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Volume 11 • Issue 6
Wednesday, April 27 2022
“Over the last few weeks, I have been hearing more and more stories like this, and what is most disturbing about these stories is the fact that they are coming from people who have trusted the government with their health...”
FULL STORY - PAGE 8
PAGE 2
FEATURE
AZARIA STEPHENSON
As she dances, you see all parts of her being engaged in a delicious whirl of sensory experiences. You can see her conflicting feelings and emotions come up and play, express themselves, rearrange themselves, and then dissipate or transform into something completely new. She has discovered that dancing is a fantastic way to engage the sacral chakra. She is aware that the unexpressed emotions that are stored in the body can usually manifest themselves in various ways. Beautifully she physically releases these emotions through moving her body, breaking up the stuck, stagnant energy and energetically engaging the flow of energy. Appreciating that there exists this connection between emotion, sensuality, and creativity, she makes a conscious intention to revitalize her sensuality creating a shift into joy, and as a result she finds herself smiling more, singing, feeling lighter. Feeling in the flow of her energy. Emotion is energy in motion; it is the moving out of energy from the unconscious into the conscious mind so we can deal with it. An emotion is like a message from within, and we need to be receptive to the messages. Blending elements of R&B and Hip Hop with influences from her Jamaican background, Azaria is the next generation of versatile artistry. With a passion for women’s empowerment, her music speaks to her journey to discover the different dimensions of her womanhood. With the release of her first single in January 2019, Azaria has continuously created music that passionately advocates for women’s autonomy and speaks to the challenges they face on a daily basis. She touches on topics like sexual assault (being a survivor herself), healing, dating, sexuality, mental health, and more. She also practices what she preaches by building relationships and collaborating with other female artists. Having grown up surrounded by music, Azaria was immediately drawn to the craft and has continued to grow her talent and resumé. Since 2014, she has been a dance teacher, choreographing popular stage shows like Dream Girls with young dancers. She performed in Hairspray as “Lil Inez’’ in 2018 at Hart House Theatre. She performed at the Drake Hotel in September 2019, was on the 105.5 To Be Famed
Later Artist Showcase in November 2019, performed at the Taste of the 6ix: Global Music Showcase in December 2019, and has appeared on: Vibe 105.5fm, Sojiii and Friends Virtual Concert in January 2021. Her sense of community allows her to give back through events like Azaria’s Birthday Fundraiser for Black Creek Farms that raised money for emergency food boxes, as well as the AA Fundraiser for the Homeless in December 2020, where she raised $780 for the homeless in Toronto and Philadelphia She is no stranger to the stage and is never afraid to give her full energy to a crowd. I was excited to sit down and speak with this empowered young lady, and the dialogue did not disappoint. “I was born in Etobicoke, Ontario,” Azaria tells me. “My parents were 29 when they had me, and I am the oldest of two. My parents are from Jamaica, and I am very aware of the transgenerational trauma that exists in my family. Both of my parents come from broken families, and the one thing that has truly impacted me is the spirit of narcissistic energy in my family, and not feeling if I was worthy to have the life that I have. I can openly admit that there are severe mental health issues in my family. My family was open to dealing with the mental health challenges that were occurring. It was never shielded from us. There were times that I was not able to put into context what was happening in my family. I have always felt different, even at a younger age. My intuitive abilities were always very present. As a child, I felt very isolated. My brother and I had different experiences. I always had to do well in school; my mom was a teacher, and the only way that I could dance was if I got A’s in school. I had a really tough time in school because I had no one to relate to, and it didn’t help that I didn’t have the best connection with my mother. Sometimes she was very present and loving, and other times, not so much. I have learned that a person can become frozen by the trauma that they experience. With my father, it was different. He was in the music business. He was one of the creators of “Who let the Dogs Out?” The bulk of my skill, and the anxiety that comes with the music and performance are completely associated with him.” Azaria shared with me that she was not allowed to be herself. “How we looked as a family was
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
so important. The appearance of being a supportive family and how that looks was important to them. I started focusing on dance, and dance became my escape. When I had a great teacher, I was able to flourish in ways that matter to me. My dance teacher Ms Beth was like a second mom. I danced from the age of five, but didn’t start competing until I was 14 years old. My first love is Jazz, but I gave it up because my parents wanted something else for me. My first big project was becoming a dance teacher. I was 16 years old, and I loved working with children. I had a chance to make a difference in life, even at a young age. I kept teaching, but I was still drawn to the world of dance. When I got to university, I ended up dating a young man who sexually assaulted me. I remember asking him, did you hear me say stop. He said ‘Yes! I didn’t care.’ This triggered a series of events for me.” Azaria shares with me that she was sexually assaulted for a second time. It only pushed her to dig deeper into herself Azaria has created Sacral Seduction, an event experience with a focus on holistic practices that heal and challenge blocks from everyday life using feminine and sensual practices. She has created an empowering vocal and dance performance for women’s individuality and sensuality. She engages seniors, children and adults in dance with a focus on movement and mindfulness that heal and challenge blocks from everyday life. “I found power and refuge again in dance. It was about having sensuality for myself, not for other people. I call it heal dancing. It is burlesque energy. It is an empowered space. It is about women’s power. It is not about anyone else. It is about celebrating yourself as a woman. This is how I have begun the healing from the sexual trauma I have experienced. Sensual dancing is freeing!”
Passionately advocating for women’s autonomy Photo Credit: Kenneth Reyes
Written by Simone J. Smith Toronto Caribbean News
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PAGE 3
“Why do I feel so sad? Why do I feel so angry?” It might be situational depression SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“Our study shows a sharp rise in depression and anxiety as a result of lockdown. These are challenges which cannot be undone overnight. Tackling them will require significantly greater resources to ensure those who need it can access psychological support. Psychological support is not cheap, and services have notoriously been underfunded.” Dr Gemma Taylor (University of Bath) I want you to take some time to assess yourself while reading this article. I want you to take in what you have been feeling, or trying not to feel over the last couple of years. What have you noticed? At times you might have asked yourself, “Why do I feel so sad,” or “Why do I feel so angry?” You might have even asked yourself, “Why am I so exhausted all the time?” Have you noticed that it has been hard to focus on school or work? It has been a tough couple of
years for all of us, and more research is coming out highlighting the mental health impacts that lockdowns have had on people around the globe. Even if you think that you are doing okay, there might be things that happen out of your conscious state that could affect you in the long run. You have been feeling sad, and for good reason. Look at the state of the world. You might have lost loved ones during the pandemic. Then of course there is all the confusion with the lifting of restrictions, then closures; mask rules, home-schooling, and of course, the fear of actually getting COVID-19. Many of us are grieving our old sense of normal and not even realizing how much it has affected us. The global pandemic has created the perfect storm for what psychologists call situational depression. Unlike clinical depression, this type of sadness is often triggered by a traumatic or stressful event or change in your life. You might have experienced episodes of situational depression in the past without even knowing what it was. Let’s take a look at the triggers and see if there is anything that relates: • • •
A divorce or other relationship issue The death of a friend, family member, or even pet Moving
• • • • • • • • •
The loss of a job Family problems or fights Retirement Having a baby Experiencing a natural disaster or crime An illness or difficult diagnosis Work or school issues A car accident A global pandemic
A detailed systematic review, conducted by psychologists at the University of Bath and published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology, suggests that depression and anxiety levels in the UK jumped markedly as a consequence of restrictions and isolation. The prevalence for diagnosed depression pre-pandemic was around 4% of the population, this rose to 32% following lockdown (a jump of nearly 28%). Diagnosed cases of anxiety, which were around 5%, increased to 31% (a jump of over 26%). The research team, who reviewed data from 14 separate studies involving 46,158 participants, say that heightened levels of depression and anxiety have manifested with people increasingly struggling to think clearly or to sleep. They say some of the possible causes correlate to increased social isolation, uncertainty about the state of
the world, and being under a constant perceived threat of illness or death. And, whilst the Covid lockdown two years ago may seem just a memory now, the team argue that future potential lockdowns could lead to a long-standing problem which urgently needs to be addressed. Researchers are calling for greater evidence-based psychological interventions, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). They say it is vital that policymakers and mental health services double their efforts to monitor mental health and provide interventions to support those in need. Lead researcher, Dr Gemma Taylor from the University of Bath, explained: “We all know the dramatic toll lockdown had on our lives, and two years on it’s a moment to pause and reflect on what some of the long-standing effects this period has had on our mental health.” With the election coming up in June, I really hope to see our elected officials take into consideration the long term effects that will start to slowly manifest over the next few years. There are no quick fixes to this issue. Each community, each culture, and each individual handles the topics surrounding mental health illnesses differently, and there must be systems put in place to address these issues and provide the support needed.
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PAGE 5
The government of Canada will be investing $3.7 million towards Black mental support PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The issue of Black mental health has been front and centre in the Black community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic which has exacerbated pre-existing health inequities, social disparities, and economic inequalities. The federal government announced on February 8th, 2022, that it will be providing support to Black Canadians in a press release by the Public Health Agency of Canada which can be seen on the website:www.newswire.ca. The announcement made by Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health indicated that $800,000 will go towards the funding of two projects. The Harriet Tubman Institute, an interdisciplinary research institute with York University will receive $400,000. The project will analyse racism in academia, study the mental health of Black university students, and develop relevant tools to support university students from Black communities. There will be the implementation of an applied research program that will involve the collaboration of public social and health community services to focus on Black students at York University. The press release states, “By focusing on the needs of communities and on equity towards the target audience, this project is part of an approach to fight anti-Black racism and its expressions in our post-secondary institutions.” TAIBU Community Health Centre, which provides primary health care and related services for Black population across the Greater Toronto Area also received $400,000. The project at TAIBU will build capacity within Black communities by increasing knowledge of mental health, the inequalities and social determinants of health, and culturally responsive approaches. The intended purpose of this project is to improve the awareness of an Afrocentric perspective; and create positive change in policies and practices that impacts the mental health and well-being
of Black Canadians. The funding came from the Government of Canada’s Mental Health of Black Canadians (MHBC) fund, which supports community-based programs in mental health promotion to increase health equity and address the underlying determinants of health. The class-action lawsuit by Black civil servants has drawn attention to the issue of the mental health of Black federal employees. They have been calling on the government to create a mental health program that would provide culturally sensitive counselling services to Black workers who have experienced racial trauma in the workplace due to systemic discrimination. It can be seen at www.blackclassaction.ca The 2022 federal budget proposed to provide $3.7 million over four years, starting in 2022-23, to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat for Black-let engagement, design and implementation of a Mental Health Fund for Black federal public servants. According to the budget document, the 2022 Public Service Employee Survey showed that Black civil servants feel less involved in the workplace - a key component of a health and safe work environment. Details of the budget are on the website:https:budget.gc.ca. In response to this funding, the Black Class Action (BCA) sent an email to its members on Friday, April 8th, 2022, which states, “While this represents a step in the right direction, the measure is lacking in resources and details.” It notes that the $925,000 that the government has allocated to design and implement a national mental program is not enough, and that the time period of four years to accomplish this should be shortened. The email states explicitly, “Workers need help right now and cannot put their mental health issues on hold.” The email states further, “We are calling on the government to provide more financial resources for this plan and to implement it quickly. The pandemic and global conflict has shown us the government can move quickly when they see a crisis. This budget is carefully worded to delay any serious and urgent implementation of a response to the mental health crisis facing Black workers in the public service.” It calls on its members to email Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to request more funding. Email: chrystia.freeland@parl.gc.ca
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Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
Vaccine exemption for flights; A look at what some doctors are saying about this in Ontario MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Many countries, especially Canada, have made it almost impossible for folks who for whatever reason cannot, or would not accept the vaccine or injection to travel by plane. In the case of Canada, it’s even worse, because Justin Trudeau has gone the extra mile to make sure this restriction extends to trains as well, so if you don’t play by his rules, consider yourself a prisoner. So, what do you do if this particular travel restriction (aka human rights violation) applies to you? Some exemptions are supposed to be in place to protect folks who have certain religious beliefs, and people with certain disabilities, but for a lot of folks it seems like when we try to access these exemptions the goalpost keeps moving. To be sure, I called my doctor and asked him how I met this specific criterion as he knows my medical history, and this was his response. On the question of what’s the criteria for meeting the exemption? He answered, “I suggest you take that up with the Ministry of Transportation, but I recommend you get the shots. I’ve had three of them, and when my turn comes up for the fourth I am going to get that too?” My doctor went on to tell me that he had folks come in with COVID and he does not want to get it. He then went on to say that they keep on changing the rules and regulations and that he doesn’t know, “Whether I need it.” “The numbers are rising, there are 1,100 people in hospital,” he said, “And nine of them have died.” He closed by again saying, “I certainly think it’s a smart idea to get it.” The only person that I know who has an exemption is a lady I will refer to as Miss H. Miss H has an exceptionally long medal history which includes numerous brain surgeries and with the help of a few of her physicians has managed to pass the test, so that she can travel, if need be. However, as I said earlier in this article no one should have to live like this and we should never give up on our God-given rights to freely move around regardless of who tries to stop us. From listening to doctor after doctor I get the feeling that somewhere along
the line these doctors were told by the governing powers to not issue, or make it as hard as possible for 99.9% of humanity to obtain any sort of exemption. Here is another example of a doctor with a “no-no attitude” and to be factual, I put the YouTube link at the bottom of this article for you the reader. In this piece, Dr. Jason Profetto (a physician from Hamilton Ontario) claims, “He has never issued a single exemption, and does not know anyone who does.” This doctor was asked how regularly he gets these exemption requests to which he answered, “We are talking dozens per morning or hundreds per week.” Dr. Profetto said that this is something a lot of people are struggling with and the vast majority of them just don’t fit that medical exemption category. He even had a list of non-qualifying illnesses, “Cancer patients not qualified, and should be on the top of the list to get vaccinated. Someone with an autoimmune disease not exempted and again should be on the top of the list to get injected. Heart problems, no exemptions and can get the vaccine.” One of the allergies that may get someone exempted is an allergy to PEG polyethylene glycol which is predominately in the mRNA injections, and just like I anticipated Dr. Profetto still agreed that such a patient can take the same injection with the PEG ingredient. After speaking with my doctor and examining the video in this article I believe that this is something that needs to be questioned and if necessary, taken to a court of law where someone who still has common sense can weigh the evidence and decide whose purpose this incarceration of un-injected citizens is serving best. It is very important to note that not one of these doctors could or would point their patients in the direction of a reasonable reason for an exemption. In closing Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca has stated on a zoom call that millions of people with immune compromised systems cannot be injected, and HHS secretary admits that the injections are killing minorities at twice the rates of white people, yet big media companies and some lying doctors are still advocating for these same people to get injected every day. I hope that this article serves as a reminder, that we are dealing with “Spiritual wickedness in high and low places,” and once more, if you are not injected and you need to travel, book an appointment with your doctor and present your case to him or her because in so doing, you would have made him or her inexcusable when the right time comes.
NEWS
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NEWS
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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
People are starting to question what they are being told by their elected officials and I want you to hang in there with me on this one. The number one question that we need to ask our medical professionals, our elected officials, and the global leaders who have been forcing this vaccination on its citizens is why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID-19 lately? They may not be sharing this information on mainstream media, but in Ontario, vaccinated people appear to be getting the coronavirus at a surprisingly high rate. As much as people want to believe a vaccine is a miracle cure, none of the vaccines being deployed in Canada, Europe or the U.S. are 100% effective at preventing infection, regardless of what was touted by global leaders. The message has changed significantly since the initial rollout of the vaccines. Now, additionally varied and evolving strains of COVID complicate the efficacy of the vaccine, and there is a lack of data supporting how long the immunity from the injection lasts. On the CDC website, it states that COVID-19 vaccines are effective and can lower your risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. They state that COVID-19 vaccines also help prevent serious illnesses and death in children and adults even if they get COVID-19. However, even as the vaccine’s ability to prevent infection decreases with time, COVID-19 vaccination continues to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death when people become infected with COVID-19. They are clear that people who have certain medical conditions, or who are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be completely protected even if they completed the primary vaccination series. They suggest that people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get an additional primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot. When researching for this article, I was amazed at the mixed messages, and
SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“In general, humans strive to make sense of the world in order to feel safe. When mixed messages are given—whether by parents, friends, or the government— a sense of confusion and insecurity can arise.” Carla Manly, PhD (Clinical Psychologist) “I got to the point I couldn’t breathe at all. I had cold chills. I had no energy. I had a fever, chills, and I felt tired all of the time. Let’s not talk about the headache that I have had constantly for three weeks. I couldn’t taste or smell anything, and that is what tipped me off that something was wrong. After finding out that I had tested positive, I felt disappointed and frustrated. I can’t believe that this is happening after all of this time. I have been so careful. The vaccines work, but don’t expect the vaccine to prevent you from getting infected.” Over the last few weeks, I have been hearing more and more stories like this, and what is most disturbing about these stories is the fact that they are coming from people who have trusted the government with their health and taken the vaccinations as prescribed. It was the last line that really confused me, “The vaccines work, but don’t expect the vaccine to prevent you from getting infected.” Hmmm! There are a couple things that need to be addressed in this article, RY 10TH
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convoluted statements present in many of the mainstream media reports. Psychology will tell you that when mixed messages abound, the mind cannot readily sort which information is accurate and which is not. It is no wonder that many of us don’t know how to act anymore. A state of stress can result; this often induces destabilizing feelings such as confusion, fear, anxiety, anger, and irritability. On a neuroscientific level, our brains are not equipped to process information efficiently when said information contradicts other stats and instructions simultaneously flying our way. This in fact, leads to emotional turmoil, some of which we are currently seeing in our community. When I have spoken to individuals who have chosen to be vaccinated, they tell me that with all the different messaging that they are getting, they don’t know what to believe anymore. What they are experiencing is their confirmation bias getting stronger. We experience confirmation bias because it makes us feel safe and secure in the world. We want to believe that our thoughts are right and are predictable, so we tend to be biased toward those things that can follow what we believe. What COVID-19 messaging has done is confuse the mind. Many of us have chosen whom and what to believe based on our pre-existing prejudice, because this meant the difference between being sick and being healthy. What I want to be very clear about in this article is that what they are sharing on mainstream media is meant to confuse you, and keep you guessing. What I am going to share with you is what they will not; that the vaccination rollout did not go as promised. People are still getting sick and dying from COVID-19, especially those who have been vaccinated. In a recent report from Public Health England, more vaccinated people are dying of COVID than unvaccinated people. The report shows that 163 of the 257
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people (63.4%) who died within 28 days of a positive COVID test between February 1st t, 2021 and June 21st, 2021 had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Reports like this have sprung up all over the world, casting doubt on what global leaders have led us to believe, and leaving those who are vaccinated questioning themselves, and their health professionals. Let’s talk about what is happening here in Ontario. A report describes severe outcomes among confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) following COVID-19 vaccination. The data was last updated on April 26th, 2022 at 5:32 pm (www.covid-19.ontario.ca/data): Hospitalization by Vaccination Status Unvaccinated Cases = 27 Partially Vaccinated = 4 Fully Vaccinated – 102 In Hospital but not the ICU Unvaccinated Cases = 235 Partially vaccinated cases = 76 Fully vaccinated cases = 1075 I want readers to take the time to review these numbers and check them for accuracy. I want you to learn how to tune out the noise that you hear, and start taking care of yourself. For those who have gotten sick even after taking the vaccine, I want you to ask your doctor some tough questions. It is time to take back control of our lives. Our government has failed us, and they have continued to blind us with awkward messaging, faulty claims, and restrictive measures. The question I have now for the community is what are we going to do about it? There is an election coming up, and I really want everyone to think about how our current government has handled the people of Canada.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
NEWS
PAGE 9
Researchers discover that Social Media offers an easy way to tap into people’s behaviours SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
You are on your lunch break, so you decide to jump on social media. As you are scrolling through various feeds, a post catches your attention. Something about it triggers you, so like most people you have something you want to say, share, question or rant about that specific topic or post. So you type away. All of a sudden, a message pops up. It tells you that you are exhibiting signs of a mental health issue. You are then asked to proceed with further digital screening, after which you’ll be given helpful information about where to go for
further help. You think to yourself, how did they know this? How did your phone know that you were experiencing distress? You don’t feel distressed? Dartmouth researchers have built an artificial intelligence model for detecting mental disorders using conversations on a popular forum called Reddit. This AI is a part of an emerging wave of screening tools that use computers to analyze social media posts and gain insight into people’s mental states. In a paper presented at the 20th International Conference on Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent Technology, the researchers show that this approach performs better over time, irrespective of the topics discussed. “Social media offers an easy way to tap into people’s behaviours,” Xiaobo Guo, co-author of the research paper, said. “This is because social media is voluntary and public.” Reddit, which offers a massive network of user forums, was the research-
ers platform of choice because it has nearly half a billion active users who discuss a wide range of topics. The posts and comments are publicly available, and the researchers could collect data dating back to 2011. They focused on what they termed “emotional disorders,” including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. They did this by searching for users who self-reported their emotional disorders compared to users who did not have any known disorders, and then trained the model to recognize these “signature patterns.” The model can identify an emotional disorder by comparing the user’s “fingerprint” to established “signatures” of emotional illnesses. They trained their model to label the emotions expressed in users’ posts and map the emotional transitions between different posts. The posts could then be labelled “joy,” “anger,” “sadness,” “fear,” “no emotion,” or a combination of these. The map is a matrix that would show how likely it was that a user went from any one state to another, such as from anger to a
neutral state of no emotion. The researchers then tested posts not used in training, and the model was able to accurately predict if the user had any of these disorders. The researchers say that using digital screening tools can prompt people to get the help they need to address mental illnesses. Sounds pretty user friendly, doesn’t it? The framework for its implementation is being assembled right now, via government agencies including the CDC, political bodies including Congress and the Biden administration, tech companies and leading university research programs. Is this truly for our best interest, or is this the next step of corporate-government overseer’s control? I guess we will have to wait and see, but for now, know that everything about your person is being watched, scrutinized, and analyzed, sometimes without you even knowing it.
Jah Kettle: Lyrically hot like a steaming kettle EUGENE PITTER eugene@carib101.com
ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER
JAMAICA -- His entrance on stage is nothing short of electrifying, except that the steaming kettle on his head is experiencing a power outage. The applause generated by hundreds of fans below is expected to explode; he is about to steal the show.
He is known as Jah Kettle, a Jamaican-born Canadian-based deejay extraordinaire. If you have been to any of his shows you would be forced to raise your eyebrows; he is one of the artists, who at the end of his breath-taking performances could leave you, simply stunned. With over 20 solid awards, including Reggae Exclusive Recognition Awards for Best DJ dancehall performance; international DJ Dancehall Male Performer for the years 2011 to 2012 and 2012 to 2013, Jah Kettle has more than one reason to be talked about. His latest Certificate of Appreciation for his role in the Cari Vaughan Reggae Splash, in Canada, shows his skills to motivate others.
Born Peter Braimbridge, the young Kettle grew up in Trench Town, Kingston. This was home for a number of top-ranking artists including Bob Marley. “I was surrounded by history. Most of the veteran cultural artists taught me the value of positive lyrics. So, I grew up cherishing the lyrics of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and more. My father Oscar was a drummer, so all this musical energy was bubbling inside of me long ago.” He (Jah Kettle) left for Mandeville at age 10 to be among the likes of Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel and General Degree. It was there (Mandeville) where he was fully exposed to several sound systems in the 1980’s and 1990’s. His journey back to Kingston in
1996 led him to Cave Man studio, JR production and Penthouse. Jah Kettle released his debut single “Bigger Problems Pon The Bigger Heads.” In 1993 he has released two stunning albums: “Hail Like With Love” and “Sky’s The Limit” as well as collaborations with the likes of Lutan Fyah (Up Deh) and Junior Reid (Hotter Than Dem). A number of songs from his album are produced on his own Embrace Life with Love Production. Today, while celebrating his almost 40 years in music, Jah Kettle’s is still steaming with a firm management team headed by Christine Officer. From what is coming from the Kettle’s sprout, (mouth), it could be his hottest year yet.
York University Professor Carl James wins prestigious Killiam Prize for Research PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It is fitting that long-time and outstanding York University Professor Carl James was awarded the $100,000 Killiam Prize for Research. The good news was posted on the universities website: www.yorku.ca.
For many years, Professor James has been one of Canada’s leading Black scholars on racial equity in education, social justice, community activism, and diversity, inclusion, and equity. The post describes the Killiam Prize, which is awarded by the Canadian Council for the Arts, as a distinguished program recognizing the work of active researchers who devote their careers to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and finding solutions to the issues we face every day. Professor James was one of five recipients of the prestigious prize for his work in the social sciences. He receives this award for extensive scholarly contributions and research on identity, race, class, gender, immigration and creating more equitable societies. This award recognizes the outstanding work that Professor James has done and continues to do as he expands the horizons of Black excellence. Robert Savage, Dean of the Faculty of Education states, “We in the Faculty of Education are delighted for Carl, as he received the Killam Prize. It is richly deserved. Carl’s
sustained and genuinely ground-breaking work is both of the highest scholarly quality, and directly impactful in the wider community. His work drives our conceptions of diversity and of the methods needed to explore it. His impact through this work on more equitable outcomes continues to grow. Carl’s work as a pure and applied scholar represents so much one might aspire to achieve as a leading 21st century intellectual in education. We are extraordinarily proud of him.” Areas of Professor James work include: • Intersectionality of race with ethnicity, gender class and citizenship as they shape identification/identity • The ways in which accessible and equitable opportunities in education and employment account for the lived experiences of marginalized community members • The complementary and contradictory nature of sports in the schooling and
educational attainments of racialized students Professor James’ work brings light on how systemic and structural barriers such as racism intersect with other areas of oppression to limit the success of Black students. He seeks to address and move beyond the essentialist, generalized and homogenizing discourses that account for the representation and achievement of racialized people, particularly Black Canadians in educational institutions, workplaces, and society generally. Carl currently holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora in the Faculty of Education at YU and is the senior advisor on equity and representation at the Office of the Vice-President of Equity, People and Culture. Anyone who is interested in learning about Carl James’ work can check www.edu.yorku. ca
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PAGE 10
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Our global leaders may not have handled this vaccine rollout safely or effectively SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“Trust the science,” they say. I always ask, “Which science do we trust?” There are questions that leave us wondering; things that boggle our minds, things that we cannot explain. When situations like this occur, what we tend to do is turn to experts, people who we feel know more than we do in a certain field. Throughout this pandemic, we have had mainstream media push doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals in our faces, telling us that we need to trust what they are saying because they are the experts. The one topic that continues to polarize us as a people is the topic surrounding the COVID-19 vaccinations. This issue has become politically polarizing, with people rejecting scientific evidence that misaligns with their political preferences. We know that scientists sometimes make mistakes, and that particular scientific findings now widely believed will turn out to be wrong. Scientists use many different methods, and these methods have changed with time. Science is dynamic and new methods get invented, old ones get abandoned, and that is a good thing. False theories can yield true results, so even if an experiment works, it doesn’t prove that the theory it was designed to test is true. It is why I continue to question our
global leaders on their stance when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine. Have they become so hung up on their political affiliations that they are unable to recognize that the theory that they believed in is not right? Or, is it that there is something more sinister going on, something that many would call a conspiracy theory? What I do want readers to do is take the time to look at new evidence that has come in regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. Hey! Maybe they were supposed to be safe and effective, but now there are thousands of peer-reviewed articles that prove that there is something terribly wrong with this vaccine. I came across a link that provided me with over 1,000 peer-reviewed articles (https://community.covidvaccineinjuries.com/compilation-peer-reviewedmedical-papers-of-covid-vaccine-injuries/) that I would like for you to take a look at. Below are only a handful of the adverse reactions reported and studied by scientists all over the world: • • • • • • • • • •
226 studies that indicated the vaccination was responsible for myocarditis 115 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Thrombosis 61 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis 43 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Vasculitis 35 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Lymphadenopathy 30 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Anaphylaxis 21 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Myopericarditis 20 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Allergic Reactions 18 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Bell’s Palsy 18 studies that indicated vaccinations
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
were responsible for Axillary Adenopathy 15 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Pericarditis 15 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Acute Myelitis 10 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Perimyocarditis 8 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Intracerebral Hemorrhage 8 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Immune-Mediated Hepatitis 6 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Facial Nerve Palsy 6 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Neurological Symptoms 6 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Hemorrhaging 6 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Immune-Mediated Disease Outbreak 5 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy 10 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Cardiac Issues 5 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Rhabdomyolysis 5 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura 4 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Cardiovascular Events 4 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Acute Hyperactive Encephalopathy 4 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Acute Kidney Injury 4 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Multiple Sclerosis 3 studies that indicated vaccinations
• • • • • • • • • • •
were responsible for Henoch-Schölein Purpura 3 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Bleeding Episodes 3 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Cutaneous Adverse Reactions 9 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Skin Reactions 2 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome 2 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Capillary Leak Syndrome 2 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 2 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Petechiae 2 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Purpura Annularis Telangiectodes 2 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Pulmonary Embolism 4 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Psoriasis 4 studies that indicated vaccinations were responsible for Nephrotic Syndrome
Let’s put it this way, as noted very early during this vaccination campaign, this was rushed, and pushed on global citizens using fear as the main tool of dissemination. Now is the time that we have to trust the science. The verdict is in; our elected officials may not have handled this vaccine rollout effectively, and because of that, thousands of people have suffered, and I am starting to believe that more suffering is to come. Trust the science they say. Trust the science!
A mentor is a guide, not a stepping-stone; Why is a mentor essential STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The beginning of your career is both thrilling and frightening. Starting anything new is enticing, but uncertainty of how you will do or how your career will unfold is also daunting. Whether you have gotten involved in a new career, a new hobby, woodwork-
ing, gardening or in fact knitting, finding a mentor, someone experienced and trusted can make the transition more relaxing and rewarding. Finding a mentor is the first step in establishing a mentor-mentee relationship. Knowing yourself and your environment is essential, knowing what you wish to achieve is paramount. A possible plan can be of great assistance to your progress. Consider an identity-based mentor, especially if you need to talk about issues you are facing as an underrepresented person in your profession or field. A mentor can be a family member, a friend, teacher, fellow employee or any other professional. Perhaps it is a person you already trust, who you go to with questions. Asking a person of trust, or an organization that can lead you to an accepted mentor will
help. Remember a mentor is a guide, not a stepping-stone. Advice, leadership and enthusiastic direction are mentors’ tools. Being up front, and specific about your needs will help develop this relationship. Such a relationship is very much like an agreed upon bargain between two people. Keep up your end of the bargain. Communication has been and will always be key to the relationship. Sharing your goals with your mentor will keep both of you on track. Mentor’s can approach their place in the relationship in many different ways; possibly giving tasks that might help in your progress towards achieving your goals. Be prepared for criticism. I know we don’t like to be criticized, but an objective opinion of us, the way we do things, and how we think is essential. An open mind, with an accepting attitude will allow our
mentor to feel comfortable in their methods and approach to mentoring us. Mentoring someone is a demanding responsibility, requiring effort and organization. It can have big payoffs for everyone involved. A mentee must not be afraid to put themselves out there, obtaining as much knowledge and experience as possible. Learning valuable lessons and skills from someone you admire and who inspires you is what it is all about. Soldiers, police, fire fighters, doctors, nurses, teachers, farmers, lumberjacks, miners and students all over this globe need, use and become mentors. What is the best way of thanking your mentor? Become a mentor yourself, passing onto someone else all the knowledge gained from your past experience.
Natasha Henry appointment as Professor of History at York University PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Natasha Henry has accepted the offer of the tenure-stream position in African Canadian History at York University beginning in July 2022. Natasha is an author, educator, historian, and curriculum consultant who has done extensive work in the development of learning materials that emphasize African Canadian contributions to Canada’s history.
She has more than sixteen years of: classroom, curriculum development, lesson planning and programming. She earned her B. A. (Honours), B.Ed., and M.Ed. from York University, and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies. She has been working as an occasional elementary teacher with the Peel District School Board since March 2014, and has been an online course instructor in Intermediate History ABQ at YU since January 2014. Natasha currently serves as the President of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) a position she has occupied since November 2017. OBHS is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of Black history and heritage. In this capacity, Natasha has given numerous presentations to diverse organizations, engaged in conversations, written articles, and interacted with educators in her
quest to bring hidden, untold, and forgotten aspects of Black Canadian history to mainstream attention. She offers a variety of education programs designed to enrich the learning experiences of students through informative and interactive workshops that will assist students in uncovering Black history through an array of on-going activities. Natasha has been active over the years in urging the Ontario government to add Black history to the education curriculum. Natasha has received several awards over the years such as 100ABC Amazing Black women and has been recognized by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) for her outstanding contribution to Black history. Here are some of the publications that she has worked on over the years:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The African Diaspora, Sankofa Black Heritage Collection - January 2012 First Sankofa Black Heritage Collection - January 2014 Early Societies: Mali, China, England, and Big Ideas Series - September 2013 Talking about Freedom: Celebrating Emancipation Day in Canada- January 2012 Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada - -June 2010
Natasha will be joining the Department of History at York University on July 1st, 2022. Anyone interested in learning about Natasha can check the following: Facebook: Natasha Henry Twitter: NHenryFundi teachingafricancanadianhistory.weekly.com
NEWS
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 11
The people of Tanzania have said, “No More!” SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“There is something happening. I said before that we should not accept that every aid is meant to be good for this nation.” President John Magufuli Living here in Canada has been an interesting experience especially during this pandemic. I had mentioned to a friend that there are certain sayings that I do not want to hear any more like the one, “If your friend jumped off the bridge would you,” and most people would quickly say, “NO!” After watching the blind compliance here in Ontario, that saying, and the following resounding answer no longer hold any weight. There is a country that has taken a stand, even after watching the assassination of their president. What they have not spo-
ken about on mainstream media is the fact that the country of Tanzania has engaged in peaceful, silent, civil disobedience. Quietly, the entire country has stopped complying with mandates that were enforced by the new president Samia Suluhu Hassan. 50 MILLION PEOPLE in a country five times the size of Britain have all said “NO!” I want you to take that in for a moment. It has been just over a year since the assassination of one of the world’s one sovereign leaders who waged open warfare against the COVID-19 mandates. Tanzania’s President John Magufuli was murdered March 18th, 2021. I had done a report earlier in the pandemic about President Magufuli. The news spread rapidly about how he had asked security forces to assess the quality of imported COVID-19 testing kits. He had randomly obtained non-human samples to be tested. The samples included that of: a goat, a sheep, and pawpaw, a large yellowish fruit. All the samples had been assigned human names and ages. They were then sent to Tanzania’s laboratory to be tested for coronavirus with technicians deliberately left unaware of their origins. The results showed the goat and pawpaw positive for the virus. Later,
speaking at an event in Chato, the President asserted that this proved that many of the citizens who had not contracted the virus were being tested positive. Shortly after, President Magufuli disappeared. He was found dead a few weeks later, and was soon replaced by Samia Suluhu Hassan, a female World Economic Forum attendee. She quickly set about installing COVID-19 mandates in the country. After his death there were: • • • • • • • • • • •
Campaigns of fear launched by the media Images of ‘COVID patients’ in hospitals Tight COVID controls at the country’s airports and borders Directives to force the public to wear face masks in all government buildings A masked police force Masks in hospitals, masks in schools, and masks in the streets No handshakes Social distancing protocols Public transport forced to operate at half capacity Messages from government on citizens mobile phones, warning them about COVID and promoting the vaccine Palpable fear between old friends and families
•
Import of COVID ‘vaccines’ banned under Magufuli
This only lasted for about a week. After just one week of all fear mongering and insanity, the people of Tanzania had enough. It started with law enforcement. Working in the tropical heat, they quickly realized that they were suffocating behind their masks, so they stopped wearing them. The people saw that the police themselves were questioning the narrative, and distancing themselves from the nonsense. So, what happened next? Citizens began to question the narrative. Just like that, everything changed. Children started going to school without masks, people work freely unmasked, the police absolutely do not enforce any COVID rules, and public buses are packed to the hilt. The markets are bursting with millions of smiling people buying and selling, hugging and hand-shaking, and the clubs and bars pound out the tunes while men and women are allowed to do what men and women have always done – meet, dance and romance, no passes required, no vaccine required. Imagine that! All it took was for one person to take a stand. Imagine that!
The concept of retirement” needs to be revisited and re-imagined STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
I received this message from a friend of mine, 84ish, with a few medical conditions but mostly trying to deal with his state of retirement and its pace. “Thunder Bay is closed for business. Life is a pain in the ass when its slow and gets to ya after awhile, I still miss the action at work and was never really interested in retirement, never.” “I used to listen to older guys in my youth on the railroad all day and shake
my head, same at 3M where I was enjoying my status with fun and achievements. You and I like, most people had to retire and hated their job anyway, strange world we live in work your ass off, retire and sit in a cottage or in Florida waiting to get sick and die” (Conrad). These are such strong words about so many things of importance to us all. One day we will all likely be where Conrad now is, and we too will be challenged on how we will continue our lives without work. For many decades “retirement” was the stereotypical goal, the award for our long haul of diligently working for someone or ourselves. You have to rest sometime right? Well, if you listen to Conrad’s commentary, the achievement of retiring seems to be not as advertised, and for some unobtainable. 32% of Canadians have no savings or retirement income to
live on; therefore they must be part of the future workforce. Most Canadians have only $185,000 in savings, while 19& have less than $50,000. These statistics from CIBC also point out that the number of seniors who will live on the poverty line will be very high, trying to live on the limited funds given to them by our various governments. Women live longer than males, therefore the female population will have to endure this poverty. We live in a society that warehouses many of our elderly in limited senior home spaces. Only those who had the foresight to manage their savings will be able to pick and choose where they live and how they live their retirement. Money talks in Canada, USA and throughout the world. Approaching the approved period to retire can be very stressful indeed. Further to this is how you will
spend your free time, because there will be free time, in fact a vacuum that needs to be filled. If you do not have the finances available to you, its off to work you go, probably to 2-3 part time jobs. Senior workers are not treated very well in our present day society. A queer situation, since it is the seniors who have what society presently needs, experience in all forms of trades, professions, and endeavours. “The Brain Drain “ within society cry’s out for the obvious; enlist our seniors in as many positions as possible, paying a living wage while they are at it too. The concept of “retirement” needs to be revisited and re-imagined. Our population is getting older, wiser and more active too. They are an essential asset to our society, and should be properly invested into our post pandemic economies.
How do we make it easy for our children to get active again? Introducing Tapin Mobile Solutions PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“You can look into my eyes, I’m all about the youth of HAITI. Too much young talent, and NO one is doing shit about it. I will be in the frontline.” Pedro Herivaux, President of the LNFJH Soccer is recognized worldwide as a sport that everyone can relate to. Tapin Mobile Solutions, a technology company, has created a football league in Haiti to engage boys and girls to participate in a competitive tournament. According to the website: tapin-
mobilessolutions .com it “offers a revolutionary, state-of-the-art mobile and online platform that enables the self-management and organization of sports leagues.” This Enterprise-League Platform is the “first of its kind end-to-end solution that handles all aspects of the league with the organization and administration.” It was in 2019 that this platform was launched by Ligue Nationale de Football des Jeunes Haïti (Haitian Youth National Football League), also known as LNFJH, and the Tapin Youth National Football League. It has expanded into Kenya and Tanzania. Since then. Tapin Mobile’s app can be downloaded, and is interactive and user-friendly. The Tapin App is, “A solution-focused platform that creates ease and enjoyment for: parents and players, coaches, officials and administrators alike!” The goal of the technology is to reduce the administrative and technological burden, speed up processes, and allow all stakeholders to
focus on what matters most - the game itself. In many ways, the Tapin Mobile App is very inclusive and has several features that enable it to accomplish a wide array of activities such as:
Statistics It provides data aggregation to gain insight and statistics on leagues, teams, players, fields, and referees. Player statistics such as goal scorers and yellow and red cars will be updated and displayed dynamically.
Team Management Allows for all team management logistics related to the roster and team operations to be completed easily from your phone.
Communication Serves as a team communication tool. When players are added to a team, they will be able to communicate with teammates/ coaches and RSVP to games and practices.
Player Registration Player registration is easy on the Tapin app and can be completed on a mobile device. Scheduling All game scheduling for league play is done through the Tapin app. Education and Certification The Tapin app allows coaches and referees to complete certifications within the app.
I spoke with Pedro Herivaux, President of the LNFJH. He splits his time between Haiti and the U.S to fulfil his responsibilities to the league. It was after the earthquake in 2010, that he developed, and manufactured a cell phone that can withstand any weather conditions. He was a former professional soccer player who has become an entrepreneur. Pedro remains passionate about helping the youth of Haiti.
PAGE 12
NEWS
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Recognizing men’s critical role in preventing violence against women; The Men Like Me campaign SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“We wanted to engage men, get them talking. It is a strength-based approach; strong men are not violent men. Strength is not violence. It is not a measure of strength.” Yusra Qadir (Senior Director, Mothers Matter Centre) You lay there on the bed, trying to figure out how it got to this. He was so nice at first: the roses, the sweet messages, finishing each other’s sentences… What went wrong? What happened? How did it get this bad? It started when he first accused you of cheating on him. He yelled at you, called you names, and then apologized, telling you that he gets jealous sometimes, but it is because he loves you so much. The next time you went out with friends, you came back a little later than usual, and you were met with a steely face, frigid actions, and when you spoke out about it, he chokes you, telling you that you mean nothing to him. Then comes the apologies again… You forgive, attributing it to his stress, what
his mother did to him; all the while the abuse escalates. Now here you are, curled up on the bed, your face battered, and bloody; what went wrong? Violence against women and girls is becoming more of a global pandemic. It is a serious violation of human rights – particularly of women’s human rights, security and dignity. Violence against women and girls can appear in many forms ranging from domestic violence to sexual harassment, trafficking, forced marriage, and femicide. Projects to prevent and end violence against women have been targeting women and girls for decades. Despite intensive efforts and significant resources spent on this work, the rates of violence have continued to increase at an alarming rate. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a surge in instances of violence against women. In Canada, vulnerable and isolated women were at a greater risk of experiencing violence for the first time or suffering from increased or more severe violence. It is unfortunate that victims reported a fraction of these incidents. Creating meaningful change, and preventing this violence, cannot be the responsibility of women, who are usually the victims in abusive situations. Placing the onus on them adds yet another burden on their shoulders while failing to address the root cause of the issue, which is often the behaviour of men. The Men Like Me campaign strategically targets men and boys within refugee and immigrant communities. It recognizes men’s critical role in preventing violence
against women within their communities and uses a strength-based approach to reinforce positive ideas of masculinity. Men Like Me challenges men and boys to realize their full potential through understanding that violence does not equal strength. There are men in the society who are taking a stance to address the problem of gender equality and violence against women. The team at Mothers Matter Centre have taken it a step forward with this campaign and are encouraging men to sensitize other men about violence against women and girls. This will require men and boys to play an active part in rejecting stereotypical gender roles and harmful patriarchal values and practices. With this goal in mind, The Mothers Matter Centre launched its Violence Against Women (VAW) program to create awareness about gender-based violence and de-stigmatize the discourse surrounding it, specifically in in refugee and immigrant communities. I had an amazing discussion with Yusra Qadir, Senior Director - Innovations, Advocacy and Multicultural HIPPY, at Mothers Matter Centre. During our interview, we had a chance to talk about the Men Like Me Campaign, the Violence Against Women Program, and some of the other great work that is happening over at the Mother’s Matter Centre. “Our mission, Yusra began. “Is to serve isolated mothers and their children, the members of our society who face barriers, and are the ones who are less able to access the help that they need.
Some of our programs involve going into families’ homes, and when the pandemic was at its height, we had to ask some serious questions, one of them being should we pause? Together we said absolutely not! The need is greater than ever.” So what did they do? They kept on going. They provided specific training for 120 home visitors, and 30 coordinators in order to fill the growing need for support. Working with their 34 partners, they found ways to support these families with internet connection and their phone bills. “They are making tough choices each day,” Yusra shares. “Sometimes these women had to decide between feeding their children, and paying for the internet so their children could be in school. We decided to help take that burden off their shoulders.” The campaign is being run in partnership with White Ribbon Canada. White Ribbon is the world’s largest grassroots movement of men and boys working on issues of social justice including Gender Based Violence. “We hope that this campaign, the messaging materials and extensive resources offered by White Ribbon will help men and boys recognize Violence Against Women as an important issue and encourage them to access the resources that they need to increase their knowledge, seek support and join the fight to prevent and end Violence Against Women in their communities,” Yusra concluded emphatically. These resources are also available in French, Spanish, Arabic, Dari, and Pashto at www.mothersmattercentre.ca/vaw
The Food Service Sector faces Union action, and Starbucks is at the forefront STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Starbucks workers at five stores voted to unionize in Richmond, Virginia, bringing the count of unionized Starbucks stores to 25 locations out of 27. Most of the union wins
have been landslide victories; some of them were unanimous in favour of the union. Despite Starbucks’ very best efforts to prevent the union drives at the coffee chain from spreading—bringing back former CEO Howard Schultz, firing union organizers, holding extensive captive audience meetings, the momentum of Starbucks stores filing for union elections isn’t showing any signs of slowing. More than 200 stores nationwide have filed for union elections with Starbucks Workers United, and new stores are filing most days of the week. According to the most recent data available on the National Labour Relations Board’s website, 26 Star-
bucks stores across the United States filed for union elections between April 12th and 19th. New Starbucks union filings make up a shocking percentage of all new union filings in the United States. This grassroots progression is also finding roots in Canada, where CUPE and other union organizations have been reaching out to employee’s working in mass food service sectors. The Pandemic has shown the malicious corporate treatment of its employees within many sectors of the economy. Throughout North America fulltime and part time employee’s experienced layoffs, call backs with forced overtime, or received limited hours maintaining the employee’s
part time status, with no employee privileges given. The union movement has been busy educating and recruiting membership within these sectors. Employees demanding representation with these corporations have experienced many methods of union breaking including legal action against unions and their membership. A return to the anti-union movement of the 1920’s has developed within Corporate North America. Conservative and Republican Parties have fallen behind this corporate move, supporting anti-union actions, calling unionization a move towards job losses, and attacks on business growth.
Kevin A. Ormsby is one of fifteen finalists for the Johanna Metcalf Performing Art Prizes PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There is no doubt that the Jamaican-born choreographer is on a mission. He was announced as one of the fifteen finalists for the 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna Metcalf des Arts de la scene (Johannas). George Cedric Metcalf launched the Metcalf Foundation in 1960. Its three principal areas of focus are: the environment, poverty reduction, and the perform-
ing arts. The mission of the foundation is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy and creative society. In addition, the foundation cultivates, supports, and celebrates those working on the frontlines of social change to improve the health and vibrancy of our culture, community, and the environment. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has increased its charitable spending to $8 million, which represents an increase of 25% in 2020. The naming of these prizes in honour of Johanna Metcalf is a tribute to her contributions to the foundation for over 40 years. The prize was created to carry on Johanna’s legacy as a passionate supporter of the arts and artists. The Johannas celebrate artists in Ontario who have made a recognized impact on the field and the public and show great promise in the ongoing pursuit of their ambitious and vi-
sionary practices. The fifteen finalists that were selected come from diverse disciplines such as dance, theatre, and music/opera as well as artists who intersect within these disciplines. There will be a prize of $25,000 awarded to each of the five winners and a $10,000 prize to each protegee to encourage artists who are trying to make inroads into the artistic community. It is fitting that Kevin is named as one of the finalists. He currently serves as Artistic Director of KasheDance, Program Manager at Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPMAO) responsible for delivering EDI programming for artists and organizations, and Professor of Dance at Centennial College. His career spans over 30 years and he worked with dancers such Marie-Josee Chartier, Allison Cummings, Patrick Parson, Ronald Taylor, Ron K. Brown, Menaka Thakkar, Mark Morris, Bill T. Jones,
Garth Fagan, Liz Lerman, Bageshree Vaze, and Lemi Ponifasio. He toured in the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. He has received several awards such as the Canadian Council for the Arts Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award and is currently a TAC Cultural Leaders Fellow. As an artist, he is on a quest to challenge society’s perceptions and expectations through his art form. The announcement of the five winners and their protégés will be made on May 19th, 2022. Anyone interested in learning about Kevin’s work over the years can follow him at: Website: www.kaeja.org Facebook: Kevin A. Ormsby Instagram: @kevinaormsby LinkedIn: Kevin A. Ormsby
NEWS
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 13
Working under surveillance; Global sales of employee-monitoring technology are at an all-time high MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
So, your company has allowed you to work from home for the last two years now, and you were very excited about this move until you found out that you now live with the boss over your shoulder in your own house. It is said that everything in life comes with a price tag attached, and from the findings of this deal it looks like even working from home has its pitfalls. It’s all for your safety according to these companies that spend millions to make sure that you are indeed working. It has been proven now that more and more companies have been using hightech software to look over their employee’s
shoulders in real-time. Brian Kropp, Vice President of Research, Gartner said, “One of the biggest concerns that executives had when the pandemic first started is that we’re going to move all of these employees to work from home, and all that’s going to happen is that they’re going to take naps during the day.” Here are some of the things that these companies’ spyware or software looks for. Different ways just to measure activity; when did you log in? When did you log off? Who are you emailing? What sort of websites are you going to? Using your camera on your laptop to track your facial expressions, what you’re doing, trying to get feedback from what you’re looking at and what your face is expressing, and it might interest you to know that companies are looking to tell if you’re frustrated, if you’re tired, or if you’re asleep. Before the pandemic, Kropp estimates that less than 30% of the bigger companies aka the Fortune 1000 companies have been using some sort of tracking soft-
ware, but that number has jumped to 60%, according to Kropp. On a lighter note, employees are trying very hard to outwit the technology, as global sales of employee-monitoring technology are at an all-time high and could reach almost $7 billion by the next five years. While employers have a right to view what you do on company time, employees need to be aware that if the company provided the cell phone, they are using that company can know exactly where they are. Albert Fox Cahn a lawyer, an activist on privacy and technology issues, and founder of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, also known as STOP, says laws have failed to keep up with the threat to privacy surveillance tools pose. As we speak, seven states including New York have laws overseeing employee monitoring, and these laws range from simply informing employees they are subject to surveillance, to outlawing non-consensual home surveillance and biometrics. Cahn said that storing all this data could cause companies to face huge liabilities
especially as data is usually susceptible to hackers. Some still believe that what these companies are doing is not all that bad and maybe good for the employees in the end. For instance, if an employee is overworked, this data can help the company to reduce his or her workload, if another is very creative or innovative, he or she can be rewarded by the company for his or her efforts. When all is said and done there are serious downsides to this practice, as Cahn revealed, “Biometric data can be re-sold.” That’s the information about any part of our body: our face, our iris, and our retina, even the way we walk. There are facial recognition vendors that are collecting not millions, but billions of photos of all of us to create tracking tools that they can sell to police, sell to corporate customers, and sell to anyone willing to pay. There is a risky downside to the company acting like Big Brother. As the older folks would say, “Fire can be a good servant, but a bad master.” It all depends on the purpose it is being used for.
The rich get richer, the working stiff with their middle-class friends move into the family van STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The “haves” still put out their hands. I guess if you do not continue asking you will not receive. Massive corporations have been receiving public money for things that would normally be considered good business. For example, charging centres for future electrical carports. A business will do anything to ensure a potential customer visits their business right? So advertising, clean parking facilities and customer service would be in line. If our society is moving towards the electric vehicle, why would a business deserve to receive millions of dollars of public money to carry out what would be sound business decisions? If there were more elec-
tric cars, let’s put more electric carports into our facility, anything that will excel the customer’s retail experience. What is with this “Corporate Welfare,” giving wealthy businesses public money, while at the same time seeing such businesses complain about the public payments to members of our society in need? In the US, the airline industry wanted 60 billion dollars in assistance, and had to make do with 50 billion. What did they do with their funds? Five of the largest airlines spent 96% of this free cash buying back their shares of their own stock pleasing their shareholders and owners, but certainly not their employees, many of which were laid off. Cruise lines and hotel chains received massive amounts of public funds. Is it fair that The Marriot chain of hotels received public funds while it bought back 2.3 billion of its own stock last year and raked in almost 4 billion dollars in profits? Cruise lines are floating tax shelters, with three corporations controlling 75% of the industry. They received public money too. Amazon, the world’s most profit-
able corporation, only offered their employees unpaid sick leave and limited their time to two weeks, while demanding its employees put in for mandatory overtime. Amazon owns many other businesses that do receive public assistance. While North American corporations spend millions of dollars supporting political parties and organizations that stand against “social welfare” and the unneeded expenditure of public funds assisting those citizens in need, these corporations have their hands out, and can facilitate these fund transfers easily using their small army of lawyers and lobbyists. Presently our political authorities tell the working and middle classes that safety regulations are over, and that we need to rebuild the economy. 63% of pandemic related state aid in the Caribbean went to big business. Only 25% went to social protection schemes. Caribbean corporations, from the travel, hotel to transport sectors have had their hands out grasping at all the public funds they can grab. To make things worse, the majority of corporations in the Caribbean are foreign owned; therefore, this free money goes off-
shore.
In Africa the situation is no better. Africans need to make do with whatever health and safety assistance they can get from the various NGO’s, while African administrations soak up the free money sent to them by the International Health Agencies. The pandemic has been very profitable for the corrupt throughout the world. Corporations have their hands in our pocketbooks, and they will remain there so long as we allow them the luxury of time. Corporations put profits before saving the lives of their employees and customers alike. Citizens respond by supporting their labour representatives, who are fought tooth and nail by corporations’ labour disruptors, and legislation put into law by the corporation’s political friends. Whether in the US or Canada, corporate welfare remains, and is allowing the already profitable corporations to basically loot the public’s revenue trough. Free money for the rich, while the working stiffs of this world must beg, wait for promises to be fulfilled, and sell their assets to survive the pandemic’s onslaught. Who said life was fair?
“Etiquette is essential!” Lorna Murray; bringing professionalism and elegance to all! PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
For over 20 years, Image Consultant, Lorna Murray has been transforming the lives of individuals through her business, one that brings professionalism and elegance to all She assists new entrepreneurs looking for elegance, look, brand, reputation, visibility, and income. As the principal owner of “Lorna Inspires Caterer” (since October 2018), Operator of “Specialist in Etiquette and Image” since August 2021, and
image consultant at “Lorna Image Consultant,” she describes her image consulting as, “A place where clients are coached in business and social etiquette.” As a woman who is driven by her faith-based beliefs and volunteerism, she will be presenting a Mother/Daughter Etiquette Banquet on May 7th, 2022, in Ajax, Ontario. In my interview with Lorna on Wednesday, April 21st, 2022, she shared with me what inspired her to pursue becoming an image consultant. She learned about the importance of etiquette as a child growing up in Jamaica from being a part of the Girl Guides at the age of 13 years old, After coming to Canada in 1993, she planned on continuing her studies in etiquette. She is particularly interested in helping young people who are transitioning from high school to College/University and then to the work-
place.
She believes that a lifestyle change is required as one goes from the classroom to the boardroom. Her Instagram account states “Etiquette is essential in presenting ourselves as an elegant/polished individual. It’s all about demonstrating respect for those around us and treating those around us as we wish to be treated.” Etiquette will be incorporated into the Mother/Daughter Etiquette Banquet, which is being organized as a pre-Mother’s Day celebration of the power of motherhood. Mothers play very important roles in the lives of their daughters and this event acknowledges the special bond that they share with each other. Lorna states that it is necessary to highlight the significance of mothers as: nurturers, supporters, disciplinarians, and givers. Furthermore, with respect to profes-
sional image and etiquette, “You can improve how you see and present yourself in everyday life through our expert advice on the colours, clothes, and accessories that suit your body type, your complexion, and of course the event or situation you want to prepare for. Additionally, we help to provide the social grace and professional polish needed for power dining, host and guest duties, and the art of conversation and networking.” Lorna told me that in the near future she would be having an event to celebrate fathers and sons. Anyone interested in learning about the services Lorna offers can check the following: Instagram: lornainspires_image.etiquette LinkedIn: lornamurray Email: lornainspres@gmail.com
NEWS
PAGE 14
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Is cholesterol the enemy? els.
We know that if we consume too much cholesterol, the liver makes less of it. If we fail to eat enough, the liver makes more of it, operating just like thermostats that keep our homes the right temperature. We’ve also been told that there’s good cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL). It’s good because it travels in the body to the liver. Bad cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), builds up plaque in coronary arteries, triggering heart attacks. Dr. Alice H. Lichtenstein, an international authority on nutrition, says, “Dietary cholesterol is no longer a nutrient of public health concern.” She points to research showing that “Dietary cholesterol at the levels currently consumed does not have a big influence on cholesterol levels in the blood.” But the headline is tricky. Lichtenstein and the American Heart Association haven’t given us carte blanche permission to disregard dietary cholesterol. Rather, they’re saying that other dietary factors can affect cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease.
W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES TC HEALTH REPORTER
The headline of a prestigious health and nutrition publication reads, “Do we need to limit dietary cholesterol?” For decades, the answer was yes. We were told to limit our intake of cholesterol to 300 milligrams (mg) or less daily to decrease the risk of heart attack. Was it just a catchy headline? Cholesterol is not the devil incarnate. We would die without it. Cholesterol is a part of all cell membranes, needed to make vitamin D, bile acids and some hormones. Some medical specialists have long cautioned that cholesterol is not the culprit in cardiovascular disease. One of the world’s most famous cardiac surgeons remarked that many of his heart attack patients had normal blood cholesterol lev-
What’s the real culprit? Lichtenstein labels it dietary fat. She points out that most foods contributing to cholesterol levels are meat and full-fat dairy products, which are high in saturated fats or consumed with foods high in saturated fats. For instance, cholesterol-rich eggs are not a problem. In fact, there has been a lot of research conducted on eggs and egg substitutes. Plenty of studies show that although eggs are a significant source of dietary cholesterol, they are not associated with an elevated risk of heart disease. Rather, the concern is that eggs are often eaten with saturated-fat-rich butter, bacon and sausage. This fat increases bad cholesterol build-up in coronary arteries. Nutrition experts changing their guidance about dietary cholesterol is the result of good research, not whimsy. Recall the words of John Maynard Keynes, the famous economist, who was criticized for reversing his position on an important economic matter. He replied, “When circumstances change, I change my mind. What do you do?” The take home message is that
we should establish and stick to healthy eating patterns that promote cardiovascular health. This means eating nutritious foods, such as whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy proteins like fish, nuts, and seeds, all low in cholesterol. And cut down on foods high in saturated fats, such as meat and highfat dairy products. Always limit sugar and salt. It’s good advice to stop labelling cholesterol as an archenemy, but there are still unsolved questions about cholesterol. For instance, why is it that men living in Stockholm, Sweden, and Edinburgh, Scotland, share the same blood level of cholesterol? Yet the Scots have three times the death rate of coronary artery disease. Perhaps they are enjoying too much of their own scotch! Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England, wrote, “To almost every question there is an answer that is clear, concise, coherent and wrong.” What will experts say about cholesterol years from now? We wish we knew.
Affordable housing is a human right, right? The rich get richer; the working person buys a tent a home to live in. Homebuyers, and more importantly potential renters of apartment style homes are unimportant casualties of the present day buying frenzy. On the right side we find those who sell and build have no intention of creating affordable housing. On the left side are those with no imagination on knowing how to assist those in the middle, those looking for a place to live. Canadians have had thousands of Syrian refugee’s coming into Canada, and in the near future thousands of Ukrainian refugees who will be added to the competition of home locations, home acquisition. Where are these people going to live? Canada’s economic system, in relation to the real estate and development sector are in need of drastic changes. The system they have created has caused the ballooning of housing potentials in all of Canada’s larger cities. They drive up prices and their commissions too, and also build mass housing that will be over priced to meet the market prices they have set. No real help from this sector can be found. The government wants to use this sector to fulfil its pledges to create affordable housing, but every time, they are hoodwinked by the sector. The very way we view housing needs to be changed. In Europe, Asia and most of the world renting an apartment is commonly done, and has no social stigma attached to it, while in Canada the “Canadian and American Dream” of home ownership is still promoted by the developers, the real estate sector and our governments. The various governments of Canada have ownership of land being unused. Build apartment buildings that will stand the challenges of time and rent these out to people as starter homes, permanent homes,
STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The government and that of Ontario’s Ford administration have made efforts to promote building starts in Canada. They are attempting to cut the red tape and regulation of their own governments upon the developers who seem to be responsible for building more houses. Well that is a good start, but these political moves only assist those who can afford million dollar homes. These politicians are helping their friends in the real estate and development sectors only, as well as the wealthy who can afford the costly homes we presently have to choose from. Limiting foreign corporations and individuals to buy existing and future homes only helps those who have the funds to invest in these costly homes. Developers will continue to build expensive homes. Let me rephrase that. Developers will continue to price new homes at high prices because they can. That’s what they are in business for, to make profits. The real estate sector and those who presently own homes will also continue to escalate home prices. That is a given. Passive investors care only about the profits they will make, and not about Ontarians or Canadians ability to afford that which many are competing for, RY 10TH
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What to do about Canada’s housing portfolio?
2018
VOLUM
NG EVERYTHI
but not investments. A two-bedroom apartment should not go for more than a thousand dollars a month. Fill our empty fields with well-made apartment buildings owned by municipal or provincial governments. End the dictatorship over housing starts, controlled not by the people, but by groups and corporations of the real estate and developers. Yes, this is limiting every one of us from finding a place to live. They buy up scarce land all over the place, and leave this land undeveloped. A falsely created scarcity of housing is developed, driving up prices across our nation. Price fixing is a crime, yet this group of business people are allowed to do the same thing. Canadians need to look into the relationship that is found between the real estate/developers sector and our various governments. Should there be any shenanigans found, it would explain why Canadians cannot find affordable or assessable housing. We must put an end to the Housing Cartels reaching into your pockets, as well as those of our elected officials. Do developers and real estate giants donate to politicians? I will let you think about that. In Ontario, we have Hwy 413, where the developers are committing highway robbery. They are making a bundle, and their friends of the Conservatives presently. In Regina this February, the mayoral candidates received large donations from the developers of the region. In 2016 it was land developers who helped raise $12.9 Million for the Ontario Conservative Party. The Ontario Liberals of the past were also well known to accept donations from these sectors.
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Governments need to become directly involved in the financing and building of affordable homes, apartment buildings and large housing unit structures across the nation. The influence of the real estate and developers’ sector must be ended. Appropriate taxation of these sectors must be applied. Unused land must be taxed, raising needed revenue and inspiring the industry to build for the future. End financial donations directed to political parties by this real estate and developer’s sector. Greasing the politician’s hands must end. Imaginative and affordable housing styles must be developed and introduced in Canada. In Woodbridge, Ontario there is a firm that develops, builds, and sells globally built portable winterized homes, easily assembled and long lasting. Why not in Canada. Our expectations of a home must change. North American society is a privileged society. Young people want what their parents were able to acquire in time. An approach rooted in need is required here. Massive residential houses are for the rich. Durable liveable spaces are what are required.
The Government has spent massive amounts of revenue trying to grow the economy, most of this revenue borrowed. Building affordable housing starts in whatever style is needed seems the appropriate plan for the future. Every lifestyle and income needs to be considered. Housing is a human right!
NEWS
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 15
Christine Officer, “I am certainly not a police, but I do promote peace!” EUGENE PITTER eugene@carib101.com
ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER
JAMAICA -- Her love for humanity has no boundaries. Her passion to give and forgive is something she relishes like a dish of ackee and salted fish, her appetite for success astounding. She is Christine Officer a name that fits the role she has been playing for over 20 years. “I am certainly not a police, but I do promote peace, in more ways than one. It’s all about being a role model for troubled youths, not only in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada where I live,
but elsewhere. I have come upon many youths who need guidance to survive in this troubled world.” Christine who dons the moniker “Crisco” has been using as much of her time to talk about youths and their future. “I want to continue helping youths. This is one of my passions. I want to help in shaping their lives. Our youngsters do not have it easy. Many have been thrust into difficult situations. Often-times they may have to make the right decisions in split seconds and to do so without the input of adults.” In July 2018 Canada’s population is some 38 million, meanwhile, 15-29 year olds represents 19.2% of the country’s population. Canada’s youth are dealing with significant challenges: mental health issues, freedom of speech, violence against women, and
racial discrimination. Christine, being aware of these pressing problems, became a volunteer. “I helped to write the programs for the needy, helping to get them better facilities, and basic food items. I got support from the federal government, from churches and the Salvation Army.” At the early age of six, Christine began to give well-needed clothing to the less-fortunate. “These were good, clean clothes that could be worn to church, and it was a pleasure for sis (sister) to do so. We also began preparing ourselves for the pressures of life. My sister and I decided to join the Boy’s’ Scout. We wanted to learn how to do a number things, which many thought were outside our female boundary. This included making a fire by rubbing sticks together.” Christine also helps single mothers to get benefits for their chil-
dren, as well as assisting them in registering for job placement. In terms of human rights, she has helped with cases that have gone to the Supreme Courts in Canada. Christine played basketball Spring League Invitational for University of Toronto for two years and earned MPV in the second year. In track and field, she made it to the finals of the 4 x 100 metres, 4 x 400 metres, shot putt and high jump, in addition to being on the volleyball team. Her medal count grew to 15 from Junior High to High School, and she was Athlete of The Year three times. Christine is spreading her wings. She has recently signed Jah Kettle a Jamaican-born conscious artiste, hoping to take him to the top. She outlined the steps, which includes a number of up-coming collaborations with international artists and a tour to Africa.
BLACK E.S.T.E.E.M addresses the underrepresentation of Black girls in the STEM field PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields in the Ontario curriculum is poised to open new careers for students in the future. The issue of the underrepresentation of Black girls in the STEM field is an issue that BLACK E.S.T.E.E.M seeks to address. The acronym E.S.T.E.E.M stands for Entrepreneurs, Scientists, Technicians, Engineers, Economists, and Mathematicians according to its website: wwwblackesteem.org. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black girls’ interests and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The brainchild of Shaylee Graham, a former educator, the organization targets Black girls in Ontario between the ages of 10 and 13 in or-
der to provide them with the tools to continue to build their self-confidence, expand their minds, display diligence, perseverance, and resilience all while exploring the areas of S.T.E.M . The website cites several studies that highlight the underrepresentation of Black women in STEM careers, lower expectations of teachers for Black girls, reduced chances of completing advanced STEM courses in high schools, and their lived social realities of dehumanization in STEM programs. In order to counteract these negative experiences, the organization’s mission is deeply intertwined with the work of anti-racism, anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and equity. This mission also includes helping Black girls to deepen their self-confidence and reimagine their presence in STEM fields as entrepreneurs and innovators. The inclusive and encompassing mandate of this organization is to work with communities across Ontario to create culturally relevant learning spaces that nurture Black girls’ curiosity, creativity, and imagination. It is a great idea to start this initiative when these girls are in elementary schools in
order to foster an affirming, supportive and inclusive space for them to develop their innate abilities and untapped potential. It is during these early years that major decisions are made with respect to choices of future careers. In order to achieve positive outcomes for these young Black girls, a culturally relevant pedagogy is utilized to provide innovative STEM programming. Additionally, there are partnerships developed between Black women and entrepreneurs in STEM careers, which are complemented by a creative and innovative curriculum. Programs offered are: Mentorship Provides mentorship to all participating girls in STEM careers across all disciplines. Training STEM conferences, workshops, and programming offer hands-on applications to girls. Empowerment Individual and group social-emotional
activities empower Black girls to navigate systems. Engagement Black girls engage in new experiences and are provided opportunities that empower them to navigate the world as problem solvers. The Board of Directors at BLACK E.S.T.E.E.M are: • Shaylee Graham (Founder and CEO) • Shannon Adams (Director of Content and Design) • Alicia Pitt (Secretary) • Annette Grosi (Treasurer) Anyone interested in learning about Black E.S.T.E.E. M can check the following: Website: www.blackesteem.com Instagram: blackesteeemofficial LinkedIn: Black-Esteem Youtube: Black Esteem
PAGE 16
NEWS
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Benzino and Coi Leray in daddy-daughter beef, the Kardashians are in court and it’s time to Netflix & chill JANIECE CAMPBELL janiece@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Coi Leray and Benzino’s months-long feud continues Rapper Coi Leray and her father, Benzino, have quite a public father-daughter relationship. However, it’s not very loving. The latest of their messy social media saga began a couple of weeks ago during promotion for Coi’s debut album, Trendsetter. In an interview on “The Breakfast Club,” she claimed that Benzino, the former co-owner of The Source, became broke after he was ousted from the hiphop magazine. As a result, she and her family struggled financially. The touching story turned awry once the interview aired, and Benzino was evidently not happy with his daughter for exposing him. Along with a slew of angry tweets, Coi claims that he also began
threatening her and her mother. After facing criticism, including from her own father, about her underwhelming first week of album sales, rapper 50 Cent stepped in to give Coi Leray props and announced that he wants to put her on one of his TV shows. Coi Leray responded positively to his support, which triggered Benzino to lash out at 50. “You crossed a line with my kid but that’s ok, she’ll have to live with the decision she made to go against her father to deal with the opps. Everyone who is a real person will recognize her disloyalty and it will be her downfall. Smh, people who sell their souls always regret it,” Benzino posted. Benzino has since challenged 50 Cent to a celebrity boxing match, in which he provokes him to step into the ring and settle things like men. 50 has yet to accept the challenge. The Kardashians and Blac Chyna face off in court Media personality Blac Chyna is suing the Kardashian-Jenner family for $100 million. The lawsuit comes from accusations that the wealthy family essentially “killed” Blac Chyna’s short-lived reality show Rob & Chyna with then-boyfriend,
CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals prepares Black youth for a bright future PAUL JUNOR paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It has been over ten years now that CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals has been making a positive impact on the lives of young people all over the Greater Toronto Area. It was my pleasure to interview Agapi Gessesse, who has served as Executive Director since 2018. She shared with me exciting news, success stories, and interesting developments regarding the work of CEE Toronto. The acronym CEE stands for Career, Education, and Empowerment. Agapi shared a document with me titled, “Strategic Plan for CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, 2017-2020.” I learned that this organization started as a project with the Black Creek Community Centre with start-up funds from United Way Toronto-York Region Challenge Fund in 2012. This mission at the outset was to create an initiative dedicated to the economic empowerment of Black youth. Since then, it has grown by leaps and bounds to become an independent non-profit organization. This growth has seen the evolution of its mission to advance the economic and social development of Black youth facing multiple barriers to employment. They help youth achieve career development and job readiness using holistic, personcentered, and culturally relevant programs and services. CEE began a strategic planning
process in October 2016 to flesh out the details about the next three years of operations. This resulted in revision to its theory of change and updating of its mission and values statements. There has been a focus on two core areas since 2016: connecting youth opportunities and systemic and challenge for youth. CEE’s vision is to create a society and economy in which Black youth achieve financial prosperity and high quality of life for themselves and their families. They achieve this by collaborating with Black youth, their families, employers, and the broader community. Agapi reminded me of the important core value of CEE: • Person-centered work • Strong partnerships • Professionalism and commitment CEE’s supporting values include the four specific areas essential to the work they do: • Social justice • Building community • Anti-oppression • Respect for diversity in Black communities Agapi shared with me all the creative and innovative programs that are in place to reach high school students who are lacking in credits and need to gain them in order to graduate. Anyone interested in the great work that CEE Toronto does check them out on social media. Website: ceetoronto.org Instagram: @CEEToronto Facebook: @CEEToronto Twitter: @CEE-Toronto
Rob Kardashian. “When they got my #1 hit show killed back in January 2017, that not only hurt me financially and emotionally, that hurt my beautiful kids,” she stated. Chyna is suing the family for $40 million in lost earnings, and $60 million in loss of future earnings. She has claimed the family used its powerful status in the industry to tarnish her reputation and to get the show canceled before it got a second season. The family has denied these claims. Kris Jenner testified, getting emotional on the witness stand as she recalled learning that Chyna had allegedly pointed a gun at her son Rob Kardashian’s head, less than two months after her daughter Kim was robbed at gunpoint in Paris. The matriarch also noted that Chyna attacked Rob by strangling him with a cell phone charging cable and hitting him with a metal rod. Chyna has denied these allegations, saying that while she did hold the cord around his neck “jokingly,” she was not trying to “strangle him.” She also downplayed the gun violence, stating that while she did have a gun, it was unloaded, and she did not point it directly at Rob’s head. This incident caused a lot of concern among the Kardashian-Jenner clan regarding the former couple and led them to call for Rob & Chyna to not be renewed for a second season, though they deny pressuring E! to do so, saying that the decision to pick up a new season lies with the network alone. The case is still ongoing.
What’s on TV? Upcoming shows that should be added to your list! Feeling like you’ve watched everything on TV? Well, there are quite a few shows and movies coming soon to your big screen that you should tap into! •
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•
•
The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes (premieres April 27) explores the mystery and controversy surrounding the premature death of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe through previously unheard interviews with her inner circle. Diary of a Mad Black Woman (premieres May 1) is a 2005 romantic dramedy written by Tyler Perry. A household favourite for many, the film follows an affluent couple’s seemingly solid marriage as it begins to crumble once the wife discovers that her husband intends to divorce her for another woman. The Circle (premieres May 4) is coming back to Netflix with a fourth season. In this strategic social media competition series, the players must choose whether to be themselves or other people, all while chasing a cash prize. Our Father (premieres May 10) is a documentary that follows the scarily true and chilling story of Dr. Donald Cline, a fertility doctor that used his own sperm in donations, resulting in him fathering over 50 of his patients’ children throughout the 1970’s and 80’s.
Rent Relief is Here If you are a Toronto resident and are behind on your rent, or need help with your first and last month's rent for a more affordable or suitable residence, you may be eligible to receive a Toronto Rent Bank grant. You may be eligible for a Toronto Rent Bank grant if: • • • •
you are living in Toronto you are within low income guidelines and not receiving social assistance* you are paying market rent you meet all other program requirements
*Social assistance recipients can contact their Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) office to ask about the Housing Stabilization Fund.
For more information, go to toronto.ca/rentbank
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PAGE 18
FEATURE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Photo Credit: @Vnmproductions and @panoramicfilms on Instagram
WATCHGAWDZ
Fashionably manifesting the GAWD within! SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
It was the Ankh that caught my eye. Okay, maybe it was the fact that it was a piece of rose gold jewellery that actually got me excited. I was scrolling through Instagram, and a respected member of our community, Bro Oji, had posted a commercial featuring this sleek, sophisticated watch piece. I clicked on the link, and upon further inspection, I knew that I wanted to showcase this incredible artisan’s work. WatchGAWDZ seeks to inspire those who want to manifest their inner gifts. The founder Junior Ramsey developed this brand with the intention to create products that are centered on ancient symbols that have powerful meanings and can bring about positivity in your life. Sporting one of these watches not only reminds you how special you are, it serves to teach Africans living in the diaspora about our history and showcase the magnificent things we have accomplished in the past. Also, I love watches because they tell you a lot about the person wearing it. Just a single quick look and you can predict a person’s mentality. It has a way of boosting your self-confidence, but it also has a way of making you look elegant and stylish. Just in regards to fashion, a gentleman should always have some admirable watches in his closet. The same goes for a lady with class. Wearing a watch says that the person is punctual and he/she respects his/her time. People will only respect your time if you respect yours! Junior has found a way to replicating styles from decades (or even centuries) past, and infusing modern styles with classic touches. Some people might think, “Why would you wear a watch anymore? Everyone has a cell phone?” As usual, it
seems like the millennial generation is leading the fashion game, and newer companies finding that the millennial generation loves classic watches Now, this is not just any old watch. The symbolism alone heightens its value and worth. The Ankh is one of the most recognizable symbols from ancient Egypt, known as “the key of life” or the “cross of life.” It dates from the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3150 - 2613 BCE). It is a cross with a loop at the top sometimes ornamented with symbols or decorative flourishes, but most often simply a plain gold cross. It is an Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol for “life” or “breath of life” (`nh = ankh) and, as the Egyptians believed that one’s earthly journey was only part of an eternal life. The ankh symbolizes both mortal existence and the afterlife. It is one of the most ancient symbols of ancient Egypt Another meaning was derived during the Middle Kingdom, as the word ‘nkh also meant “mirror”. This supports the belief that ancient Egyptians had, that the afterlife was a mirror reflection of life on earth. It is because of those beliefs that the Ankh symbol represents both life on earth and the afterlife, many Egyptian gods, especially the goddess Isis, are often shown holding the Ankh to represent their liveliness and immortality. To ensure a safe passage to the afterlife Egyptians would place the ankh in sarcophagi, which meant that the deceased mummy would be able to resurrect safely and live happily in the afterlife. I messaged Bro Oji, and asked him to connect me with Junior. He responded promptly, and arranged some time in his schedule to speak with me. What I learned about him stunned me, but it was not a shock. Both of my parents are Jamaican,” Junior tells me. “I was born and raised in Maryland. I moved to Florida to work with a team of engineers at NASA, specifically on the Artemis program. I provided back end support with servers, and assisted with troubleshooting.” “NASA; that’s a big deal,” I said. “Yes, I guess it is. Working at NASA was a great learning experience for me. It has definitely allowed me to move on to greater work. I stopped working there in 2020, and
began to really take a look at what I wanted to do with my life. I started to think of what I can do beyond working for someone. I wanted to leave a legacy. I began to think about other businesses that I could create. I looked on my desk and saw some watches, and thought, why don’t I make my own watch?” Now that he had a product, he had to think of a concept. He began to reflect on everything that he had learned about our history as Africans on this planet. “I became more interested in African spirituality, in 2014, after reading “The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors,” written by Frances Cress Welsing. It truly opened my eyes to the many innovative thinkers that have risen from our people. If we do not have a psychological understanding of the system that destroyed Black history, our education is incomplete. Cultural identity requires that we not only know our history, but also have a psychological healthy Afrikan-centered mindset. Our reality is heavily influenced by someone else’s thought process. I had the chance, and the ability to build something that suits us, and develops our thought process. I had no blueprint, so I started to Google about the fundamentals of creating a watch. I was determined to find out how to get this done.” In the name WatchGAWDz, the GAWDZ stands for Gentleman And Women Designs. His watches were uniquely created to honour the God and Goddesses within us. “I want to inspire, and implore people to learn more about their history, and I am using this watch to help do that. I took time with every aspect of this watch down to the packaging. I gave it a 360 degree feel by making the box the shape of a pyramid, and making it as realistic as possible with hieroglyphics on the inside of the pyramid.” Junior has done his research. Wrist watches continue to find a way to matter and hold their value. They are fashionable, elegant, and uniquely adaptable, and they appeal to both our intrinsic fascination with technology and our nostalgic love for history. Take a look at his unique design for yourself by visiting www.watchgawdz. com/
Guy To Guy Support Community & Men's Health Education Improved Health Outcomes Men's Health Advocacy
Honorary Chair: Roy G Williams
For Men's Health and Prostate Cancer Awareness
Former Educator & Past President of The Jamaican Canadian Association
ETOBICOKE CREEK TRAIL BRAMPTON (10KM): 30 LOAFERS LAKE LANE (SANDALWOOD PKWY. & CONESTOGA DR.
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PAGE 20
FEATURE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
GQ HENDERSON Mixing Business With Pleasure
By default, the man that we are showcasing in this week’s edition is bold, confident, and fearless. He believes that nothing is impossible to achieve and so he takes calculated risks, expects only the best, and continues to achieve. Anyone who knows him will tell you that he knows how to carry himself very well and he is very comfortable in his own skin. It is impossible to say that this man is not stylish. He has learned to use fashion as a tool, and when he has to step out into the world, he finds specific wardrobe pieces that highlight his personal style. He understands the exact kind of clothes that are necessary to make a statement and that set him apart from all others. It is something very rare today. A man who is respectful and considerate of those around him, who acts politely, treats women with respect, opens doors for them, pulls out chairs, and is classy. What women want their men to be. He is a man of calm demeanour, strong preserve, intellectual thinking, polite yet meaningful, well mannered and a considerate man with high standards of proper behaviour. He is a gentleman, a real man, one who knows his worth and continues to share this worth with the world. I am talking about G.Q. Henderson, a man known in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for hosting some of the most prestigious events in the city. As the owner and founder of: G.Q. Henderson Events, R&B In The City Events, and Hooked On Rewards Inc. GQ is one of the most talented Lifestyle Event Planners in the city. Whether it is a role as a MC, taking charge as an event manager, or showcasing his experiential marketing skills, this man continues to show up and show out, and this is what makes him the Classic Man that he is. Born in Morant Bay, St. Thomas Jamaica, GQ came to Canada on August 11th, 1977. He came during the time of the West Indian Domestic Scheme, which was an immigration program, which targeted approximately 3,000
women from the Caribbean who came to Canada to work as domestic servants. It is what contributed to the growth of Caribbean culture in Canada, especially within the Toronto and Montreal communities. GQ’s mom was one of the seven Jamaican mothers who fought for women to bring their children over with them when they came here from the islands, and GQ shared with me that it was a fight just to stay in the country. “Some of my earliest memories of Canada are standing in a picket line with my mom,” GQ recalls. “In 1979 we were able to claim citizenship, and then we were finally able to move on with our lives. My mom began working at the Ontario Science Centre, and bravely she decided to open up a restaurant.” From ages 10-19 GQ’s family lived in North York. When he was around 19, or 20 the family moved to Mississauga. “We used to live in Willow Tree,” GQ chuckled. “We were called the Willow Tree Boys. One thing I know for a fact is that my mom worked very hard for the three of us. I had two older sisters who she put through school, and I have to admit, being a part of my family growing up was a great experience. I had to travel to the west to go to school, when we lived in Willow Tree. She wanted me to go to school outside of the area, and not get caught up with some of the nonsense that was going on. Those were the years of partying at all ages clubs. It was a good time.” GQ knew that he wanted to be a businessman from an early age. “I see myself as a serial entrepreneur. I started a co-op position at The Hudson Bay Company as a buyer, and then I got hired on at 19 years old. I was the only Black man working in the corporate office. I decided I would go back to school, and this was when we moved to Mississauga. I started at Sheridan College, and I got into the transportation and logistic industry. I graduated and did another co-op for the Campbell Soup Company. I learned quickly
that if you can get an in with a company and show your value, you have a good chance of getting a paid position. Just like at The Hudson Bay Company, I was able to get a job at Campbell Soup. During my three years working there, I implemented a lot of new systems within our department. Once again, I was the only Black man at that level in the company.” GQ left Campbell Soup and went to work for Sharp. History continued to repeat itself, and GQ once again was the only Black male in a predominately Asian market. “Campbell Soup came back to me a few years later and made me their Transportation Manager. I stayed there for another four years, and then opened my first marketing company TigerX Media. We partnered with an organization that was supposed to provide us with 100,000 dollars of event contracts and we ended up just providing them with graphics. We were supposed to link the corporate world with the urban world, but unfortunately, things didn’t pan out as expected. It was definitely a learning experience, and not a good one. Not long after I started working in real estate and had money coming in there. When we bought that first house in Mississauga, I learned the power of real estate. From there, I really began to see the power of entrepreneurship, and decided that I would enter the eventplanning world. We started a few event companies, and this led to event, and event planning around the city.” “It was in 1999 that we started to ramp up events. We did Sugar, then Fluid, we have utilized at least 50 different venues in the last 30 years. Lavalle, Citizen, Maverick, and The Grand Bazaar. From there came: G.Q. Henderson Events, R&B In The City Events, Bachelors In The City, Black Men Of Excellence Movement, Gresher Experiential Agency, Gresher Getaways, King West Lifestyle, Caribana Weekend special-
ized events, and the notorious New Years Eve Event.” GQ’s commitment to his community remains strong, a precedent set by his mother. It was this foundation that was the birth of the Black Men Of Excellence Suit Walk. “Years ago, I had this idea to do a flash mob. My vision was a group of well-groomed Black men, getting dressed, and making a spectacle on Yonge Street. The pandemic hit, and it shut down the idea. Then the George Floyd incident happened, and we saw the protests. I wanted to do something that represented our lifestyle, our structure. Why don’t we get together, dress up in suits, and walk, displaying what makes a Black Man of Excellence. In 2020 we got to do our first walk. We wanted to change the narrative on a visual scale. We want our younger Black men to know how to present themselves in the world. This year, we are putting a little twist on things by honouring our mothers. We are going to include them in the walk. What better way to thank these amazing women in our lives by putting them on a pedestal and allowing them to see how far their sons have come. It is going to be something that people in Toronto, Ontario have not experienced in their time.” From his well put together profile, to his prodigious resume, GQ Henderson continues to shine as Toronto’s King of event planning. You can become part of this vibe by checking out what is up and coming at www.gqhenderson.com Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography
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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Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm
Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 8 pm
Lawrence Ave. E .
Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm
Dundas St. E.
Store Hours
Mond-Thurs 9:30 am to 9 pm Fri.-Sat. 9 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 6 pm
Stafford Dr.
Rutherford Rd. South .
Finch Ave. W .
Dixie Rd.
d
Bloor St. E.
Danforth Food Market 1225 Dundas St. Dixie & Dundas Missisauga 905-949-9990
Cawtra Rd.
Roa
Danforth Food Market 651 Markam Rd. 416-439-6397
Markam Rd.
ion
Martin Grove Rd.
Sheppard Ave. W .
Danforth Food Market 301 Silverstone Dr. A l b 416-740-9870
D r.
Keele St.
Danforth Food Market 3701 Keele St. 416-398-8123
Sheppard Ave. E .
Steeles Ave. W.
Si lv er st on e
Finch Ave. W.
Kennedy Rd. Soith
Specials in Effect Thu. April 28th until Wed., May 4th, 2022. Although we strive for accuracy in both copy & illustration, unintentional error may occur, we reserve the right to correct any error. Specials Available While Quantities Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Danforth Food Market 144 Kennedy Road South 289-298-0399
Glidden Rd.
Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sunday 9 am to 7 pm
FEATURE
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
INGREDIENTS Servings: 4 rolls • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Vegetable rolls with peanut sauce
Milkshake with local strawberries INGREDIENTS Servings: 2 • 200 grams fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 cups vanilla ice cream • 1/2 cup milk
4 leaves lettuce 1 red pepper, julienned 1 yellow pepper, julienned 1 carrot, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned A few sprigs of fresh parsley 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons mirin 1/4 cup lukewarm water 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts 1 lime, cut in half 1/2 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS 1. Lay one lettuce leaf flat on a plate. Take one-quarter of the peppers, carrots and cucumber and place them at one end of the leaf. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Wrap the lettuce around the vegetables to create a roll. Repeat for the remaining three rolls. Set aside. 2. In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, rice vinegar and mirin. Gradually add the water, stirring constantly until you achieve the desired consistency. 3. Serve the rolls on a small plate garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh parsley and lime. Garnish the sauce bowl with chopped peanuts and dried chili pepper flakes.
PAGE 25
DIRECTIONS 1. In a bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar and vanilla. Let stand to macerate for one hour. 2. Pour the macerated strawberries into a food processor, saving a few for garnish. Add the ice cream and milk. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. 3. Pour into pretty glasses and garnish with straw berry slices.
It’s strawberry season! Enjoy these sweet berries by the handful, in jams, jellies and pies or whip them up with milk.
5 ways to enjoy citrus this summer Citrus fruits are bursting with freshness. Here are five refreshing ways to indulge in your favourite citrus or discover new varieties this summer. These vegetable rolls and tasty sauce are bursting with freshness and make the perfect patio snack on a sunny day.
1. In salads. Add a few pieces of clementine to your favourite salad or take a chance on a new recipe with citrus as the primary ingredient. For a tasty twist, add lemon juice or zest to a vinaigrette. 2. In a cake. Bake a delicious upsidedown cake that combines different varieties of oranges or add some citrus zest like lemon, lime or bergamot directly to the batter. You can also make a topping flavoured with orange or garnish your creation with a few mandarin slices.
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3. With fish. Garnish your plate with pieces of Ugli fruit, drizzle bergamot-infused oil on your halibut or create a salmon confit with grapefruit, orange or lemon. You can also use orange slices to cover your fish
before grilling. Shellfish is equally excellent with citrus, including red grapefruit and lime. 4. With meat. Several summer recipes combine citrus flavours with meat. For example, lemon-roasted chicken and beef stew flavoured with orange. 5. In drinks. Adorn your glasses with pretty slices of lime, Cara Cara oranges or another citrus fruit. You can also create a delicious clementine smoothie or add the citrus juice of your choice to a cocktail. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Orange, lemon, clementine, grapefruit, pomelo, Ugli, lime, mandarin, kumquat, bergamot, the list goes on. Put citrus on the menu this summer to stimulate your tastebuds and top up on vitamin C.
See www.clorebeauty.com for the our COVID-19 Response
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HEALTH
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 27
Boosting nitric oxide is the antidote to getting older W. GIFFORDJONES MD DIANA GIFFORD-JONES COMMON SENSE HEALTH
The French existentialist, Gabriel Marcel, asserted, “Life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be experienced.” Nevertheless, scientists remain intent on figuring it out. The cells in our bodies are susceptible to damage. Sunburn is a visible example. Ultraviolet rays scorch skin cells, causing rapid death. Damage occurs at a slower pace from poor diet, excessive alcohol, smoking, and all kinds of physical and mental stress. Over time, the biological process of replacing damaged cells through replication involves compounding errors, and cells die completely. When too many cells die, biological systems start to fal-
ter. This, in short, is aging. Researchers are exploring experimental drugs, essential trace minerals, and even calorie restriction as avenues to longer lives. What is the best course in the meantime? Practice preventive medicine from an early age and stick with it. But what if you are already well along in life’s course? Aging is not a prospect; it is a daily reality. Are you feeling tired, falling asleep in the afternoon, losing your keys or interest in sex? Are you concerned about cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, diabetes and its complications? Do you want to limit the pain and swelling of arthritis, calm the inflammation of asthma and assist the immune system in fighting infection? The older one gets, hopefully the wiser too. That means a look at history. In 1998, Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro and Ferid Murad shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their discoveries on the role of nitric oxide in the cardiovascular system. Researchers had long known
that nitroglycerine eased coronary pain by increasing blood supply to the heart’s muscle. It remained a mystery why arteries expanded until these Nobel laureates explained how nitric oxide sends messages to every cell in the body in nanoseconds. Nitric oxide first attained star status in the treatment of male impotence. Drugs that produce nitric oxide cure erectile dysfunction. It sends increased amounts of blood to the penis. Early in life we produce large amounts of nitric oxide in the endothelial lining (the innermost lining) of blood vessels. This keeps arteries expanded. After age 40, production of nitric oxide decreases, arteries constrict causing hypertension, and constant pressure injures the inner wall of coronary arteries. This damage results in a chemical and inflammatory reaction that kills one North American every 37 seconds. 27 million North Americans also suffer from arthritis, a debilitating condition. When nitric oxide increases circulation, nerve and joint inflammation decreases, which can result in dra-
Tips for a healthy brain Did you know that the best way to reduce your risk of developing a cognitive disease is to lead a healthy lifestyle? Since January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, now is an ideal time to adopt or reinforce behaviours that keep your brain healthy. Here are some recommendations provided by the Alzheimer Society of Canada: • Challenge yourself. Learn a new language or take on a task like writing with your non-dominant hand. • Play games. There are brain-boosting benefits to solving crosswords, playing chess and completing puzzles. • Talk to people. Engage in conversations about current events, books, music, sports and more. • Eat a balanced diet. Make sure to follow the recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide. • Exercise regularly. Keep in mind that it’s easier to stay motivated if you choose activities you enjoy. • Reduce your stress. Explore a variety of strategies such as speaking with a psychologist, meditating, journa-
ling and practising yoga. • Prioritize sleep. Get seven to nine hours of rest every night and avoid looking at screens before you go to bed. • Protect your head. Wear a helmet when cycling or skiing, and consider adapting your home to reduce the risk of falls. • Quit unhealthy habits. Regularly consuming alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs can negatively impact your brain health. • Manage chronic illnesses. Diabetes increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, so make sure to manage your condition closely under the supervision of your doctor. • Volunteer. Giving back to your community can help prevent depression, reduce loneliness and increase self-esteem. For more tips on how to keep your brain healthy, visit alzheimer.ca.
matic relief from osteoarthritis. Another 25 million North Americans suffer from Type 2 diabetes due to obesity and 57 million others have borderline diabetes. High blood sugar gradually destroys the circulatory system resulting in heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputation of legs, and it doubles the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Decreased amounts of nitric oxide may play a major role in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Low levels result in insulin resistance, making it difficult for insulin to enter cells to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Italian researchers found that diabetes patients who also had kidney disease had nitric oxide levels 37% lower than healthy people. Nitric oxide levels are significantly lower in patients suffering from depression too. To get more nitric oxide, add leafy greens and beets to the diet. Nitric oxide supplements work quickly when the need for a boost is more urgent.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
HEALTH
PAGE 29
“You got to work honey; Abs don’t come overnight!” RACHEL MARY RILEY rachel@carib101.com
HEALTH & FITNESS
I have come across so many people who desire a flat tummy and even abs but are unwilling to change their external health to experience the benefits of their desired tummy. It is 80% nutrition. You have to invest in maintaining a flat tummy and having the desired abs. It requires consistency and dedication. The purpose of working on your core, is to help you lift and pull things, even to do day-to-day activities. This article will explain the insight and benefits of doing core workouts.
What are the benefits of core/abs workout? Your core is known as muscle groups such as external obliques and abdominals. Completing thirty minutes to an hours’ worth of core can benefit you from flexibility and range of movement through the effectiveness of upper and lower body workouts. The majority of the time when some people work out they focus so much on cardio, not realizing that to get the results with your overall body shape, you need to dedicate some time to doing abs as well as other muscle groups. Working on abs with some additional weights can help to have a flatter but strong core. For people that are struggling with bigger abdominals, I highly recommend drinking a lot of water with lemon or hot water to decrease the weight on your stomach. Getting up early in the morning on an empty stomach to do a core workout, especially after a long weekend with
so many carbs, can help break a lot of toxins in your body along with the increase of strength to do day-to-day activities without feeling low in energy. For people that have: lower back pain, are pregnant, have breathing issues or are athletes, completing core on consistent bases can be extremely helpful. Doing core workouts and not only just wearing a waist trainer can help with a slimmer waistline. Where do I start? Introduction to a Beginners Core Workout • Complete morning sessions of core workout after warm-up • Push-Ups • Crunches; with 10-15lbs of weight (dumbbell, kettle bell, rice bag or bag) • Planks; side and centre • Sit-ups; with 10-15lbs of weight (dumbbell, kettle bell and rice bag or bag) • Mountain Climber
• • • • •
Toe touch Bicycle Kicks Heel Touches Russian twist Oblique sided crunch
How long does it take to get the abs you desire? There is a parable that sometimes comes to mind, “Good things take time.” It may take six months, a year or even two years to see the results. Nevertheless, it determines how dedicated you are to reaching your goal and keep in mind that everyone’s body is different. Eating a certain amount of fluids and food intake at a certain time of the day will also help you achieve your ab goals. Even reducing your lower intake at 8 pm can benefit you in reaching the desired goal of a flat tummy. It’s also a good idea to consult a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer or exercise professional before beginning any nutrition and fitness plan.
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LIFE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Poisons in your home
What are the health risks of vaping?
There are numerous household products, some of which might seem harmless, that can poison a child if your back is turned. Here are some everyday items that are toxic.
Electronic cigarettes are devices designed to heat a nicotine-based liquid into a vapour, which can then be inhaled. Here’s a look at the known health risks associated with vaping. EXPOSURE TO NICOTINE According to Health Canada, vaping is a less harmful option than smoking if you already smoke. However, since most e-cigarette liquids contain nicotine, they pose a number of health risks. Among other things, vaping can: • Lead to addiction • Affect memory and concentration • Cause behavioural problems • Alter brain development It should be noted that adolescents are particularly susceptible to the dangerous effects of nicotine. This is why it’s illegal to sell or give vaping products to anyone under the age of 18. EXPOSURE TO OTHER CHEMICALS The main liquids found in vaping products are vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and chemicals used for flavour such as diacetyl. When these substances are heated in a vaping device, they create a carcinogen called formaldehyde. Other toxins that can be found in e-cigarette vapour include nickel, tin and aluminum. HEART AND LUNG DISEASE Inhaling the harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes increases the risk of cardio-
CLEANING PRODUCTS Bleach, drain cleaners and other household cleaning products should be locked away in a cabinet. Dishwasher and laundry detergent pods are particularly attractive to young children because they look like candy. Unfortunately, if these pods burst, the toxic liquid can get in the child’s eyes, throat and lungs.
vascular and lung disease. Health experts are also currently investigating the rise of a severe and potentially fatal lung disease referred to as vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI). While the potential long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, there’s no doubt that the use of e-cigarettes is hazardous. The best way to avoid the health risks associated with vaping is to not start or to ask a health-care professional for advice on how to quit.
THE HAZARD OF BATTERIES Vaping devices can be dangerous if they’re not properly used or stored. The lithium-ion batteries in electronic cigarettes can overheat, catch fire or explode in your pocket if they come into contact with metal objects like loose coins or keys.
12 healthy habits that can help prevent lung disease There are many environmental factors that can impact your respiratory health and make it harder for you to breathe. However, there are things you can do to protect your lungs. Here are 12 healthy habits you should adopt. 1. Eat a nutritious diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables 2. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day 3. Wash your hands often to prevent infections 4. Receive the recommended vaccines for your age group 5. Quit smoking and vaping (or avoid star-
ting in the first place) 6. Avoid smoky places and second-hand smoke 7. Try not to use aerosol products such as hairspray 8. Wear a mask if you work in a dusty environment or handle toxic products 9. Use eco-friendly paint that doesn’t contain VOCs 10. Test your home for radon 11. Remove asbestos from your home if necessary 12. Make sure your home’s ventilation system is clean and in good working order If you’re concerned about your lungs, talk to your doctor about getting a computed tomography (CT) scan. This test can help detect infections, lung cancer, blood clots and other lung problems. DID YOU KNOW? According to the Canadian Lung Association, one in five people has lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the leading cause of hospitalization in Canada.
MEDICINES If swallowed by a child, prescription drugs and pills used to treat fevers and headaches, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can cause symptoms of overdose and trigger organ failure. Never leave medication lying around on a bedside table, bathroom counter or anywhere else a child could find it.
PLANTS Some types of common houseplants are poisonous including poinsettia, cyclamen, peace lilies, caladium and English ivy. Identify the species in your home and move toxic plants out of reach or give them away. From alcohol to mosquito repellant, there are many other products throughout your home (including in the garage and shed) that can be harmful to children. The best way to avoid an accident is to ensure all poisons are safely stored.
If a child in your care has swallowed or been in contact with a dangerous substance, call your provincial poison control centre. In an emergency, dial 911.
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS Many beauty and personal hygiene products can be dangerous if swallowed, inhaled or splashed on the skin or in the eyes. These include: • Antiperspirant • Mouthwash • Toothpaste • Body lotion • Nail polish remover • Perfume Store all of these products in a locked cabinet or out of the reach of children.
Orthokeratology: an overnight treatment for myopia If you’re nearsighted, orthokeratology can be an effective alternative to wearing glas ses or contacts. This non-surgical treatment involves wearing rigid, custom-fit lenses overnight to temporarily reshape your cornea. Here’s a look at how orthokeratology can improve your vision. WHAT TO EXPECT Orthokeratology lenses are made of a sturdy, gas-permeable material that flattens the centre of the cornea while still allowing oxygen to reach your eye. For best results, these lenses should be worn for at least six consecutive hours every night. You may experience some minor discomfort during the first week as your eyes get used to the rigid lenses. When you remove the lenses in the morning, your cornea will stay flat and change the way light enters your eye. This vision correction usually lasts about 24 to 48 hours.
HOW IT CAN HELP Though it can’t permanently correct your vision, orthokeratology slows the progression of myopia in 50 to 90 per cent of cases. Among other things, this preventive action can help you: • Avoid further eye health problems • Reduce your risk of retinal detachment • Prevent the appearance of eye floaters To find out if orthokeratology is right for you, speak with your optometrist.
LIFE
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
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The Law of Time Perspective DANIEL COLE
daniel@carib101.com
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Edward Banfield of Harvard University in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, after studying many of the factors that were thought to contribute to individual success over the course of a person’s lifetime, he concluded that there was one primary factor that took precedence over all the others. He called it “time perspective.” What is the law of time perspective? It stipulates that the most successful people in any society are those who take the longest time period into consideration when making their day-to-day decisions. In other words, these people make long term
plans and start working towards those plans on a daily basis. This law implies that the longer the time you take into consideration while setting your goals: the better you get and the more successful you’re likely to be. We all have tendencies to underestimate the consequences and compound effect of our actions in the long term. Think about these, five years from now, given your current spending habit or lifestyle, do you think you will be financially well off? Given your current eating or health habit, will you be in a better healthy state five to ten years from now? Chet Holmes has rightly said, “Most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning a life.” Your ability to think, plan, and work hard in the short term and to discipline yourself to do what is right and necessary before you do what is fun and easy is the key to creating a wonderful future for yourself. Your ability to think long term is a developed skill. As you get better at it, you become more able to predict with increasing accuracy what is
likely to happen in the future. This is a quality of the superior thinkers. Long-term thinkers are not overly worried about temporal problems or setbacks; they have a longer time-frame that helps them put life or things into perspective. If you have a lifetime to do a thing, a day setback shouldn’t be a deterrent. Those who practice this law look into the future as far as they can and come back to the present to make decisions and choices that will lead them to what they’ve seen. Be futuristic, plan ahead of time, and always remember that patience is a virtue. When we are young, we have tendencies to always be in a hurry for almost everything, but the wisdom that comes with ageing is, we exercise patience and we see things from a more informed perspective. Be careful of short-term gain. If you are not getting results for your efforts, take time to do an honest assessment. If you don’t see a future in what you’re giving your waking hour to, reconsider your priorities. Think about your current skillset, will they still be relevant to your industry
in the long-term? The knowledge that got you this far might not get you any farther. Great visionaries are long-term thinkers, they do not just know where they are going five years, ten years, or twenty years from now, but they also have an action plan on how to get there. They might have to take so many detours in the course of their journey, but they have a clear sense of direction. You have to be well-positioned to the trends of your time; otherwise, you might lose relevance. How can you leverage technology to scale what you are doing? Think long-term. People at the lowest levels of society have the shortest time perspectives. They focus primarily on immediate gratification and often engage in behaviors that are virtually guaranteed to lead to negative consequences in the long term. At the very bottom of the social ladder, you find hopeless alcoholics and drug addicts. These people think in terms of the next drink or the next fix. Their time perspective is often less than one hour.
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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Those were the sweetest words that I had heard in a long time; Reliving my past trauma! SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com
HUMAN SPECIALIST
The processing didn’t seem to take very long. It felt like seconds before the guard came back to get me. “Simone Smith,” he said. “The judge is ready to see you.” I got up and placed my hands in front of me. He put on the cuffs on me and began to lead me down the hall. We came through a set of doors and stepped into what looked like a grand hall. It was filled with people; some were sitting there with what looked like family members; there were also other people in suits, I assumed they were lawyers talking to each other. The officer opened another set of doors, and led me into a hall. “Let me see if the judge is ready to receive you.” He opened the door that we were
standing in front of and disappeared. As the door closed, I saw a row of benches, and a guard standing by the door. I stood there, knowing that in a few minutes, I was going to face a judge who would determine if I was going to be allowed to go home, or if I would have to stay in the correctional facility. The guard came back out and gestured for me to approach the door. “The judge is ready for you,” he said. I took a deep breath and walked in. Standing at one of the tables facing the judge was my lawyer Mark Mahoney. He was shuffling through some papers, but looked up as I approached. “Good morning Simone,” he said. “We are going to have you out of here in no time.” I was surprised at how matter of fact he sounded. Hearing how calm he sounded slowed the excessive beating of my heart. I heard a door open behind me, so I turned around to see who was coming in. My eyes welled up with tears. It was my parents. I looked at my mom’s face, and saw a face that I had grown familiar with
Will history repeat itself once again? A step out of the pandemic STEVEN KASZAB steven@carib101.com
INSIGHT TO SOCIETY
The malls and stores are all full, with 50% of patrons not wearing masks. Just weeks ago many businesses that refused entry to a patron without a mask, are now throwing their doors wide open in the hope to drum up sales. The choices we all make have consequences. I could not tell you to continue limiting your businesses capability to economically survive, nor to be actively practicing all our public safety protocols. Safety first has been the mantra for over two years now. No longer. The public needs to break out, spend its money and "enjoy their lives" a bit. The pandemic continues, while the Wild West experience in our neighbourhoods grows. Some of our neighbour's have decided to be careful and safe taking the precautions necessary to avoid COVID-19's continual spread. A majority have thrown their masks to the wind, and are relishing a presumed freedom without restrictions. Our third vaccinations will become less capable of holding off this virus
in time, and a fourth vaccination is being discussed presently. A friend of mine refused to get their second vaccination, and came down with COVID. He seems better now and is strutting about claiming he is now immune to this virus. No mask, working closely with others who also look to him as a corporate model. He is an example to his fellow employees who mostly no longer wear masks. Choices are being made, and hopefully the choice made will be the right ones. People are visiting senior homes, going to: casinos, bingo halls, concerts and mass sporting events. Always there is a chance of a super spreading event, but the businesses and their patron's throw the dice and live their lives as they wish. There is talk of cutting down on expenditures related to this pandemic. Budgets need to be balanced after all. It is an election year in Ontario and Quebec, and those in power need funds to throw at the electorate and hopefully buy their votes. Life must go on after all. There has been no provincial or national effort to memorialize and remember the many citizens who have passed away, or are now living with continual medical effects of COVID-19. It is a time to celebrate and live our lives. Thinking about those we lost will be far too sobering and for some a buzz kill. The end of the Spanish influenza brought on the roaring 20's, a time to be selfish and celebrate. Will history repeat itself once again?
seeing; you could always tell when my mother was worried. She literally wears her heart on her sleeve. Her eyes looked sad, and when she saw me, I saw the tears well up in her eyes. My father was stoic. He gets like this when he is emotional. The worry didn’t show on his face, but I could tell that he was stressed out. His face looked a little thin, but I could imagine they had not been sleeping very much. I turned back and faced the front. The door at the left hand side of the room opened, and the judge walked in. She was a short woman with brown hair neatly placed behind her ear. “Please rise.” Everyone who was in the courtroom stood up; the judge took her place and sat down. “You can be seated,” the guard said. The prosecutor made recommendations to the judge on whether I should be considered for bail, and also made a recommendation for the amount of bail that should be set. Mark spoke and spoke
emphatically about releasing me into the care of my parents. “Her parents are here today,” Mark said. “She is not a flight risk, and she has no prior convictions. I believe release under supervision is fair at this time. I ask that she be released on recognizance. She is not a danger to the public, and she has strong family ties.” “Does the prosecution agree to these terms?” the judge asked. I held my breath and looked over at the prosecution. “Yes! We agree to these terms.” After that I tuned everything else out. I looked back at my parents who were clutching each other. I could swear that I heard my mom praying. “This part is over Simone. You can go home and be with your family,” Mark said. Those were the sweetest words that I had heard in a long time. I was going home.
LIFE
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
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Connecting community and industry at the Toronto Cannabis Expo 2022! SEAN SEURATTAN sean@carib101.com
THE HEIGHTENED CHEF
Canada is set to be the global role model for cannabis culture and industry. With so many brilliantly diverse perspectives to draw from, our resulting society can be a beacon for every other nation. Places where these voices can connect will be critical in evolving to a harmonious and sustainable state. The Toronto Cannabis Expo took place recently and has proven to be one of these. After a day of networking, exhibitors, presentations, performances and demonstrations, it all came together to form something greater than the sum of its parts. Sponsored by companies like HighBnB and the Ambrosia Cannabis Co., the Toronto Cannabis Expo was organized by an amazing team of people who worked behind the scenes to create an incredible experience at the Parkdale Hall!
Putting together an event like this for the first time is a huge feat. Between organizing about 15 different exhibitors, tons of guest speakers and hundreds of patrons, keeping everything running smoothly was no simple task. Luckily, dedicated people like Angela Argentina were more than up to it! As an organizer, promoter, performer and host, Angela was truly a Jill of All Trades. She assisted in every aspect to ensure the event went off without a hitch. Her high-octane energy was an illustration of everyone’s positive vibe in the building. In between her busy duties, Angela was able to explain her motivation for helping to create an environment like this. “We’re not potheads or stoners. We’re productive professionals, and we want to give back to the community through conscious events to end the negative stigma around cannabis by connecting industry to consumers.” This noble cause was a success and is definitely something that will perpetuate into the future of Canada’s cannabis scene. While the event floor was filled with industry exhibit booths from many cannabis brands to explore, the stage was the place for community heavyweights to
be spotlighted. Every guest speaker had a deep and personal connection to cannabis despite his or her field of expertise. This demonstrated how important it is to maintain sight of a future where cannabis can be financially lucrative and socially beneficial. Most enlightening was Chef Pat Newton, a cannabis chef, advocate, and brand spokesperson. His “Eat Your Greens” presentation included a detailed breakdown of how cannabis is used and consumed in food. Also, he gave a great demonstration of how simply cannabis can be infused into meals and elevated to gourmet quality. We got to see the creation of his infused “Sesame Street Salad” on stage and sample some of his own infused organic chocolate. Speaking with this trailblazer after his presentation, Chef Pat further cemented his place in this community by saying, “We’re in the spring of cannabis culture and we must plant seeds that will feed the future.” After a long day of networking, listening, and learning, event patrons were bound to have built up an appetite. Disappointment was nowhere to be found when they visited the delicious event catering done by Chef Lina Khoun
of Mamabombina! Using her Cambodian heritage as inspiration, the menu was jewelled with unique delicacies in familiar forms. Her steamed stuffed Bao buns were mouth-watering pillows of goodness. Her Yellow Curry Chili was packed with signature flavours from her homeland. But her Red Curry Chicken Sloppy Joe (Num Bao) was the crown jewel of all. For many this was their first experience with Cambodian cuisine but will definitely NOT be their last. While none of these items were infused with cannabis, Chef Lina explained that through her personal catering and prepared meals they could be. All in all, the Toronto Cannabis Expo was a hit on so many levels. Many existing cannabis conventions can feel very commercialized, like a giant infomercial. However this was not the case with this event. There was a clear path being laid between industry and consumer that both could travel easily. There was also a proud feeling of community here and in some cases, family. The philosophy in creating this type of environment is the foundation to a bright future for cannabis in Canada. Congratulations to all involved for a successful event! Make sure to check it out next year!
How to grow a nut tree Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only things you can grow at home. For example, you can grow one or more protein-packed nut trees in your yard.
How much mulch? Organic mulch is a powerful tool for gardeners. However, it’s not always easy to calculate how much you need to cover your flo wer beds. Here’s what you need to know. Why you should use mulch Mulch is a layer of organic material that co vers the soil around trees, shrubs and flo wers. Whether it’s made of cedar, cocoa shells, hemlock or bark, it’s an essential element for beautiful, healthy flowerbeds. Mulch helps: • • • •
Slow down weed germination Keep the soil cool Preserve soil moisture Reduce the number of insects and diseases • Enrich the soil through decomposing How much mulch do you need? Most greenhouses and big-box stores sell mulch in two cubic feet bags. Moreover, horticulturists agree you should lay down
at least three inches of mulch. One cubic foot of mulch covers about four square feet of space to a thickness of three inches. Therefore, a standard bag would cover about eight-square feet of space. To calculate the total square feet to cover, divide it by eight to get the number of bags to buy. For example, for a garden bed measuring 20 feet by six feet, the calculation would be 20’ x 6’ = 120 square feet to cover; 120 square feet ÷ 8 square feet = 15 bags. Some nurseries carry mulch in bulk or sell it by the square yard, equivalent to 27 cubic feet. You would probably need about one square yard for an average-sized project: 27 cubic feet ÷ two cubic feet (one bag) = 14 bags; 14 bags x 8 square feet = 112 square feet covered. Happy gardening!
Type of tree There are several things to consider to help you determine which type of nut tree to grow in your yard. The first is the tree’s hardiness. In other words, how well it acclimatizes to the weather in your area. The tree’s hardiness depends on where its seeds were grown and indicates whether it will thrive on your land. The next consideration is the species of tree. For instance, your yard must have the right type of soil for the tree to thrive. Moreover, some trees remain relatively small, while others can reach several metres in height and width. Therefore, look for a variety that’s a suitable size for your location.
Harvesting You can maximize your chances of producing a good crop by ensuring your tree is located near pollinators like bees. You can harvest the nuts in early autumn by collecting those that have fallen to the ground and drying them out before storing them. Visit your local nursery or garden centre to purchase your nut tree.
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Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
What you should know about osteopathy for animals Did you know that animals can receive osteopathic treatments? Although osteopathy isn’t a replacement for traditional veterinary medicine, it can be used as a complementary treatment if your pet experiences certain health problems. Osteopathy looks at the way the body functions as a whole. If one part is out of balance, it can lead to pain and discomfort in another part. Consequently, an osteopath’s job is to help release pain in the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tissues using gentle, hands-on palpations and manipulations. WHEN TO CONSULT AN OSTEOPATH You may want to seek osteopathic treatment for your pet to help soothe lameness, digestive problems, osteoarthritis, muscle injuries, back pain and other issues. If you have a se-
nior pet, osteopathy may help restore some of their strength and in some cases prevent the need for surgery. Although you can often see results after one session, the entire treatment may require se veral appointments, depending on the nature and severity of the problem. If you want to find a veterinarian offering os teopathic treatments in your area, you can use the online Holistic Integrative Vet Directory at civtedu.org. Osteopathy sessions take place in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The adjustments and manipulations are so gentle that it’s not unusual for the patient to fall asleep during treatment.
3 advantages of crate training your dog A crate can become a refuge for your canine companion, and teaching your dog to use one has a number of benefits. Here are three reasons to consider crate training your dog. 1. Your dog can be conditioned to see its crate as a den to retreat to in stressful situations. With the right training, this snug space can become a place where your dog feels happy and safe. 2. To prevent your pooch from becoming overexcited and jumping on guests when they visit your home, you can place your dog in their crate. Once your pet is calm, they can rejoin you and your visitors. 3. If you have an overly curious pup that tends to make a mess and put themself in dangerous situations when you’re absent, teaching them to stay in their crate is a good idea. This way, you can prevent them from getting into trouble when you leave the house. To find a sturdy crate for your dog, visit a pet store in your area.
“I’m not as independent as you think” Your cat has some surprising things to share. Even though we see each other every day, I also think it’s important for you to know there are many things you may not know that when I purr, it doesn’t necessarily mean about me. For example, did you realize that I I’m relaxed and happy. I sometimes purr to treat you the same way I’d treat any other cat? get your attention when I’m sick or hurt or That’s right, when I sit next to you, lick you or to calm myself down in stressful situations. rub up against your legs, know that I would do exactly the same Lastly, despite my best efforts, I thing if you were a small, domeshate sharing because it makes ticated feline like me. me feel anxious. So, if you adopt means hello another cat, I probably won’t let in my In fact, I really like nice, warm it eat from my bowl or use my language. humans. Some people think litter box. It’s best if you get us that cats are independent and our own accessories. would rather fly solo, but this simply isn’t true. We actually enjoy being Thank you for caring for and loving me, around our humans more than playing with our toys, eating treats and rolling around in catnip. If I feel like being left alone, I’ll let you know by growling, whipping my tail or puffing out my fur. I’ll come around again when I’m in a better mood.
“Meow!”
XOXO Whiskers
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
REAL ESTATE
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How to prepare for spiking interest rates JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com
REAL ESTATE PRO
In 1989, I bought my first home in Brampton for $225,000. The interest rate then was around 11.75%. The rate climbed to 12.75% and the market collapsed. Home prices, like the one I bought, dropped to around $150,000. Many homeowners were in a situation where the mortgage owing on the home was higher than what the home was then worth. Many people walked away from their homes. The banks stepped in, enforcing power of sale. Recently, we saw two spikes in interest rates. Another is expected soon. The market is on a downturn. Here is some important information on how to safeguard yourself. If you are planning to buy and sell in a declining market, its best to sell first and then buy. The reason is that in a declining market, with time, the price of the property will drop. If you sell first, you can get a better price now compared to three months later. You can buy a few months later when the price drops. Another advantage here is that you can budget better based on the selling price of your home. If you buy first and then sell, you are buying uphill at a higher price and selling downhill at a lower price. You are losing equity on both properties. The housing recession during 2008-2009 lasted for about nine months. Prices plummeted. Many buyers were
caught in a situation where the property they bought came down in price before the closing date. Lenders would lend based on the appraised value. For example, if you bought a home for $1,000,000.00 with 20% down payment, then, you would need $200,000 to close the deal. If the appraised value came in at $900,000, then the lender would lend 80% of $900,000 which is $720,000. You would need to increase your down payment to $280,000 to complete the sale. Many buyers may not be able to inject more money to cover the shortfall. It is better to arrange financing immediately after the purchase. Ask the lender to conduct an appraisal upfront instead of prior to closing. This way, the commitment letters the lender provides will not be subject to appraisal down the road. Convert the Home Equity Line of Credit into a mortgage. With escalating home prices, many homeowners use their equity to finance other projects. If you are not able to pay down the line of credit soon, then it is better to combine it with your mortgage. The interest rate will be lower, and a portion of the monthly payment will go towards paying down the principal. Some lenders allow you to close an open line of credit at a lower interest rate. With interest rates increasing, many are wondering whether to stay on variable interest rate or take a fixed rate. It depends on the homeowner. Usually, variable rate mortgages are at a lower interest rate when compared to fixed rate. With variable rates so low, most monthly payments go towards paying the principal. As the rates rise, the situation can change. There are some variable rate mortgages where the monthly payment increases as
the variable rate climbs. There are others where the monthly payment remains the same. As the rate increases, more of the monthly payment goes towards the interest portion and not the principal. If you need to break a mortgage before the maturity date, the interest penalty on a variable rate mortgage is far less compared to a fixed rate mortgage. If interest rate hikes are causing you to lose sleep, then consider a fixed long term rate. If not, stay with variable. For the variable rate to reach the current fixed rate, it would take about 10 rate hikes of .25%. Buyers, consider locking in the lower rates. Lenders will hold the old rate for three to four months. Many mortgage brokers can still access lower rates from
lenders who are competing for mortgages. You can then shop for your home and close within the allotted timeline to get the lower mortgage rates. The current economic trend will create panic. Sellers will panic and dump their properties. Buyers will panic and hold off on buying. Speculators will panic and instead of buying, get rid of the ones they have. Supply will increase, the bidding war will quell, and prices will drop. People will start to buy again, and the pendulum will begin to swing in the other direction. With more immigrants coming to Canada, in the long run, a home will provide shelter for the family both literally and financially.
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HOME
4 reasons to add a level to your home Does your home feel cramped? Whether you’re growing your family or developing your property, you may want to consider adding an extra floor to your home. You can create a second story or build out your basement. Here are four advantages of ad ding a level to your home. 1. You can significantly increase your living space Adding a second story creates several new rooms. You can use them as you wish to meet all your space requirements. 2. You don’t lose any outdoor space You can avoid expanding the footprint of your home. For instance, you can keep your garden and continue enjoying all your outdoor activities.
3. You don’t have to move You don’t have to give up your dream lo cation. Moreover, you can save yourself the cost and inconvenience of buying and sel ling properties. 4. You increase the value of your property Adding a floor allows you to renew and transform the appearance of your home and upgrade the siding to keep the exte rior looking fresh. For added value, make sure your home matches the style of other homes in the area. Are you ready to take on this large expan sion project? Before you do any thing, contact your municipality to ensure your project complies with applicable bylaws.
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Doors and windows: choosing the right installer Whether you’re renovating your home or building a new one, choosing the right doors and windows matters. However, it’s just as important to hire a competent and trustworthy contractor to install them. Here are a few tips to help you determine which company to hire. Collect as many reviews as possible Read online reviews and ask your friends and family for recommendations. Make a list of several companies and inquire about their reputation, ef fi ciency and cleanliness. Don’t forget to ask about after-sales ser vice. Verify the contractor’s skills Doors and windows must be installed by
an expert. Before hiring a professional, make sure they’re certified and have the ap propriate licensing. This way, you can be sure their work is protected by a guarantee or insurance. Ask for quotes Compare several quotes to help you make your choice. Make sure details like the win dow type and materials are the same from one quote to another. If necessary, ask the contractor to walk you through the esti mate. Lastly, when choosing a quote for your re novation project, don’t forget to factor in the value of a good customer experience.
FUN
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | www.TOCaribNews.com | Toronto Caribbean News
PAGE 37
WEEK OF APRIL 24 TO APRIL 30, 2022
ARIES
The luckiest signs this week: TAURUS, GEMINI AND CANCER
You may have to fill in for a colleague who will be away indefinitely. This could cause a lot of stress in your life. Fortunately, you’ll be rewarded with a promotion.
TAURUS
When speaking in front of a crowd or on social media, you’ll feel slightly embarrassed as you receive ap- plause or likes. However, some people may criticize you.
PUZZLE NO. 760 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 760
HOW TO PLAY :
GEMINI
You may find it difficult to find the perfect worklife balance. You’ll have to rearrange your schedule to fulfill your family and professional obligations without disappointing your loved ones.
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
CANCER
You may go on a spontaneous romantic getaway. You need to take a step back from a difficult decision to clear your mind and move forward.
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.
LEO
You may need to end some of your friendships. You’ve always been generous with those close to you. Therefore, some people may try to pay you back to keep you from cutting them out of your life.
PUZZLE NO. 50 Babe” 47. Sidekick 48. Surrounded by 52. Ruler mark 53. Possessive pronoun 54. Grain storage site 55. Think 56. Golfer’s device 57. Parade-ground order DOWN
ACROSS
1. Remotely 5. Goblet lip 8. Small particle 12. Flightless bird 13. Get a high grade on 14. Volcanic fluid 15. Property title 16. Butterfly catch-
er 17. Untruthful person 18. Hen products 20. Pipe types 21. Helicopter part 24. Meddle 26. Mistreat 27. Bridge support
31. Male heir 32. Unsociable 34. Remove 35. Rumor 37. Consuming 39. Jinx 40. Mentioned 41. Scheme 44. Detect 46. “It ____ Me
1. ____ up (total) 2. Enemy 3. Grape or orange drink 4. Western shows 5. Sounded a bell 6. Covers with frosting 7. Came across 8. Paths between buildings 9. Dog’s wagger 10. Oblong 11. Defaces 19. Lubricant 21. Hasty 22. Clarinet’s cousin 23. Canned fish 24. Not a
beginner 25. Deny 27. Santa’s gift 28. Larry, Curly, and Moe 29. Connect 30. “Jagged ____” 33. Slack 36. Musical beat 38. Hanks/Hannah movie 41. Reimbursed 42. In the ____ of
duty 43. Formerly 44. Lot 45. Other 47. Cavity 49. Actress Farrow 50. Ailing 51. On the ____ (precisely)
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 50
VIRGO
You’ll need to fix an error on one of your bills. You may spend a good part of your week trying to get a refund. Sometimes you must take the law into your own hands.
LIBRA
You’ll get the care you need to improve your health or start a new diet that yields quick results. You’re moving toward a better quality of life, both physically and mentally.
SCORPIO
You’ll be surprised by a sudden surge in popularity with your customers and on social media. If you’re single, many people will be vying for your attention.
SAGITTARIUS
Your family is your focus this week. Your loved ones may be more demanding than usual. Plans to move may be on the horizon.
CAPRICORN
You may have a few travel headaches this week or experience a miscommunication. Your outspoken nature will have a powerful impact on your colleagues or social life.
AQUARIUS
Money may be a source of concern. Don’t hesitate to take the bull by the horns and confront those involved to solve the problem once and for all. You can finally loosen your belt.
PISCES
Things keep getting postponed at work. At times, you may not know where to start. It’s a good idea to slow down before things get out of control. Rely on your strengths to be more efficient.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING
the free
Classifieds Your destination to buy, sell and post!
LIST UP TO 30 WORDS FOR FREE! CALL 647-722-6298 *Some Restrictions May Apply - Subject To Space Availability
HELP WANTED • ITEMS FOR SALE • PERSONALS • ANNOUNCEMENTS • AND MUCH MORE! FOR SALE FOR SALE SHIRT JACKS: Shirt Jacks all sizes all colour call 416-474-3454 LAND FOR SALE IN TOBAGO: 10,500 Square Feet. Approved by Town and Country. Contact Edward 647-218-1333
FOR SALE COMMUNITY TORONTO NEWCOMER DAY DESCRIPTION: First proclaimed in 2015, Toronto Newcomer Day is an annual event held in May that welcomes newcomers to Toronto, helps them understand and access a range of services, and celebrates their contributions to the city. The event features a number of activities, including a formal stage program, food fair, a newcomer marketplace, information fair, and more. For more information about Toronto Newcomer Day, please visit www.toronto.ca/newcomerday
FORWANTED SALE HELP GENERAL HELPER: Looking for a helper to do general labour, garden cleaning, landscaping, and winter snow removal. Cash paid weekly. Located at Morningside & Lawrence in Scarborough. Please call: (416)269-5174.
HIRING FOR CLEANING: Looking for experience people for general cleaning evenings and night. Must speak English and can drive to areas in the GTA. Call or Text 647-239-4808. Seriou calls only
FOR SALE SERVICES HOUSE CLEANING: Looking to take on new client for house cleaning or office cleaning in the GTA. Call Yvonne 647-701-4930
HELP WANTED PART TIME DELIVERY DRIVERS: Approximately 4-6 hours commitment every second Wednesday. Drivers needed for: • Scarborough/Pickering/ Ajax • North York/Rexdale/ Malton • Brampton/Mississauga Driver must have SUV or Van. Call 647-722-6298 to apply.
FOR RENT FOR RENT: Furnished Room For Rent! Sharing Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Morningside Avenue & Kingston Road. $850.00/month including utilities. Please call (416)459-6155. FOR RENT: Furnished 1 BedBasement Apart For Rent! Separate Entrance, Private Kitchen & Washroom. Located in Scarborough, Toronto, Morningside Avenue & Kingston Road. $1,550.00/ month including utilities. Please call (416)459-6155.
FOR SALE WORSHIP SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School – Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211 MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137
SALES REPS WANTED
We are in the process of expansion and constantly looking for the best of the best! Dedicated salespeople; people interested in opportunities to help others while also being able to help themselves. For more information, please contact Trish 647-722-6298 or trish@carib101.com
business
Classifieds Help support local business!
GET 3 MONTHS (6 EDITIONS) FOR $300! CALL 647-722-6298 *Subject To Ad Space Availability
SALONS • RESTAURANTS • REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • LEGAL • SHIPPING • AND MANY OTHER SERVICES!
TEL: 705-291-1100
PAGE 40
FINANCE
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Four tips for buying your first Real Estate investment property in Toronto CLEVE DeSOUZA
ance, and other costs associated with owning the property. You can then plug in the numbers for prospective properties and easily see how it stacks up.
Deciding to buy an investment property is a big deal, especially for the first-time buyer. In a hot market like Toronto, it can be even more of a challenge, since values and availability seem to change almost hourly. However, for the would-be real estate investor with a little patience, and the right partners, it can also be a way to grow your wealth. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying your first real estate investment property in Toronto.
Tip #2 - Follow fact, not emotion Seasoned real estate investors know the importance of research when it comes to buying a property. You are purchasing an asset for the sole purpose of financial gain; you can’t look at it through the same lens that you might use when buying a home for your family to live in. You need to be able to remove your own emotions from the equation and rely on data and facts to make an informed decision. Things like property value and market rent trends, crime rates, restrictions and neighbourhood rules, sales comparisons, and local code and permit requirements all can factor into whether you should buy or pass on a Toronto investment property.
Tip #1 - Understand the math first If you want to become a real estate investor, one of the very first things you will need to do is some basic math. This is key, because many people that just go out and start looking at properties before understanding the numbers, might be tempted to put in an offer for something that really doesn’t meet their financial needs. Whether you engage a professional accountant or financial strategist to help you, or you do it yourself, it is vital to understand things like market rent, repair costs, taxes and insur-
Tip #3 - Have buying details worked out In a hot real estate market, sellers are especially interested in things like speed and ability to close when reviewing offers. Before you draw up a purchase offer on a Toronto investment property, be sure that you have as many details as possible worked out on your end as the buyer. Do you have the cash available that will be required to close? Have you checked with your lender to be sure the prospective investment property will be acceptable? Has the underwriter pre-qualified you for
cleve@carib101.com
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
the offer amount? Do you have an inspector vetted and ready to move? All of these things can help you move more quickly once you locate the right investment property, and can make your offer look professional and viable to a seller. Tip #4 - Don’t be afraid to walk away As you move through the diligence process of buying your first investment property, sometimes you find that things are not what you first thought. Maybe the structure is going to require substantially more repairs that you first calculated. Or, perhaps you learn that there are things about the property that make it a liability for insurance and to you as a landlord. While some things that are discovered along the way can be resolved, it is vitally important to know when to walk away. As a first time real estate investor, the last thing you want is to end up with a property that costs you dearly, and creates a financial draw instead of a wealth-building tool. Final thoughts Real estate investing is not a get rich quick scheme. However, it is a viable way to build equity and create a long-term source of passive income for yourself. As a first time real estate investor, it is important to learn all that you can about the financial and management side of real estate investing, be sure that you are ready mentally and financially to take the leap, and then take your time when choosing a property.
Four tips for building an emergency fund Emergency funds provide a measure of security in today’s turbulent economic climate, offering a buffer against job loss and other nasty contingencies. And yet, many North Americans have no such repository. While it’s true that saving money for an emergency fund can be a challenge, the alternatives are far more problematic. Here are some tips for putting an emergency fund in place. 1. Six months salary is the target. Many financial experts deem this amount sufficient to cover expenses in an instance of unexpected job loss or other major disruption to your income.
2. Think both big and small. Emergency funds should cover unexpected surprises of all sizes. Some people prefer to have two emergency funds: one for things like auto repairs and the other for longer-term scenarios. 3. Keep the fund liquid. It’s important to be able to access your assets when they’re needed and not have them tied up in mutual funds or other such investments. Savings accounts are the most liquid option, but their interest rates don’t cover inflation, never mind allow your wealth to grow. The solution often rests in having only a portion of the emergency fund in a savings account and keeping the rest in higher in-
terest liquid investments, like cashable guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) or term deposits. 4. Only use the fund for emergencies. Repairs for automobiles, appliances and your home all constitute emergency expenses, as do dental work, medical devices and medication. Replacing a big-screen TV or purchasing plane tickets to your next vacation destination does not fit the bill. Emergency funds can take time to establish, but are well worth the effort. The security and peace of mind they bring make them an invaluable resource for you and your family.
TFSA vs. RRSP: three things to consider TFSA or RRSP? While both options shelter investments from taxation and can hold an array of different assets — GICs, mutual funds, bonds, stocks, etc. — they differ greatly on certain points. The best place to invest your retirement savings depends on your financial goals and priorities. Taxation TFSA investments hold after-tax income, and contributions cannot be deducted from your annual income tax. The opposite is true for an RRSP: yearly contributions can be deducted from your tax return but you’ll be required to pay taxes when you eventually withdraw the funds.
If you expect to earn less income in your retirement years than you did on the job market, RRSPs are a good choice that involves paying less tax in the future. Maximum contribution Both TFSAs and RRSPs have yearly caps on the amount you can contribute. The limit for TFSAs in 2016 was $5,500 per year. However, for those who opened a TFSA for the first time, the maximum contribution was $46,500 for the first year (the regular limit is implemented in subsequent years). The cap on RRSP contributions in 2016 was the lower of either $25,370 or 18 per cent of the previous year’s income. Any unused contributions
can be carried forward to future years. Withdrawal TFSAs and RRSPs both provide the most benefit when used to invest in long-term equities. However, TFSAs can be withdrawn at any time without restrictions or penalties. (Some investments within the TFSA are characterized by specific constraints, how ever.) RRSPs on the other hand cannot be withdrawn prior to retirement without substantial penalty, except under two circumstances: the Home Buyers’ Plan (up to $25,000) and the Lifelong Learning Plan (up to $20,000 total and $10,000 per year).
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PAGE 42
AUTOMOTIVE
3 reasons your car won’t start Are you wondering why your car won’t start? If so, here are three possible reasons. 1. The battery is dead If you accidently left an electric component on or if your car has been sitting in the cold for a while, then it may just need a jump-start. Otherwise, the battery probably needs to be replaced. Car batteries typically last between four and six years. To find out whether you need a new one, check the charge using a multimeter. 2. The starter is broken The starter is an electric motor that engages your car by cranking the engine. If you hear a harsh grinding noise when you turn your key in the ignition, chances are
you have a faulty starter. Bad starters usually need to be replaced, but they can be repaired in some cases. 3. The ignition switch is defective The ignition switch sends a signal to the battery to start the car. It also supplies power to the dashboard, so if the dashboard isn’t lighting up, you know that either the ignition switch or the battery is the problem. To find out which, turn on the headlights. They’re powered by the battery. If they light up, you’ll know the problem is the ignition switch. Once you’ve identified the issue, you’ll be able to discern whether you need to flag down a fellow motorist to help boost your car or call up your mechanic.
Toronto Caribbean News | www.TOCaribNews.com | Wednesday, April 27, 2022
4 tips for out-of-practice drivers Have you recently started driving again? If so, it’s a good idea to brush up on your driving skills and take precautions to ensure you stay safe on the road. These four tips will help you get back up to speed.
3. Take it slow Give yourself lots of time to get where you’re going so that you can drive at a comfortable speed. You also may want to choose routes with little to no traffic.
1. Find a co-pilot Having an experienced driver next to you will reassure you and provide you with a second set of eyes to help watch the road
4. Drive defensively Above all, drive carefully. Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles, signal your intentions and keep your gaze ahead of you so that you can detect and avoid dangerous situations.
2. Know your route Driving is a lot easier when you know where you’re going. Making last-second lane changes and searching for unfamiliar streets could easily spell trouble.
Finally, think about taking a refresher course. It’s a great way to improve your driving skills, build up your confidence and reacquaint yourself with the rules of the road.