness of the interview, and how open both of them were to share their experiences.

“It was a bit of a process. It took some steps.”

Elizabeth Becker is a cannabis advocate, who has been pushing for marijuana legalization.

“Cannabis is blacklisted, and is stigmatized.” Elizabeth began. “As it became legalized, I wanted to get involved. I worked in a few jobs, but they didn’t work out. During my transition I started talking to more people, and I heard the passion when it came to what they were involved in with the cannabis industry. When the idea of AirBNB for cannabis came to me, it was a no-brainer.

I started a business plan, and pieces started falling together. I have always been a bit of a rebel. When it did legalize here, cannabis enjoyers seemed paralyzed by what they could and could not do. One of my goals is to de-stigmatize this industry and help stimulate dialogue around it.”

It was when she met Kelly that the pieces began to come together.

“I met Kelly and learned that he had a background in cannabis,” Elizabeth shares with me.

Kelly Ehler is the perfect business partner; he fills in the areas that Elizabeth needs assistance. He works on the back end and helps with the technical and financial aspects of the business.

“I got connected into the cannabis industry through education. I have heard the great medical benefits that are associated with cannabis, and I have also heard the misconceptions.

When I saw what Elizabeth was doing, I thought that she was onto something amazing. I want to assist her in de-stigmatizing cannabis and creating the dialogue around it.”

I want to take this time to share with you some of the experiences HiBnb has to offer. Hosts have the opportunity to offer a creative spin on activities and local entertainment. It is perfect for those who want to keep that spark of excitement alive in their weekly entertainment calendar, especially with these recent lockdowns.

Whether you are looking for something to do with friends or simply on their own, you can do it safely, and honour the COVID-19 protocols. Some current listings include: • • • • •

Learn about cannabis and walk an alpaca in Parkhill ON ($65) Belly Dance Bootcamp in Toronto ($20) Hike to a 60 ft waterfall and enjoy a cooked meal in Five Islands, Nova Scotia ($35) Engage in a bubble hash workshop in Toronto ($149) A partner dance class on Vancouver’s

• •

Granville Island ($75) A tour to learn about terpenes in Surrey BC ($35) A dispensary tour in Nelson BC ($125)

There are even classes on how to use media and publicity to build your reputation as a cannabis influencer.

I also learned about their Staycations. These are short-term stays in a variety of canna friendly locations. You can choose a lounge like experiences (pillow lounge, pool, Jacuzzi, fireplace) or challenge yourself with a creative experience. I really like some of their choices, which include: •

• • • • •

Staycation paradise in Hamilton with Jacuzzi tub, ping pong table and old school video arcade machines ($250/ night) Tree View studio in Halifax on Dalhousie campus ($60/night) Luxury Suite in Downtown Toronto steps away from Ripley’s Aquarium and the CN Tower ($250/night) A series of clamping “Bunkies” in Hepworth ON ($49/night) A private room in a townhouse in Vancouver’s West end ($75/night) A spa in Cobourg backing on to a ravine where you can choose to hang out on your own or engage in a variety of kundalini, tantra, hatha, and other styles of yoga and meditation ($144/ night)

And people, many of the hosts are ready to welcome you into their spaces even now.

“One thing that surprises some,” Elizabeth shares, “is that you would think that these engagements would be put on and run for the young, but they are not.

Most of these events are actually run by mature cannabis lovers who have enjoyed the positive aspects of the cannabis plant for years and want to pass the good they’ve taken from it forward.”

Hosts take cleaning and sanitizing protocols seriously, especially with the current fears that people are facing. Like AirBnb, there are house rules that must be followed in order for the community to enjoy this experience without interruptions.

Becker and Ehler, plan on taking HiBnb into the US because consumers and hosts have already expressed an interest with several American listings already on the site. Visit regularly because new listings are being added every day!

Enough from me; go! Check the site out for yourself and Play Hi! Stay Hi! Get Hi! www.hibnb.ca

416 824-7036

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Meadowvale Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centres is a business name of Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries. Cemetery and cremation services are provided by Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.

Funeral services are provided by Canadian Memorial Services which is affiliated with Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries.

PAGE 22

FEATURE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

KENNETH HEATH

A man at service to his community “You helped me get my license back, and I will never forget you.”

(Health Paralegal Services Former Client)

Ken was sharing a part of his story with me. As an experienced paralegal, he had seen and heard much in his life. The part of his life that has brought him the most joy is the ability to help doing work that he loves.

The most extraordinary of men have powerful stories, stories that motivate, and inspire change.

Upon sight, Kenneth Heath is everything that the Classic Man Series is about. When he steps into a room, you know he is there. Not just because of his freshly pressed shirt, shined shoes and perfectly tailored jacket. There is this effortlessness that you have to respect.

I remember the first time I met him, the look on women’s faces when he walked through the door. Naturally he is an attractive man, but there is an extra measure of respect that a man is given when he takes time to put himself together well. Studies have shown that visual cues are 3-5 times as powerful as audio cues, and with clothing covering 90% of the body, Kenneth recognizes how important a role it plays in how he is perceived by others.

It has to be in Kenneth’s line of work. Paralegal work is intellectually challenging and involves a range of high-level skills.

What makes Kenneth so effective at his job is the fact that he is a problem solver, which involves innovative thinking. He has become an expert in traffic law, and has mastered handling legal procedures, and the research that comes with it. His thirst for knowledge serves him well because one of his jobs is to stay on top of ever-changing laws and new legal trends. On behalf of his clients, he interfaces with attorneys, opposing counsel and other legal representatives.

Kenneth spends the majority of his time in the public interest sector helping disadvantaged segments of the GTA (General Toronto Area). As a worker for his community, he interviews his clients, assesses the merit of their case, and prepares clients for depositions and cross-examination at trial. He also works closely with his clients gathering documents and data, and serving as the cli-

ent’s point of contact throughout their case.

It is a pleasure to present to you, another extraordinary man of power and prestige, Mr Kenneth Heath.

Our meeting was through community work that we do with Emmanuel Life Management Centre. We had both signed on as volunteers for their feed the seniors program. The moment I met him, I knew that there was something unique about this man. He had this eagerness to help others, and his light within was evident.

Upon completing the program, I reached out to Ken, and he happily accepted my request to speak with him about his life’s work.

“I was born in Tottenham England on July 2nd, 1958,” Kenneth began. I immigrated to Canada in 1966, and grew up in Montreal. I completed elementary, high school, and college all in Montreal. During my younger years I was considered an athlete, and my one true love was hockey.

In college I studied Social Science (Psychology, and Sociology), and I also completed one year of university. I started working as a Quality Control Technician at an airplane manufacturing company. It was a great job, but things changed for the company, so in 1980, I decided to leave Montreal and make a move to Edmonton.”

His trip to Edmonton was not random. He had a friend who had moved there and worked at a show company called Gallenkamp Shoes. He was not motivated in his current space, so he went to Edmonton and began working with his friend in retail shoe sales.

“It opened my eyes to my strengths. My strength was communication. I was very good at sales. After Gallenkamp Shoes, I went to the Sony Store for two years. Not long after I ended up at the Brick. This is when my life started. I achieved at the highest level when it came to sales, and in no time, I was promoted to management.”

Kenneth now had a growing family with three children, and a defining moment came when he went back to Montreal for his sister’s graduation in1994. “I missed my family, and being there with them reminded me of that. My children were not connected to

their family, so I made a decision that I wanted to move back. It was important to me for my children to be close to their family.

By November 1994, I was back. I moved to Toronto, and began managing at the Brick. Then I sent for the family in early 1995.

This time it felt different. Something in me didn’t feel right. I felt like there was more for me. I knew I had to do something other than sales. I knew what I was capable of, and working for someone else was not allowing me to work at my highest capacity. I had plateaued, so I turned to God and said, ``God you guide me.”

“Life is not linear. You have to roll with it. Life is like that.”

Kenneth Heath

“I answered an ad one day,” Ken tells me. “I think it was July 1996. A man wanted someone to go to court for him and find clients. The deal was with each client I brought in, I would receive a commission. I began with him in September 1996.

This is how I transitioned into becoming a paralegal. This was way before all the current regulations and requirements to become a paralegal. By November 1996 I began to do it on my own.

I had learned how to meet, and connect with people at the courthouse.”

For some reason, people gravitated to him, and he recognized the power in it.

“That is how it all started for me. Learning the application of law came with time. I sat in court and I learned what I needed to. To this day I say it was the best choice I ever made for myself.”

Ken offered some great advice for entrepreneurs. “Introduce yourself. It is called handto-hand conduct. Anyone who is doing a business, you have to be prepared to meet people, be able to step out of your comfort zone.

Entrepreneurs do not have salaries! You have to hustle.

Though you have money committed to you, you have to chase the dollars. I have established myself in this business, so now the business comes to me. Plant seeds, hand out business cards, network, and let them germinate.

I don’t think there is anything more fulfilling than getting paid for your knowledge. It is not what you do, it is what you know.”

Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News

www.danforthfoodmarket.com We’re simply the best West Indian store in town.

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Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 8 pm

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Store Hours

Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm

Finch Ave. E.

Store Hours

Mond-Thurs 8:30 am to 8 pm Fri.-Sat. 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Sunday 9 am to 6 pm

Dixie Rd.

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Store Hours

Mond-Thurs 9:30 am to 9 pm Fri.-Sat. 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 6 pm

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PAGE 26

FOOD

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Pecan Caramel

BREAD PUDDING A Simple Spring Desert

enough that can make a pudding.

I love the crunch with the soft warm pudding and creamy NOEL sweetness from the caramel sauce.

CUNNINGHAM This pecan caramel bread pudding recipe is a great and tasty way to noel@carib101.com use leftover bread, it’s also a tasty treat the entire family will love!

CULINARY EXPERT Plus, it takes only minutes to bake.

With spring in the air, it’s time for light dessert options and this is a Bread pudding is the ultimate des- great recipe to add to your rotation. sert of all time for me, not because This recipe is proof that leftit’s easy to make but how versatile over bread can easily be converted and comforting it is. Two of my fa- to dessert without much work and vorites are my rum and raisin and prevent food waste. There’s room Guinness bread pudding. But when for customization here: consider I tried this recipe with the candied adding fresh or dried fruit or a pecan and caramel it was a win. combination of spices to your likeBread pudding is a delicious treat ness. Bread pudding makes a great and an even better way to reduce brunch dish, served with fresh fruit food waste! For this bread pud- compote and whipped cream. Or ding recipe, save all your bread add a handful of chocolate chips ends, stale bread and any extra before baking for a decidedly more slices of bread you have and freeze decadent outcome. Make sure to them. Before you know it, you have give this recipe a try the next time

you are thinking of an easy dessert idea.

Ingredients • 1 loaf whole-wheat bread cut into cubes • 4 beaten eggs • 2 cups milk • 1 cup sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 pinch salt • 1 tsp nutmeg • 2 tsp cinnamon • ¼ stick melted butter • splash of rum (optional) • ¼ cup chopped raisins Caramel ingredients • ¼ cup salted butter • ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup heavy cream or milk • ½ cup pecans

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Mix together all the ingredients listed above except for bread and raisins in a bowl then put aside.

3. Dice bread into cubes then pour mixture over bread and let it sit for 3 minutes to absorb the liquid then add raisins.

4. Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.

5. Place the heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes creamy but not too thick.

6. Stir in the pecans and let it simmer for a minute, then drizzle over bread pudding and allow to set. Serve pudding warm or cold. Leave the extra sauce to drizzle after.

Your turn is coming soon.

Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine plan is helping to stop the spread and save lives. Thousands of people across the province are getting vaccinated every day.

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HEALTH

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 29

Vitamin K2 does not get the attention that it deserves W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH

Some vitamins don’t get the attention they deserve. Ask anyone about vitamin K2 and few people can give an answer.

In Vitamin K2: The Missing Nutrient for Heart and Bone Health, Dr. Dennis Goodman says ignoring vitamin K2 can be dangerous. So here are some important points to help you understand why K2 needs more attention.

In 1929, Dr. Hendrik Dam, a Danish scientist, discovered vitamin K. Now we know there are two types of K: K1 and K2.

Most people get sufficient amounts of K1 by eating leafy green vegetables, rich in this vitamin. If you’re cut, K1 plays a role in blood clotting.

K2 supports bone density. Bones, although solid structures, are not inert.

Rather, they are constantly changing. Cells called osteoblasts build up bone, while other cells, osteoclasts, are breaking it down.

Until around thirty years of age, osteoblasts win. But then osteoclasts take over in midlife and we begin to lose 1% of bone mass each year.

There is a good solution. Bone must be built up early in life to ensure that it does not become like Swiss cheese later on, a condition called osteoporosis. These bones can snap like a dry twig, resulting in broken hips, which may mean ending life in a wheelchair or death.

Vitamin K2 serves the important role of helping direct calcium into bone where it belongs. A Japanese study showed that vitamin K2 decreases the risk of spinal fractures by 60% and hip fractures by 80%.

A combination of calcium and K2 is like building up money in the bank early in life. Later on, there will be enough calcium for some of it to be withdrawn from bones without causing a fracture.

K2 also supports cardiovascular health. If you have been reading this column for years, you know the benefits of vitamin C in decreasing the risk of coronary attack.

But vitamin K2 also plays a role in fighting cardiovascular disease.

We all need calcium for strong bones. But too much calcium can be deposited into coronary and other arteries if there is a deficiency of vitamin K2. For instance, calcium can be deposited into the aorta, the largest artery in the body that carries blood to all our organs. Calcium deposits in this location weaken the wall of the aorta increasing the risk of rupture and sudden death.

A Dutch study of 4,600 men aged 53 and older showed that a high intake of vitamin K2 decreased the risk of aorta calcification by 52%. Another study reported that K2 decreased the risk of coronary at-

tack by 41%. In a study of 16,057 women, those on high doses of vitamin K2 lived 9% longer.

K2 can help with other health problems too. K2 acts like a traffic cop. It helps direct calcium traffic into tooth enamel decreasing the risk of dental decay. Some researchers report that K2 increases insulin sensitivity making it more effective in the fight against Type 2 diabetes.

There is no easy test to measure K2 levels. But if suffering from osteoporosis, heart disease or diabetes, you are most likely deficient in vitamin K2. Statin drugs to lower blood cholesterol inhibit K2 synthesis.

People who are taking blood thinners should not take vitamin K as it decreases the effectiveness of these drugs.

Vitamin K2 is an especially important partner to vitamin D, which controls the absorption of calcium. Various brands of K2, including in combination with D, are available, so check with a health food store and your doctor for guidance.

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

COMMUNITY

PAGE 31

Five ways you can escape lockdown this spring in Ontario NIKITA YOUNG

nikita@carib101.com

MIND, BODY, SOUL

The snow has melted and the days are getting warmer again which is a big relief to many that have been cooped up all winter.

For the most part, people have followed the orders set by the premier, but still a year later we are entering a new phase of lockdown.

On April 1st, 2021 Doug Ford announced that he was putting the whole province of Ontario into lockdown for another four weeks. By now many are tired of the lockdowns and are willing to venture out while taking the precautions they see fit for themselves and their family. For the healthy people who are looking for some-

thing fun to do this spring, not all is lost.

Here are five fun things to do this spring even in a lockdown situation: Start a garden First up on the list is helping out on a farm or starting a garden. Not everyone will agree that this is fun but it can be if you have small children or if you like being outdoors. It can also be a great resource to get involved in growing your food. Starting a small garden with just a few seeds of your favourite vegetables is a really fun and easy activity.

Staycationing Second, on the list is going to a hotel with your friends and or family. Some hotels in Ontario allow guests to book use of the pool and gym privately during their stay so that you don’t have to worry about being in contact with others while having a swim or working out. This could be a great way to get together with people you know and just relax and have some fun locally. Many hotels have really low rates right now because they are not busy. Discount websites

like Groupon are a great way to find a deal on an overnight stay.

Walk the walk Pick number three is going on a walk and/ or having a picnic. Now that the weather is nice again it doesn’t hurt to get out for a walk. Call up your friends and your family and explore one of the beautiful nature trails Ontario has to offer. Spencer Gorge Conservation in Hamilton is only forty minutes from Toronto and offers trails that take you to two waterfalls. If you are on the east side, Scarborough Bluffs is a great place to go for a stroll.

Go on vacation In 4th place is taking a vacation. Many people have been waiting for Covid to end so that they can start taking vacations again, but many are starting to realize that there may not be an end in sight. Even though the mainstream media and government are pushing against travel, the opportunity is still available to those who are healthy and willing to go through all the testing and other requirements. New saliva tests

make it easier to go through the testing process. Places like Mexico and the Dominican Republic are open and do not require testing or quarantines.

Support small businesses Last on the list is shopping at the small businesses that refuse to lockdown. If you miss shopping why not try Googling local small businesses and checking them out to see how you can support them. Small businesses are important to our economy so getting out and shopping at one or a few could be a great outing to meet new people and help keep the local economy afloat. This could be a good chance to get a haircut or have a spa day at your local spa.

Ontario has a lot to offer especially when the weather is nice out. We have all learned in one way or another how to do what we have to do through Covid, so it’s really up to you to start living again. Beginning to go out and be amongst people again doesn’t have to be dangerous, just do what you are comfortable with and take whatever precautions you need to feel good about being out again.

LIFE

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 33

The power of creative thinking DANIEL COLE

daniel@carib101.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Creativity: The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.

Think about this, considering the fact that there were no iPods before 2001, do you think Steve Jobs knew with absolute certainty that the iPod will sell before developing it? Probably not, but that’s the power of a creative mind. If customers were asked to improve the music listening experience back in a day where CD or MP3 players ruled, they likely couldn’t have envisioned the iPod. In other words, it wasn’t customer feedback and survey reports that drove Jobs’ innovation; it was a complete ingenuity on Jobs part, with a combination of a world-class

creative team and a great marketing strategy.

Interestingly, Steve Jobs didn’t invent the iPod; he developed it. He improves on what already exists, the CD players and the MP3 player of his time. Some of the most successful ideas are not original. They are expanded versions of old ideas. In our quest for innovation, we are often tempted to defy existing conventional reasoning and carve out a new path. Sometimes, this can be counterproductive.

So many people credit Henry Ford with the manufacturing assembly line.

But Ford didn’t actually invent the assembly line. He decided to use it to produce cars after visiting a meatpacking plant where such lines were used to process beef.

His big idea was to reappropriate the concept, to develop it in another area. But it was such a significant jump in manufacturing that we remember him inventing it himself, much like Steve Jobs with the iPod.

We are all creative beings; only we don’t often harness our power of creativity. Creativity flourishes in an environment that is tolerant and accepting of failure. As a

child, we all grow up inquisitive; asking questions and questioning our environment, but somewhere in the borderline of childhood and adulthood, as we seek social inclusion, we become acceptive of the results and answers society presents to us, consequently, we become conditioned to live, think, act, and behave in a certain way.

While we acknowledge the creative geniuses, both dead and alive, whose intellectual produce has changed our world and aided our existence, the truth is, it takes courage to be different. It takes courage to not be in sync with the majority. It takes courage to question dogma, and it takes courage to hold on to one’s ideal. Do you know the Greek philosopher Anaxagoras was driven away from society for realizing the moon was made of rock? At the time, when many Greek city-states treated the sun and moon as divine entities or gods. He was tried for impiety and sentenced to death in a trial by the Athenian court.

Do you know Confucius spent much of his working life in exile? Aristotle accused of impiety, one of the crimes that got Socrates the death penalty. Do you know

Jesus Christ faced rejection, as his beliefs and practices were not in full conformity to the traditions and practices of his time. The point is, society is a system of normalized averages. And standing out, thinking differently, may come at a cost of social exclusion.

To harness your creative power, use your imagination, and don’t be afraid of risking failure. Nobody could have thought a couple of years ago that we would travel in a Hyperloop or experience Virtual Reality. But it happened because of one person’s imagination.

Imagination takes us to realities that were never explored. Albert Einstein has rightly said, “Your imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”

Be curious and always ask “why.”

To remain creative, stay informed. Read the works and books of the creative minds in your field. Reading is the mark of a curious mind. Work with creative minds like you. The cost of ingenuity is not isolation; it is selective association. Join groups and community that will help foster your creative ideas.

PAGE 34

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Search for the foreshadowing in your life; you will be surprised with what was already written SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

I am going to admit. This column has taken on its own life. Of course, I have wanted to control it, like I try to control everything else, but I have let go.

It is something that I am working on, letting go of control. The Panama experience taught me that just like that, your whole life could change. Sort of like life has changed for all of us during the pandemic.

This week, I want to bring you hope. I want you to know that what you are experiencing will end. It did for me eventually, but during this lockdown, it is important that you find yourself, and one of the best ways to do it, is to write it down.

One way that people are documenting their lives is on their Instagram, and Facebook Pages. I guarantee you that if you were to start putting all of your thoughts from your Instagram page on to one piece of paper, you would see parts of yourself that you did not think existed.

This lockdown experience has been different for me than it has been for many. It is during this experience that I

realize Panama for what it was; foreshadowing.

Panama was so brilliantly done.

It was a hint to me that something was coming up later in my story. The story was executed beautifully; it created suspense and dramatic tension. It set up emotional expectations, and plot outcomes. It was done to heighten my enjoyment of this journey I was on, enhance my journey’s meaning, and help me make connections with other experiences in my life.

My experience was not even about me, as much as I would like to take credit, it was about all of you. Each and every person who takes a moment to check out my story will begin to see similarities in experience. We are not so different after all; it is just that all of our beginnings are different. Who would have thought that the daughter of two, well respected Caribbean Ministers would have a daughter who has done as much as me? Who?

Go ahead! Just go back to last year January, and start looking at how your world changed drastically. Look at how you responded. Look at how you have adjusted. There have been events in your life that have foreshadowed where you are right now. I want you to think about a few things. I want you to think about anytime you thought to yourself, “I have a bad feeling about this?” How many times were you right?

How many times did you see things in your life that seemed strangely out of place? Symbolic appearances,

which in the moment; seemed like nothing. Parts of your life that were dark, gloomy, stormy, and at times were clear skies. How about prophetic experiences?

Were there parts of your life that something was said about you, and almost like magic, they seemed to happen, almost exactly as it was predicted?

What has each of these experiences taught you, and have the lessons served you during this pandemic?

Panama set me up so that it was possible for me to share one sentiment….

YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS! I have likened to using the metaphor of the train entering a tunnel. There are those of you right now who have just entered this tunnel. It is dark, and you can see nothing outside. There are flickers of light (memories of how things used to be), but the darkness soon consumes these flickers, and like that, you are plunged back into darkness.

The tunnel is long, but as you look to the front of the train, you see a pin drop of light, that every passing minute gets larger and larger. The looming darkness is still around you, but I want you to focus your attention on that dot.

Watch it grow. That dot my friends, is the end of this.

In the meantime, find ways to define yourself, document what you can, and revisit your experiences. Search for the foreshadowing.

New Moon, time for a well needed fresh start!

GARCIA AKUA

garcia@carib101.com

COSMIC CORNER

Happy New Moon cosmic family! On Sunday April 11th we will have our first new year of the cosmic year! This is a big deal! New Moons are times for setting new intentions, with this being the first new moon of the year, it’s time to set some big goals for our cosmic year.

Back in January many of us were still in some sort of lockdown, it might not have felt like there was much to celebrate other than 2020 being over. That is the usual time we set goals for ourselves with new year resolutions. Astrologically, we celebrate the new year with the beginning of Spring. Nature shows us things are beginning to lighten up as the days get longer. New life starts to emerge in the Spring, the trees begin to bud and the birds return home to sing. This is our signal to return home to ourselves, sing a new song and begin our own budding journey.

Our first New Moon is happening in the first sign of the zodiac, Aries.

Aries is a fire sign, it’s the sign of Self. It promotes energy, ambition, direction and passion. It also influences our sex drive and how we go after the things we want in life. During this New Moon, we will have the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury and Chiron all in Aries. This alignment of energy gives us an opportunity to set goals in various areas of our lives. Time for a well needed fresh start.

The Sun is our personality and feels comfortable in the fire sign of self as your personality can really shine here.

The Moon represents our emotions, how we truly feel under the surface, it also represents our instincts and intuition. Venus represents how we love and receive love, sensuality, our values/worth as well as aspects of our finances. Mercury represents the way we think and communicate, it influences the mind. Lastly, Chiron is not a planet but an asteroid known as the Wounded Healer, it represents where we hold trauma in our lives.

All these planetary bodies are in Aries, the sign of Self during this New Moon. This is our chance to look over the different areas of our lives and set new goals for ourselves this year. Are you truly expressing your desires and going after them? Are you hiding your passions and fire by playing small? Are your needs being met in your love life? Are you honoring your values and worth? What do your finances look like? Do you need a better

budget? How is your past trauma holding you back from achieving your goals? Do you have a healthy way of dealing with your pain and trauma? Reflect on these questions this week. Make some solid decisions for yourself and then follow them up with action! Aries is about action and going to get it.

This week we lost a legend in this realm, DMX. People can say what they want about him, but there are some facts that cannot be disputed. DMX had a terrible childhood that left him scarred with deep trauma. Despite the trauma, which led to other darker paths, he brought light and hope to the world. He wore his struggle on his sleeve for all of us to see while praying for us. He spoke candidly about his battles and encouraged others to choose another way. DMX was his authentic Self. He came and lived out his purpose. He was wounded in Self, as he also has Chiron in Aries in his natal chart.

But he used that wound to heal others.

He showed up and showed love regardless of his pain.

Despite the doom and gloom of lockdown after lockdown, despite your personal struggles and pains, what plan are you making for a better life? What is your passion that keeps you going? What lights your fire and fuels your dreams?

Focus more on that and dream big!

It’s the first new moon and it’s all about you!

LIFE

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 35

Push to have education workers vaccinated is underway during COVID-19 pandemic PAUL JUNOR

•

paul@carib101.com

YOUTH EDUCATION

There has been much attention directed to vaccines that are currently being used to fight the COVID-19 virus. According to the Government of Canada’s website (canada.ca), there are specific clinical trial phases that potential vaccines have to undergo, before they become available to the public.

Steps are underway to fasttrack their development and to decrease the time between trial phases by: • •

Using trial processes that test multiple vaccines at the same time Running trials at the same time

•

rather than doing them individually, which reduce the number of trials and steps needed Numbering how long it takes to collect and assess the data launching trials in areas affected the most by the pandemic (highest number of cases and severe illness), Increasing collaboration, which means that manufacturers are able to speed up development without compromising safety and effectiveness (how well it works)

There was an open letter from OSSTF Toronto to: TDSB Director and Chair, Toronto’s Chief Medical Officer and Ontario’s Minister of Health on Thursday, March 25th, 2021, which laid out four urgent concerns on behalf of education workers.

The first one states, “We call on the Provincial Government and Toronto Public Health to ensure that all education workers currently working in-person be considered High Risk and begin with those workers in congre-

gated special education sites and classrooms, that they be eligible to receive their first vaccine at the beginning of Phase 2.”

“The provincial government has indicated that they would be eligible to receive it at the beginning of March. On Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) passed seven motions at its board meeting which culminated with the Chair of the Board writing a letter to the Premier of Ontario, “Requesting a change to the provincial framework to allow educators to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” (www3dpcdsb.org).

The letter was sent to the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 .The letter was titled, “Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccines for DPCDSB in Peel Region Schools.” It states that based on motions which were approved by the Board of Trustees they are requesting vaccinations for education workers as quickly as possible. The letter identifies

some of the prevailing factors as; •

• •

The Region of Peel is one of the hardest hit areas in the province for COVID-19 and COVID-19 virus transmission in the community continues to have significant impact on Peel Region schools The Region of Peel remains in a provincially designated Grey-Zone lockdown Peel Public Health has confirmed that COVID-19 cases of variants of concern (VOC) have been identified in our schools in Peel region; these new strains of COVID-19 are known to spread faster

Approximately 42% of DPCDSB schools have experienced at least one positive case of COVID-19 since returning to inperson learning in February. The letter concludes, “Expedited vaccination for our education workers is necessary to take action, break the chains of transmission and save lives.”

Seti the 1st war correspondents etched along the north wall of the Hypostyle hall; more of his great achievements DAVE RANKIN dave@carib101.com

AFRICAN HISTORY

Seti the 1st returned home from battle against the “vile” Kheta with captives and “the choicest items their country has to offer.” Reliefs from the exterior wall of the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak provide us with some details. It depicts Seti the 1st “crowned by a solar disk, standing upon his chariot firing arrows.”

On the home front, Seti the 1st began to rewrite history in his own way.

To legitimize his own dynasty, Seti had

himself and his son Rameses the 2nd showing adoration to the shenu or cartouche of sixty-seven previous nesew.

A shenu is an oval shaped carving with a vertical line at the end of it. Usually, a name is inscribed within the shape.

The word cartouche is French in origin, and was first used by soldiers who said the symbol reminded them of a ‘paper powder cartridge’ used for loading their firearms. The depiction included the list of sixty-seven names beginning with Menes and ending with Seti the 1st. It is here that I mention that the great nesew Hatshepsut was not mentioned in this list.

Around year three of his reign, Seti the 1st fought the Libyans who had encroached upon the borders.

The reliefs show a number of detailed inscriptions. In one scene, Seti the 1st threatens a Libyan chieftain. In another, he restrains two other Libyan chief-

tains while holding a weapon similar to a javelin. Also, there is a mention of the name ‘Horthema’, loosely meaning ‘avenging Heru’ or Horus inscribed among the reliefs. Again, there is a wonderful carving of Seti victoriously returning home, standing in his chariot, adorned with the heads of his captives.

All of this seemed to be a precursor for one of his greatest battles in the city of Qadesh, sometimes spelt Kadesh. Around the 4th year of his reign, Seti set out on a major campaign to retake the city from the Hittites. Again, we have to give thanks for his war correspondents that the reliefs etched along the north wall of the Hypostyle hall in the temple of Amun located at Karnak.

There is one scene where a ‘fleeing ox driver… is begging for mercy.’ While it’s recorded that Seti

was victorious, this was relinquished quickly as the Hittites retook the city. In another scene, a Hittite king, presumably king Muwatallis, stands before Seti like a ‘pylon’ as one author put it. This very important scene informs us of the peace treaty was signed between the two forces. The details are fragmented; however, they do advise that the cities of Qadesh and Amurru were retained by the Hittites as long as they did not interfere with the Kemetian interests in Canaan and other neighboring cities.

Near home, Seti the 1st held control of the turquoise mines in Sinai.

There were also gold mines to the east of Edfu that were under the empire.

The construction of wells in Wadi Mia and Wadi Abbad took place in his ninth year. In Nubia, Seti launched a minor campaign into Irem, which is located in Upper Nubia, to confiscate the gold mines of Wadi Allaqi.

PAGE 36

LIFE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Photo Credit: Bajanographer

Living the Life with Orande!

LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH lashawna@carib101.com

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

Miguel ‘Orande’ Hamilton is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, and host of Live with Orande. He has recently released Gi Way De Ting ft Rio B & DaSilva on YouTube.

Who is Orande and why is he so passionate about music?

Orande who is a professional vocalist lives and resides in Barbados and first got into music at his church where he was the worship leader. He soon realized that he had a passion for singing and wanted to become a singer for the rest of his life.

“I started forming various groups outside of Church and I started doing small shows across Barbados. This led to people in the industry seeing me and inviting me to perform on bigger sites.”

Orande has made a name for himself in Barbados being a backup singer for House of Soca Calypso Tent. He said the experience working with known calypsonians was amazing yet challenging at times.

“The experience was amazing at times and still challenging especially in the first stages of my career, but I took the sweet with the sour because I really love what I do and I always had a goal in mind that I wanted to reach, so I struggled until I achieved it.”

Outside of being a professional singer and backup singer he is also a vocal coach. He said becoming a vocal coach was never in his wildest dreams until his friends started asking him for vocal advice.

“I never wanted to be a vocal coach. However, as I started progressing in my singing career a lot of my friends who had an interest in singing began asking me for some tips on how to become better. All of a sudden they were turning to me for advice. This led to persons seeing the work that I was doing with my friends and deciding to contact me about my vocal coaching services and it just flowed

organically from there.”

Orande’s recent single Gi Way De Ting features an afro-centric song that has an upbeat rhythm. The song forces you to dance to its catchy lyrics and rhythm. He said the hook, which was sent to him by his producer, was outside of his comfort zone, as he prefers to sing R&B. However, the words started to come to him, and Gi Way De Ting was born. He said he has had a positive response to the song thus far.

“The response has been amazing with many persons in the creative sector reaching out to me letting me know that they enjoyed the song. The respect I received from the cultural industries on the song started a fire in me to bring something else that would be even better than Gi Way De Ting.”

The multi-talented vocalist has embarked on a new venture this year, which arose out of the COVID-19 shut down occurring in Barbados. He has begun his Instagram live series, “Live With Orande” where he interviews artistes from Barbados as well as artistes with Barbadian heritage.

“Live With Orande is a show I wanted to do for the longest time, I am such a fan of “Talk”, so it just seemed like a natural progression when I had the idea to do a show. We are currently living through one of the worst pandemics that the world has ever seen. I used the lockdown to my advantage and I just started going live with creatives to share our experiences coming up in the industry and inspire young artiste who was interested in pursuing a career in the arts.”

Orande said one of the highlights for him since starting Live With Orande has been the response he has received from the creative community, as many artists have reached out to him to congratulate him for the stellar work he was doing with the show.

He said he would love to interview Edwin Yearwood and Machel Montano on his show as they are both legends in the art form and he is a fan of their particular styles of soca music. He said the feature that has stood out the most to him thus far was with Mikey Mercer and Kirk Browne.

Orande invites people who may want to be a part of his show to follow him on Instagram @orande_hamilton246.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France TARA MYSHRALL tara@carib101.com

COMPELLED TO CHANGE In December of 2020 I got a puppy Zena. I heard all the whispers about Zena being a COVID puppy and I found it disturbing that so many people had an opinion of what all the puppy owners would do after COVID was over. It was inferred by many that I spoke with that after this Global Pandemic that people would just drop their dogs off at a shelter and get back to their PreCOVID lives.

This is a ludicrous thought to me.

My Zena has become such a huge part of my life in such a short period of time, I could not imagine giving her up or losing her.

Our pets emanate unconditional love. My Zena’s spirit is filled with love and light and she wants to spread it to literally every person she meets along her path.

She has deep, sensitive eyes and a caring spirit that she exposes to all the little kids she plays with. She loves to snuggle and put her nose in between my face and neck and kisses me with her snout as opposed to licking my face. She likes when I snuggle with her with both arms to block the sunlight as we share morning hours together in my bed.

I can’t help but start my day with a smile when she is next to me despite all the responsibilities and concerns. She has really played a role in maintaining my mental health with all the uncertainty out there.

Three weeks ago, I almost lost Zena. She went into kidney failure and the vet had no hope for her. I had her admitted to the ICU for six days and over that time I could not see her or connect with her due

to COVID. I went through such a range of emotions and I felt like I was losing a part of my family. People had said you have only had her for a few months put her down and these words were a foreign language to me. I felt hopeless and every day the news would worsen.

Around the start of day four, I decided to change my state and instead of leaving it to the vets that told me she would come home in palliative care, I went online and started researching. I decided then and there that I was going to stand in the possibilities of miracles.

I would do everything I could with natural food and botanicals to help her enjoy her time with us. This mindset shift really helped me through the dark times and I believe just as we can feel the unconditional love from pets, they can also feel what we are emanating at them.

Zena started walking more over the last few weeks, playing with other puppies, eating and has actually put on 4 lbs. in total. We got a new vet, Dr.Korol, who is wonderful and provides Zena with acupuncture and a blend of western and eastern medicine. He is amazed by her progress and I am just so happy to have her with me.

Throughout this whole experience, I had to be true to myself. I had to dig within to see what my gut and intuition were telling me. What became clear was that if I don’t believe in all the medications that Western medicine provides and if I didn’t take them throughout my own personal health issues, why would I depend on them for my puppy?

There is something about the unconditional love that flows from a pet that I believe makes us better people. Unconditional love is the highest energy frequency.

It is not contingent on anything, there is no payback, keeping track, or anything less than the intention to just love. If we could love people more like pets love us, the world would be a better place.

Board games: suggestions for every kind of player Do you want to expand your collection of board games? If so, here are some suggestions to help you find ones that you’ll enjoy.

• If you like dynamic games, opt for those that allow all players to participate during each turn such as Space Base or Dice Forge. Real-time games like Kitchen Rush, Captain Sonar and Magic Maze are also good choices as they require you to make decisions under pressure.

• If you like games that make you think, choose from a variety of deck-building card games (Dominion, Century, The Big Book of Madness, Clank!), abstract strategy games (Go, Quarto, Reef ), resource management games (Tzolk’in, Palm Island, Carcassonne, Stone Age) or trivia games (Timeline, Trivial Pursuit, Linkto).

• If you like competitive games, look for ones where you can foil other players, such as Age of Towers, Bad Bones, Villainous or Root. Alternatively, choose in-

teractive party games like Top Ten, Cash ‘n Guns, Codenames or Dixit.

• If you like immersive experiences, consider elaborate campaign games such as Gloomhaven, Pandemic Le­gacy or Charterstone. You might also enjoy games with unique storylines (Mr. Jack, Discover: Lands Unknown) or bluffing games (Saboteur, Were­wolf, The Resistance).

• If you like co-operative games, work together with other players to complete quick missions in games like Hanabi, 5-Minute Dungeon, Similo or Bandido. If you want to put your deduction skills to the test, try Unlock!, Exit or MicroMacro: Crime City.

To find these and other games, or for more recommendations, visit your local toy or board game store.

LIFE

PAGE 37

PAGE 38

HOME

4 ways kids can help in the garden If you’re a parent, you might find it difficult to tend to your garden while also keeping a close eye on your kids. Fortunately, there are a number of simple tasks that can keep even the youngest gardeners occupied.

1. WATERING Fill up a watering can — make sure it’s not too heavy — and let your little ones go about hydrating your planter boxes and potted plants. When it comes time to water the vegetable garden or flower beds, offer to let your kids hold the hose.

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Buying an outdoor fireplace: factors to consider

2. WEEDING Teach your children to recognize the most common unwanted plants that sprout up in your garden. Ask them to go on a hunt for weeds and, with your supervision, let them try pulling up ones with shallow roots.

3. MULCHING You can add mulch to your garden to help it retain moisture and limit the spread of weeds. Encourage your kids to get their hands dirty by carefully transferring mulch from the bag to the garden and spreading it evenly over the soil.

4. TIDYING From picking up leaves to putting twigs in the compost bin, there are plenty of easy ways your kids can help clean the yard. Remind them to keep an eye out for fallen petals, pinecones and acorns they can use for crafts.

In addition to giving you a hand, your little ones will have plenty of opportunities to learn about how plants grow.

It’s a win-win situation.

Do you want a fireplace for your backyard? With so many outdoor models available, you should take the time to find one that suits your needs. Here are a couple of things to think about.

THE FUEL One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a fireplace that uses wood or gas. While wood-burning fireplaces are easy to install and give off a pleasant aroma, they require regular maintenance. You’ll also need somewhere to store the logs, and some municipalities have restrictions on the use of wood firepits.

Contrarily, fireplaces that run on natural gas or propane are easy to maintain.

Another ad­vantage is that you can adjust the intensity of the flames with the push of

a button. However, you must be able to connect it to a gas line or willing to periodically refill the tank.

THE USE Consider how you want to use your outdoor fireplace. If you want to make it a gathering place for friends and family, opt for a round model. To create a relaxing corner where you can curl up in privacy, a rectangular fireplace may be more suitable. If you plan to cook over the embers, choose a model with a grill.

Finally, keep in mind your budget and space limitations when shopping for an outdoor fireplace. Consult the staff at your local hard­ware store for additional advice.

FUN

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News

PAGE 39

WEEK OF APRIL 11 TO APRIL 17, 2021

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: CANCER, LEO AND VIRGO

You’ll take on a renovation pro­ject or purchase quality applian­ces for your home. Your friends will have a positive influence on you, help­ ing you to strengthen your social connections and be more active.

TAURUS

HOW TO PLAY :

Using your unstoppable determi­nation, you’ll take on a variety of great initiatives, each more exci­ting than the last. You’ll take ac­tion even though you’re short on time or in an unstable financial situ­ ation.

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

Stress is one of the greatest health threats of the modern age; if you don’t take time to relax, you won’t be able to escape it. You should adopt a more spiri­tual lifestyle that’s in line with your values.

PUZZLE NO. 733 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 733

GEMINI

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.

Even if you’re reserved, you’ll spend a lot of time in excellent company this week. You may be responsible for planning an im­portant meeting at work or an event with your relatives.

LEO

At work, you’ll be in line for a promotion. If you’re look­ ing for a job, you’ll soon find a position with a lot of poten­ tial for quick advancement and a successful future.

PUZZLE NO. 23 46. Gives the impression 50. During 53. Side of Manhattan 55. Sever 56. Extended 57. Away from the weather 58. Deface 59. Yearn 60. Gains 61. Home for swine

ACROSS 1. Current craze 4. Scale 8. Sailor’s word 12. Tiny Tim’s instrument, for short 13. Checkup 14. Zilch 15. Basketball hoop part

16. Rosemary, e.g.

17. Golfers’ pegs 18. Insulting 20. Large truck 22. Manta ____ 24. School break 28. Millionaires’ properties 32. Kind of wave 33. Soft light

34. Brief doze 36. Carpet’s surface 37. Getups 39. Discussed formally 41. Music lover’s equipment 43. Mouse’s cousin 44. Unit of length

DOWN 1. Mink and sable 2. Like 3. Moore of “Ghost” 4. Warm again 5. Have an ____ to grind 6. Paves 7. Fire remnant 8. Expect 9. Gardening implement 10. ____, two, three ...

11. Definitely!

19. Castle’s entrance 21. Faced 23. Tokyo currency 25. Red-pencil 26. Shoppers’

delight 27. Santa’s chariot 28. Scrambled and sunnyside up items 29. Blind section 30. Shredded 31. Sorrowful 35. Apiece 38. Lieberman or Kennedy: abbr.

40. Moistens a turkey 42. Indian or Arctic

45. ____ and hearty 47. Stately trees 48. Ditch of defense 49. Lively 50. European peak 51. Miss Piggy’s “me” 52. Hotel 54. Tennis-match division

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 23

VIRGO

The idea of going on vacation or enjoying a quick getaway will cross your mind. If you planned to take this trip with a group, it’s possible that some complications will come up.

LIBRA

You’ll display your generosity, but there are some who’ll take ad­ vantage of it. This will prompt you to seek more respect from ot hers. Your tendency to be outspoken will set the record straight.

SCORPIO

You’ll need to prepare for a ne­gotiation. Whether it’s for work or a major purchase, it’ll require a lot of time and patience on your part to gather the necessary in­formation.

SAGITTARIUS

This is an excellent week to set­tle disputes and clear up any bil­ling errors. You’ll win your case at every turn. There will also be many small matters you need to resolve.

CAPRICORN

Buying a property takes time and money. Fortunately, this under­taking will prove to be quite pro­fitable for you. You’ll be proud of your attempts to boost your self­confidence.

AQUARIUS

You’ll enjoy wonderful moments with your family. Perhaps you’ll need to work on a project toge­ther, such as planning a move or reorganizing your schedule be­cause of work. This will cause some stress.

PISCES

As the warmer weather sets in, you’ll want to spoil yourself, most likely with a new wardrobe. You’ll be delighted that your friends con­tinuously invite you to go places.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

the free

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PAGE 42

REAL ESTATE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Is the real estate market over the hill?

JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported that they are signs of an overheated real estate market. Dana Senagama, Senior Specialist for market insights for CMHC said “While the pandemic has impacted lower wage paying sectors and the rental market, homeownership demand has continued to grow and defy expectations. With evidence of price acceleration and excess inventories detected simultaneously, our overall assessment moved from a moderate to a high degree of vulnerability.”

In March of this year, there were 15,652 homes sold, almost double the number of homes sold in March 2020.

New listings also rose to a record-breaking 57%, year-over-year but could not keep up with the demands. The average selling price in GTA went up by 21.6% to a new high of $1,097,565.

Tiff Macklem, Bank of Canada Governor, mentioned that people may be purchasing homes solely because they believe prices may go up. “What we get worried about is when we start to see extrapolated expectations, when we start to see people expecting the kind of unsustainable price increases, we’ve

seen recently go on indefinitely,” said Tiff Macklem.

Home prices are surging in the suburbs as well. With the pandemic, more people can work from home and choose to relocate to smaller cities where they can enjoy more space for a cheaper price.

Interest rates are on the rise and many buyers who locked in a lower rate are in a rush to find a home.

Benjamin Tal, who works for CIBC capital markets, said that “If you think that Toronto is unaffordable now, you wait.”

He said that “Toronto is becoming like Berlin, like London, like Manhattan. It’s becoming more and more unaffordable, and therefore we know that our kids will struggle.” Robert Hogue, a senior economist at Royal bank, echoed the same sentiment “Large population in immigration and solid labour markets had housing demand running hotter than supply in many parts of Canada before the pandemic.

The pandemic cranked up the heat.” He explained that “Sky-high property values can exacerbate inequality, widening the divide between haves and have-not.”

I noticed that when there was a lockdown, home prices surged. The reason is that many sellers avoided putting their home up for sale during the lockdowns. This created an artificial shortage and resulted in multiple offers. With multiple offers, the highest bidder often wins, and this results in rapid price growth.

With rapid price growth, buyers are taking on larger mortgages. Canada’s mortgage debt escalated to about $1.65 trillion in the last quarter of 2020 and

continued to climb in the first quarter of 2021. If the market changes direction, lenders will be caught in situations where the mortgage on a home is higher than the value of that property. This can lead to a financial meltdown. Will Dunning, chief economist at Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC), explained that record low interest rate and a strong desire for homeownership is the driving force. When it comes to an increase in interest rates, Mr. Dunning said that “The employment situation is much more important than mortgage interest rates. This is because a problem with increased mortgage costs can usually be solved if the borrower has a steady income.” According to The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada’s unemployment level is one of the highest among the G7 nations.

Policy makers are looking at ways to cool the market. One idea is to impose capital gains tax on the sale of principal residence. I don’t consider this as a way to cool the housing market. The actual problem is lack of housing. I do feel that speculators should be taxed heavily, thereby discouraging them from flipping properties for a quick profit which stimulates price growth. By taxing speculators heavily, more properties will be available for buyers to choose and this will cool the overheated market.

Christopher Alexander, Chief Strategy Officer at RE/MAX of Ontario-Atlantic Canada, said that we can cool the housing problem with the following ideas:

1. A mandate to make all offers conditional upon obtaining financing. This will reduce buyer remorse and ensure that buyers can afford the purchase.

2. Implement an industry “watchdog” to review transactions where homes are sold well above their asking price.

The idea is to ensure fair listing prices (and not prices below market value to create bidding frenzies). Realtors who disobey this rule would face fines.

3. Build more homes. This is the best solution to the housing crisis. This can be done by incentivize more development of affordable housing. “Realistically, we can’t continue to fight urban sprawl while simultaneously expecting housing prices to cool. It’s not feasible. What we’re seeing in the market right now is simple economics – low supply and high demand.

We need more homes to meet Canadian’s’ current needs, while anticipating the housing needs of the 1.2 million people who are expected to immigrate to Canada through 2023.” said Christopher Alexander. “Maybe now is the time to consider expanding the boundaries of our developable land.”

This pandemic is new to us and so are the problems created by it. The best strategy is to be safe. With the surge in home prices, many homeowners are splurging on the increased equity. When the tide changes, if they are not careful, they will be marooned.

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PAGE 44

FINANCE

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Five tips for buying 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. A mortgage agent will evaluate your situation and pre-shop 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 house you can afford. It makes it faster to complete your mortgage paperwork.

It’s not a matter of whether you will buy your first or next home, but rather a matter of when.

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.

Lifetime annuities – deal or no deal ANDREW STEWART andrew@carib101.com

FAMILY ADVISOR

Annuities are another option for a place to put your hard-earned money and can be almost guaranteed with fixed annuities.

Anyone who spends their lifetime earnings and investing will eventually come across the term annuities. It seems like there is an endless possibility of options from annuities, which is similar to investment choices that also have a barrage of choices.

For simplicity’s sake, we will take a look at the more basic annuity. One that most individuals will probably be familiar with is the fixed lifetime annuity.

Annuity The main benefit to a lifetime annuity is that the amount of monthly cash flow is guaranteed. Essentially there is no investment risk because you aren’t investing in anything. A fixed annuity can be immediate or deferred. That is, depending on your contract, you may start receiving annuity payments within a year of purchasing your fixed annuity or you may have the payments start at a later time. Deferred annuities typically start payments at retirement.

For example, Andrew is 65 and has $100,000 in his RRSPs and he is ready to take some income to supplement his

retirement. Andrew shops around and gets a quote of $570.33 monthly income for life.

What makes an annuity fixed is that the insurance company promises that your money will earn a predetermined, fixed return per year for as long as you live.

Life annuities make payments to the investor for as long as the owner lives, and the insurance company keeps whatever is left when the owner dies. Some life annuities allow the owner to purchase a guaranteed term, meaning that if the owner dies before a certain date, the owner’s beneficiary receives the rest of the annuity payments but usually it’s a lump sum.

Pros • Guaranteed minimum interest rate: A fixed annuity will never earn less than the guaranteed interest rate, regardless of how the insurance company’s investments perform.

• Premium protection: You cannot lose your initial investment, your premium, with a fixed annuity.

• Income for life: If you purchase a life annuity, you can never outlive your income payments.

• Lowest risk: Interest credited is not dependent on the performance of investments or stocks.

Cons • No inflation protection: Growth is fixed and may not keep up with inflation. That means their actual value may decline over time.

• No capital gains tax rates: Money

•

withdrawn from annuities are taxed as ordinary income. It does not get the benefit of lower capital gains rates.

Penalties for early withdrawals: Because annuities are designed to help people save for retirement, if you withdraw money from an annuity before age fifty-nine, you will be subject to a penalty.

Would you take this deal?

If we take $570.33 and multiply it by twelve, we get an annual income of $6,843.96 per year. The only way Andrew gets his $100,000 back is to live long enough. So how long would Andrew have to live? It’s not perfect math but if you take a simple approach and divide $570.33 into $100,000, you get 175 months to get his $100,000 with no interest. That’s 14 and a half years. That put Andrew at seventynine and a half.

What if Andrew just put his $100,000 in a high-interest savings account earning 2% that would extend the longevity of the $100,000 to just over eighteen years of age 83. What about mutual funds or things that could earn higher potential returns? If you invested in something that potentially earned higher returns like mutual funds or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), you might be able to make the $100,000 last longer.

In the end, if you can tell exactly when you’re going to die, I could easily tell you which is the better deal? If Andrew knows he is going to live past 85, then it’s highly probable that the annuity will pay off over other investment options.

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PAGE 46

SPORTS

Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

This Week in Sports; Political tensions grow between the USA and China over possible Olympic boycott MARCEL MARIAK marcel@carib101.com

TC JUNIOR REPORTER

Hockey: The Leafs looking strong with their continued win-streak In recent years, there were times when the Maple Leafs looked like a seriously half-cooked team. From their poor management under Babcock, to a heartbreaking playoffs game-7 defeat to the Bruins in 2019, to a sexual harassment controversy involving Auston Matthews, the Leafs have had their fair share of thrashings.

Despite the recent upsets, the Leafs are looking incredibly strong this season. This week, the Maple Leafs continued their five game win-streak with an impressive victory over the NHL’s least favourite team (that’s right, I said it), the Montreal Canadiens. With both teams scoring one point in the first period and no goals scored in the second, it all came down to the final period. The Leafs took the fight to Montreal early in the third period with a goal by Bro-

die - his first for Toronto. Eight minutes later, the Leafs doubled their lead with another goal, this time by Hyman off of a rebound from Auston Matthews’ attempt. The second goal seemed to light a fire under the Canadiens and they responded with a goal of their own late in the third period. Fortunately, the goal came too late in the game and there simply wasn’t enough time left on the clock for Montreal to make a comeback. With some last-minute defensive strategy, the Leafs emerged victorious and added another tally to their ever-growing win streak!

The Olympics: China threatens “Robust Chinese Response” over potential Beijing 2022 boycott For the past year, China has consistently been making the front-page news as a growing economy, ground-zero for the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently, for their constant humanrights abuses. As the international community continues to gather intelligence on The People’s Republic of China, the more profound the reported human rights abuses become. What started as a general disliking of religion by the Communist Party of China has in recent times been labeled a full-blown genocide against China’s Uyghur Mus-

lim population. As time goes on, an increasing amount of reports regarding concentration camp-style ‘reeducation camps,’ forced labour, torture, and several other human-rights abuses are appearing in the media.

In response, several countries including the United States and Canada have denounced the Chinese government. With the newly elected POTUS, Joe Biden, looking to make a profound impact in his first year in office, he made a statement that could put an even greater strain on diplomatic relations between the US and PRC: he threatened to boycott the 2022 Beijing Olympics. An American Olympic boycott is bad for China for a number of reasons. Firstly, an American boycott would make the international spotlight on China’s human-rights abuses even brighter; the subsequent media and intelligence barrage on China would likely uncover even more heinous actions by the communist party. Secondly, an American Olympic boycott would likely cause even more nations to exit the Olympics, costing the Chinese economy billions in lost tourism.

In an attempt to discourage the USA from boycotting the Olympics, China released several powerful

- and slightly threatening - statements.

“The politicization of sports will damage the spirit of the Olympic Charter and the interests of athletes from all countries,” said a Chinese spokesperson, “the international community including the U.S. Olympic Committee will not accept it.” The statement went on to threaten of an unspecified, “robust Chinese response,” in retaliation to the boycott, causing many to wonder what China is planning in case the Olympics don’t go their way.

There are several different viewpoints on the subject circulating the international community. On one hand, many believe that China must be put into the international spotlight and held responsible for their actions and human rights abuses. An Olympic boycott would exponentially increase the amount of media pressure on China, perhaps even forcing the government to temporarily halt their human-rights abuses. On the other hand, many people argue that although China should be held responsible for its actions, young athletes shouldn’t be used as “political pawns” and real politicians and diplomats should be used to handle these issues instead.