Colossal Carnival 080719

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COLOSSAL CARNIVAL

SELINA McCALLUM/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

This past weekend millions of people celebrated the 52nd year of the colorful and radiant Caribbean Carnival, better known as Caribana, in Toronto.

Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival, held since 1967, claims to be North America’s largest street festival, attracting more than 1.3 million people annually from around the world, especially from the Unit-

ed States of America.

A group of friends from the United Sates came from Michigan to participate in the parade.

“My friends and I come every year for the carnival because we love the vibe, the culture and the food. It’s always a good time and the party is non-stop,” said Devonte, a young man from Michigan.

The roots of all carnivals

from Toronto to Caribbean countries around the world is the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Africans.

To begin the ceremony to kick off the 52nd carnival, politicians and authority figures addressed the crowd and made brief announcements about their ties to Caribana over the years.

Continued On Page 12

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feature

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

The Faith Walker Story, Part I I still have a lot of living to do; I have a purpose

Written by Simone Smith Toronto Caribbean Newspaper

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Before writing this women empowered feature, I had already had an opportunity to connect and interview Faith Walker. She had appeared on my television show In the Now on MyTCNTV Network, as one of my special guests on a segment that I call In Tune with the Universe. After our initial interview, I felt that there was still more to this story that the community needed to hear. I would like to present you Faith Walker, two-time cancer survivor and a woman most definitely empowered.

“Where do I even start?” Faith asked me, “There is so much!” “Please start anywhere Faith,” I said encouragingly. “Alright, let’s start when I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. I was 26 years old, and I had noticed that I had this strange milky substance coming out of my breast. I was curious, so I went to the doctor. I did some tests and called in to follow up. The doctor’s office had this, “You don’t call us, we will call you,” tone, so I decided to leave it alone. It was about three months later that I found a lump in my breast. When I went for another doctor’s consultation, they told me not to worry about it because women my age did not get breast cancer. They still went ahead and did an ultrasound, and that is when they saw that it was indeed cancer and that it had doubled in size.

I think it was the very first time that I questioned the health system. What they had told me to ignore turned out to be very serious.”

“At first, I was in shock, because of course, we never think it is going to happen to us, but this was the beginning of a very painful journey: mentally, physically and emotionally. Something told me that I was going to beat cancer; not sure what the feeling was, and I can’t really explain it, I just knew that I had to be there for my two children.

I would not leave them, so I fixed my mind to deal with all that recovering from cancer would entail.”

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“Can you take the readers through what this journey was for you?”

“Of course! So, let’s first discuss the fact that I was at the mercy of the Western way of dealing with cancer, which is something that I like to call Cut

& Poison. I went through the surgery to remove the cancer, and this was followed up by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I look back at pictures of myself, and sometimes the person in the picture looks foreign to me. During my chemotherapy, I had lost all of my hair, but I was still able to rock a bald look. A lot of people actually complimented me on it because I just looked like a young woman experimenting with her style. What really began to take a toll on how I looked is the radiation treatments. It had burnt and scarred my skin so much that they actually had to stop.”

“Then came the reconstruction aspect of my journey. I underwent a process where they had to take skin from my back and move it around to use for my breasts. They put in a temporary implant, and I had to go back each week to increase the fluid in the implant slowly. Once my body started to adjust, I had to go back in for surgery to put in a permanent implant.”

“This must have wreaked havoc on your body image?”

“It was very difficult. For a while, I only had one breast, and the other was a prosthetic. I had to find clothes that covered my deformation, and I really didn’t love what I saw when I looked at myself. You have to also take into consideration the fact that when I had cancer, I had different roles being a woman: I was a woman in a relationship, I was a woman single, I was also a woman dating. It was hard to explain sometimes, and you had to think, when do I tell this person that I am a woman living with cancer? What I did learn is that I had to stay away from toxic relationships in order for me to heal. I found it interesting that it was in my longest relationship that I had encountered both of my bouts with cancer.”

“Yes, let’s talk about that!”

“Well, this one really took me by surprise because I thought, I have already dealt with this; I have paid my dues. I had become pregnant again with my third child, and I began to feel severe pains in my back. I went to the doctor, and I was unsettled because they downplayed it again telling me not to worry. One day I was reaching for something and felt this searing pain in my back. I collapsed to the floor and was rushed to the hospital, what they told me completely blew my mind…”

Stay tuned for the second half of the Faith Walker Story!

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Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 3

Saving every face … but mine STEPHEN WEIR stephen@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

I think my 67-year old sun-blasted face is beyond help from SheaMoisture’s many facial treatments; for everyone else in Toronto, including some of Toronto’s most beautiful men and woman who walked a coral coloured carpet, SheaMoisture is the bomb. Located in downtown Toronto at 128 Peter Street it was Carnival week’s destination to celebrate the global black community with an impressive and empowering line up of speakers, artists, and community leaders.

To make a proper splash in a city that has seen it all, SheaMoisture took over a building on Peter Street, just a few blocks south of the CP24 TV station. They converted the empty store into a colourful pop-up studio, where, for the next three days, celebrities and fashion makeup experts celebrate beauty and culture, inspiring Torontonians to “Be Your Beautiful!”

The American based company has arrived in Canada big time with a mission to ethically save the hair and skin of black women with gobs and gobs of shea butter.

SheaMoisture describes itself as a company committed to serving those who have been underserved in beauty. The late Sofi Tucker,

who was widowed with five children at the age of 19, developed it; Grandma Sofi supported her family by selling handcrafted shea butter soaps in the village markets of Sierra Leone. She became known as a healer who nationally shared the power of shea and African black soap.

Sofi’s grandson Richelieu Dennis founded SheaMoisture and incorporated her recipes into the brand’s hair and skincare innovations. His products continue to be made with natural ingredients; their shea butter is ethically sourced in Northern Ghana as part of parent company Sundial Brands purpose-driven community commerce business model.

To kick it all off, there was an hourlong parade of beautiful people posing in front of a logo wall for the waiting media before joining the party indoors. One of the crowd favourites was Tracy Moore, the host of the daytime talk show Cityline.

“I am excited about my involvement with this pop-up,” she told the Toronto Caribbean News. “For the next few days, I will get a chance to talk about things that I don’t get a chance to talk about on my show.

Like what? Well, black hair for one thing!”

She was slated to be at the pop-up and talk about the successes and struggles in being a black woman in the media.

Tracy Moore was joined on the carpet by fellow broadcasters Nnekia Elliott and the ebullient CP24 weather expert Patricia Jaggernauth. Other celebs that stopped to pose included: Toronto based film actor Emmanuel Kabongo, Soca Reggae Juno award-winning singer Jully Black, DJ Kelsey Williams (aka Killa Kels), Ammo-

ye, and indie-pop singer Domanique Gran.

Throw in a Raptor or two, some well-known designers, and jaw-dropping beautiful male and female African and Caribbean models, and you have a wildly successful opening. “We came up to Toronto to do this during Caribana,” explained founder and CEO Richelieu Dennis. “It is all about diversity and celebration. What a perfect time to be in Toronto.”

“It’s exciting for us to debut the SheaMoisture pop-up in Canada and partner with influential women and organizations, who are leading conversations about beauty, culture, and identity through stories and learnings,” says Kimberly Paige, COO of Sundial Brands, manufacturer of SheaMoisture.

Of course, the trouble with four-day events is that they disappear almost as fast as they magically appeared. The SheaMoisture pop-up popped down on Friday, August 2nd.

PHOTO: STEPHEN WEIR

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The perfect end to a long weekend; Dejeuner, the perfect inclusive brunch lime SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

What a weekend it has been; the sky was blue, the sun was shining, everyone had done wok up dem waist, and people were looking forward to having one more day off before they had to head back to work.

GF Promo did it again by providing the community a fabulous way to wind down from their weekend; Dejeuner (which just means lunch in English) was on Sunday, August 4th at The Birches, which is located close to Don Mills and Eglinton.

This is the first time that Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to Dejeuner, so Trish Browning and myself opted to attend. We had been so impressed by Crave, that when Alain P. Arthur, C.E.O., and Executive Producer of Caribbean Vibrations, who happens to also be member of the GF Promo team let us know that there were tickets waiting for us, we found our cutest and most comfortable outfits and took the trek down to Scarborough.

The event started at 3:00 pm, but most people began to show up around 5:00 pm, which was about the time that Trish and I arrived. Finding parking was much easier this time, and I was curious to see how Dejeuner differed from Crave. The first observation that I made was that the venue was smaller, and had a more chill like feel to it then the Ascott Parc Event Centre.

At the gate, we were given our wristbands and instructed to pick up the cups for our

drinks in the building beside us. This led me to the second observation that unlike Crave (which was drink and food exclusive), at Dejeuner, you had to purchase drink tickets. This confused me a little until Trish reminded me of the price difference.

“Remember Simone, tickets for Crave were starting at $15.00 and went up to $150.00.

The tickets for Dejeuner are $60.00.” “Yea, it makes sense. You are absolutely right,” I responded thoughtfully.

Trish bought us a drink and headed over to the food line, which was starting to build. I noticed that slowly but surely, the venue was beginning to fill up. DJs: Freeze International, Sounds4Life, and the Freshmen started to drop the songs that make you can’t help but move your hips. As we stood there, we saw a friendly face, and friend to the paper, Linden King approaching us. It is not a foreign idea to see a few familiar community faces at a GF Promo party; it is nice because it does give you time to catch up with people on a relaxed vibe, instead of on our usual hurried vibes.

What Trish and I were both impressed with was the FOOD! Bake and Saltfish, Pumpkin, Pelau, Geera Pork, Vegetable Rice, Cassava Dumpling, Tofu, and Vegetable Rice, OMG! I saw it all and grabbed four plates: two for Trish and two for myself. I knew that one of their plates was not going to hold my food because I wanted everything. We sat and enjoyed our meals, and then went to enjoy the rest of our time.

Overall, it was just what was needed to end the weekend. The crowd was mature, the drinks were flowing, the energy was right, and did I mention that the FOOD WAS GREAT!

Hope you enjoyed your weekend, and if you did not catch Dejeuner this year, at least now you know what to expect.

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Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

local news

PAGE 7

Health, wellness, and a free trip to Jamaica?

MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Would you be interested in taking a Caribbean vacation without leaving Toronto?

How about if you could experience the relaxing atmosphere, music, and performances of a Jamaican vacation minus the airfare?

Imagine being able to connect to yourself and your family through yoga, and have the ability to energize yourself with sports and activities. Well, we would like to be the first to introduce to you, The Jamaica Summer

Games taking place right here in Toronto at Ashbridge’s Bay on August 17th-18th, 2019.

The media launch for this event was held at The Real Jerk Jamaican restaurant located at 842 Gerrard Street East on July 23rd, 2019. Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was there to catch the scoop and talk with some of the people involved including the beautiful Mrs. Angella Bennett who is the Regional Director for the Jamaica Tourist Board. Bennett told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper “The Jamaica Tourist Board is a proud sponsor of this event, and not only will we bring a taste of Jamaica to this event, but we will focus on health and wellness too.”

“Jamaica has now become a very popular destination for health, wellness and sport tourism, and is very much a part of why we are the main sponsors for the summer event. We are also giving away a free stay to Jamaica courtesy of our airline part-

ner West Jet Vacations and one of our hotel partners; we are encouraging everyone to come out and have a good time,” Bennett continued excitedly.

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper also got a chance to speak to the founder and co-chair of the event Mr. Karl Hale of the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. Hale who was born in Falmouth Jamaica, and has played the Davis Cup for Jamaica for 10 years; he is currently the Tournament Director of the Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament in Toronto. While doing all of this he has maintained his tennis level and is ranked #1 in the world over the age of 40. Mr. Hale is an active family man who is involved in multiple philanthropic activities in the Jamaican community.

Hale told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper “We came up with the concept to help raise more money for Helping Hands Jamaica because: sports is something we

know as an organization, we think there is a need for this, and also there is a huge potential for growth.” When asked what advice he has for the public in connection with Jamaica Summer Games Hale said, “One hundred per cent come to Ashbridge’s Bay with the whole family; there is something for everyone from health and wellness to great DJs playing great music, so come and enjoy the weekend with us.”

Know that by attending this event, it will not only be beneficial to you, but you will be actively helping out the community as well. All proceeds will go towards the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation 25th school build! For more information on everything the summer games has to offer visit https://jamaicasummergames.net/ schedule.You can also visit www.helpinghandsjamaica.com to learn about all of the great work that is happening in Jamaica.

The lies, the lies, the lies; The encore presentation of A Little Black Lie SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Ladies, imagine you were about to get married to the man of your dreams, and a few weeks before the wedding, some information was brought to light that made you question your man’s sexual preference? This topic was the nucleus of the drama found in the play A Little Black Lie, which debuted at Terragon Theatre located at 30 Bridgman Avenue, on Thursday, July 24th, 2019.

It was a star-studded event and some of the community’s most active members made their appearance last night. Joining for the nights festivities were: Pauline Christian, Consulate General Llyod Wilks,

Roderick Brereton, and Karlyn Percil. The entire building was buzzing with excitement for the award-winning play that was returning for its encore presentation, and this time there were more secrets, more lies, and of course endless drama.

So, let’s get you caught up with what the play is all about, and then we will highlight a few points. The two main characters (Michael and Stacey) are ready to get married. They have both been through traumatizing situations in their past, but they had come together in this union that was only truly understood by them. The sucky thing about the past, is that sometimes it can come back to haunt you, and this was the case with Michael who had been hiding secrets that Stacey began to find out about just before the wedding. Michael was forced to face some uncomfortable truths about himself and while helping Michael heal; Stacey discovered that she too had some issues that she had to face.

The play was comprised of a group of talented African Kings and Queens who brought controversial topics to light in a

way that engaged the audience emotionally, and kept us all so caught up in the play, that at times members of the audience were talking to the characters on the stage.

As I listened to the audience’s reaction to the play, I could tell that it had been well thought out and written. Troy Crossfield (who played the lead role of Michael Myers), Sheronna Osbourne, and Doug Prout are the foundations of this incredible production. The freeness of expression was visible in the: comedy, set design, and wardrobe that was selected for the play, and the passion was felt in the way the actors/actress brought serious community topics to the stage.

The Kings of the cast included: Troy Crossfield (Michael Myers), Christian Miller (Shawn Myers), Nigel Birch (Steve), Danian Lloyd (Darius), Marvin Morgan (Chris), Peter Radcliffe (Father), Dwayne Beckford (Pastor), Jaiden Lewis (Isaiah), Tarick Glancy (Chris), Robert Ball (Victor), and Anthony Kingz (Robert). Danian Llyod had the audience dying of laughter with his re-enactment of what Toronto people would call, “De man

dem,” and Tarick Glancy just made no dam sense, but he kept us rolling in our seats right up until the end when he came out in his underwear.

The Queens lit up the stage, and I must say is one of the most beautiful casts of women I have ever seen. The line-up included: Sheronna Osbourne (Stacey White, Lead Character), Karen Simpson (Veronica), Quinn-Marie Wilson (Nicole), Christie Maingot (Shirley White), Bernice Ryan (Brenda Myers), Soriyah Crossfield (Shai), Zakiya Micintosh (NNeeka), Steffanie Belanger (NNeeka), and Zyreeta Kingz (Dancer).

The Crossfield House Productions Team should be very proud of what they accomplished with the encore presentation of A Little Black Lie; it forces the community to look at the darkness that exists within, and find ways to constructively bring the darkness into the light. Keep up to date on Crossfield House Productions by signing up for their newsletter at www.crossfieldhouseproductions.com.

Black Women In Motion — For black women, by black women SELINA McCALLUM salina@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

The founder of Black Women In Motion (BWIM) wanted to find a way to provide workshops, resources, and tools for black women, by black women, due to the lack of opportunities solely for black women across the Greater Toronto Area.

Monica Samuel was inspired to start BWIM after having volunteered at Black Creek Community Health center, a non-profit community-based organization, that provides health care services and programs geared to vulnerable populations living in Toronto’s North West communities.

There she had a chance to work with clients and support a number of after school programs, that catered to young women and girls who lived within Ward 7, who were predominantly black and/or African-Caribbean diasporic.

“There weren’t many or any spaces

dedicated specifically to black women during this time. BWIM started because we recognized the need for safe, non-judgemental and anti-oppressive spaces by black women, for black women,” said Samuel.

Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based, youth-led organization that empowers, celebrates and supports the advancement of black and African-Caribbean diasporic women.

Established in 2013, Black Women in Motion is recognized as one of Toronto’s leading community organizations that prioritize and amplifies the voices, experience, and needs of black women. Through collaboration with local partners and community agencies, BWIM delivers programs and connects its clients to resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

“Our mission is to empower, celebrate and support the advancement of black and African-Caribbean diasporic women. Through collaboration with local partners and community agencies, we deliver programs and connect our clients to resources that support their needs,” said Samuel.

Black Peer Education Network (BPEN) is a four-year project dedicated to creating healthier and safer learning spaces for black youth to collectively work through

dismantling and challenging rape culture and sexual violence within the black community.

BWIM hires and trains 10 community animators per cycle, and supports the youth as they host critical, honest and reflective conversations in the community, on sexual violence and consent.

Some of the training topics that the community animators learn and discuss are anti-oppression, consent 101, media literacy, project management, and mental health.

The workshops help the young black women by learning how to practice safe sex, be better allies to one another, hold others accountable, and calls people out when needed.

Jordyn Samuels who works as a Lead Equity Consultant for Journeys InEquity, a grassroots consulting company which provides equity and inclusion through social justice-based education, taught the first workshop, Anti-Oppression on Thursday, July 25th. To date, Journeys InEquity has worked with 38 different organizations including Downsview Secondary School, University of Toronto, Nellie’s Women’s Shelter and Toronto Community Housing Corp.

Samuels has partnered with BWIM from almost the beginning of the organization.

“Journeys InEquity continues to collaborate with Black Women in Motion because they both feed into each other.

BWIM is dedicated to empowering black women and setting them up to be leaders in their communities,” said Samuels.

The founder of Black Women in Motion believes that togetherness and partnership in the black community will help black people excel.

“I think the black community is finally starting to understand the importance of collectivism. We have been conditioned to compete and be adversaries when in reality, we are each other’s keepers and are the solutions to the problems that exist within our community. From generating wealth to combating white supremacy, we hold the key,” said Samuel.

The founder of Black Women in Motion describes black women in many words.

“Leaders, soldiers, creators, innovators, royalty, divine, healers, strong, poised, elegant, resilient, confident, powerful, sacred, and mighty. Black women are pure f*cking magic,” said Samuel.

To find out more about Black Women in Motion follow them on Instagram and Facebook @blackwomeninmotion - Visit them at www.blackwomeninmotion.ca

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SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“Simone, can you help us? Can you help me help these ladies find hope again?

Help them not have regrets about what they have done so far, but just to have faith and believe that someone, somehow will receive their story and be able to move into a better space.” Palmonia Gordon My heart lept when I received this email; it was a really odd feeling. For some reason, my body had reacted to this plea, and it was upon learning more about the story that I understood why. I had a chance to speak with Palmonia Gordon, a woman who has led the charge to take back the stories of abuse that were shared by a group of women that she became closely associated with. It is important that we understand Palmonia’s story to get a better sense as to why she had reached out to me.

Even though you can tell that Palmonia is a strong, vivacious woman, when she speaks of her story, you can hear her pain. She told me about her childhood sexual abuse that occurred while she was living in Jamaica. She was the only young woman living in a home filled with men.

She recalls how much she hated her brother when she was growing up and why, “When I was about 9 or 10 years old, my brother came in and saw this older man on top of me. He didn’t do anything about it or say anything about it.” She talks about her many painful experiences living with her stepmother’s nephews; it was only after having her daughter did she realize the importance of telling her story. It was important that she educated her daughter to ensure that her daughter did not have to deal with the pain that she had been feeling her whole life.

Palmonia had a chance to tell her story when her friend Nakisha Geddes contacted her about writing an article for the magazine that she wrote for.

She decided to gather a group of women from different cultures to also share their stories of abuse; the story ran in the winter of 2018 and seemed to strike a chord with the editors of the magazine. They

proposed an idea to the women; they thought it would be a great idea to do a documentary featuring the stories of the women in the story.

A promotional trailer was put together and was released in March 2019.

Upon the release of the trailer, the women were given a contract to sign regarding the use of their stories in the documentary. Upon seeing the contract, a few of the women involved became instantly concerned; they were wary of how the content was being presented. When the trailer was shot, the women were not put at ease, nor given the resources needed to deal with the emotional rollercoaster that many of the women faced after sharing their stories; for some of them, it was their first time, and this can be a very difficult thing to do.

The situation began to derail after this. The cast members found out that they had done a preview without letting them know. They found out details about the release one-week before the preview, and naturally, the night of the event, feelings were raw and unresolved. Another disturbing fact for the cast members was the fact that many of them had not signed the contract, which would have allowed the producers to go ahead and use their stories. Unfortunately, the producers of this documentary had their thoughts on how things were going to go, and these women, who had bravely told their stories, were now having second thoughts about exposing themselves to the world.

One of the cast member’s children threatened her saying that if this documentary were aired, they would never speak with her again. She did not know how to explain to her children that she did not have control over her story anymore. Another cast member became suicidal because she also felt like she had lost control of her narrative.

I thought it was important to share this story for a few reasons; one of the main reasons is that we have to protect the stories of women who have suffered childhood sexual assault, or abuse of any kind. This story brings to light the importance of appropriate communication between members of the community and those who want to be a part of a person’s story. Mind you, there are two sides to every story, and I would love to know what the producers have done with the footage for this documentary. The women have heard nothing and now sit raw with emotion, and replete with unanswered questions. As a global community, we have to do better.

local news

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 11

Bold and beautiful - King and Queen’s Showcase Mas-K Club came in first place.

salina@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

On August 1st, 2019 the King and Queen Showcase, the most brilliant show of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, took place at Lamport Stadium from 6 pm to midnight.

The Kings, the Queens, and individuals of the Carnival bands unveiled their elaborately themed costumes highlighting the creative minds of the designers.

Male and female performers embodied and showcased the creative work of talented artists, designers, and costume builders.

Each float and costume was unique in its very own way. Each had a different combination of colours and a story that went with it as well. Many of the floats are up to 40ft high and 40ft wide.

It was also announced that The Ontario Science Center would present the Innovation in Mas award for the engineering, construction, design, and best environmental use of material in a costume.

The bands this year included; Allure Carnival, Sunlime Carnival, Tribal Carnival, Fantazia Carnival, Epic Carnival, Toronto Revellers and Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club.

The unofficial results for the Grand Parade were released on Sunday, August 4th.

Tribal Carnival came in third place, Toronto Revellers came in second and Louis Saldenah

• • • • • • • • •

1st- Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club @saldenahcarnival 2nd - Toronto Revellers @torontorevellers 3rd - Tribal Carnival @tribalcarnival 4th - Carnival Nationz @cnzinc 5th - Venom Carnival @venomcarnival 6th - E.P.I.C. Canada @epic_carnival 7th - Sunlime Canada @sunlimemas 8th - Fantazia Canada @fantazia_carnival 9th - Concept Costume Creators @ cccartsmasband

Tribal Carnival came in third for overall large band. They took second place for senior queen and first place for senior male.

Toronto Revellers took home many awards too. They took second place for Band of the Year, first place for Queen of the Band, second place for King of the Band. The Queen of the Treasure Island Float was a spectacular purple and gold. The little details on each panel of the float were outstanding.

The winner, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club‘s costumes were bright and colourful.

Some costumes were a combination of soft colours like baby pink and baby green, while other costumes were loud and bold as the neon green and dark purple were eye catching.

In a post on Instagram, the organization thanked people who helped along this year’s journey to the Caribbean Carnival.

“Thanks to all of our sponsors, volunteers, DJs, section leaders and the whole entire crew. To all the Saldenah masqueraders, thank you for your continued support and thank you for making Saldenah your

band,” read the caption.

Surprise celebrity guests The middle of the showcase was interrupted halfway through to welcome celebrity guests. “Please welcome the Housewives of Atlanta,” yelled the person on the speakerphone.

The majority of the people in the audience stood up to see them walk in through the VIP section and sit at a designated spot for them. The table in front of them had bottles of Hennessy and other non-alcoholic drinks for them.

The group was filming their arrival and their stay to watch the King and Queens showcase for their popular television show, Real Housewives of Atlanta. The production crew took up much space in the front of the stage and around them, upsetting some photographers who were taking pictures of the floats.

Many people from the VIP section stood up and left their tables to get a closer look at the famous Atlanta housewives.

Kandi Burruss, Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, Marlo Hampton, Kenya Moore, and Tanya Sam, participated in the vibrant Caribbean Carnival celebrations as well over the weekend. They all wore the same silver costume with jewels and red and green feathers.

This was the first Caribbean Carnival Burruss has participated in.

When the ladies entered, they danced and whined in a circle before they sat down to enjoy their drinks and some food.

Before they left the showcase, they danced their way out.

Still, the many costumes and floats of this year could not be upstaged. They were gleaming, shining and glittering on stage as they turned full circle, shook and jumped for the audience who were in awe.

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local news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

A journey into our past; Tangible evidence of African history in Ontario SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

“I’ll use my freedom well.” Rev. Josiah Henson I have always been amazed by the number of Africans living or born in Canada who have not ventured outside their own city, or even taken time to explore Canada. This is no condemnation, it is an observation made when I mention different parts of Ontario to members of the community in Toronto. “There are actually black people who live in Chatham?” is a popular comment that I hear when I mention Chatham-Kent or one of the cities that are located west on the 401. African Canadian’s rich history stems back to Mathieu Da Costa, one of the most fascinating African figures in our early Canadian history. Da Costa is said to be one of the first black Africans to set foot on Canadian soil; he had been employed as

a translator by French and Dutch traders and explorers. Apparently, this was not unusual for Africans to act as translators for European explorers; this practice had been going on for over 100 years. In our need to educate and empower our community, we are going to take you on a short journey through history; one that we hope will motivate you to expand your horizons and learn more about our beautiful historically rich province.

Our first stop is in the town of Dresden, at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site located at 29251 Uncle Tom’s Road. Reverend Josiah Henson was known as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, and the current museum sits on part of the original property purchased in 1841 by Henson and his supporters. The purpose was to establish a place of refuge for the many fugitive slaves crossing over into Canada. Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a celebration of the human spirit; visitors can stop in at the Josiah Henson Interpretive Centre that houses a collection of 19th century artifacts and rare books. You would be able to view the Henson House, which was the last residence of Josiah Henson; he lived there until his death in 1883. Visit them at www. uncletomscabin.org because I believe their emancipation celebration is approaching.

Every August, Uncle Tom Cabin’s Historic Site hosts Emancipation Day, a day where they

celebrate the end of slavery in Canada.

Paris.” Rev. Richard R. Disney

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Our final stop is just a drive down to 177 King Street East (located in the WISH Centre). I personally enjoyed this museum. In a modest-sized space, the community of Chatham has managed to compile some of the most interesting stories of African History here in Canada. The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum is located in an area that used to be referred to as “The Forks.” In the 1800s five black families settled along McGregor’s Creek and established a thriving community that had their own businesses, schools, and medical facilities. The area became so successful that it attracted Africans from all over North America. The Black Mecca Museum shares stories of Chatham’s black community in the 18th century, and it houses a wide range of primary and secondary sources of family tree information. For more information, or to book a guided tour visit www.ckbhs.org.

I have only briefly highlighted what can be discovered in a journey throughout Ontario, now it is on you to delve in and open your spirit and mind to our wonderful established history in Canada.

The next stop on our journey is in ChathamKent at the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. The site is located in North Buxton, more commonly referred to as the Buxton Settlement. Reverend William King established the settlement in 1849; he was an abolitionist from Scotland who had grown intolerant of slavery and had to leave the United States because living there went against everything that he believed. The scripture verse above stayed with William throughout his life, and he has stated that it had a “forceful effect,” on his life. Interestingly enough, the majority of the population of the village are direct decedents of some of the original families that settled in Buxton. When visiting this museum, you will have the privilege of hearing stories from a staff of people who have an ancestral and present tie with the village. Take time to visit this remarkable North American landmark; you can set up a tour by visiting them at http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/.

“Chatham was not a mecca only. In a broader and truer sense, it was the coloured man’s

Politicians jump up for Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival SELINA McCALLUM salina@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- This year, the Liberal government, headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, helped fund the Caribbean Carnival by giving $350,000.

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, announced at the start of the Caribbean festival that the Liberal government continues to support the festival.

“I join you today to tell you that on behalf of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and our Liberal team, we are with you, we support the Toronto Caribbean Festival,” said

Minister Hussen to the crowd.

Doug Ford, the current Premier of Ontario, was also in attendance to show his support and wish everyone a happy carnival.

“We’re down here at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the 52nd one, we invite everyone down! To the Caribbean community, I have one thing to say — our family loves you,” said Premier Ford. “If you ever need our help, feel free to give us a call.”

Former premier Kathleen Wynne, Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders and representatives for the Conservative and NDP party were there to welcome carnival-goers and kick off the parade as well.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said that the Toronto police force will do their part to ensure everyone has a fun and safe celebration.

“The city of Toronto is on the world map and we represent like we always do. I’m so proud and thankful to be here. Let’s keep this festive, respect the revellers and let’s have a great time,” said Toronto Police Chief

Saunders.

Mitzie Hunter, a politician in Ontario, also welcomed the crowd. “It is wonderful to be here! We’re going to have an amazing day at Toronto’s carnival. The sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky, and we are going to jump up Toronto! I want to say that the carnival is an important symbol of freedom, togetherness and we must never forget that,” said Hunter.

Hunter represents the Toronto riding of Scarborough. She is a Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario who was first elected in a by-election on August 1st, 2013 and later re-elected in the election of 2018.

In a later interview with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, he said that the Liberal government continues to invest in the parade.

“We know and understand the value of the Toronto Caribbean Festival. We appreciate it and we are investing again, and increasing our investment to support this festival,” said Minister Hussen.

The festival is also a competition between the mas bands who walk, jump and dance in the parade along Lakeshore. This year’s mas bands included Allure Carnival, Tribal Carnival, Toronto Revellers, and Sunlime Canada to name a few.

Minister Hussen also announced that part of the investment will go towards promoting Caribbean food and restaurants in the city.

“Part of that investment, $60,000, is going to promote Caribbean cuisine as a way to attract visitors to Toronto and I am very proud of that part of the funding,” said Minister Hussen.

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada said that he is proud to support such an important event in the city of Toronto,

“It brings over a million people to the city of Toronto and Canada,” said Minister Hussen. “It’s a very important festival that showcases Caribbean culture, and that’s important to support.”

Get your art on; Battle of the arts at North York Sheridan Mall SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

It was a rare Saturday afternoon because Dave and I never really get to hang out with each other; our work fills up most of our time, so going for lunch, just because, is a rare treat.

I had gone to look around the mall for a bit, and when I reconnected with Dave, he told me that his cousin Dave Reid (Founder of Men at Large, and Women at Large) and Charles Matthews Jr. (Founder of CMJ Entertainment Inc), were there hosting an art battle.

“An art battle! Hmmmm, I want to

check that out” I replied, so we walked over the open area on the lower level of Sheridan Mall. When I got there I saw Charles and spoke with him a bit about what was happening.

“I have been working with Dave for years; this is a really cool event, and it takes time to feature the local art talent in Toronto,” Charles explained. “There are 10 artists that are given 45 minutes to paint a piece. The winner will receive $1,000.00 and bragging rights as the Art Battle winner.” “I definitely want to write a piece about this, “ I said to Dave. We went over to his cousin, and Mr. Reid and I set up some time to talk in detail about his work.

Dave Reid is most known for the work that he does with the Men at Large, Women at Large Calendar that is put out each year. Each year a competition is held with Toronto’s sexiest, and most talented men and women. The finalists are flown to Jamaica for some hot, steamy nights at the famous

Hedonism II in Negril, where they compete to be featured on The Men at Large/Woman at Large Calendar. Just as an aside, if you are interested in being a part of this, the search is on so check for more details on Facebook and Instagram.

His love for this type of artistic expression began when he managed Magic Finnga WonG, an up and coming graffiti and tattoo artist. After seeing the reaction to WonG’s work, Dave decided to open a popup art gallery in North York Sheridan Mall that would showcase the artistic talent that can be found across the GTA. The gallery featured 10 artists, eight of which would battle at the end of July in the Get Your Art On, Battle of the Arts. In the battle this year, the featured artists were: Tray Arts, Chanel Fyffe, Numreen Khan, Magic Finnga Wong, Ashley Williams, Sketch One, Kofi Frempong, Jessica Gorlicky, Melissa Gorlicky, Edward O’Connor, Jordan, Ashantee Alanna, and Jalonie Joseph. The winner this year was Tray Arts, who aston-

ished the crowd during his feature week by painting a picture of Kahwi Leonard using clippers. Tray Arts honoured his commitment to the community by donating $100.00 to a charity that supplies books, and school necessities to children in Jamaica.

I congratulated Dave on a job well done and asked him what was next in his entrepreneurial journey. “We are going to keep it community and add to the art battle instalment with, “So You Think You Can Dance North York”, premiering on August 10th – August 31st. Contest dates are August 10th, 17th, 24th, and the grand finale is on August 31st. The Grand Prize is $1,000.00, so if you know someone out there who is set for dancing greatness, let them know about the competition.”

It is fantastic to see the work that is being done in the community and to think, it only takes a few good men.

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island news

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Jerktastick; Celebrating 18 years of Caribbean food, culture and music, Grace Jerk Fest, 2019 SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper and MyTCNTV Network will be in attendance at the 2019 Grace Jerk Fest, which is taking place on August 9th to August 11th at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Anthony Plummer, the Executive Director of the Grace Jerk Festival is very excited about the 18th year celebration. “Festival weekend is just around the corner and we can’t wait to bring the flavours and energy of the Caribbean to Toronto.” What is to be appreciated about the Grace Jerk Festival Team is their ability to adjust to the times and to recreate their brand. This year they will be featuring new acts, new food and new experiences.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique flavours of traditional jerk-style cooking while taking in R&B performances,

and hip-swaying entertainment.

As invited guests of Grace Jerk Fest, we have exclusive information for our readers to better prepare them for what is rounding out to be one of their most memorable festivals to date. Here is what there is to expect for Jerk Fest 2019: Meet and greet boat cruise To kick off the festivities, on Thursday, August 8th, 2019, there will be a pre-event cruise aboard the River Gambler at Pier 31.

Prepare yourself for a night of music and entertainment including live music by Spex Da Boss and a meet and greet with Freddie McGregor, Dexta Daps and Ginuwine. The cruise boards at 7:30 pm EST, so don’t be LATE. Your palette will be tantalized with the tastes of Jamaica’s best in authentic jerk cuisine.

3-night stay in Jamaica experience Do you hear a vacation calling you? Grace Jerk Fest and Sandals Resorts want to answer that call by giving away one 3-night stay in Jamaica. Want a sample? The festival will welcome Sandals Chef Glenroy Walker, who will be provoking your taste buds with creative Caribbean-inspired dishes.

A Ginuwine experience You will not want to miss this year’s entertainment line up. The festival has prepared for the community a line-up of talented performers and local talent. On Friday, August 9th, catch the annual Love and R&B Edition, Men of Soul II, featuring four-time Grammy nominee and platinum-selling artist Jeffrey Osbourne along with multiplatinum artist, Ginuwine. On Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th, Freddie McGregor and Dexta Daps will hit the stage for a memorable wrap-up to the festival weekend.

Jerk and demo tent Visitors to the festivals will be in for a novel treat. You will be able to enjoy the tastes of the Caribbean with delicious jerk cuisine, as well as live workshops with Chef Walker and Chef Noel (Master Chef contributor at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper). Bring the Caribbean into your own kitchen with how-to demonstrations each day at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.

You now will also have an opportunity to give back with Grace Jerk Fest by supporting the food drive for the North York Harvest Food Bank. During their customer appreciation hours (11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday), patrons can enter the park for only $2.00, plus a canned food that will be donated to the food bank. Your donations will also go towards The Caribbean Children Foundation, a Canadianbased charity that brings children from the Caribbean to Canada in order to receive medical treatment. The organization also sends doctors to care for children in the Caribbean. Patrons can donate online, or at the gates on the day of prior to entry.

Now that you are ahead of the game this year, all you need to do is purchase your tickets by visiting jerkfest.ca. It is definitely a weekend you will not want to miss. Follow @JerkFestival on Twitter and @gracejerkfest on Instagram. When you are at the festival, don’t forget to upload your favourite moments and use the hashtags #jerkfest2019 #jerkfestTO, and #GraceJerkFest.

Customer appreciation hours (11:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Expressions of our culture; Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day MICHAEL THOMAS michael@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Malvern came alive like never before, and some readers may be wondering came alive? How? The Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day is the answer; from the: costumes, the children, the food, the families, the music, the sweltering heat to everything in between, it was carnival at its best and Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was on hand to witness it all. Toronto Caribbean Newspaper spoke with the Chief Operations Officer of the Festival Management Committee (the group responsible for Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival) Mr. Christopher Alexander at length about the Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day, which took place on July 20th, in Scarborough,

Ontario. Alexander told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper “This year we did more in Malvern than we ever have before. The Junior Carnival is a series of events that started last Saturday, moved on to the Junior King and Queen, right up to the Junior Carnival and Family Day with a Junior Showcase inside of the park.”

Alexander told us, “The Junior Parade is for babies and children up to age 16.

You have children who participated in the Junior King and Queen that will be showcasing their costumes in this parade also; all the costumes were judged, and winners were chosen. There are lots of events that took place in the park that made up the family day; events like the Grace sponsored food festival, which is a cooking competition for young people. The theme this year was Young People Cooking with a Parent or Guardian. All the cooking ingredients were sponsored by Grace Foods, and the children had a chance to win a prize for their cooking.”

“In the park,” Alexander said, “we had the main stage, and that’s where the entertainment takes place. We had: steel

bands, calypso singers, and our feature presentation was Aron Duncan, the young Calypso Monarch from Trinidad. We also had an African group called Neema performing; there were rides, games, and food all to top off the family event in the park.

This is our fifth year in Malvern,” the COO of Toronto’s Carnival said. “We used to be at Jane and Finch then we moved to Downsview Station. Here in the Malvern community we have an audience of over 23,000 people in the area and growing.

When asked about all the work that goes into putting on an event like this one Alexander said, “The overall chores goes from: logistic to setup, to event management, to dealing with all the city services including police, fire services, ambulances, parks and recreations and planning the operations, and planning the route. All of this links with marketing and finance too.

So you see, the role is very much like the role of a quarterback. My job is to ensure that all members of the team are following the same playbook and executing as a team.”

The Toronto Carnival COO had

ICHF BabyHeart Trip to Guyana TCCF works with three international partners to treat poor and critically ill Caribbean children at four treatment centres. At Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, it works with the Herbie Fund to treat children su ering from most major ailments. In Austin Texas, it works with SpineHope to treat children su ering from spinal problems such as scoliosis.

In Guyana and the Dominican Republic, it works with ICHF/BabyHeart Foundation to treat children su ering from congenital heart disease. The modus operandi at the two Caribbean centres is that TCCF assists with sending medical mission teams consisting of cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists and paediatric intensive care unit nurses to deliver treatment and also train local sta in post-operative care.

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high praises for the community of Malvern calling them “One of the most vibrant communities I has ever seen,” He also had a message for his team, “I am humbled to be among them, it all rests on their backs and they are the ones that made this all happen.”

In the last part of our interview, Alexander told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper “We want the public to know that this is an expression of our culture; we are counting on the public’s continuous support.

Caribbean culture brings over $400,000.00 into the city of Toronto. We are counting on sponsors to support us more, and for the government to take this seriously and continue to support us more too.”

Aren’t you anxious to hear who won this year? The top three winning children’s bands for 2019 are: • First position: Toronto Revelers (theme -Treasure Island) • Second position: Carnival Nations (theme -Savanah Grass) • Third position: Louis Saldenah Mass K Club (theme -Heartbeat the Thrill of Life)

PAGE 16

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Trishell’s Hair & Beauty; Confidence in individuality is beautiful!

SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Upon meeting Trishell, owner of Trishell’s Hair & Beauty Salon, I knew that there was something extremely special about this young woman. When I first walked into her salon, she had a gospel song playing on her television, and the energy in the room was tranquil and relaxing. She had just finished with a client, and was doing a little clean up, so I sat back and took a look at her quaint space. The first thing I noticed was this beautiful red and black wig, that had been done up and placed on display; I reminded myself to ask her about it when we started our interview.

Trishell finished doing what she had to do, and sat down in her beauty chair. “Where do we start,” she asked. “How about we start at the beginning,” I said, and I readied myself with my pen and notebook. “So, hair and beauty has been a part of my family since I was younger.

Back home in Jamaica, when other children would head home after school, or go and play, I had to go to the family shop and help out. At the age of eight years old, I had grown folk responsibility. One of the first jobs I was given at the shop was to organize the rollers by size and colour. By 10 years old I had graduated to preparing the scalp for shampooing. This meant parting the hair, and scratching out the dandruff. At around the age 12 years old, I was shampooing customers and cornrowing hair.”

“You were cornrowing at 12 years old?” “Yes” she laughed! “Funny story actually. I learned how to cornrow in grass. I would take a seat in tall grass, and then I would use the strands of tall grass to practice.”

“What part of Jamaica are you from?” I questioned. “I am from the North Coast, an area known as St. Anne’s Bay, close to Ocho Rios. I lived there until I moved to Canada at the age of 19. “Alright,” I said, “Let’s get back to your story. You are now 12 years old, and you are shampooing and cornrowing, what did they have you do next?” “ Well, the next step was weaving and braiding, and by the age of 15, I was relaxing and weaving regularly.”

“You mentioned that at the age of 19, you moved to Canada; how was it different for you then life in Jamaica?” Trishell stopped and thought about this for a second; she sighed, and continued on with her story, “Things were completely different in Canada. When I moved here, I had to deal with culture shock, and I was living with my dad at the time. I took a break from doing hair, and I was actually doing security for a while. At 23 years old, I had my first daughter, and my interest began to veer back to hairstyling. A lady that I worked with at the time gave me some advice that was not exactly encouraging.

She told me to not even bother becoming a hairdresser because everyone was wearing wigs. It was someone that I looked up to, so I believed her and stayed away from doing hair for four more years.”

“Wow!” I commented, “That is a long time; did you miss it?” “I did, but at that point, I was pregnant with my second daughter and I was married, so you know how that is. You are thinking about your family first. I got back into hairstyling after my husband took it upon himself to get me a job at a salon. He must have seen something; he must have noticed that I missed doing hair. I started braiding at this salon, and the woman was impressed by my work and work ethic. One day she asked me, if I knew anything about working with Caucasian hair. I said no, but I let her know I was open to learning. At that point, she opened up and taught me everything that I needed to know about working with other hair types. Now I was powered with knowledge, but I needed my license in order to really start doing the

work I wanted to. When I applied for my license, they told me I had three chances to pass the exam, and if not, I would have to go back to school. I passed that exam on the first try.”

“That must have been an amazing time for you. Did you see a shift in how your business life was going?” “I did,” Trishell responded, “Not long after, I began to work for a larger corporation, and one question that was asked during my interview for the position was, where did I see myself in five years? My answer to that was, I saw myself owning my own business, and being a stylist to the stars. After four years with the organization, they made me a manager of my own store, but I remembered my promise to myself; my goal was to open up my own salon, and in 2018, I registered the business. I will be honest, it has been very hard; I missed out on aspects of my daughters lives, and I have had to make up for it on a daily basis, but nothing is better then having a goal, achieving that goal, and being a success to yourself.”

“What would you say is the highlight of your work?” “ What I enjoy is being part of my clients transformation. Many women are going through tough times; it could be health issues, the fact that they are seniors and they can’t move around a lot, whatever it is, I provide healing by offering them an ear, and a sounding board whenever they come into my salon. I specialize in all hair types, and I have begun making wigs for women who are dealing with hair loss due to cancer, or other issues. This is what God gifted me with, and it is what I am born to do. I thank God everyday for providing me with the opportunity to help women find hope in their situations; sometimes all it takes is a good cut and colour.

I want to thank you Trishell for being of service to our greater Toronto community, and for sharing your story. To learn more about Trishell’s Hair and Beauty Salon, you can visit her on Instagram @trish. thehairstylist, call her at 416-908-2085, or email her at 35thabs@gmail.com.

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Increased performance for Honda’s superbike Compared to previous versions, Honda’s CBR1000RR superbike is lighter, more powerful and easier to drive than ever. Its 999 cc 16-valve DOHC engine was greatly enhanced, including an increase in compression ratio to 13:1, revised cam timing and valve lift, and a new cylinder head, resulting in an extra 10 HP in strength. Its rev limit now reaches 13,000 rpm, while its power-toweight ratio is increased by 14 per cent thanks to the use of new materials like magne-

sium to build the engine and exhaust systems.

This lighter build opened the door to improving acceleration speed and handling. A new electronic control system allows drivers to adjust the motorcycle’s behaviour according to preference or road conditions using five pre-set combinations of engine power level, rearwheel traction, wheelie control and engine braking strength.

A 471 cc parallel twin and a 286 cc single-cylinder respectively power Honda’s new Rebel 500 and Rebel 300. These two cruising bikes, which share the same dimensions, are perfect for urban driving thanks to an engine calibration that enhances both power and low speed torque and a comfortable, lowto-the-ground seating position. Finally, the CRF250L Rally adventure dirtbike rounds out Honda’s new releases.

Kawasaki expands its Z series Kawasaki expanded its Z series this year by launching the new Z900, Z650 and smaller Z125, in addition to renaming the Z1000, now known as Z1000R. The all-muscle design of the larger Z models was in­spired by the Su­gomi con­cept, which derives from the Japanese word for “intimidating” or “terrifying.” All in all, these street brutes command respect in the sporty roadster category.

The arrival of the Z900 and Z650 forced the Z800 into retirement. The Z900 is powered by a 948 cc 4-cylinder engine, while the Z650 is built around a 649 cc twin-cylinder. As for the Z125, its engine is

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The new Z1000R is still powered by a 1,043 cc 4-cylinder engine, which now benefits from a new electronic gearbox to better control its output. The Z1000R differentiates itself from the defunct Z1000 thanks to its black and neon green paint job and its 310 mm dualdisk Brembo front brakes.

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

MICHAEL COTEAU Levelling the playing field

“You know that voice, you know what it says; someone like you doesn’t belong here.” (Michael Coteau, The Star, June 2019)

Who knew that this biracial child from Flemington Park, would grow up to become a school board trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in 2003, 2006 and 2010, and then serve as a Critic for Infrastructure, Energy, Labour, Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade. One would never have guessed that a young man who was having a hard time in school would become the Minister of Children and Youth Services, as well as Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism. Our classic man this edition has also served the community as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, as well as Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, and before that, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. We have someone from our community who is doing his best to make sure that the playing field is level for our children, and that we continue to have a seat at the table of decision makers. I would like to present to you, the one and only Michael Coteau.

“I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me Michael,” I said nervously as I prepared myself for the interview. “The pleasure is all mine, Simone.” Our conversation took place just days after Coteau announced that he was going to be entering the race to lead the Liberals. “Let’s start from the very beginning; what island do you proudly represent?”

“Well, my father is from Carriacou, which is an island of the Grenadine Islands located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, northeast of Grenada. His sister had sent him a ticket to come to England, where he met my mother who is from Northern England. His sister then told him about Canada and all of the opportunities here, so he moved here and then he sent for my mother, then my brother and me. I was only about four years old when I arrived and my very first home was in Flemington Park.”

“How was life for you when you arrived in Canada?”

“Well as you can imagine, not the easiest. I was never what you would call a scholar; for a while, I didn’t expect to attend university. Interestingly enough, I was very inspired by Hip Hop; songs like “Don’t Believe the Hype,” by Public Enemy and also by other lyricists like KRS ONE. Something about their music really spoke to me. Everything that you wanted to know about life was in Hip Hop music.”

Written by Simone Smith Toronto Caribbean Newspaper

“What else inspired you when you were younger?”

“Well, I had switched to Leaside High School in grade

10, and everyone at that school had planned on going to university. It was at that time that I was introduced to the Autobiography of Malcolm X, and I also started to get into speeches written by Stokley Carmichael. I had to find someone to relate to at that time because people around me assumed that I would end up a certain way, just because I was a black child. It was difficult, especially in school for me because I was not doing very well. It was not until grade 12 that I really began to understand my value as a young black man and began to actually believe in myself.

“You did end up going to university; describe that time in your life for me if you will,” I asked.

“I was accepted to Carleton University, and I have to thank my friend at the time Freddy Alexis for helping me apply. It was a dream come true, and I really began to see that people around me had faith in my abilities. School was difficult, and I had a low average. I contemplated quitting and moving back home. One of my friends at the time said something to me that stuck, “Where are you going to go? Back home to your two-bedroom apartment; to do what?” I realized that I had to finish what I had started. I ended up graduating with a degree in political science, and in history. My true growth occurred when I went to South Korea in 1999. I was there for three years, but then I had to come home because my mom had been diagnosed with cancer. It was my duty to help out.”

“Is this around the time that you got into politics?”

“Well,” Michael chuckled, “ I can tell you the first time that I realized speaking up made a difference. There was a swimming pool in the back of our building. During the winter, children would play on it, and it was dangerous because the ice was not always frozen all the way through. I kept speaking up about it, but no one was listening. I decided to take action, so I opened up the Yellow Pages and found someone who I thought would deal with the situation. I made the call, and like that, it was fixed. “ “What else did that situation teach you?”

“It really made me see that life benefitted some people more than others. In order to win in this game of life, you had to learn the rules and play strategically. I began to volunteer and got a job at John Manley’s office. I did administration work for him, and when everyone would go home, I would sit there and read. I learned a lot there, and also realized that I was more Liberal then anything else. What the party stood for just felt right to me. I continued to learn as much as I could about politics, and in 2003 after knocking on 42,000 doors I became a Trustee.

“Wow Michael! You were determined. What would you say is your main focus?”

“I have and will always fight for the black youth in our community. I want to be the one to help them understand how life really is. It is one of the reasons why I have always appreciated the game of Monopoly. You have to learn the rules and open opportunities that level the playing field.”

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PAGE 26

food

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Toronto Jerk Fest Heating Things Up! Come for the food, stay for the fun!

NOEL CUNNINGHAM noel@carib101.com

CULINARY EXPERT Summer is not complete with the celebration of jerk food around the world and it’s no different for us here in Toronto. Jerk Fest celebrates the world renowned jerk cuisine. It’s a fusion of jerk food, pulsating music, family friendly entertainment and good vibes. This year the Grace Jerk Fest celebrates 18 years as the leading food festival in Toronto from August 9th-11th.

Patrons at Grace Jerk Fest will be able to participate in the hot and spicy jerk chicken eating competition, So You Think You Can Jerk competition, while enjoying cooking demonstrations by yours truly along with executive chef Glenroy Walker from Sandals Jamaica in the new jerk fest food demo tent. Come learn, taste and experience firsthand Caribbean gastronomy. Did you think it stopped there? You are also in for a treat featuring international headliners R&B sensations Jeffrey Osborne & Ginuwine then bringing the heat from Jamaica is Freddie McGregor and Dexta Daps.

A little back story about the famous Jamaican Jerk: Jerk refers to a way that a meat, be it chicken, beef, pork, goat or fish is seasoned and cooked. This style comes from Jamaica. The typical cooking style uses a marinade or paste that includes onion, garlic pimento, which is often called allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers.

The meat is then marinated and slow smoked over pimento wood. Pimiento is a Spanish word

Jerk Chicken and Callaloo Fried Rice Ingredients • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 teaspoon ginger • 1 teaspoon garlic • 1 teaspoon onion • 1 chicken breast • 1 tablespoon jerk marinade • 1/2 cup callaloo, chopped • ½ cup bell pepper, diced • 1/4 cup mix vegetable • 2 cups cooked rice • 2 teaspoon soy sauce • 1 stalk green onion Directions: In a heated frying pan with oil sauté together ginger, garlic, and onions until translucent and fragrant. Season chicken breast with jerk marinade and add to the pot allow to cook for 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked.

Add callaloo and cook for 2 minutes.

Add green peppers and mixed vegetables, stir to combine then add cooked rice and soy sauce.

Serve and enjoy. You can pair this with your favorite summer drink.

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for pepper and early European explorers mistook this for black pepper, so they called it pimento.

What to expect at the new demo tent?

We will kick off food demonstrations on how to make your own jerk marinade, then an ackee saltfish surprise. Later on in the day you will get a chance to learn how to make your own curry powder as well while sampling all these dishes.

This week I am sharing with you a quick and delicious jerk chicken and callaloo fried rice to give you a taste of what to expect on August 10th and 11th.

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long distances to move to Canada, to create new lives in a new home. Many of these new Canadians send money back home to help their family pay for anything from food and education to medical expenses and crisis relief.

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Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Chiropractic And Yoga; A Means to physical and spiritual health DR. VIKAS PURI drpuri@carib101.com

HEALTH SPECIALIST

Do you know how healthy you are? Are you aware that your spine holds the key to your overall physical, emotional and spiritual well-being? Chiropractors and Yogis understand this, and both provide a means of tapping into your own innate healing potential. This article explores this common thread.

The Yoga Sutras, a text written by the ancient sage Patanjali circa 400 CE, lays out an eightfold approach to Self-Realization. The first two steps involve the “do’s and don’ts” that build our spiritual character. The third step is asana (correct posture). This is followed by higher and deeper states of breath and life force control and meditation until the soul unites with Universal Spirit. Yoga literally means “Union”.

As the wave becomes the ocean, so does individual consciousness unite with Cosmic Consciousness.

According to Yogic Philosophy, for the soul to consciously liberate from the cycles of life and death, the Yogi must consciously raise the life force (Prana) from the lower energy centers (chakras) of the spine to the top of the head, from where the soul will emancipate.

The movement of life force through the spine and out to different body parts is also an important element by which a Yogi can heal the physical and emotional body.

For these reasons, asana (correct posture) is the precursor step to pranayama (life force control) according to Patanjali. Life force cannot flow efficiently, if at all if there is an impediment due to improper posture. The spinal nerves through which the life force flows, become pinched, which prevents self-healing, or spiritual advancement.

This is the reason ancient sages of India had created Hatha Yoga, physical exercises, to increase spinal flexibility, and improve posture, for the purpose of being able to sit for long periods of meditation and stay healthy in body, mind, and soul.

100 years ago, a healer named D.D Palmer, a native of Port Perry, Ontario, dis-

covered the power of proper spinal alignment after he delivered the first ever chiropractic adjustment, a spinal manipulation, to a deaf man named Harvey Lillard. Harvey’s hearing came back, and the modern science of chiropractic was born.

In reality, it was a reconfirmation of the Yogic Philosophy and Science discovered thousands of years ago. Proper life force movement, through correct posture, is necessary for healing.

Chiropractic philosophy states that there is an innate divine intelligence within us, which fails to express itself when there is interference in the spine. This interference is known as a subluxation. Subluxations are physical manifestations of stress (physical, chemical, and emotional), resulting in improper spinal alignment, and loss of proper nerve function, reducing the flow of vital energy and communication from the brain to the body. This leads to various mental, physical and emotional symptoms and disease.

Subluxations were known to ancient yogis and modern chiropractors.

Health, defined as: “a state of optimal physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and not just the absence of infirmity or disease”, presupposes a need for proper posture and spinal alignment.

It is the means for our life force to be directed by our innate intelligence, through our nervous system, to various parts of the body in order to function and heal.

Chiropractors remove these subluxations by way of chiropractic adjustments, helping restore your health, and enabling the Yogi to assume the proper posture required for his/her spiritual practice (sadhana).

Today, Dr. Vikas Puri, a Yogi, spiritual healer, teacher, and chiropractor, is President and Co-Founder of Intelligent Health Group. These clinics are holistic healing centers that address the mind, body, and spirit. They are committed to empowering people with knowledge and resources to live happier, healthier lives. They combine innovative state of the art technology such as computerized chakra scans, posture analysis, and stress testing to determine your holistic health status. This is followed by a customized wellness plan to address your overall health goals and move you to a more optimal state of health and wellbeing.

Discover the yogic-chiropractic means to better physical and spiritual health today!

health

PAGE 29

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Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Always do this 1 thing before travelling abroad Are you planning to leave the country? If so, be sure to visit a doctor who can help you protect your health while you’re away.

The Government of Canada recommends that you make an appointment with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider at least six weeks before your departure. Depending on your destination, you may need to take precautions.

health

Mental illness among teens: what parents should know The Mental Health Commission of Canada estimates that 1.2 million children and teenagers are affected by mental illness. What’s more, suicide is the leading cause of death among Canadians who are 15 to 24 years old, second only to accidents. Roughly 4,000 young people die each year by suicide.

POTENTIAL CAUSES Pressure to perform in school, stigma about mental illness, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise and poor sleep hygiene can all contribute to mental health issues in teens.

The doctor you consult with will review your immunization history and give you any required vaccinations and preventive medications.

For more information about travel immunization, con­sult travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines.

HPV vaccines: safe, effective and potentially life-saving The human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common and can be transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral contact. It’s estimated that 75 per cent of sexually active Canadians will develop anal or genital warts because of HPV at least once in their lifetime, although many types don’t cause visible symptoms. However, it can also cause cervical cancers in women as well as anal and genital cancers in both men and women.

aged nine to 45.

• Gardasil protects against four types of HPV, two that cause 70 per cent of anogenital cancers and two that cause 90 per cent of anogenital warts. It’s approved for women aged nine to 45 and men aged nine to 26.

• Gardasil 9 protects against an additional five types of HPV that cause 14 per cent of anogenital cancers and is approved for women aged nine to 45 and men aged nine to 26.

Used properly, condoms reduce the risk of transmission, but they don’t eliminate it. Vaccination is the most reliable method of prevention.

RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATION Getting vaccinated twice before turning 18 will create the antibodies necessary to prevent infection. Vaccines are also more effective if received before becoming sexually active. However, they’ll still reduce cancer risk in someone who’s already been infected.

• Cervarix protects against two types of HPV that cause 70 per cent of anogenital cancers and is approved for women

Psychologists also suspect that heavy social network use may increase the incidence of clinical anxiety and depression.

Finally, the lack of accessible mental health resources for young people is partly to blame. According to Youth Mental Health Canada, only one-fifth of affected youth receive the help they need.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO Young people should be taught that asking for help isn’t an admission of failure or weakness. In addition, parents can do these simple things to help teens protect their mental health: • Minimize the pressure placed on them to perform • Spend time together as a family • Provide a healthy diet • Support a healthy sleep schedule • Encourage them to get regular exercise • Enroll them in activities that build confidence and self-esteem

Taking this simple step protects you from potentially severe diseases you can contract abroad.

WHAT VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE? There are three types of HPV vaccines available in Canada.

PAGE 31

Parents should talk to their children’s healthcare provider to get more information, as should adult women who haven’t been vaccinated.

All HPV vaccines available in Canada are safe and the best way to prevent the virus itself and any complications resulting from it. Some provinces offer free vaccination programs for children and at-risk adults. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Indicators of psychological distress include agitation, self-denigration, unusual moodiness, sadness and extreme fatigue. A moody teen doesn’t necessarily point to a crisis, but signs of mental illness should never be dismissed.

The importance of colorectal cancer screenings Colorectal cancer kills more people than breast and prostate cancer put together.

However, early detection greatly improves outcomes among diagnosed patients. Here’s what you should know about getting screened for this cancer.

WHY GET TESTED? If detected early, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer patients is 90 per cent. However, only 39 per cent of cases are found at this stage. Often, colorectal cancer doesn’t initially cause any symptoms. This is why being proactive about detection is vital.

WHO SHOULD GET TESTED? People between the ages of 50 and 74 should undergo a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every two years. These tests de-

tect traces of blood in the stool that can’t be seen with the naked eye, which could indicate a tumour. Out of 1,000 tests, an average of 36 will come back positive, prompting a colonoscopy. Out of 36 positive tests, only four will be due to the presence of cancer.

HOW CAN I GET TESTED? Ask your healthcare provider to prescribe a test. You’ll then be referred to a collection cen­tre and provided with a test kit containing detailed instructions. It’s also possible to take the test at home. Ask your doctor what options are available.

Public health agencies recommend that regular colorectal cancer screenings begin as soon as someone turns 50, regardless of symptoms. Being proactive is the only way to detect cancer early.

MILLENNIALS BEWARE Colorectal cancer rates among young people are increasing. If you notice worrisome symptoms such as rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits, consult a doctor without delay.

While it may be due to a benign condition, young people affected with colorectal cancer are more likely to die because of a delay in diagnosis.

PAGE 32

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Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Money: How can people survive without money in a capitalist system?

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Money is the currency of human survival, so how can people survive without money in a capitalist system? Recently a person shared her experiences about life with insufficient money. This writer has a “new” awakening to the dire consequences the lack of money has on the well-being of people —spiritual, moral, social, intellectual, and physical. Living in a capitalist system with insufficient capital suffocates the emotional, social, and economic growth of individuals, families, and communities.

Researching the lifestyles of people globally reveal that people living in countries without money have the highest mortality rate in childbirth, experience lower life satisfaction, have lower educational attainment, and a shorter lifespan than people who have money (OECD Better Life Index). The lack of money causes fear, anxiety, and desperation, and give rise to aberrant behavior and increase criminal justice incarceration for crimes underpinned by the money motive.

Materially based western capitalist societies set a pace that inspires wants as opposed to needs, motivating greed for money, on both ends of the social and economic spectrum. As a result, some people commit crimes to facilitate their materially driven lifestyles. Likewise, some people deny the importance of education, a career, and money intelligence that would better and more permanently supply their needs and sustain a wholesome life.

Private corporations are the engines that propel the economy, through creativity and innovation, financial risk, and the genius of industrialization. Despite high profit, capitalist minded governments aid these corporations using the instruments of law, tax incentives, and money for research and development.

The goal is to help corporations maintain their solvency in a competitive international marketplace fueled by money.

Notwithstanding corporate aid (welfare), some corporations exploit the working class through wage inequality.

Likewise, they manipulate vulnerable resource-rich countries through unfair trade practices, using their dominant economic might. Capitalism, therefore, is a “doubleedged sword.” First, as the economic engine to facilitate growth and prosperity.

Second, as the mechanism, that creates a disparity between rich and poor peoples and nations.

Capitalist minded governments are aware of the inequities inherent in a capitalist economy. Knowingly, the vast amount of wealth (generated by workers) goes to the capitalists. They resist the social reformers who seek an equitable share of the “fruits of production” in wages and benefits. Governments respond to protect the capitalist ideology by deploying massive social welfare programs as an

alternative to instituting more equitable governance systems.

As a response to this “moral dilemma,” some public and private enterprises, wealthy philanthropists, and concerned citizens intervene. The result is the rise of a vast international network of charitable organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to fill the gap of “insufficiency of money” and services for families living at or below the poverty line.

Notwithstanding government’s dual strategy of “corporate” and “state” welfare, no amount of public and private welfare, or domestic and international foreign aid can counterbalance the social and economic imbalance inherent in a capitalist economy. Only an equitable balance between the interest of the “shareholder” and “stakeholder” —the client of capitalism —will suffice.

The country of birth is a significant factor in determining the nature of some people’s social and economic survival. More importantly, scientific education, initiative, and creativity and innovation are also salient factors, as well.

However, it is only by the deliberate creation of a human ecosystem that recognizes the capacity and worth of each individual (in an inclusive society) that these central objectives become viable for the masses.

No society should be willing to accept poor, hungry, and homelessness on the scale that it is occurring around the world (https://ourworldindata.org/ extreme-poverty). The big question is, “Where and how does religion fit into the human survival equation?” Ironically, money and riches have long been associated with evil and hindering the way of the believers’ “afterlife” wealth and rewards.

Christian literature states: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” (Matthew 6:19-21). Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself…” (Matthew 6:34). These and other foundational beliefs have explicitly given rise to a massive state global “poverty mindedness,” passive complacency and prohibition in some religious communities, dating back to the premodern, modern, and up to the postmodern era.

What are the implications of these profound maxims to a mother or parents as they struggle to nurture their children? What are the consequences for children whose parents fail to plan for their future? Could this be the reason for the lack of generational wealth within millions of families in some specific regions, religions, races, and cultures? Natural poverty ought not to be confused with poverty “engineered” as a byproduct of wealth creation.

Ironically, the most potent stronghold against poverty ought to be the voice of religious leaders. They have the sovereign authority to speak on behalf of a sovereign people with a resonant voice against unjust laws that are principal causes of poverty. More importantly, religious leaders can offer a higher “value proposition” to the capitalists —creativity and innovation, strategic alliances, and moral leadership —as they plan.

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PAGE 34

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DO YOU ENJOY THE ARTICLES IN EACH EDITION?

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

How am I supposed to talk about this?

The Caribbean household code of silence SIMONE SMITH simone@carib101.com

HUMAN SPECIALIST

This editions article is a sensitive one for me; I have been living with trauma for many years, and it is only now that I am willing to talk about it. In the last few months, I have been vocal about the sexual assault that I went through when I was younger. I was always afraid to openly talk about it because I was afraid about how it would affect my loved ones, especially my parents.

Last week, Thursday, I received a tearful phone call from my mom. She had gone on Facebook, and saw the interview that I did with Elaine Robinson on her program G.H.E.T.T.O, and she was devastated by what she had heard. My mom’s first question was, “Why didn’t you tell us? Why did we have to hear about this on Facebook after all these years?” I could tell she was deeply disturbed by what she had heard; I felt bad because she had asked a legitimate question. Why had I not shared

this information with my parents after all these years?

Depending on who you speak with, there are a multitude of reasons as to why people are reluctant to speak about their past hardships. Two reasons that hold for me are shame and recrimination; I was always ashamed of what I had gone through, and when I was younger, I was terrified that my parents wouldn’t believe me.

I was even more worried about my family being upset because I had shared something so private with others. Within the Caribbean community there is this unspoken code of silence; whatever goes on inside the home, stays in the home. The only problem with this code of silence is that the person who has been traumatized has to live with their suffering, and many times they will not get the help they need to live functional lives.

For many years I downplayed the impact of what had happened to me, which I now realize is normal. I have had this bad habit of comparing myself to others thinking, “Oh, they have had it worse than me, who am I to complain?” Does this sound familiar to you? I want readers to understand that your trauma is still trauma; how you are, or were impacted is still very important. You have to focus on how the situation impacted you, how it impacted your

life, and how it still remains with you. What I realized last week is that I have wanted to tell my parents, but I was afraid to hurt them. When I heard my mom’s tearful voice on the phone, I was distraught; this was exactly why I had not told her, but I must have known they were going to see it on Facebook right?

I think that subconsciously I did want my parents to know; I truly believe that it would explain a lot of the behaviour that they had to experience with me during my teenage years. Of course, my mom took it personally and began to question her parenting and whether she had done a good enough job. When she went into this mode, I felt like yelling and screaming, “THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I DIDN’T WANT TO TELL YOU!” I couldn’t though; I had to allow her to feel how she felt and work her way through her own emotions.

I will say this, now that it is out, I feel so much better; I can see why “coming out,” can be such a liberating experience for an individual who has been fighting with their sexuality. There is much for my parents and I to talk about, but now we are actually talking. I hope this helps someone who has been struggling with his or her story; it is hard, but know you are not alone.

Respectfully, Simone Jennifer Smith

Life in the fast lane things even when there is so much going on.

FIND THESE ARTICLES AND MORE ON OUR WEBSITE www.TORONTOCARIBBEAN.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE NEWSPAPER

COLLEEN LINDBERG colleen@carib101.com

LIFESTYLE COACH

Sometimes it feels like life is moving so fast, the time is chugging by and before you know it, the end of the year will be here. Have you ever felt that way before? Like you were immersed in a certain project and then you look up and it’s been weeks? This unfortunately has happened to me on numerous occasions in different parts of my life. As I reflect on it today I have come to create some strategies in my life so that I can enjoy the moments. I feel that when I am in this time warp I forget to be present. I am so focused on this project at work, or so focused on my health that I forget to balance and be grounded. So, I thought I would share with you today a few things I do to help myself stay focused on the important

Breathe. You might be like what? Yes breathing can ground you in the present. When you focus on your breathe you can eliminate everything else and really be present with yourself and others. I would suggest taking breathing breaks a few times a day just to bring yourself back to reality.

Schedule the things that are important to you. If you have a spouse/significant other, kids, workouts, yoga, painting, etc. Of course the list can go, schedule them and make it non-negotiable. While you are in this busy time, make a certain day of the week date night and hold that space and time for it.

Make sure the things that you want to be doing in your life are important, just as important as the other focuses. People make time for things that are important, so make sure you do the same with the important things in your life.

Remember it will always get done. Sometimes we are stuck under a deadline, we feel the need to keep pushing, we are really wanting to hit this goal and we go all in. Some-

times we push too much and coming out on the other side, we are drained, sick and unmotivated. Pace yourself. It will all get done.

You can do it all, just be smart about it.

Keep yourself around positive people and positive things. When we get busy we sometimes drop the ball on personal development. We might get into associations with others that have negative mindsets, the last thing you want to do is take that on. When you are tired, in the hunt and then you add on negativity, it will not work. I have been there and talk from experience. It’s really hard to be motivated when you are not thinking straight. So with that being said don’t drop the things that are important to your mindset. It’s probably the one thing that you can step into when the going gets tough. Keep those positive juices flowing.

We live our lives in ebbs and flows, that’s just the reality of our worlds. Our job is to keep on task, try and keep balance and be happy.

If you can make all these work, you are doing a great job. So, cheers to your happiness and may you keep on the path of finding balance to achieve all the things in life you want.

life

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 35

The have and the have nots; understanding the Ancient Egypt casting system DAVE RANKIN dave@carib101.com

AFRICAN HISTORY

The pharaoh may have ruled all, but there was a synchronicity among the people of Ancient Egypt. It was this synchronicity that led to peacefulness throughout the nation; everyone had a role to play and they played it, which made for this peaceful existence.

The people had different responsibilities through their careers and duties to the nation. The American author, Molefi K. Asante informs us that, “Career paths were not decided by choice. They were decided by the caste, or class, of society into which a person was born.”

When we think of a caste or class system in contemporary fashion, we have

the perception of the “haves” and the “have nots.” Or in other terms, those who are born into well to do families, and those who are not. A very extreme example of this would be the class system of India, from Brahmins to the Untouchables. With this being said, let’s take a look at: the caste system that existed during this time, its members and how they functioned with Ma’at at the centre of its existence.

At the top of society was, you guessed it, the pharaoh. As much as the pharaoh was revered as a divine being, controlling all the land and its wealth, the pharaoh did not make all the decisions, so there wasn’t a dictatorship. There was a ruling caste of priests and nobles that carried out the numerous tasks of the pharaoh. The priests were the ones who had acquired countless years of knowledge in various areas, but most of all it was their spiritual intelligence that was heavily relied upon. To put it simply, they knew how to keep the gods happy; if there were a drought or the river Nile was not flowing as it should, the pharaoh would consult the priests. They would then look at the spiritual ramifications and present a solution that

would please the gods and return everything to normal. This made them a very powerful set of people in society. High priests Imhotep, Mesocharis, and Osarsiph come to mind as persons of reference for further study.

These priests could also become scribes who recorded important events and official documents. For those of us who are not familiar with the term, a scribe was the person who was trained to use hieroglyphics, the ancient writing of the Egyptians.

Nobles were people who were awarded high positions in government; these were: mayors, provincial rulers, and ministers of the pharaoh who carried out day-to-day functions.

Next, were the artisans, craftspersons, professionals, and soldiers. These were your jewelers, musicians, and architects who were in favor with the pharaoh and society.

I read somewhere that the pharaoh could elevate their place in society by extending a special favor towards them. This could be as simple as having these skilled artisans display their talents at a highly regarded event. For those in the military, it would really depend upon rank and military duty. Like today, since

a general outranks a lieutenant, his place in society would reflect as such. The professionals were listed as doctors, legal experts or even labourers who had important duties in the day-to-day upkeep of the land.

The largest caste in the system was the farmers. Some of them planted small farms along the Nile, giving thanks for the little that they had. We have to emphasize once again that the ancient Egyptians were highly spiritual people and held this with the utmost respect. There is a story about the Articulate Farmer, which is a beautiful example of this.

The farmers were also employed on building projects for the pharaoh during the annual floods or inundation periods. They grew various types of crops on land that was given to them by the pharaoh, and as part of their agreement to till the soil. The farmers would give approximately half of their crop to the government to be stored and shared among the people, especially in times of famine.

Hopefully, this brief overview paints a clearer picture of what the caste system was like during this time, and how everyone played their part in making sure the nation ran as smoothly as possible.

Active learning during the summer months PAUL JUNOR

paul@carib101.com

EDUCATION

As the summer continues and students, parents, guardians and family members are enjoying themselves, it is important to reflect on what educational opportunities are available. Education is a lifelong process and it is not only what occurs in a regular classroom.

It is a never-ending journey that occurs in many diverse, varied and multiple ways.

Many students see the summer as a time to put away their books, writing utensils, notebooks, calculators and their thinking and reasoning skills. This is often because of the freedom that they have, and the fact that they do not have restrictions with respect to going to bed, waking up on time, and being aware of deadlines.

It is however during the summer that there are endless opportunities for students to continue their educational journey.

It is a known fact that during the summer months, students tend to forget much of

what they learn during the academic school year, specifically in content-heavy subjects such as mathematics and science. By forgetting important and relevant details, facts and information in these subjects, it makes it very challenging for students when they start the school year. In order to avoid this possible summer learning loss, I have listed some recommendations that will help parents and guardians to help their young ones stay ahead.

The academic reports that students received in July provide a wealth of information that an informed and aware parent should be conscious of in terms of their child’s strengths, abilities, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement. This document is a source of critical information from which one can obtain excellent ideas and suggestions that should be foremost for planning.

These are some ideas that parents/guardians may find helpful in providing positive support.

•

Many summer camps that students attend and are a part of provide opportunities for children to engage in outdoor activities that focus on developing, thinking, creative critical skills.

The enrichment that these provide will increase significantly the consolidate

•

•

•

and improvement in student’s abilities to supplement their existing level of academic, social, emotional and intellectual abilities.

Many public libraries offer summer reading programs geared to specific age groups that provide an environment for children to read books of their choice, and to engage in discussions about them. This is invaluable as it enables children to remove themselves from social media and participate in activities that can build their social and emotional skills.

Many tutoring services such as: Oxford, Cambridge, and Kumon offer summer classes for students who need a refresher in their specific subjects or need to learn concepts that they will be covering in their next grade in September.

This enables students to review previously learned concepts and skills and to reach ahead to master more difficult ideas. This is particularly helpful to senior students who are thinking about post-secondary options.

Hiring private tutors is an option that many parents/guardians pursue in order to ensure that children are able to acquire critical skills, specifically in the math and science areas. Although these tutors may be quite expensive, the ben-

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There are many interactive websites that are available that students can turn to in order to review previous materials that were covered or new ones that they will have to learn. The Ontario Association for Mathematics Education has lots of information from kindergarten – grade 12.

There is also the ministry of education website; edu.on.ca, as well as Khanacademy.com which has a wealth of rich and valuable information. Your children are obsessed with social media; put thought to purpose and use social media to your advantage. There are many lessons that can be found on YouTube that are fun, interesting and exciting.

Finally, there are museums and art galleries throughout the GTA that have special programs that are age-specific for students.

Parents, it is not too late; we have a month left, which gives you plenty of time to get your young ones back into the swing of things.

PAGE 36

life

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Interactions with the police: Your right to know BRITTNEY CHANNER brittney@carib101.com

JUSTICE WARRIOR

Hey Everyone!

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Can you believe that August is here?! Before you know it, winter will be paying us an all too familiar visit. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves. This week has been a very interesting week for me when it comes to writing. I am not going to lie, I struggle a bit when it comes to thinking of topics that I believe is interesting but at the same time important.

When discussing legal or justice issues, if not written correctly, the information provided can be a bit dense. I understand that this comes with the territory of being interested in legal and justice issues. Every day I ensure that I find unique and creative ways in educating the public on things that are, to be honest, straight up BORING; at least to many people however, necessary for the general public to know.

As I was doing research on another topic for this week’s entry, I was reminded of an incident that a former friend of mine went through. From time to time, I get flash backs about him telling me his story and was saddened how this particular event affected him. His story surrounds being illegally searched and detained by the police and being aware of how to handle one’s self when in the presence of police officers.

Due to our political climate, many people of color have expressed fear in the event they get pulled over. Every day we hear about victims who have lost their lives during their interactions with police and because of this, many people are scared. My friend described to me how scared he was, how the police officer he was interacting with abused his power and used unnecessary force when the situation at hand did not require any.

At the time, I didn’t really know how to console him or what to tell him.

However, as a person who has taken the time to interact with many lawyers whose expertise are within criminal law, here are (3) suggestions that I believe many peo-

ple should be aware of when pulled over by a police officer.

1. Do NOT try to be a lawyer. At a legal panel that I went to a couple of years ago, that was the first suggestion that was recommended by all the lawyers on the panel. Your prime goal is getting home alive and safe. Although you may feel inclined to argue or reiterate your knowledge of the law, it may be in your best interest to keep quiet momentarily; and handle your complaint after. Remember the goal is to get you home!

2. If you are not under arrest or being detained, you are therefore not required to answer an officers questions; unless you want to because it feels right. If you are stopped at random and asked for your name, address or your identification, you are not required to provide it. Nevertheless, it is not recommend to purposely lie about who you are or where you live.

3. Police are not allowed to search your body if you are not under arrest or haven’t agreed to a search. However, let it be known that if you are found in an area where police are searching for drugs or have probable cause to believe that you have illegal substances on you, a search may be carried out.

Sometimes our interactions with police may not be the greatest and because of this, many people feel hesitant on speaking out about their experiences. Additionally, most people do not know who to report to should a situation arise. However, the Ontario Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) handles all complaints against police in Ontario including the Ontario Provincial Police. In the event you feel that an officer’s actions should be reported, here is where you would make a proper complaint regarding your experience.

Interactions with police can be very intimidating and stressful especially, if you are unaware on how to handle yourself. Knowing your rights is an essential requirement when trying to maneuver an already difficult justice system and hopefully these suggestions can provide you with the tools needed to be more aware.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

Scandicraft: the new Nordic design trend Do you appreciate the clean lines of Scandinavian furniture but also love unique, handcrafted decor? Combine the two esthetics with scandicraft style. This new design trend has all the minimalism of typical Nordic design but leaves room for the unique pieces you’re drawn to.

A scandicraft home is welcoming and makes judicious use of artisanal pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Furniture frequently plays double duty by offering storage space. Accessories like throw pillows and throws are soft and comforting.

Less monochromatic than other Nordic styles, scandicraft welcomes the use of pastels and jewel tones to create a space that you’ll love to come home to. Scandicraft combines clean lines with eccentric, handmade pieces. Show off your personality with a mobile made from salvaged wood or go bohemian with a rattan headboard.

Natural light is very important in Scandinavian design, and this school of decorating is no different. Big windows with little covering are a priority.

Scandicraft also embraces nature, so choose pieces made from natural materials like wood, leather and wool. Hanging plants will complete the look.

What’s old is new again with scandicraft, so combine your flea market treasures with clean and functional Nordic furniture to create a home that’s truly unique.

Green: the hottest design colour of 2019 Both classic and unexpected, green has quickly become the colour du jour. From jewel-bright emerald to calming sage, there’s a green for every room and style.

Forest green walls set a solemn tone in an office or reading nook. If a full coat of paint is too much of a commitment, you can integrate this dark colour in subtler ways. Opt for it on a lamp, area rug or curtains.

Emerald green will brighten up a small bathroom or add interest to a utilitarian space like a laundry room. In a kitchen, glossy green cabinets are a refreshing change from white. In a living room or den, a mid-century style sofa in this jewel-tone would be a great focal point.

Sage green is relaxing and calm, and would be ideal for a nursery or child’s bedroom.

Kelly green is vibrant and exciting. Consider painting your chairs and table this hue to add a touch of whimsy to your dining room.

Green is very versatile and can work in almost any room. To keep the look fresh and modern, pair it with cool neutrals, and avoid combining it with warm colours like yellow or burgundy.

home & garden

PAGE 37

Things to consider before building a firepit in your backyard A firepit can make your backyard a welcoming place for people to gather and allows you to take advantage of your outdoor living space well into the evening. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about installing one on your property.

WHERE YOU’LL PUT IT Firepits should be kept at a minimum of ten feet away from anything flammable.

Rethink your plans if your yard doesn’t allow you to provide this kind of clearance.

THE FUEL YOU’LL USE Most people think of wood when it comes to firepits, but there are other options available. You can choose to have it run on propane, natural gas or ethanol fuel.

and money building a firepit only to find out you’re not allowed to use it.

BACKYARD FIRE-SAFETY TIPS • Never build a fire outside of your firepit’s enclosure • Clear the area of flammable materials before lighting a fire • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby • Don’t put garbage or garden waste into the fire • Never leave a fire unattended • Make sure the fire is completely extin­guished before going inside • In the case of a wood-burning firepit, allow ashes to cool completely before safely discarding them

WHAT STYLE YOU WANT Firepits come in many different styles. You can select a traditional ring of stones, a rustic brick fireplace or a modern piece that doubles as a coffee table.

Before you purchase or build a firepit, be sure to check your municipal bylaws. Some cities have strict rules concerning backyard fires, and you don’t want to spend time

7 tips for keeping your home cool without an air conditioner During the hottest days of summer, it can be difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Here are seven tips to stay cool without an air conditioner.

1. Keep sunlight out. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to prevent the sun’s rays from heating up your home.

2. Circulate the air. Set up a network of fans to keep the air in your home moving. You can also make a DIY air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice or an ice pack in front of your fans to create an icy breeze.

3. Open your windows at night. Open your windows when the sun goes down to let the cooler evening air in.

4. Use a dehumidifier. Humidity can make your house uncomfortably warm. Run a de­ humidifier to evaporate the water in the air.

5. Cook outdoors. Using the stove or oven will make your home even hotter. Instead, cook your meals on the barbecue.

6. Use appliances wisely. Wait until the sun goes down to run your dishwasher, and hang dry your clothes in the sun.

Being careful about how you use appliances will prevent you from adding more heat into your home.

7. Use your exhaust fans. Turn on your bath­ room and kitchen fans to draw hot and steamy air out of the house.

In addition to keeping your home cool, you may also want to wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, drink lots of cold bevera­ges and avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

PAGE 38

automotive

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Save money and reduce waste with recycled car parts Do you need to replace one or more of your car’s components? If so, you may want to consider purchasing recycled parts.

Many people mistakenly believe that car parts must be purchased brand new from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). However, in many cases, recycled parts are just as suitable and cost only a fraction of the price of new ones.

WHERE DO RECYCLED CAR PARTS COME FROM? Used car components are typically salvaged from vehicles wrecked in a crash, particularly those declared a total loss by the insurance provider. Most of the time, there are many components that weren’t damaged at all and the car is sold to a recycling centre for parts.

A mechanic at the recycling centre takes the car apart and carefully inspects all the pieces, cleaning and reconditioning components when possible. These are then sold as replacement parts.

WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE OF USING RECYCLED PARTS? Because they were in fact made by the original manufacturer, recycled car parts are still considered OEM parts. When used on a vehicle of the same make and model, the pieces will fit and function exactly the same way.

One key advantage of using recycled components is that contrary to new OEM parts, they often come ready to install. For example, if you’re replacing a door, the new part is likely to consist of only the outer shell.

This doesn’t include wiring or trim panels, meaning you have to pay more for those things, or the mechanic will have to spend time moving them from the old door to the new one. A recycled door, however, may come as one whole piece, trim included, saving you both time and money.

Recycling car parts is also good for the environment.

Reusing them means they won’t rot away in a junkyard, and repurposing old components produces a much smaller carbon footprint than manufacturing new ones.

5 steps to take before storing your car for winter With the cold weather approaching, some people are getting ready to put their summer car away for the season. Here are five steps to take when preparing your car for winter storage.

1. Decide where it’ll stay. If you don’t have a garage at home, you’ll need to rent a storage unit or an indoor parking spot for the season. Alternatively, you can store your car outdoors. However, be sure to never leave it on the grass or bare earth as the moisture from below can cause damage. No matter where you park it, always use a car cover.

2. Make sure it’s clean. Bird droppings, sap and even water marks can permanently damage the paint on your car. Wash the outside with a mild detergent and a soft microfibre cloth and follow up by applying a layer of wax. Don’t forget to clean the windows, wheels, tires and undersides of the fenders. Or better yet, get it professionally detailed.

4. Inflate your tires. Fill them to the maximum PSI rating marked on the sidewalls.

5. Attend to the battery. Connect your vehicle’s battery to a battery tender, which will keep it full without overcharging it. Some manufacturers recommend keeping it connected to the vehicle in order to preserve the car’s memory. If you’re removing the battery, store it somewhere warm.

It may be tempting to cancel your insurance while you’re not using your car, but it’s not the best idea. Some companies may charge you a higher premium when it’s time to insure again. More importantly, you won’t be covered should something happen to your car over the winter.

3. Check the fluids. If it’s time for an oil change, this is the perfect opportunity to check your other engine fluids as well. Top them up or replace them as needed. Also, be sure to fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer.

How to avoid hydroplaning Your car can hydroplane on any wet surface, but it’s most likely to do so during the first ten minutes of a light rainfall. This is because rain stirs up oil and other substances on the road, which then pool and combine to create a slick surface that your tires may not be able to grip.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY IN THE RAIN If you’re driving in wet conditions, take these precautions to avoid hydroplaning.

• Slow down. When it starts to rain, reduce your speed. Your car is most likely to hydroplane when it’s moving at faster than 50 kilometres per hour.

You should also avoid suddenly speeding up or slowing down.

• Stay away from standing water. Hydroplaning can occur even if there’s only a small amount of water on the road. If you see standing water, try to avoid

TIRES AND HYDROPLANING The grooves that run along your tires are there to sluice water out of the way and enable your wheels to maintain contact with the road. Having tires that are in good condition can drastically reduce your likelihood of hydroplaning.

it. Chances are, your car will slip or skid if you don’t.

• Turn off the cruise control. It’s best to be in full control of your car when road conditions are challenging. In addition, cruise control can make hydroplaning more dangerous because it prevents you from reducing your speed.

DON’T PANIC IF YOU HYDROPLANE If your car does start to hydroplane, remain calm. Take your foot off the gas and slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction the car is turning. Don’t use your brake.

You’ll feel it when your car regains contact with the road.

fun

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 | www.torontocaribbean.com | Toronto Caribbean

PAGE 39

WEEK OF AUGUST 4 TO AUGUST 10 2019

ARIES

The luckiest signs this week: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS AND PISCES

It takes time to reach your goals; Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all.

Have patience when working toward your objectives and am­bitions.

Sometimes it’s neces­sary to destroy something be­fore building something better.

TAURUS

To reach an agreement at work or in your personal life, you’ll need to be patient. Being stub­born isn’t the right approach for dealing with some people. You’ll win if you have a legal matter to settle.

PUZZLE NO. 688 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 688

HOW TO PLAY :

GEMINI

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

If you have any health problems, your doctor will finally find a treatment that works. Expect a big promotion at work. Your partner will speak words of love and encouragement.

CANCER

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

You’ll be especially proud of a brilliant accomplishment. You might help someone just by lis­tening to them and they’ll be very thankful. Someone may take ad­vantage of your generosity.

LEO

It’s important to make time for your family. Your parents or chil­d ren need you and you won’t hesitate to devote your time to helping them. Your home will be full of love

PUZZLE NO. 951 55. Face 56. Snitch 57. Hair gel 58. Radiate 59. Peddle 60. Fade away 61. Spots

ACROSS 1. At the peak 5. Spider’s snare 8. Housetop 12. History 13. Dread 14. Aristocrat 15. Wood product 16. Salt water 17. Victim

18. Iron output 20. Utilize 22. Legendary Himalayan creature 25. Bald ____ 29. Shone 32. Wrap 33. Pro vote 34. Moray

fisherman 36. King beater 37. Stoneworker 39. Put up 41. Exhausted 42. Scale 43. Beat walker 45. Clearances 49. Inkling 52. Upper limb

DOWN 1. Some vipers 2. Rigid 3. Stare at 4. Tropical fruit 5. Had been 6. Momma sheep 7. Boyfriend 8. Revoke officially 9. Rowboat propeller 10. Lode yield 11. Go by air 19. Keepsake 21. Mysteries 23. Golf peg 24. Lazy person 26. Nanny ____ 27. Shoestring 28. ____ out (barely made) 29. School wings 30. Vault 31. Lighten

35. Notable time 38. Available for duty 40. Stopped 44. Manuscript leaf 46. Exec’s car 47. Modify copy 48. Adjusts 49. ____ a living!

50. Barely passing grade 51. House extension

53. Filch 54. Riot crowd

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 951

VIRGO

You’ll decide to go back to school or take some extra training. Even if it takes a lot of time and effort, you’ll reap the benefits quickly.

LIBRA

You’ll work extra hours, which you’ll be generously compensa­ted for.

Your efforts will be re­warded with a promotion and your boss’ gratitude. You’ll be satisfied by affectionate inter­actions with your partner.

SCORPIO

You’re on the cusp of a new beginning. If you’re looking for a job, you’ll find a promising new career. The salary will al­low you to add to your savings. You’ll also be happy to loosen your purse strings.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll be inspired to define your priorities and to visualize your future. You’ll gain sudden in­sight into which path to follow. An adventurer at heart, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a new culture.

CAPRICORN

You’ll happily organize an event that brings people together. You won’t need more than a few words to establish perfect har­mony among the people around you. Changes occur to bring you and your partner closer together.

AQUARIUS

You’ll get a promotion at work when a colleague retires. To your surprise, a new lifestyle allows you to accomplish big things.

Friends will invite you on a trip or a short escapade that rechar­ges your batteries.

PISCES

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

Meet Arvin This seven month old Angel was rushed to Hospital after he began to have trouble breathing. It was discovered that he suffered from a condition where very little blood was flowing to the lungs and there was not enough oxygenated blood circulating through his little body. Due to extremely low oxygen levels he was rushed into the operating room for emergency surgery where a shunt was placed to increase blood flow to his lungs. This saved his life. Due to his small size however, this temporary treatment would only allow him to survivelong enough to undergo future surgeries. After a few days, he was able to breathe on his own and drank his first bottle of milk one week after surgery. In the next few years, Arvin will need one or two more surgeries before he is completely cured.

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You’ll contemplate an adventure abroad and even consider mo­ving to a different country. You’ll start to put a project in motion. Even if you’re shy and reserved, you’ll have the courage to fol­low through on your ideas and achieve your goals.

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real estate

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Searching for rental accommodations: Know what landlords want JAY BRIJPAUL brijpaul@carib101.com

REAL ESTATE PRO

Toronto’s rental market can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. I surveyed 20 apartment buildings for an affordable accommodation and found only one two-bedroom unit available in September for $2,200 plus hydro. Furthermore, there were already five applications pending. Luck must be on a prospective tenants’ side when searching for suitable accommodations and luck is: Labor Under Correct Knowledge. As a landlord and a realtor who assists tenants, I see both sides of the rainbow. Landlords prefer tenants who will take care of their property and pay rent on time.

Rental applications are available online, but landlords usually create their own. A good place to start is by completing a rental

application to get a sense of what the requirements are. Make copies of two valid pieces of identification, request a job letter as well as two recent paystubs and make a copy of your tax return from the last 2 years. Also, a full credit report is required. A professionally typed rental application that is fully completed and signed will earn a passing grade compared to an application that is handwritten and unfinished. A background check and a recommendation letter from the tenant’s current landlord will make them a high priority candidate. The ability to pay rent on time is paramount to landlords and if there are two working occupants, the likelihood of such increases.

Now that all the documents are ready, it is time to start looking. Many large apartment buildings have rental sites. Condominiums and homes are usually advertised by realtors. Social media and websites such as Kijiji and Craigslist can also be helpful. Depending on the rental preference, a prospective tenant can tailor their search to suit their needs. The documents required to complete a rental application can be invasive and may even possibly lead to identity theft. These documents should only be given to the landlord or the landlord’s agent.

In today’s hot rental market, the scammers are out in full force. Be wary if a landlord asked for a rental deposit before issuing an application, this is a red flag. Ask for proof of ownership before giving any personal documents. When visiting places that are privately advertised, take a friend or family member along. Appearance matters when it comes to a rental. As a landlord, I start screening prospective tenants from the time we meet.

Cars that are dirty with stale coffee cups scattered in the back seat give me a quick glance of how the prospective tenants will keep the property.

Once the right accommodation is found, a complete application along with all supporting documentations should be given to the landlord. Politely ask the owner or their representative if in the event the application is not accepted to return the documents. Presentation is important. I recall an application in which the tenant included a personal letter explaining why they needed the apartment.

By doing so, the prospective tenant went the extra mile and attached a family photograph to the application. There were many competing offers, but the landlord chose this tenant because of all the extra time and detail that they put into their application.

Landlords prefer not to rent to selfemployed individuals because in the event of failure to pay rent, a landlord cannot garnish their wage. Also, many unemployed individuals would open a “company” for this exact reason. For self-employed individuals, it is important to have a few years of tax returns when looking for a rental property.

Many landlords prefer to rent homes to tenants with stable jobs and a blemished credit. An electrician for example who is employed and has a blemished credit will become a long-term tenant. If the credit is damaged, then the individual’s job must be secure. If the credit is damaged and the prospective tenant is unemployed, then, finding good rental accommodation will be difficult.

The only way out is to find someone who can co-sign on the tenant’s behalf.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find quality rental accommodations at a reasonable price. As such, prospective tenants must be aggressive in their pursuit but gentle in their approach. If a tenant can prove to the landlord that they are the perfect candidate, then they might just be able to find that needle in the haystack.

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PAGE 44

finance

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Paying for financial advice FAZAAD BACCHUS fazaad@carib101.com

FINANCE SPECIALIST

You always pay for financial advice, either to the bank, to the advisor or through your mistakes. If you want quality planning then finding the right advisor to help you grow your money is of utmost importance.

This has become a most interesting topic in the last three years since the regulators made a decision that fees must be disclosed on all investment products, regardless of whether you buy them at the bank or whether you buy them from an investment advisor. Up until three years ago, if you bought an investment product at your local bank you were told that there was an MER and you were given the fund facts but not necessarily were you told that there were fees associated with investment advice. Many clients did not know that the bank charged for advice and there are

many clients therefore who paid for advice and never received any.

Again, up to two years ago there were some direct investing companies (no names called) who were charging clients an MER which included investment advice but because you were buying or doing direct investing, you were not entitled to advice. The regulators made a decision that these funds will no longer include the advice fee and basically are “do it yourself DIY” investments. Hence the term D series investments, they are one of the cheapest alternatives, but again it comes without advice, so you never can be sure that you are making the right decision.

So clients are faced with a dilemma, you buy DIY series and you have no idea if you have done the right thing or you walk into your local branch and you are sold some investments under a no load structure, which includes fees for advice but where you don’t typically get any. The representative at the bank moves to another branch and the new representative has no idea about you or your concerns.

Here clients can now make a decision if they are going to engage the services of a professional advisor, someone who

is qualified and understands the nature of financial planning. Your advisor can sit and plan your retirement options, your forecast, whether you will have to work longer, or whether you will have to save more and generally can you retire at the time you would like to. This advice is not free, the advice given by your lawyer, doctor or any professional is not free, it’s part of the professional’s livelihood. The same applies for a professional advisor who knows what he or she is doing.

So clients have a choice, no fees in DIY funds or pay for advice in advisor series funds. Should you choose the advisor series, your advisor will want to ensure that he calculates your risk tolerance, understands your time horizons, your overall financial position, and your other sources of income and prepares a plan to either grow or retain you wealth depending on your stage in life. Your advisor now carefully chooses the funds that match all the parameters just mentioned above and continues to monitor the investments year over year. This is the advice you should be getting if you are paying fees, which in most instances you are, unless you are in D series funds. Talk to a qualified advisor today.

I too was financial illiterate – Are You? Part #2 ANDREW STEWART andrew@carib101.com

FAMILY ADVISOR

At the end of my previous article “I was financially illiterate for years – are you?

Part#1” we were going over signs that could help identify if you might be suffering from financial illiteracy. Financial illiteracy is a plague that has infected the majority of Canadians. You can’t go online or watch TV without reading or hearing about the importance of preparing for retirement. You see commercials about getting out of debt or how to pay for rising health care costs through insurance. As people with common sense we all know the impact of financial illiteracy can have on our lives.

The news isn’t all bad though; this January BMO Financial Group announced the findings of its annual Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) study, revealing that the amounts Canadians are holding in their RRSPs has increased. The average amount held in RRSPs nationally is $101,155, a 21% increase from 2016 ($83,635). With Ontario being the second highest at $120,024, I like posting these findings because it can help people reach for a target and reach beyond it.

Also on a positive note, we are living longer and longer. The downside to that is that we will have to stretch our

dollars further and further. In a study done

by CIBC, millennials aged 18 to 34 believe they’ll need to have saved $917,000 for retirement, versus $842,000 for Generation X members aged 35 to 54. Baby Boomers aged 55 or older told CIBC they will need just $518,000.

Ok let’s revisit some other signs that show financial illiteracy.

You avoid looking at your account balances or bills.

The feeling of being scared when you check your account balances or bills can be horribly debilitating. This can point to not being in control of your money. You probably have a sense of how much income you make each month, but haven’t been honest with yourself about what you spend it on.

This can mean that when it is time to pay your bills or check in on how much money you have to pay for your needs, you might not have enough. All of this makes opening those envelopes or logging into accounts frightening (and rightly so!). Today most banks offer a spending app to assist you in tracking your spending in categories.

You find it difficult to educate your children about money.

Parents today feel it is important to talk to their kids about everything - religion, politics, sex, drugs, bullying you name it.

But money is often still not discussed. It’s not because parents are afraid of the subject, rather, they don’t know what to say. I would say 9 out of 10 parents feel it is extremely important that their kids grow up

with good financial habits and agree they should be the ones teaching their children these habits.

Teach kids financial habits from an early age, like the value of spending money, saving for the future, and giving to charity. Children learn by observing a parent’s behavior and through their own experiences. That’s why it’s important to make sure your children are treating money the right way, from allowances and birthday money to cash they will one day earn babysitting or mowing lawns.

You don’t have life insurance or cancelled your policy to pay other bills.

There’s no good excuse for neglecting this financial step. We all make excuses from time to time when we fail to do something we know we should do. Acquiring enough life insurance is one of the most important components of sound financial planning. You probably enjoy talking about investing, seeing your money grow, buying homes and cars, sending children to college, having enough to retire comfortably — but all of that is built on one basic assumption: that you will be alive to do and enjoy these things.

But what if you’re not? Approximately 31% of Canadians don’t have any type of life insurance. The majority of Canadians consider life insurance an important factor in their financial plans, but when money is tight, insurance premiums are one of the first things to hit the chopping block.

I encourage you to focus on financial literacy, both for yourself and your kids.

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PAGE 46

sports

Toronto Caribbean | www.torontocaribbean.com | Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Tournament director of GT20 Jason Harper addresses goals for Cricket in Canada ahead of GT20 Tournament KAYLA KARIM

kayla@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

International cricket’s top players made their way north to Toronto, Canada as the Global T20 tournament began last week. Fans in the GTA will be able to attend the second annual GT20 tournament that will be held at the CAA Sports Centre in Brampton. Players from over 40 countries will play more than 22 matches over the course of a couple of weeks, including players from Toronto.

Jason Harper, Global T20 Canada’s director believes that there is an opportunity for growth. In an interview with Firstpost, Harper said that there is a “robust club system and the game is being played in school. The clubs are growing day-by-day and there are over 15,000 registered cricketers. So, as I said, there is an opportunity for growth in the existing framework and by adding Global T20, it should help grow interest in the game more in Canada.”

Harper spoke in 2018 about the importance of the event for Canadian players mentioning that there were 600 Canadian players who had registered in the draft. He highlighted the opportunity that the players will get especially if they are able to perform well, the tournament will be a “huge stepping-stone” for them to get a CPL contract.

Harper is one of many that are bringing international competitions and more importantly, awareness to the sport in Canada by telling inspiring stories about players and the game itself. He believes that these stories can create a bond between players from national teams, pre-national teams and junior level teams who then will be able to participate in a league that will generate interest from other players and fans. He hopes to help cricketloving fans in Canada to not only enjoy the sport but also to have the chance to witness international stars play in person. He also mentioned that from the Cricket Canada perspective, he and his team would like to help develop players and national team programs that will then hopefully lead to competitions in ICC ODI and the World Cup 2022.

This year, Jason Harper be-

lieves that with the GT20 being held in Brampton, Ontario, there will be a lot of fans coming out to support the tournament, as it is a region with several immigrants. He said to CBC News “I think the demographics [of Brampton] speak to the game. Many people in Brampton have migrated to Canada, but they’ve

interacted with the game of cricket outside of Canada, so there’s a natural market here”

Canada’s first major T20 cricket tournament that kicked off on Thursday has already seen attendances of up to 4,000 people, and will continue until August 11th , 2019.

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