“From coast to coast, Canadians are grappling with compounding crises that touch every facet of life...”
Sharon McLeod has left a Powerful Legacy as a Black Health Advocate
& Educator Sharon Elaine McLeod
There’s a certain stillness that settles over a community when someone we love — someone who means something — passes on. It’s not just silence. It’s the kind of quiet that echoes. The kind that clings to our skin and lingers in the air. It’s a hush that carries the weight of memories, stories, laughter, and legacies.
When one of us leaves, it never feels like just one person is gone. It feels like a part of all of us has been taken too.
The Black community in Toronto is woven together with threads of shared history, struggle, resilience, and joy. Some would say that we don’t just know each other — we feel each other. We see ourselves in the people who: raise our children, speak at our churches, braid our hair, build our businesses, and show up for us in a world that too often tries to erase us.
So, when we lose someone like that — someone who showed up, stood tall, gave back, and spoke life — it hurts in the marrow of our bones.
There have been reflections, tributes and praise given to Sharon McLeod since her passing on March 19th, 2025.The untimely death of the wellknown community advocate and famed educator has been deeply felt by many who knew her personally.
There were many who shared on social media the many ways that they have been impacted and touched by her life. It is a fitting testimony to her leaving a lasting legacy.
The writeup of Sharon shares details about her: personal, academic and professional background. It states, “Sharon didn’t just walk among us; she paused and occupied and interfaced at the deepest human and institutional levels. Where others left footprints, she carved out imprints that will outlast our memories and reverberate to inform future discourses on justice, equality, race and identity.”
McLeod was born in Toronto to parents Alvin and Elaine McLeod, who came to Canada from England and were Jamaican born. Sharon lived in Scarborough where she completed primary and high school. She attended University College at the University of Toronto where
she completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1993. She then went on to Howard University in Washington where she completed a Masters of Social Work in 1995.
Sharon distinguished herself in the mental health field where she worked for 25 years as an Addiction Therapist and Senior Social Worker at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) and Donwood Institute. Sharon will be remembered for being an active agent and visionary advocate for Black Health.
She was one of the recipients of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian awards in 2020. The description of her work states, “An early advocate for Black Health, she recalled the pride she and other thought leaders felt when the BHA successfully negotiated a sanctuary for Black Health concerns we now know as TAIBU.”
Sharon was one of the co-founders of the famous and internationally recognized Faith Chorale, along with Sharon Riley. There have been many awards that this choir has earned over the years. Its many performances can be seen on YouTube and Facebook
In 2004, Sharon became a professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Social Work. She was recognized in 2024 as one of the outstanding Faculty of Community Services (FCS) along with the Sue Williams Excellence in Teaching Award. There is a fitting description of the award on the FCS News and Events posted on May 14th,2024. It notes, “She stands out in stimulating students to think creatively and critically. Her unique approach goes beyond traditional teaching, challenging students to actively participate in critical reflection and assume responsibility for their learning journey.”
There is mention on how she utilizes real-world events and lived experiences to make the course relevant and relatable with a focus on her mentorship. It elaborates, “Professor McLeod’s encouragement fosters a profound understanding of the significance of dignity in social work practice, equipping us to approach these interactions with sensitivity. She urges them to serve as catalysts for eq-
uity, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement rather than being compelled by competency-based social work. Her teaching methods and her commitment to holding us to high standards are exceptional.”
There was an “Expression of Condolence for Sharon Elaine McLeod by Toronto City Council” which was moved by Councillor Michael Thompson and seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow on March 26th, 2025. It reads, “The Mayor and Members of Toronto City Council are saddened to learn of the passing of Sharon Elaine McLeod on March 19th, 2025, at the age of 54.” The motion describes her personal and professional work and her many outstanding accomplishments and exemplary achievements. It concludes “The City Clerk is requested to convey, on behalf of the Members of Toronto City Council, our deepest sympathy to the McLeod family on Sharon’s passing.”
The funeral of McLeod was held on Monday, April 7th, 2025, and was live streamed on YouTube. There’s something sacred about the way we mourn. We cry out loud. We hold each other tightly. We sing. We remember. We gather — whether in homes, churches, or on corners — to keep their spirit alive through story, song, prayer, and praise. We don’t just mourn with tears; we mourn with celebration, because we know their life was a gift. A lesson. A light. There were many powerful tributes from diverse individuals and positive reflections and recollections that were emotionally moving. The most touching was delivered by her brother, Justice Donald McLeod in a song at the end.
As a community, we grieve collectively, because Sharon’s presence was never isolated. She belonged to all of us. She was part of our village, and now, there’s an empty seat at the table. Sharon: Thank you. For everything. You are missed more than words could ever carry.
Written by Paul Junor Toronto Caribbean News
Photo Credit: TMU’s Faculty of Community Services
“I thought it was safe!” Parents outraged after children exposed to explicit fetish series on Disney+
A few weeks ago, a friend pulled me aside with a story that made my jaw drop.
You know how these stories go— you think you’re about to hear something innocent. Maybe even funny, but as she kept talking, I realized this wasn’t a joke. It was a warning.
She had signed up for a threemonth Disney+ subscription. You know the drill: movie nights with popcorn and footie pajamas, Cinderella casting spells, Sebastian singing under the sea. It was nostalgic. Magical. Everything Disney used to be. Until it wasn’t.
One evening, as her children were searching for “Mickey and Friends,” something else popped up. Something they never expected to see on a platform marketed as the safest space on the internet for children.
There it was: a full-screen banner— bold, seductive, impossible to miss. A woman sprawled across a bed, bare-shouldered. The headline? “Dying for Sex.”
She froze, staring at the screen, heart racing—trying to make sense of what she was seeing. Was it a mistake? A glitch? It wasn’t.
Reportedly, “Dying for Sex” is an
explicit, adult series exploring BDSM, sexual addiction, and genital violence, and Disney+. Yes, Disney was not just carrying the show. They were promoting it.
Loudly. Visibly. On the homepage. Right next to Peter Pan and Moana.
This isn’t an Isolated Incident
Parents across North America are discovering the same thing—and they’re furious. Social media is ablaze with screenshots, hashtags, and testimonials from moms and dads who feel betrayed by the brand they grew up trusting.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t some back-alley corner of the platform hidden behind age gates. This was front and center— main banner, prime-time positioning.
Why? According to internal analysts and watchdog groups, it’s not just a programming fluke—it’s a deliberate editorial push. A strategic move. An ideological shift. One that millions of families never asked for. Parents aren’t just upset about what was shown—they’re outraged by the response.
Critics are quick to shrug it off:
“Use parental controls.”
“You’re overreacting.”
“It’s just a banner.”
This isn’t about digital filters, or settings. This is about trust. About values. About the responsibility that comes with running a platform that still—still—markets itself as “family friendly.”
Let’s not forget—this is Disney. A company that built an empire on fairy tales, fireworks, and family. A brand that made its billions by being the safe choice. The one
place parents didn’t have to double-check. The one logo that didn’t require a content warning. Until now…
Grassroots groups like CitizenGO are calling for immediate action. Their petition—already gaining serious traction—demands that Disney remove “Dying for Sex” from the platform, issue a public apology, and re-evaluate its marketing and content policies.
“This isn’t censorship,” one parent wrote. “It’s common sense.”
The call is simple:
• Remove explicit fetish content from Disney+
• Audit and overhaul Disney’s family safety standards
• Stop using parental trust as a Trojan horse for adult messaging
Here’s the truth; If families wanted explicit content, they would go to HBO. They chose
Disney because it was supposed to be different, and that’s the part that stings the most. For generations, families helped build Disney’s castle—brick by brick, dollar by dollar, memory by memory, but now, many are watching that castle crumble under the weight of decisions they never agreed to.
While execs like Bob Iger, Dana Walden, and Rita Ferro might see this as just another content rollout—parents see it as a breach. A violation, because when your six-year-old stumbles onto fetish porn before they learn to tie their shoes, that’s not a glitch in the system. That’s a failure of leadership.
The backlash? It’s only just begun. Want to keep your finger on the pulse of family safety, digital culture, and the shifting values in children’s media? Stay tuned, because this isn’t the last time we’ll be talking about what’s happening behind the screens.
Think Before You Vote Our Kids Are Counting On It
We’re just days away from what may be one of the most important elections in Canadian history.
I’ll be honest. After watching the last debate, something clicked. I grew up in a Liberal voting family. So did much of my extended family. For years, it felt like the natural choice. But after watching what’s happened to our small businesses, our economy, and our communities, I can’t ignore the damage anymore.
I’m concerned. Deeply. I look at my kids, my nephews, and I wonder what future we’re leaving for them. Homeownership is virtually out of reach unless you’ve got wealthy parents. Imagine telling a recent grad they need to save $100,000 just for a down payment. That’s not ambition — that’s a pipe dream.
And now the Liberal government has released a quiet little study (Future Lives: Social mobility in question) that should concern everyone. It outlines a plausible scenario for Canada in 2040 where upward mobility is almost nonexistent. It’s not a prediction — it’s a warning based on current trajectories. And if we don’t change direction, this is where we’re headed:
• Post-Secondary Education: No longer a reliable path to success. Costs are high, programs outdated, and the job market’s moving faster than schools can keep up.
• Housing Crisis: Homeownership becomes a luxury of the elite. Intergenerational mortgages and co-ownership become the norm.
• Wealth Transfer: Inheritance is the main vehicle for financial security. Canada starts to resemble an aristocracy.
• Social Silos: People network, date, and live within class-based digital bubbles. Economic mobility shrinks.
• Crushed Dreams: Young people are told to hustle... but most opportunities are locked behind walls they can’t climb.
• AI Displacement: Jobs are automated. Gig work dominates. The best tools and platforms are behind paywalls only the rich can afford.
The consequences?
Consumer spending drops. Mental health issues rise. The best and brightest leave the
country. Faith in public institutions erodes. And as hope fades, anger builds — leading to division, blame, and even more instability.
And while all this is brewing, Mark Carney releases his platform on a long weekend — quietly, as if hoping no one would notice. No timeline to balance the budget. $130 billion in new debt. Vague language about economic integration. And buried within it, the notion of an equity tax — targeting people who have paid off their homes and worked their whole lives to retire comfortably.
Let that sink in: If you own your home outright, you’re now seen as a potential revenue source for the government. All that sacrifice? All that discipline? Now it’s a liability in the eyes of this government.
Carney even said: “There should be no libertarians in a crisis... the private sector retreats and the government needs to step up.”–Translation, bigger government, more control, and fewer rights for the rest of us.
And here’s the kicker: The Liberals today are not the Liberals I remember growing up. This isn’t about centre-left vs. centreright anymore. It’s about preserving what’s left of a country where working hard still meant something — where the next generation had a shot.
My husband always says: “If you think Carney’s the right man for the job — would you still vote for him if he was running as a Conservative?”–Most people say no.
That right there tells you this has become more about party loyalty than leadership. More about teams than truth. And right now, we don’t have the luxury of blind loyalty — not when our kids’ futures are at stake.
The Liberals have had nearly three full terms — a decade — to get this country on track. And look where we are. Rising debt. Crushed small businesses. Young people with no path forward. A cost of living crisis that continues to spiral.
This election can’t be about nostalgia or party branding. It has to be about what’s right for our country. What’s right for the next generation. It’s about survival now, not slogans.
So please — vote with your head, and vote with your eyes wide open. If we don’t course-correct now, there won’t be much left to correct 15 years from now.
Why voting, and backing African-Caribbean candidates is a political imperative
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
“Saying ‘yes, yes, I support you’ doesn’t win the vote. You have to go and vote.” These words strike at the core of what it means to move beyond performative support into tangible action. As Canada approaches another pivotal federal election, African-Caribbean Canadians are being called not just to cast their ballots, but to vote informed, intentional, and in alignment with the future they want to see.
On Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, the Black Community Federal Election Candidates Meet & Greet offered a powerful opportunity for our communities to do just that. Hosted virtually from 8:15 PM to 10 PM EST, this event brought together a collective of organizers that represent the full spectrum of excellence, unity, and advocacy: First Fridays, The Association of Black Conservatives, Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce, Black North Initiative, CAFCAN, CBCC, DCCBA, JCA, FBC, LEGACY, The Lions Circle, NABC, ONABSE, and others.
This was a chance to hear directly from African-Caribbean Federal
Election Candidates and party leaders from across Canada. Attendees had the rare opportunity to engage oneon-one, learn about the platforms, and understand the deeper motivations behind these candidates’ bids for office. Perhaps even more importantly, they discovered practical ways to support their candidate(s) of choice, because real change doesn’t come from the sidelines, it comes from showing up.
African-Caribbean candidates have shared their angst in the past. “It wasn’t that they didn’t support me,” one candidate shared. “They just didn’t know… They weren’t really sure how to help.” That uncertainty—between knowing an election is happening and knowing how to participate meaningfully—is a gap we must close.
Many in our communities feel out of place in political spaces. They are unsure of the difference between municipal, provincial, and federal elections. They are unfamiliar with the issues, intimidated by the political process, and not confident in how to advocate. As a result, African-Caribbean candidates often find themselves running without the same volunteer base, financial backing, or visible community support that their counterparts receive. It’s not apathy—it’s a lack of connection, and that’s what events like the Meet & Greet aimed to fix.
Our history in this country is rich with political trailblazers who
carved out space where none was given:
• Abraham Doras Shadd, elected to Raleigh council in 1859.
• Wilson Ruffin Abbott, active in Toronto in the 1840s and 50s.
• Virnetta Anderson, Calgary’s first Black woman on municipal council.
• Dr. Firmin Monestime and Daurene Lewis, the first Black mayors.
• Leonard Braithwaite, Rosemary Brown, Lincoln Alexander, and Jean Augustine, who all broke federal and provincial ground.
They didn’t run to be the “firsts.” They ran to serve. To shape policy. To represent voices too long ignored. That legacy lives on in every African-Caribbean candidate running today, and it’s our responsibility to honour it by backing them with votes, not just applause. Why does this matter now more than ever? Well, the stakes are high. A recent poll by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship shows that 92% of immigrant voters plan to vote. That’s encouraging. 17% remain undecided—double the national average. These voters cite concerns we know all too well: the cost of living, healthcare, housing. These are not abstract issues. They are daily struggles, and yet only 27% listed Canada-US relations as a key issue. That tells us something: communities want local, lived-reality
leadership. They want people who understand their experiences firsthand. African-Caribbean Canadians are stepping up. According to data, African Caribbean men and women are equally likely to run, though men are more likely to pursue party leadership. Most enter politics from careers in civil service or political staffing, and many are first- or second-generation Canadians. They bring new perspectives, but they also face new obstacles. Money, volunteers, and racial discrimination top the list. Supporting African-Caribbean candidates means investing in their campaigns, showing up to their events, sharing their messages, and, above all, casting your ballot. Representation isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. When African-Caribbean people are elected, policy changes. Systems shift. The lived experiences of entire communities begin to inform national conversations, and that makes democracy stronger for everyone.
So, what’s next?
Learn who your Black candidates are. Attend events. Ask hard questions. Donate. Volunteer. Show up. And most importantly—vote. It’s not enough to say, “I see you.” It’s not enough to say, “I support you.” We must act. When we vote, we don’t just elect a person. We activate a movement.
Empowering our narratives: Storytelling from students of the Black Student Leadership Course
It was truly an educationally rich and inspirational evening on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at the Nia Centre for the Arts. The program featured ten students from the Black Student Leadership Course (BSLC) who showcased various themes such as: migration, identity, voice, growth, memory, family dynamics, love, memory and reflection through the creative power of storytelling. The BSLC was offered by the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement based at the Toronto District School Board.
One of the primary purposes of BSLC is the incorporation of African oral storytelling traditions, which empowers students to co-create their narratives through personal monologues reflecting their identities and aspirations. The students examined the richness and multi-faceted dimensions of the Black Canadian experi-
ence within a socio-politico-historical context. This enables them to acquire critical skills to become change agents and active advocates for: justice, equity and empowerment.
The students were guided by Trey Anthony, award-winning: actor, playwright, producer and author. She is well known for the play,”Da Kink in My Hair,” and author of “How Black Mothers Say I Love You.” There were some compelling words from Anthony in the program. She states, “I am beyond thrilled to work alongside these remarkable individuals, guiding them to discover their unique voices and embrace vulnerability in their art. Together, we explore the powerful truth that art is activism, and in this process, I have found deep fulfillment in my own purpose.”
“My experiences on professional stages and working in commercial theatre and television have enriched my perspective, but nothing compares to the joy of nurturing these emerging artists. I hope our audience will be moved, challenged, and inspired to support these new voices that are no longer silenced but boldly heard. Thank you for being part of this transformative experience.”
The names of the students who per-
formed were:
• Adura Adeyemi
• Javian Bailey
• Mya Brown
• Ano Dhilwayo
• Nayela Nelson
• Elijah Nelson
• Kaimilla Nelson
• Lavida Nipoula Batchagna
• Diamond Okoro Obaraye
These students from African, Black and Caribbean cultures showcased their diverse creative talents and innovative gifts through their exploration of essential elements of dramatic writing. There was: authenticity, ingenuity, creativity and transparency on display as they utilized the power of storytelling through plays and monologues to inspire. Their creative expressions were grounded in African oral traditions as they provided a forum where Black voices were seen, heard, and celebrated.
Tanitia Munroe, researcher at the TDSB wrote powerful words and strong recollections on her FB page on April 5th, 2025. She states, “Reflecting on the transformative power of creative expression, our BSLC has been an incredible journey for Black high school students. By blending dramatic
writing with rich heritage of African oral traditions, these young storytellers have crafted their first plays showcasing their unique cultural narratives.”
Munroe expresses gratitude and deep appreciation for the pivotal role. She writes, “A huge thank you to Trey Anthony (@blackgirlinlove) for her inspiring mentorship, our dedicated Centre of Excellence for Black Students Achievement Team, and the educators who guide these brilliant minds. Their passion highlights the importance of courses like this in nurturing creativity, confidence and leadership.”
Munroe elaborates on the roles that Anthony played. She states, “Under the guidance of Trey Anthony, empowers Black high school students to craft their first play. This course focuses on the essential elements of dramatic writing, which encourages students to explore and express facets of their African, Black and Caribbean identities.” Munroe mentions specifically the power of the students’ voices and agency in the creative writing process. She notes, “As co-creators of their narratives, the students have developed compelling monologues that not only highlight their individual journey, but also celebrate their collective histories and intersecting identities.”
Why we need to talk about a threat that could destroy our digital world
Imagine waking up one morning and realizing that every digital service you rely on: your bank account, healthcare information, transportation, and even electricity is suddenly gone. No warning. No recovery. Just a digital blackout.
This isn’t science fiction. It’s a future that global leaders are preparing for behind closed doors — and, for many of us, it’s a future we haven’t fully understood. One of the biggest threats we might face in the near future isn’t: a virus, a war, or climate change. It’s something much more insidious: a cyber pandemic. What is that you ask? Before we get to that, I want to talk about something first
In 2019, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation simulated a global pandemic with Event 201. The pandemic they predicted? COVID-19. They weren’t just speculating; they were planning for it. Fast forward to today, and their next “inevitable” prediction is even more disturbing.
Cyber Polygon: The simulation of a future crisis
The WEF’s Cyber Polygon exercise is a series of cybersecurity drills aimed at testing how the world’s digital infrastructure would hold up against a sophisticated cyberattack. It’s an annual exercise that has simulated largescale attacks targeting critical sectors such as: finance, healthcare, and energy. In 2020, Cyber Polygon focused on a “digital pandemic,” a cy-
berattack that would disrupt global systems. It’s easy to dismiss these simulations as just exercises, but the reality is far more serious. These aren’t just what-ifs; they are warnings. Cyber Polygon serves as a wake-up call about the vulnerabilities of the world’s digital infrastructure, vulnerabilities we may not be prepared for.
The Impact of Cyberattacks: What if this happened tomorrow?
Imagine if the worst-case scenario came true. Cyber Polygon 2020 simulated a targeted cyberattack that compromised company data and reputation across industries. While businesses and governments were left reeling from the breach, the consequences were farreaching:
• Massive data breaches: Personal data, banking credentials, and even healthcare records could be stolen from millions of people.
• Loss of public trust: Institutions like banks, governments, and hospitals would lose credibility, leading to financial panic and public unrest.
• Targeted disinformation: Imagine malicious actors leaking fabricated data, causing confusion and increasing social divisions.
• Ransom and extortion: Entire sectors like hospitals, banks, and even power grids could be held hostage by cybercriminals demanding ransoms.
• Global supply chain collapse: The attack could disrupt everything from food supplies to pharmaceuticals, leaving millions without access to basic needs.
The WEF’s founder, Klaus Schwab, warned that a cyberattack could be far more catastrophic than even the COVID-19 pandemic, with the potential to shut down essential services like power grids, transportation systems, and healthcare.
What would happen if the simula-
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
TC COLUMNIST
dimes, so if sales drop, so do the number of stores they open. Celebrities NDA can only control so much of their indiscretions, and therefore retailers having a business relationship with a celebrity can be exceedingly challenging.
The retail ombudsman of America (CFPB) reports that after careful consideration of the top 500 celebrity brands in America, they found over 50% to be substandard in wear, quality and well overpriced. That is a damaging result to brands everywhere
The banks are becoming more standoffish about investing in these brands for fear of celebrity scandals or spend thrift attitudes that could bring a personality down and bankrupt. The large store chains and department stores once viewed celebrity bands as an attraction that drew customers into the
tion escalated even further?
Cyber Polygon 2024: The next step in global cybersecurity
In 2024, Cyber Polygon took things to a whole new level. The exercise simulated an “intelligent assault” — a highly sophisticated cyberattack leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning. The aim was to investigate how digital forensics and threat-hunting techniques could counter an evolving attack. This was more than just disrupting services; it was destroying entire systems.
Real-world consequences of this kind of attack could be catastrophic:
• Critical infrastructure attacks: Hospitals, water supply systems, and national power grids could be shut down, creating chaos and civil unrest.
• AI-driven cyberwarfare: Malicious code could evolve and spread rapidly, evading detection and causing widespread damage.
• Geopolitical chaos: If countries were blamed for these cyberattacks, it could trigger wars or false-flag operations meant to mislead the public.
• Economic collapse: Imagine waking up to find the banking system down, ATMs offline, and stock markets frozen. People wouldn’t be able to access their money, businesses would be crippled, and a financial meltdown would ensue.
• Healthcare devastation: Hospitals and clinics could be hacked, deleting medical records, shutting down ventilators, or even manipulating drug supplies.
Why should we care?
These simulations aren’t just abstract exercises. They reflect real and growing threats to our digital world. As global systems become more interconnected, a single cyberattack could cripple entire societies.
In 2024, the World Health Organiza-
stores, but not anymore. Department stores charge a substantial tariff upon these brands per square foot of space used to merchandise their products. There is a chance the products will sell at full price before being discounted.
I once spoke to the owner of a clothing brand who sold their blouses for a low of $55.00 to a high of $125.00 each. It landed in Vancouver for $2.99 each, so even if discounted the retailer made a bundle of cash. Expectations are high when someone buys a celebrity brand. Is the quality there? Will it last 3-5 washings? Will the fabric dye run? Never a guarantee, but always an exciting experience buying and showing off a celebrity branded shoe, clothing, or item.
Celebrities can face many challenges, as many may act badly. Men and women who have achieved much, expect much from
tion (WHO) released reports on the increasing threat of cyberattacks on healthcare infrastructure. The findings were startling: during the COVID-19 pandemic, cyberattacks severely disrupted healthcare services. Some hospitals even paid ransoms to restore their IT systems.
The growing need for cybersecurity in the Afro/Indo-Caribbean community
Now, why should this matter to the Afro and Indo-Caribbean communities? The digital divide is a real issue. In many of our communities, technology is essential for everything from education to healthcare. As we continue to rely more heavily on technology, we also expose ourselves to increasing vulnerabilities. Many of us still face barriers to digital literacy and access to secure technologies. If we don’t start taking cybersecurity seriously, we risk being left behind in the event of a global cyber crisis.
The growing threat of cyberattacks on healthcare systems, for example, is something that should concern everyone. During the pandemic, many of us relied on digital systems for: telemedicine, remote learning, and access to social services. If those systems were compromised, our already fragile infrastructure would collapse even further.
What can we do?
It’s time to start talking about digital resilience. The first step is awareness. These threats are not abstract; they are already happening. Cybersecurity needs to be part of our conversations, especially when we’re discussing the future of our communities. We must ensure that we are digitally literate, that we understand the risks, and that we push for better digital policies that protect our data and privacy. As we saw with the COVID-19 pandemic, ignoring these global simulations and warnings could lead to irreversible consequences. Let’s not wait for another disaster to strike. Let’s take action — before it’s too late.
those who work for them, and even their fans. Abuse, misunderstood expectations can result in disaster for a celebrity and their company brand. Retails are thinking about that all the time and how it would affect their investment in the brand of a celebrity. Consumers have begun to realize celebrity as a brand is not as cherished as it once was. With consumers determined intentions of purchasing quality over superficiality, brands must evolve and quickly. Consumers have enough difficulty paying for necessities these days, so a $350-600 sneaker will often be out of touch.
Perhaps consumers will center their desires upon more meaningful pursuits, enquiries and items to own. Who knows?
Canada in 2025 feels heavier. More expensive. More uncertain. More divided. For many Afro-Indo-Caribbean Canadians, it feels like we’re still waiting for the promise made decades ago to be fulfilled.
That promise began in the 1960’s and 70’s when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s immigration reforms opened the doors to the Caribbean. It was a pivotal shift, one that many families still speak about with gratitude. It brought nurses, teachers, skilled tradespeople, and students who built the foundation of what is now a culturally rich African-Caribbean and South Asian Canadian population.
The thing is, gratitude is not a policy, and memories are not solutions.
Today, the economic, political, and social realities of Canada demand that we — especially the Afro-Indo-Caribbean community — look clearly at where we are, how we got here, and whether the Liberal Party of today still serves our future.
The News: Canada in Crisis
From coast to coast, Canadians are grappling with compounding crises that touch every facet of life:
• Housing is unaffordable for most. Tent cities have become permanent fixtures in urban areas. In Toronto and Vancouver, average people, let alone newcomers, are priced out, while short-term rentals and foreign investors scoop up property.
• Groceries and gas are more expensive than ever. Inflation surged postpandemic, and though it has cooled slightly, wages have not kept up. People feel poorer than they did five years ago, because they are.
• Healthcare is overwhelmed. Millions are without a family doctor. Mental health services are inaccessible, or overloaded. Emergency rooms are closing. Wait times stretch dangerously long.
• Crime and safety concerns have returned to the forefront — with visible increases in violence on public transit and in marginalized neighborhoods.
• Immigration, though a pillar of Canadian identity, is under strain. Record
numbers are arriving, but the systems to support them: housing, healthcare, job markets, are not.
• Canadians are not just frustrated. We are losing trust. In politicians. In the media. Even in each other.
How We Got Here
There’s no single villain. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to all nations, and Canada responded with massive emergency spending, but while the crisis faded, the spending didn’t stop, and measurable results didn’t follow.
The Trudeau government, in power since 2015, leaned into progressive branding: gender equity, Indigenous reconciliation, carbon pricing, multiculturalism, but critics argue these were more slogans than solutions.
The ArriveCAN app scandal, WE Charity fallout, and broken promises on electoral reform and housing have all chipped away at public confidence.
What is looming behind much of this? Canada’s debt — now over $1.2 trillion federally, and some of the highest household debt in the G7.
Still Liberal After All These Years?
So why, with all this, do so many Afro-Indo-Caribbean Canadians still lean Liberal? Some say it’s fear of the alternative. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre strikes many as: too abrasive, too dismissive of systemic issues, too eager to slash.
Others point to Liberal social values — protection of LGBTQ+ rights, multiculturalism, and social equity as a reason to stay. Some feel the NDP-Liberal alliance offers balance, keeping the Liberals in check.
Community, please realize that loyalty isn’t a substitute for power, and sentiment cannot take the place of strategy.
The Mark Carney Question
Enter
Mark Carney, a man with global polish, a golden resume, and serious establishment backing. Former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance, Vice Chair of Brookfield.
To many in Bay Street and Davos, he looks like the perfect solution: steady, smart, scandal-free, but for communities like ours — Brampton, Jane & Finch, Little Jamaica, Malvern — he’s not a solution.
He’s a symbol. A symbol of elite governance over grassroots voice. Of marketbased climate policy over people-first community economics.
He talks about carbon pricing, central bank digital currencies, and ESG investing, tools that sound progressive,
but often raise costs for working-class families.
Mark Carney is not an elected leader. He’s a technocrat. He is the ultimate technocrat — educated at Harvard and Oxford, trained at Goldman Sachs, and elevated to lead central banks in two different countries.
He believes in data-driven governance, but that often means governance by unelected experts and markets not by people, communities, or grassroots input. His leadership style leans toward elite consensus, not lived experience.
Brilliant, yes, but not for the people. He has never run for office, never worked in our schools, or shelters, never advocated within our health systems, or housing boards. He has never been tested by voters. Yet, his influence looms large.
At his core, a monetary hawk. His solution to inflation is usually higher interest rates and tighter public spending, which disproportionately hurts low-income renters, small businesses, and racialized communities. Yes! Us unfortunately.
Who is he “in bed” with Financially and Ideologically?
• Brookfield Asset Management: One of the world’s largest real estate and infrastructure investors. Carney is Vice-Chair. They’ve been accused of driving up housing prices by scooping up public assets.
• Goldman Sachs: His first employer famous for betting against the same assets they sold during the 2008 crash.
• World Economic Forum (Davos crowd): Carney is part of this elite global club pushing digital currencies, centralized climate strategies, and AI governance often with little public input.
Mark Carney was Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020. He was the first foreigner to ever hold the post. Critics say:
• London housing exploded under his tenure, making the city unaffordable for regular people. (Sounds familiar?)
• He propped up markets but did little to fix the root causes of inequality.
• The working class saw no benefit from the “recovery” he helped manage.
Britain exited the Carney era with higher inequality, corporate dominance, and fragile trust in financial elites. Sound familiar again?
What We Must Watch
The Afro-Indo-Caribbean community
cannot afford to be passive at this moment. Too many policies are being shaped without us and used against us.
1. Beware of “Innovation” That Hurts Digital currencies, AI in policing and education, and climate gentrification are being framed as progress, but these can easily become tools of control, or displacement. We must ask: Who sets the terms? Who benefits?
2. Scrutinize Climate Policy
We want climate action, but not if it pushes us out of our neighborhoods in the name of green development. “Smart cities” sound sleek, but there is a more insidious agenda attached to them. Our reporter Michael Thomas has spoken extensively about Smart Cities, and I suggest you check out some of his articles. What you read will frighten you.
3. Push for Community Wealth
Our communities are rich in hustle but poor in capital. We need investment in Black- and Brown-led ventures, community banks, and entrepreneurial grants that don’t come with strings or gatekeepers.
What We Should Demand
This election cycle, our voices must be sharper. Our expectations, higher.
• True Representation: Not just “diversity hires” but candidates who come from and still live in our realities.
• Real Accountability: Don’t settle for empty promises or identity politics. Demand numbers, plans, and timelines.
• Community Power: Fund schools, clinics, housing co-ops — not just climate summits and consultant contracts.
The Liberal Party may still tell a good story, and Mark Carney may look like the safest pair of hands, but we don’t need to be safe — we need to be seen. We need to be heard.
Mark Carney may speak about stabilizing the economy, but ask yourself, whose economy? Who gets left out in the name of “progress”?
This isn’t about being anti-Liberal, or pro-Conservative. It’s about being pro-community. It’s about refusing to be anyone’s guaranteed vote. It’s about shaping a future that doesn’t just include us but is built with us.
If we don’t get strategic now, we’ll be spoken for instead of spoken with, and the cost of that silence? Generational.
The Notwithstanding Clause Is being used to separate Canadians from their rights and freedoms, why?
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
Most Canadians will tell you they have freedoms and rights, but how do these freedoms and rights work, and does their government honour them? Now, that is another story. In this article, we shall visit the ugly side of what happens when these governments use clauses to remove freedoms and enslave the masses if they are allowed to.
One such clause is called the Notwithstanding Claus. What is the Notwithstanding Claus, you might ask? Let us dive in.
Included in the Charter is a provision that most people would be surprised to discover: an override clause. When properly invoked, this notwithstanding clause—section 33 of the Charter— prevents courts from striking down laws despite serious Charter violations. This clause gives lawmakers the ability to disregard certain important rights and freedoms protected under the Charter.
Here are just some of these rights and freedoms that go out the window once this clause is used: freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the right to life, and the right to be treated equally under the law. Has anyone had these freedoms and rights violated recently? Just asking.
Over the last four decades, since the Charter was adopted, governments have respected human rights and freedoms in Canada until now. Recently,
some provincial governments have used or threatened to: use the clause to prevent education workers from striking, ban provincial government employees from wearing religious symbols, and limit non-French speakers’ ability to receive public services in other languages, and the list just keeps getting longer.
Canadians should be wary of normalizing the use of this dangerous clause. Canadian federal political party leaders have a civic and moral obligation to make binding commitments to protect people’s basic human rights and civil liberties, at least governments that work for the people should.
Here is a more detailed list of how this clause has been misused by Canadian politicians which is outlined in paragraph four and five.
In 2022, Ontario pre-emptively used the notwithstanding clause to prohibit education workers from striking, even though courts have determined that freedom of association includes the right to strike and the right to collective bargaining. Many individuals, unions, and organizations raised the alarm, and following a wave of popular discontent, the Ontario government repealed this controversial bill.
In 2019, Quebec pre-emptively used the notwithstanding clause in Bill 21 to ban public sector workers (teachers, government lawyers, and police officers), from wearing religious symbols. In March 2025, Quebec tabled Bill 94, which pre-emptively uses the notwithstanding clause to expand Bill 21’s ban and enact other rights-infringing measures.
In 2022, Quebec pre-emptively used the notwithstanding clause to limit the use of English in public service.
In 2021, Ontario imposed arbitrary, unfair limits on advertising by
third parties (i.e. organizations, interest groups, and individuals) for a full year before a fixed date election. This limit on criticism of the government was struck down by the Ontario Superior Court as an unreasonable and unjustifiable infringement on freedom of expression.
Also in 2021, the Government of Ontario used the notwithstanding clause in an attempt to maintain the restriction. A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Ontario’s arbitrary, unfair limits as an unconstitutional infringement of democratic rights, which cannot be overridden by the notwithstanding clause.
In May 2024, the leader of the official federal opposition party hinted that he would use the notwithstanding clause to override rights that ensure a person charged with an offense is not denied their liberty until they have their day in court, and people do not face cruel and unusual punishment.
In October 2024, the Ontario Premier called on Ontario’s big city Mayors to request in writing that the provincial government use the notwithstanding clause to legislate measures that will harm the rights and freedoms of unhoused people in the province.
In a subsequent letter dated December 5th, 2024, the Ontario Premier foreshadowed future use of the notwithstanding clause to override court decisions upholding the rights of unhoused people.
In November 2024, the Quebec Premier stated that, if necessary, he was ready to use the notwithstanding clause to force doctors trained in Quebec universities to practice within the province’s public system for several years.
In December 2024, the Quebec Premier said that he wanted to ban pray-
ing in public and that he was considering using the notwithstanding clause to do so.
In December 2024, the Alberta’s Premier said that she would invoke the notwithstanding clause to override any court decision that finds Alberta’s trio of laws targeting gender-diverse youth unconstitutional.
This information is very timely. With these facts in mind, Canadians should remember; these folks who are now begging for your votes so that they can do more of the same. Remember that. It is your rights and freedoms that they are removing slowly, but surely.
Today, more than 50 organizations, human rights advocates, and legal scholars are coming together to ask each federal political party leader to commit to holding a public consultation on the “Notwithstanding Clause” within six months of forming a new government.
“The growing use of the notwithstanding clause to trample civil liberties and human rights is a threat to our most basic rights and freedoms. Now is the time for federal political party leaders to listen to people of Canada’s concerns and to stand up for their rights.” states Anais Bussieres McNicol, Director of the Fundamental Freedoms Program, Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
We always encourage our readers to please take the time to read Agenda 2030 of the World Economic Forum documents. No property rights, no ownership rights, things are now getting started.
When it comes to Agenda 2030, all cards are on the table. No race, nor country is off limits from these violators therefore, tampering with the Charter is a part of the plan. The time to wake up is almost up!
Canadians are tired; What’s keeping Canadians up at night in 2025?
simone@carib101.com
According to Leo Canada’s annual HumanKind Study™, Canadians are tired for a few reasons; it’s a complex cocktail of burnout, uncertainty, and a deep desire to reclaim control. The recently released national survey, which captured the thoughts and feelings of more than 2,500 Canadians aged 16–45, including newcomers to the country — offers a revealing window into the emotional and psychological state of a generation and a nation caught in the whirlwind of global disruption.
What Canadians want: Control over chaos
In a time marked by geopolitical tension, climate anxiety, rising costs of living, and digital overwhelm, it’s no surprise that
61% of Canadians say they are focusing on things they can control, rather than fixating on the vast, global problems they feel powerless to influence.
That focus is showing up in how Canadians, especially younger ones, are approaching work and life. Nearly 60% of Canadians under 45 are changing the nature of their work in search of better life satisfaction. Healthy work culture is a growing priority, with three-quarters of respondents emphasizing the importance of mental health and balance over traditional hustle culture.
Burnt out, but still pushing: A generation running on empty
That pursuit of balance is running headfirst into systemic fatigue. More than half of Canadians (52%) say they’re constantly chasing a “better life” they may never attain. Even more concerning, 55% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials say they feel exhausted — yet believe that slowing down would mean failure.
This contradiction is at the heart of a growing mental health crisis: an entire generation striving toward wellness while simultaneously trapped in systems that reward overwork and punish rest.
The pressure is mounting. Onethird of Canadians aged 16–45 reported that they, or someone in their household, has experienced layoffs in the last three years — a staggering figure that paints a vivid picture of economic instability and dwindling trust in traditional employment.
Loyalty Is dead—and tech isn’t helping
The study also shines a spotlight on evolving workplace values. A startling 83% of young Canadians either believe their loyalty at work will be exploited, or they’re simply unsure if it’s worth offering. In an era of mass layoffs, remote work, and gig economy shifts, traditional loyalty is being replaced by a more transactional, boundary-conscious approach to employment.
While technology continues to dominate headlines, Canadians—especially students—are deeply conflicted. Seventy percent of students and 58% of the general population believe AI is diminishing critical thinking, and personal perspective. Yet, 67% of students admit to using AI at least occasionally, reflecting a practical acceptance of tools that are
simultaneously reshaping the way we: work, learn, and interact.
A call for brands and companies to step up
One of the most powerful takeaways from The HumanKind Study™ is the gap between what Canadians need and what they feel companies and brands are providing. Today’s consumers are no longer just buying products — they are choosing relationships, values, and impact. They are asking, “Do you understand my stress? My exhaustion? My desire for more meaningful living?”
This year’s HumanKind Study is a call to action. Brands, employers, and policymakers need to evolve if they hope to earn the trust and loyalty of this generation. Understanding the emotional landscape of Canadians is now non-negotiable.
As Leo Canada’s research shows, the path forward is clear: listen, adapt, and act with compassion.
To dive deeper into the full study, explore the full report here: https://leoburnett.ca/humankind2025/
Early red flags on Trump’s agenda, immigration and economic messaging
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
The media and marketing company “My Code” has been at the forefront of providing timely and relevant information to its diverse clients.
My Code was founded in 2015 with the mission, “To create a future for media and advertising where everyone is authentically committed to: preserving, investing in, and amplifying the most diverse media brands and storytellers.” They work with many wellknown brands to foster positive and healthy relationships with: Hispanics, Black, AANHPI, and LGBTQIA + consumers. They are majority-owned by Ariel Alternatics, LLC’s Project and reach twothird of the measurable multicultural audience online in the U.S.
On Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, My Code issued a press release, which revealed data from a survey of 3,200 voters from diverse groups regarding their responses to a range of issues as Americans anticipate the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
The press release states that the responses reflect the results of a comprehensive new poll that captures how
multicultural voters are reacting to the administration’s early moves-including policy rollouts, economic messaging and key leadership figures. These findings provide a significant snapshot of underlying factors that are influencing and impacting: political, interpretation, trust, and turnout.
There are several categories that are identified in the survey which include:
Presidential approval ratings
• 36% for President Donald Trump
• 31% for Vice President JD Vance
• 69% of multicultural Americans view Elon Musk as a national security threat
• 48% disapprove of his role in government work
Tariffs and economic concerns
• Nearly one-third (32%) of multicultural voters could not define the term
• Tariffs are frequently presented as a way to “protect” American jobs, yet voters report feeling the pinch in other ways
Immigration and community impact
• 36% of multicultural Americans report knowing someone already affected by the administration immigration policies
• It rises to 43% among Hispanic respondents, and 45% among LG -
BTQ1A + respondents
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
• 65% of multicultural voters were unable to correctly define DEI
• Confusion is particularly high among Republican respondents but improves when DEI is framed around concrete outcomes like anti-discrimination protections, or school and workplace representation
• The data suggests public opposition may be driven most by lack of clarity and by ideology
Misinformation and misunderstanding
A broad range of confusion around core policy concepts is affecting how multicultural voters perceive government action, and who they trust to deliver accurate information:
• 65% could not correctly define DEI
• 32% misidentified tariffs
• 51% could not identify what DOGE is, or does
• 39% gave incorrect information about the start of the war in Ukraine
• 14% wrongly believe that recent federal budget cuts have lowered the costs of groceries and rent
The press release reveals that there is a high level of uncertainty and consternation. It notes, “Despite these challenges, voter interest is high. Multicul-
tural Americans are enraged but they’re navigating high levels of confusion, misalignment between political rhetoric, and lived experience, and a digital ecosystem filled with conflicting narratives.”
Junelle Cavero Harnal, Head of Politics at My Code responds to the findings from the survey in the press release. She states, “Multicultural voters are sounding the alarm early in this administration. This new data makes clear that these communities remain deeply engaged and deeply concerned as the Trump administration races to implement sweeping changes. The trend we’re tracking (rising misinformation, polarized reactions to figures like Elon Musk, and shifting issue priorities) reflect low trust, high concern, and a growing sense that the government is moving in a direction that doesn’t reflect their lived experiences or values.” She elaborates further about what multicultural voters are currently experiencing in their daily lives. She notes, “The confusion we’re seeing around core concepts like DEI and tariffs show just how vulnerable the public is to weaponize information - especially when the policies directly affect their paychecks and grocery bills. How do these voters interpret the first 100 days?”
Anyone interested in knowing about the work of “My Code “can check: https://mycodemedia.com/about
Why the Afro/Indo-Caribbean vote matters in Canada’s 2025 Federal Election
In just a few days, Canada will head to the polls in a federal election that carries weighty implications for the country’s future. For the Afro/Indo-Caribbean community, this election is a powerful reminder that: our voices matter, our votes count, and our issues deserve to be front and centre in national discourse.
Gone are the days when newspapers could simply report the “who” and “what.” As a newspaper, we understand that we have to evolve. We remain interactive, rooted in community engagement, and focused on generating deeper insights. At the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, we believe in using our platform to not only share accurate information, but to provoke thought, demand answers, and amplify the concerns of our people.
A Generation Rising; We have to focus on them
One of the most promising shifts in recent years is the rise of the millennial and Gen Z voter, particularly among Afro/Indo-Caribbean Canadians. These younger generations are not just voting—they are organizing, questioning candidates,
and showing up to shape the conversation.
For many, voting is no longer a passive act. It’s a tool for social change. It’s an extension of civil rights movements of old. It’s a way to challenge systems that have failed too many, too often.
Informed voting requires more than just knowing the date and the ballot box location. It requires us to understand where candidates stand on the issues that directly affect our communities—from criminal justice reform to refugee protection, to how Canada will regulate the rise of artificial intelligence.
It starts with asking the right questions To help guide our community in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled five essential questions you can ask at: town halls, community events, or even when a candidate comes knocking at your door.
These aren’t just political queries. Think about them like… well, like they are accountability checks. We are not here to give blind loyalty to any party. We are here to demand leadership that works for us.
1. Governing Artificial Intelligence Question: If elected, will you support Canadian citizens’ rights respecting legislation governing the use of Artificial Intelligence across all sectors – based on consultations that engage more than just industry insiders?
Why it matters: AI is already being used to make decisions about: hiring, policing, and access to services. Without proper regulation, these tools could reinforce systemic racism and bias—issues the Afro/Indo-Caribbean community has long fought to dismantle. Canada needs modern, inclusive laws that put human rights before profit.
2. Protecting the presumption of innocence
Question: If elected, would you support meaningful governmental data collection about the operation of the bail system, in order to ensure evidence-based policymaking regarding pre-trial detention?
Why it matters: African-Caribbean Canadians are overrepresented in pre-trial detention. Without transparent data, policies are created in a vacuum, and too often, our people pay the price. Demand evidence-based solutions, not fear-based policies.
3. Preventing cruel and unusual punishment
Question: If elected, would you respect decisions by the Supreme Court that ensure judges are not forced to impose mandatory life sentences against vulnerable first-time offenders?
Why it matters: Mandatory minimums have devastated our community, especially youth caught in low-level offenses. Judicial discretion is vital. Leaders who ignore Supreme Court rulings are not protecting justice; they are pander-
ing to punishment.
4. Upholding constitutional rights
Question: If elected, will you support holding a public consultation on the future of the notwithstanding clause, and will you take action to prevent the clause’s abuse?
Why it matters: The misuse of the notwithstanding clause to override constitutional rights threatens every freedom we hold dear. If we allow governments to silence dissent, restrict civil liberties, or trample on rights, democracy itself becomes endangered.
Are you going to show up on April 28th, 2025
This April 28th, vote however your conscience leads you; JUST VOTE!. Our community has long understood the power of resistance. We must also recognize the power of participation.
From Eglinton West to Jane & Finch, from Scarborough to downtown Montreal, our votes can sway elections and influence policy. The team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is no longer just about observing from the sidelines. We are using our platforms to hold leaders accountable and demand change. You. Voter. You are a part of that powerful ecosystem.
So, when a candidate asks for your support, flip the script. Ask them these questions. Measure their answers. Let them know: the Afro/Indo-Caribbean community is awake, aware, and not to be overlooked.
Celebrating Heritage, Community and Youth Leadership across the diaspora
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
As the Toronto Caribbean community continues to embrace diversity and honour cultural legacy, this week’s Community Highlight Section shines a spotlight on vibrant stories of tradition, leadership, and innovation. From the 27th Annual Indian Arrival Day Celebrations hosted by the Toronto Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre — marking 187 years since the arrival of Indians in Guyana — to Nexim Healthcare’s standout presence at the CAMSC 2025 Procurement Fair, we celebrate the powerful intersection of heritage and forward-thinking action.
We also applaud the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s bold step toward intergenerational leadership with the appointment of young trailblazers to its Board and Executive Committee. These milestones reflect a dynamic truth: our communities thrive when we honour our past, empower our present, and build space for future voices to lead.
Annual Indian Arrival Day Celebrations
Toronto Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre will be hosting its 27th Annual South Asian Heritage Month program to observe the 187th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indians in Guyana to be held at our centre at 434514th Avenue, Markham, ON, L3R 0J2 on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.
This annual program is a free event and an inaugural 5K Run & Walk-A-Thon will be held on April 27th, 2025, to raise funds for hosting the event. Members of the public are invited to sponsor participants by donating online, or register online to participate using the bar code on the flyer or by checking our website: torontoaryasamaj. org
The Run/Walk commences at 1:00 pm and will depart from the Vedic Cultural Centre and conclude at the Trillium Park. The program to be held on May 3rd, 2025, and is a 3-tiered one featuring: an interactive exhibition of artifacts/memorabilia commencing at 3:30pm, a stage show featuring youthful talent in Toronto commencing at 6:30pm, and the launch of a commemora-
The inaugural Firgrove NIA Gala was held on March 29th, 2025. The gala was billed as a glamorous evening celebrating the achievements of our community members. It was a night filled with excitement, inspiration, and elegance. Lennox Nia Hendrickson was instrumental in the work of Firgrove United Sports and Cultural Club NIA since it was launched. The promotional material notes, “This event will celebrate and honour several distinguished community members, past and present, who, through their unwavering
tive magazine. Printed copies as well as an online version of the magazine will be made available. The magazine includes articles from the younger generation of Indo-Caribbeans demonstrating how they adapted to their countries of residence.
Attendees can meet renowned Chef Dev, who will perform a live cooking demo and promote his cookbook “Mad Love.” Many dignitaries from the three levels of government as well as the consulates will also be in attendance. Admission to the event is free. There will also be a cash ethnic food booth.
This year’s program is a continuation of last year’s theme and features Part 2 of “A Fractal Journey of Indians in the Diaspora,” with India at the centre and the countries to which immigrants went to on the periphery. The theme focuses on the adaptation of the descendants of the immigrants who migrated to other countries and their contributions.
The planning of this event has been undertaken by a young and enthusiastic group that put in a lot of hard work to ensure its success. Please come forward and support them.
For more information please call:
• Adit Kumar, 647-866-1926
• Lita Henry 647-984-2893
• Almel Murugan,647-461-0540
Diversity in Action: Nexim Healthcare Stands Out at CAMSC 2025
Canada’s healthcare system is under pressure — and Nexim Healthcare Consultants is stepping up with people-powered, purpose-driven solutions.
The award-winning healthcare staffing firm continues to make bold moves — and their standout presence at the 2025 CAMSC Procurement Fair proves it. The annual event, hosted by the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council, brought together: changemakers, innovators, and corporate leaders all committed to building more inclusive supply chains. Nexim made sure healthcare was front and centre in the conversations that matter.
As official lunch sponsor and with a strong showing from their Business Development team, Nexim showed up to connect — and to represent what modern healthcare support looks like when it’s built on: equity, quality, and community. They engaged with leaders across sectors, including tech, government, and healthcare, all working to future-proof supplier diversity through innovation and collaboration.
“We at Nexim are proud of the great work that CAMSC has done to increase corporate commitment to diversity in procurement. It was a very enjoyable experience to meet with individuals from different industries who all see the value of a more inclusive supply chain,” said CJ Chujor, Business Development Manager at Nexim Healthcare.
For Nexim, showing up is just the beginning — action is where they shine. Fresh off their 2024 Hamilton expansion, where they hit the ground running solving staffing challenges and supporting agingin-place programs for seniors, Nexim continues to walk the talk. Named SME of the Year at the 2023 Canadian SME Business Awards, the company has become known for blending efficiency with empathy. Their client-first, community-driven model is already transforming healthcare experiences across Ontario and beyond. Whether helping hospitals tackle urgent staff shortages, providing support in long-term care homes, or offering families the tools to care for loved ones at home, Nexim is redefining what healthcare staffing can look like.
And their impact doesn’t stop at Canada’s borders.
Through their affiliated charity, NEXIM International Development Organization (NIDO), the company is extending that same commitment to equity and access globally — funding schools, supporting wildlife conservation, and opening doors for girls and youth in East Africa through education and economic opportunity.
Nexim’s story is one of bold leadership and grassroots impact — from procurement fairs to hospital floors, from Canadian cities to global communities. Under the vision of founder Henry Lukenge, this is healthcare with heart. Powered by purpose. And always rooted in community.
About Nexim Healthcare Consultants: Nexim Healthcare Consultants is a CAMSC-certified healthcare staffing firm providing fully qualified healthcare professionals to hospitals, long-term care homes, shelters, and home care clients across Canada. http://www.neximcare.ca/
CHTA appoints two young leaders to board and executive committee in milestone step toward inclusion of next generation of hospitality professionals In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to developing the next generation of Caribbean hospitality leaders, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has appointed two rising hos-
pitality professionals from its Young Leaders Program to serve on the CHTA Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term. The appointments follow the by-law changes adopted at the association’s Special Meeting on January 31st, 2025, which created new pathways for young professionals to help shape the future of the region’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Yatsuri “Sue” Marshall, General Manager at Bay Gardens Marina Haven in Saint Lucia, and Mikael Doumeng, Director of Digital Marketing at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands, were selected from the inaugural CHTA Young Leaders cohort through a formal nomination process. In addition to his Board appointment, Doumeng has also been named the Young Leaders representative on the CHTA Executive Committee.
“These appointments represent more than a title—they signify action,” said Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of CHTA. “We are realizing our commitment to give emerging leaders a voice at the decision-making table. We’re proud to support the leadership journeys of Yatsuri and Mikael and are confident they’ll bring valuable perspective, passion, and innovation to CHTA.”
The Young Leaders Program was established with a clear mission:
• To help develop the next generation of leadership within CHTA and its member destinations
• To support the professional growth of young industry talent
• To ensure young professionals are included in decision-making
• To foster stronger regional networks
• To infuse fresh thinking that strengthens both National Hotel and Tourism Associations (NHTAs) and the CHTA Sanovnik Destang, President of CHTA, emphasized the importance of cultivating future-ready leadership across the region.
“Our industry’s long-term sustainability relies on the energy, innovation, and perspective of emerging professionals,” said Destang. “By opening new pathways to leadership through the Young Leaders Program, we’re not only investing in CHTA’s future, but also reinforcing the strength and continuity of Caribbean tourism as a whole.” For more information about the Young Leaders Program and CHTA’s ongoing initiatives, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism. com.
commitment and dedication to community and dedication to community development and sports excellence have made a lasting impact on our communities and beyond.”
There were further descriptions of the awards, which “pay tribute to both individuals and teams who have demonstrated athleticism, sportsmanship, and role model exemplary leadership through sports in Canada and internationally as well.” It notes further that, “Firgrove NIA induction ceremony will provide our communities with our vibrant sports history and honouring those outstanding athletes who paved the way. These award recipients represent some of the best of what our communities have to offer.
Recipients of the awards were in one of the following three categories;
1. Community development
2. Sportsmanship in basketball
3. Contribution to basketball in Canada
and beyond
Dr. Camille Isaacs played a significant part in the evening’s proceedings. She read out the biographies of the twelve inductees, which she painstakingly compiled. She captured the essence of their remarkable accomplishments by highlighting their memorable feats and outstanding contributions. The names of the award recipients are:
• SherryDawn Jones
• Marvin Russell
• Simeon Mars
• Anthony Richards
• David Joseph
• Kirk Mark
• Alexander Francis
• Mike Morgan
• Leon Bynoe
• Jr Alexander
• Tony Pettigrew
• Aion Pettigrew
Toronto’s mayor, Olivia Chow was in atten-
dance at the gala and delivered words of commendation and appreciation for each of the inductees. She presented each of the 12 inductees with a special certificate from the city.
In a Facebook post on April 3rd, 2025, Hendrickson wrote, “The evening was filled with excitement and energy, with a full house and a strong representation of community spirit. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of the inductees, providing an opportunity to reflect on decades of life journeys and accomplishments.”
In a Facebook post on April 9th, 2025, there was another post that read, “I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you-the attendees, friends, family and everyone behind the scenes – for making this event such a beautiful and successful occasion. Your support and presence truly means the world to me.”
“One Health,”
MICHAEL THOMAS
michael@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
While most people were being distracted by the planned tariff wars, Kennedy’s flip flopping on his stand towards poison vaccines, the real planners were and are hard at work. The job they are trying desperately to finish is called the “Pandemic Treaty,” and from the looks of things, they are succeeding. Here is the scoop.
If anyone is listening to the Wildlife Conservation Society Executive Director for Health Chris Walzer, that person would get the impression that he has just discovered sliced bread. According to Walzer the groundbreaking agreement reached Saturday by the World Health Organization on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response is what the world was waiting for. Here are his words.
“For the first time, an international binding agreement has enshrined One Health
or One Hell? What countries just agreed to will shock you
principles and collaborative surveillance. This marks a decisive shift toward a more united, equitable, and proactive global approach to preventing and managing future pandemics.”
On April 13th, 2025, was the finalization of a groundbreaking International Agreement on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. The countries involved reached an agreement in principle, and on Tuesday they are expected to finalize it before the World Health Assembly adopts the agreement when they convene May 19th-27th. These are words from his speech.
“Reaching this stage in the pandemic agreement process is a historic achievement. After years of dedicated negotiation, the international community now stands on the threshold of a genuinely groundbreaking commitment. For the first time, an international binding agreement has enshrined One Health principles, and collaborative surveillance. This marks a decisive shift toward a more: united, equitable, and proactive global approach to preventing and managing future pandemics.”
“To the co-chairs and all delegates, your determination and tireless efforts have brought the world to this crucial juncture. The applause that echoed through the halls following the agreement in principle is not just for a document, but for the vision, multilateral cooperation, and resolve each of you has
demonstrated.”
“Tuesday’s final session is your moment to deliver what will become a lasting legacy, a gift, as WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros said, to our children and grandchildren. The Wildlife Conservation Society stands firm with you. Stay united, and let us cross the finish line together”
What folks need to understand is with this pandemic treaty almost accomplished there will be no stopping the reign of tyranny disguised as: health, medicine, and climate change, and as we are seeing right now, not even your pets and animals will be safe from the killing spree. Those who signed on to this have no idea.
Are politicians really this dumb to sign the sovereignty of your country, and all its affairs, including the health of your own families to criminals? Criminals whose selling point is a One Health approach.
Don’t they realize that one shoe does not fit all? Once signed this agreement will be legally binding. That is what the almost 200 politicians who were supposed to have their country’s interest at heart have done to their populations.
“We know from experience that preventing, preparing, and responding to pandemics requires more than reactive measures—it demands addressing primary drivers such as land-use change, live wildlife markets
in urban centers, biodiversity loss, and the climate emergency, which are in summary, recognized in the agreement,” said Walzer.
Let’s look at the words in the paragraph above. Could this be why from Hawaii to California citizens are being burned off their property, and bought off whether, or not they have decided to sell?
The draft treaty obligates member states to develop national pandemic prevention and surveillance plans, requiring multisectoral action and community engagement. It acknowledges that sustainable prevention must involve those most affected, particularly communities living closest to the human–animal–environment interfaces.
It has always been in front of us, unfortunately, some of us refuse to see. Your government has signed on to have you surveilled and moved off your land, basically treated like cattle. All this can and will happen if allowed under the disguise of a One Health Approach called a treaty. Think about it.
However, nations still have until June 19th, 2025, to say “No thank you,” to this pandemic nonsense, but time is not a friend of anyone.
As it stands now, citizens have no choice but to unite, and stand up against these monsters disguised as health care, animal protectors, and eco-friendly conservationists. Nothing good comes easy.
Lavway Mas Band launch celebrates the beauty and richness of African-Caribbean culture
PAUL JUNOR
paul@carib101.com
TC REPORTER
There is much to look forward to at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival as the mas bands started to unveil their costumes for 2025. On Saturday, April 5th, Lavway Mas Band showcased several sections, which honours the “Richness and Beauty of African-Caribbean culture: A Celebration of Resilience and Celebration.” It was held at Tropicana Community Services located in Scarborough. It was a great night which featured many captivating and colourful costumes which were truly awe-inspiring.
Lavway Mas is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich Caribbean carnival culture in powerment.
The promotional material for the band launch aptly describes the theme. It states, “The African-Caribbean culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the: histories, traditions and contributions of Africans who were forcibly brought to the Caribbean during the transatlantic slave trade. Despite ensuring centuries of oppression, these individuals preserved and adapted their heritage, creating a dynamic and enduring culture that continues to thrive today.”
The first section that was featured in the band launch was titled,”INDLOVU.” It was described as a word from the Zulu language for “elephant” and translates to “the unstoppable one “ or “the forceful one.” It means “to reach through, or to pierce savagely.” The section leader was Hayden, and his creative work can be seen on Instagram @haydenmas 0966.
Another section was titled, “Anulius.” It was described as being based on the God of rites, protector, and guide to the underworld. In ancient Egyptian religion, usually depicted as a canine or a man/woman with a canine head.
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
TC COLUMNIST
Another section was titled, “Shumba Spirit: The Fealus Garden.” It was described as an “Embodiment of Strength, courage, and wisdom, the Shumba Spirit is a majestic and awe-inspiring prince. Inspired by the revered lions of African savannahs and grasslands, this
years a marriage is maintained is presently 3-5 years, then comes possible marriage counseling, break ups and divorce. Statistics show a high prevalence of cheating the tax man too. Couples pretend to break up should they be either married, or common law, and the woman will apply for societal assistance. If there is a way to pay less, find it right?
Some of us take the social assistance system for a ride. Others take the accolades belonging to another. Cheating can seem an innocent thing, like a small white lie, a fishing story about the true size of the fish you caught. Reasons for cheating, or some say lying vary. Self-protection, creating a false image of yourself in front of others, or even to protect others and their reputation. Whatever the reason, the solution for some if caught is simply to
spirit animal is a symbol of fearlessness, loyalty and protection.”
Another section that was showcased was titled, “Nakuric Essence in African-Caribbean culture.” It was described as a dance across still waters. She emerges. Soft tones flow against the skin, kissed by hints of pink that catch the wind with every move. She is not just in the mood. She sings it.
Another section was titled, “Imbali Enhle.” It was described as, “The beautiful flower arises from the earth, graceful yet unyielding. Her petals whisper stories of pain, hope and rebirth. Beside her stands the Zulu warrior, steadfast and proud. His voice carries the strength of ancestors and the promise of tomorrow. Together, they guard the spirit of a resilient nation. The beautiful flower and the Zulu warrior-South Africa’s living soul.”
Another section was titled, “Carmine Mirage.” It was described as being inspired by the southern carmine bee-eater of southern Africa. She arrives in bold carmine, red with green accents. Flowing fabrics mirror riverbanks in motion, while her vibrant hues capture the energy of carnival. She doesn’t blend in; she soars, a vision of elegance and grace. There have been several other mas bands launches that have taken place. They include:
• Freedom Mas, “Jubilee”
apologize. The depressed looking politicians, or pastors who have to apologize in front of others for: sexual, financial or political misgivings. Apologies seem to work, but only for a time. The public have difficulty stomaching a habitual liar or cheat.
Telling the truth every time can be very difficult indeed, but once you develop a habit of doing so there is a freedom that is felt, a lifting of pressure from your shoulders and conscience. The truth can set you free as long as you’re courageous enough to earn that freedom.
A husband, or wife that cheats on the other, or cheats together with each other’s permission often faces disaster in the long run. Some of us forget the lies we tell only to have them come back and bite us in the posterior.
• Sunlime Mas,” Gimme Buns.”
• Toronto Revellers,” Paradise.”
• Tribal Carnival, “The Wrath of Man.”
• Carnival Nation, “A Jungle Story.”
Some of the upcoming mas band launches include:
• April 25th: EPIC Carnival “ Culture”
• April 26th: Saldenah Carnival “ The Spirit of Carnival.”
• April 25th, 26th, 27th, Lux Carnival “The 7 Wonders of the Caribbean.”
• May 4th: Costume Creations: Tropical Kaleidoscope
The dates for festivities associated with the upcoming Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2025 have been released by the Festival Management Committee. The dates and events are:
• Saturday, June 14th: Toronto Caribbean Carnival Official Launch at the Scarborough Town Centre
• July 19th: Junior King & Queen
• July 27th: OCPA Calypso Showcase
• July 31st: King & Queen Showcase
• August 1st: Toronto Panorama Keeping Pan Alive
• August 2nd: Grand Parade
With the death of morality and for some God, the pressure to behave ourselves is lifted and anything is allowable these days. Morality can be a dictatorial parent, but its demands are as freeing as the alternative may seem. What motivates you? What expectations do you have for yourself and others?
Could you expect a large corporation to pay all its taxes freely and not hide a bundle in some offshore accounts? Perhaps not, but corporations are not humans, although they have the same rights as we do. Humanity needs to be wanted, loved, and appreciated, while corporations are dead things with just one purpose, to make as much profit as possible.
Toronto got a hit of star power and side-splitting laughter at Oria on King
SIMONE SMITH
simone@carib101.com TC
Toronto knows how to throw a party, but when you add a rising television star, a legendary boxer, and a room full of bellylaughing fans, you’ve got something that feels more like a cultural reset than just
Kanan. Known for playing Marvin Thomas, the hotheaded yet endearing brother in the show’s drug-trade drama, London traded in his gritty New York swagger for Toronto charm—and trust, he didn’t disappoint.
Guests enjoyed dinner and exclusive Q&A with London Brown, who walked into the venue like he knew the city had been waiting for him—and judging by the buzz in the room, it had. Hosted by none other than Troy Amos Ross—yes, the Canadian Olympic boxer and WBO Cruiserweight Champion—the night was less a sit-down conversation and more like a masterclass in storytelling, sprinkled with jokes, punchlines, and that rare ability to keep it real while making you laugh.
Let’s set the tone: Oria on King was bathed in warm lights, filled with the aroma of fine food and a room buzzing
with curiosity. Attendees came in ready to enjoy an evening of comedy, and though the structure pivoted from a full stand-up set to a fireside-style chat, nobody left disappointed. London, with his signature LA smoothness and infectious grin, brought the jokes anyway.
Don’t let the laughter fool you; this night had depth. He shared stories from his South-Central LA upbringing, his time touring as Chris Tucker’s opener, and how he channels all of that lived experience into Marvin’s complicated, lovable mess of a character on Raising Kanan.
For fans of the show, if you were there, a few spicy hints were dropped about Season 4—how Marvin’s path to redemption is far from linear, and how audiences will get to see the raw layers of a man caught between: survival, loyalty, and trying to finally do better.
Troy Amos Ross, ever the profes-
The Federal Election is all about the vote for
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
TC COLUMNIST
ty International Canada, Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability, the David Suzuki Foundation, National Rights to Housing Network, and Project Ploughshares are facing off with the future possibility that Trumpian politics can and will affect Canada.
American conservatism is a deregulating, socially aggressive religiously centered movement with insular purpose and fervent drive to accomplish its goals of social, economic, ethnic and religious dominance. Having friends in the Canadian conservative sense allows this movement to seep into the Canadian societal fabric through the media, educational and local platforms.
Vote for Rights declares Canadians should be aware and concerned for the following issues:
Indigenous rights and self determination
sional with the comedic timing of a seasoned host, brought his A-game to the Q&A. The chemistry between the two was electric—think more barbershop banter than press junket. Brown’s answers brought tears of laughter.
Big shoutout to Karine Delage and the Karyzma Agency team for putting together this unforgettable night. The event was a celebration of culture, community, and comedy—exactly the kind of vibe Toronto thrives on. Whether you are a die-hard Power fan, or someone who just loves a solid laugh with a side of insight, Oria on King was the place to be. London Brown reminded us all that even when the drama is heavy on screen, there’s always room for joy in real life. If laughter is medicine, then Toronto got a full prescription that night. Here’s to more nights where the city shines with this kind of magic.
rights
• Use by Provincial governments of the non withstanding clause regarding gender rights
• Racial and housing rights
• Migrant and immigrant rights
• Poverty and inequality in Canada
• Climate change, human/rights and justice
• Canada’s role in international arms trade
A time will come when the Indigenous will determine their own fate, how their lands should be used and by whom. Alberta’s Legislature stands ready to enforce its energy rights and those of the corporate oil patch, whom they serve. Native lands can and are being harvested of their mineral and petroleum wealth without real Indigenous input allowed. There are public conversations, but these often lead to positive corporate rights and nowhere for our Indigenous population.
A definite advantage for Canadian human rights activists would be the definitive definition and establishment of above-mentioned rights, defined into law, and not left to some lawyers, or politician’s interpretations. We see how American citizens’ rights are eroded by politically motivated opportunists who have long term residents deported, many people’s rights denied, and their property seized, and the educational system revisionist models established. Their message is clearly stated. Human rights belong to all humans no matter their legal status, gender, color or political creed. Canada listens up. Political candidates need to recognize just how important our federal election truly is, for its outcome could be a measure of what: political, financial and social direction we will be led to.
Concerns raised about the possibility of Federal Government eliminating charitable status for religious groups
The charitable status of religious groups has been accepted by Canadians for many years. There has not been much thought given to the possibility of this special privilege being taken away until the current federal Liberal government. There have been several Christian denominations which have expressed concerns regarding two recommendations that arose from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, “Report 21: Pre-Budget Consultation in Advance of the 2025 Budget,” which was released in December 2024. Many view these recommendations as troubling. The two recommendations were listed as Recommendations 429 and 430. These recommendations state:
• No longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations
• Amend the income tax to provide a definition of a charity, which removes the privileged status of advancement of religion as a charitable purpose
In an article by Lee Harding on March 28th, 2025, for The Niagara Independent titled, “Canada’s sleeper election issue: the loss of charitable status for religious organizations. It reveals that many religious charities were shocked by the recommendations. There were no consultations with any of the over 34,000 religious charities that make up the 85,600 charities in Canada, or reasons given to them. The British Columbia Humanist Association (BCHA) played an integral role in the promotion of both recommendations. It alleged that charitable status for religious worship was discriminatory, so $1.6 billion to $2.6 billion of annual tax breaks for religious institutions and their donations should stay in government coffers.
The House of Commons Standing Committee consists of these members:
• 6 Liberal MPS
• 4 Conservatives
• 1 Bloc Quebecois
• 7 NDP
The Conservative Party of Canada opposed the two recommendations and launched a petition titled, “Protecting the Charitable Status of Religious Organizations.” The petition states, “We the undersigned call on the Canadian government to reject the absurd mean-spirited attack on religious organizations.”
Charles McVety, President of Canada Christian College (CCC) posted a critical election question on his Facebook page. The question was, “Will your Member of Parliament support the finance committee published recommendations 430 (remove the privileged status of advancement of religion as a charitable purpose) that may result in: mosques, synagogues, temples and churches losing their charitable status?”
There have been several re -
sponses from various religious media outlets. Christianity Today posted an article, “Canadian Government Considers Changing Churches,” on January 21st, 2025.The article mentioned that Canadian churches were surprised by this formal recommendation from the Finance Committee. Also, the Catholic Register mentioned in an article on March 5th, 2025, titled “Church Charities future depends on next election.” In addition, the Vatican News wrote an article on March 15th, 2025, titled, “Churches in Canada concerned by proposed changes to their charitable status.”
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) have highlighted their concerns. As early as February 10th, 2025, they wrote about “Churches and Charitable Status.” The article mentions that, “If adopted this would mean that religious organizations, including many churches and ministry organizations could lose charitable status.” The EFC has called on Canadians to “Ask your MP to support charitable status.”
GINO MCKOY
The rise of Gino McKoy; A renaissance artist rewriting the rules of music and film
Gino McKoy is a multi-talented artist who has excelled as a: director, screenwriter, singer and songwriter. He moved to Halifax, Canada at three with his multi-dimensional parents, backgrounds in music, business and finance. McKoy grew up in Brampton and Mississauga, attended Heart Lake Secondary school and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, earned a double major Honours Degree in World Religion and Political Science, and minor Economics. During his academic life at the number one university in Canada, top 20 globally, McKoy was instrumental in many student-led campus groups and served in leadership capacities as presidents.
McKoy is a lyrical tenor classically trained. In 2005 McKoy sang “Steelpan Music,” which was placed 3rd in a youth Classical Steelpan Competition in England. In 2006, his supporters’ song “Soca Warriors Anthem” was rated a favourite by the New York Times at the World Cup Soccer in Germany. In 2007 his song “ West Indies Forever” received international recognition at the World Cup of Cricket in Jamaica. McKoy and his parents, former banking executives, left the financial sector to develop music and film under their family-owned company Goldove.
McKoy started developing his portfolio of commercial mix genre songs with Nick Blagona at Metalworks Studio. Later on, he worked with legendary producers David Kershenbaum and Greg Phillingaines along with famous music engineers: Mick Guzauski, Bob Clearmountain, Bob Ludwig and Bernie Grudmann. He also collaborated with Charles
Pierre (London Beat) who reproduced “ Everything to me,” and “ Sensy Girl “ for the Euro Market. The portfolio of original songs written by McKoy and his father Hudson, and his mother (Executive Producer Lynda), are in the process of release worldwide.
McKoy faced many challenges in Hollywood as a: singer, songwriter, screenwriter and director. ”It has not been an easy journey, I decided to write screenplays to get my music heard “ His first script in 2011 “Little Mizz Innocent” was about the ‘Bitcoin, Deep Web and the first Female Bratva,’ A UN interpreter is caught between the FBI and a criminal dynasty “ McKoy consulted with the FBI on the script, a number of well-known actors came on board: the late Christopher Plummer, Sir Ben Kingsley and Olga Kurylenko. LMI got delayed for many reasons after years of development, it’s now back into pre-production.
McKoy never gave up, he wrote a smaller feature called “Lumina “- A sci-fi, comedy, horror movie in 2016. Around that time, Michael Sloan, the creator of Equalizer 1,2 & 3, approached McKoy and Lynda to produce a feature “ Spidersweb. “ McKoy proposed to rewrite the script. Normally a writer of Michael’s caliber would hesitate, but Michael agreed, and he was very pleased with the page one rewrite. He said, “It’s more scifi and action and it’s one of the best sci-fi Action scripts I have read in the last decade. It’s about a post-apocalyptic future where time travelers are banned and discover an alien race. It’s a larger budget because of the sci-fi, vfx and relentless action, so I decided to shoot Lumina first “ Lumina originally had a wide
release, but due to the pandemic and closure of theaters, it was cancelled. Lumina production began in 2020, providing work for over 100 individuals and companies during the heights of the COVID pandemic when the film industry was in turmoil and at a standstill, and while thousands of filmmakers were out of work. McKoy chose Morocco because of the desert, studio, landscape, experienced crew, cost and government approval after many countries.
Lumina was the first sci-fi entirely shot in the history of Morocco with the largest interior sci-fi sets built in Africa. Despite the difficulties and challenges posed by a service producer, the pandemic, SAG, and the first five actors “wild-cat strike “ McKoy and his parents were able to navigate through the obstacles and losses without using force majeure. The service producer who assisted McKoy and Goldove was Dune Films.
In March 2025, McKoy shared, “At first, I wanted to do a sci-fi comedy, but I also wanted to show what the impact is psychologically following an abduction. The film is tongue in cheek at times, but it deals with serious topics and unexplained phenomena. At the core, this is a story of reality, love, and survival and because it was a mixture of different genres, it took some convincing to explain what my vision was for the film.”
McKoy was interviewed by Marc Berman in Forbes Magazine (From Making Music To Filmmaking: ‘Lumina’ Director Gino McKoy Looks Ahead), and in it, he shares a synopsis of the film. “Alex’s girlfriend Tatiana disappears suddenly in a flash of a blinding light. Completely trau-
matized by the situation, Alex, along with his friends and a conspiracy theorist, embarks on a journey through a desert, during which they encounter unexpected challenges that compel them to fight for their lives and discover the truth that will change their lives “ The film which has become “A modern day sci-fi cult classic,” and incorporates many aspects of: psychological thrillers, science fiction, comedy and horror. The exceptional cinematic experience added to the dynamic soundtrack.
McKoy has great plans for the future with Goldove. “My projects are a sci-fi flick about a scientist that creates the first anti-gravity spacecraft, a biopic about former football executive Jack Warner, and a sports film showcasing Howard University in the early 1970s, the first African American college to win a soccer championship. I’m directing and writing these scripts and more. Basically, I don’t want to pigeonhole, or typecast myself into one type of genre, so I continue to seek a diversified array of projects. I will always pursue music. There’s much to accomplish!”
McKoy and Lynda are currently launching a fashion line and merchandising under “Lydgio Fashions.”
Written by Paul Junor
Photo Credit:
Gino McKoy Facebook
Photo Credit: Sanj P Photography
Toronto Caribbean News
Alimi A. Banjoko
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Ensuring that injured, ill and disabled workers are protected in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. It requires education, awareness and commitment from workers, unions, employers and the community at large.
Level 1: Rights & Obligations » September 3-17
Level 2: Benefits & Services » October 9-23
Levels 1 & 2: Fundamentals » June 2-6
Psychological Health & Safety and Return to Work » September 28 – October 3
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» May 21 » June 26 » December 3
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Across sectors, whether a newcomer to Ontario’s workforce or long-time worker, everyone deserves a safe working environment, and everyone deserves to know their rights and obligations in the workplace.
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Who Is responsible for illegal fentanyl use?
This column is written with deep regret about what’s happening to Canada and the U.S. These two nations have been great friends for many years. Both of us, being Canadians, love the United States for many reasons. The elder of us was the only Canadian in the class of 1950 at the Harvard Medical School. That final year, afflicted by polio, the family of an American classmate extended weeks of care in their home during recuperation from paralysis. The younger of us also received an education in the U.S., at Wellesley and Harvard, worked in Washington for a decade, and
has a strong network of American friends.
The ideals of the United States helped shape who we are. How could we not love and respect this country? One man has caused a massive fissure between old friends. The accusation that Canada is responsible for illegal drugs crossing the border stands in contradiction with one of those ideals, the due process of law.
Canada is accused of having a lax and porous border. Canada allows, President Trump argues, the easy entry of fentanyl into the U.S. killing thousands of people. The U.S. - Canada border is expansive, and it’s hard to catch all those who smuggle drugs across it. So is it challenging at the U.S. - Mexico border, where far greater quantities of fentanyl enter the U.S.
Trump is right that Canada should do more to decrease the amounts of illegal drugs crossing the border, but he should acknowledge that this must be accomplished in concert with the U.S., Mexico, and others. A focus on border issues misses the mark in any event.
Where is the better lever to address fentanyl deaths? It’s the legal system. Laws need to be respected, and there needs to be sharper punishment for drug pushers, plain and simple. Canada and the U.S. must admit that part of the drug crisis rests with their own citizens. Treating drug users as victims is like accepting cancerous growth as a minor inconvenience. Sooner, or later, the cancer grows, leading to widespread illness. This is what’s affecting the health of both Canada and the U.S.
Then there’s the cost. Taxpayers in Canada have been spending millions of dollars on methadone treatment in clinics that were supposed to ease the withdrawal symptoms of illegal drugs. Large numbers of Canadians have been hooked on bad drugs, and tens of thousands of addicts have been treated – over 40,000 in Ontario alone!
A suggestion was sent to readers years ago. Why not send all these addicts to northern Ontario during the cold winter months where they could learn to chop
wood. This experience would teach them a lesson. Tons of angry emails from Canadians and Americans were received firmly agreeing with the proposal.
Politicians and governments have been too soft in dealing with the drug crisis. In the past, there were no methadone clinics. There were no tent encampments where addicts would in plain daylight be using and selling drugs. To the contrary, there were societal expectations of adherence to a moral code of law and order, and everyone regardless of: colour, creed, or socioeconomic status abided or faced consequences.
Now, times have changed. While we need to address inequities, bad luck, or systemic discrimination, we have enabled too much finger pointing about all the things that can be labeled as someone else’s fault. Deaths from drug misuse will continue, because humans are foolish. In the absence of tough laws and enforcement, people will purchase fentanyl and other illegal drugs, and we all pay the price.
If you’re ever lucky enough to land in Barbados and ask someone what dish you absolutely need to try before you leave, chances are you’ll hear the same answer every time: flying fish and cou-cou. It’s more than food—it’s tradition, identity, and pride wrapped into one plate. This dish is such a cornerstone of Bajan culture that it’s been officially designated as the national dish. But it’s not just about title—it’s about flavour, history, and a sense of home you can taste.
So let’s get into what makes flying fish and cou-cou so special. From its historical roots to its unique preparation, and of course, the full recipe so you can try this legendary dish yourself.
The Origins:
A Story Rooted in Sea and Soil Barbados is a place where the land meets the sea in the most magical way. Its people have always depended heavily on both for survival and inspiration. Flying fish—so named for their ability to glide just above the surface of the ocean—have long been abundant in Barbadian waters. In fact, Barbados was once known as “the land of the flying fish,” and these sleek little swimmers became a staple not just for nutrition, but for culture.
Cou-cou, on the other hand, finds its roots in West Africa, brought over during the transatlantic slave trade. African slaves, forced to make do with what they had, used ground cornmeal and local vegetables to create hearty, filling meals. Okra, introduced by Africans as well, became a key part of this dish, both for its flavour and its thickening properties. Cou-cou is essentially the Bajan cousin of polenta or fufu, and over time, it evolved into the perfect complement to the island’s signature fish.
The combination of the two—flying fish and cou-cou—is a direct reflection of Barbadian history: a mix of resilience, adaptation, and deep respect for land and sea.
A Symbol of National Pride
There’s a reason this dish isn’t just “popular” but officially recognized. Flying fish and cou-cou represents who Bajans are. It tells the story of their ancestors, their way of life, and their spirit of community. Traditionally, this meal was served on Fridays or weekends when families would gather and share a pot. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t rush. You cook it slowly. You stir the coucou by hand. You clean and season the fish with care. Every step feels intentional—and that’s the point.
Flying Fish and Cou-Cou: The Heartbeat of Barbados on a Plate
Even today, while global fast food chains exist and tourism has brought plenty of fusion to the island’s food scene, locals still hold tight to this classic. It’s often served during national celebrations, independence day, and in households that want to hold onto something that feels real in an ever-changing world.
Let’s Talk Flying Fish
Flying fish are fascinating little creatures. They don’t just swim—they fly (well, glide) out of the water for up to 200 metres, which has made them a symbol of freedom and grace in Caribbean folklore. In Barbados, they’re caught fresh, cleaned, filleted, and usually seasoned with a generous amount of green seasoning—a bold Bajan blend of herbs, garlic, onions, thyme, marjoram, and hot peppers.
You’ll often see the fish either:
• Lightly seasoned and pan-fried with a crispy golden crust, or
• Steamed in a bright, savoury tomatobased sauce with onions, bell peppers, thyme, and scotch bonnet for a kick.
The steamed version is more traditional when served with cou-cou because the sauce soaks into the cornmeal like magic. It’s rich but not heavy, spicy but balanced, and full of that coastal Caribbean vibe.
What Exactly Is Cou-Cou?
Cou-cou is often compared to polenta, but it’s smoother, silkier, and carries a subtle earthiness thanks to the okra. It’s made by slowly cooking cornmeal in a thick okrainfused broth, stirring continuously with a flat wooden stick called a “cou-cou stick” (yes, it has its own utensil). The texture you’re aiming for is soft but not mushy— something between mashed potatoes and grits.
Making cou-cou isn’t something you rush. It takes love and patience. You’ve got to stir constantly so it doesn’t clump or burn, and the payoff is worth every bead of sweat.
The Recipe: Make It the Bajan Way
This is a traditional Bajan flying fish and cou-cou recipe that’s been passed down and modernized just enough to be practical for any home cook.
Ingredients
For the Flying Fish:
• 4 flying fish fillets (or substitute with sole or snapper if unavailable)
• 1 lime (for washing the fish)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Bajan green seasoning (or a mix of thyme, parsley, scallions, garlic, onion, and hot pepper)
• 1 tbsp oil
For the Stew (optional but highly recommended):
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• ½ bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup water or fish stock
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 small scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Cou-Cou:
• 1 cup cornmeal (fine yellow)
• 6–8 okra pods, sliced thin
• 3 cups water (plus extra as needed)
• 1 tsp butter
• Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Fish: Wash the fish with lime juice and rinse. Pat dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and green seasoning. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
2. Make the Stew: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomato, and sauté until softened. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and sugar. Add water or stock and bring to a simmer. Add fish fillets gently, spoon sauce over them, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until tender. Don’t overcook or the fish will break apart.
3. Cook the Cou-Cou: Boil okra in 3 cups of water for about 10 minutes until soft. Strain and reserve the liquid. Gradually stir cornmeal into the hot okra water over low heat. Use a wooden spoon or cou-cou stick to mix vigorously and constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides, stir in a knob of butter and season with salt. The final consistency should be smooth and creamy.
4. Serve: Spoon cou-cou onto a plate, forming a neat mound or slice. Top with steaming fish and spoonfuls of
the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Best Experience
• Use fresh herbs. Bajan seasoning is the real flavour bomb here, and nothing beats homemade.
• Don’t skimp on stirring the cou-cou. It’s the backbone of the dish and takes real arm power to get it right.
• Pair it with a cold Banks beer or fresh coconut water. That’s how the locals do it.
Modern Variations (If You Must)
Some modern kitchens tweak this dish a bit. You might see it served with fried plantains, pickled cucumber on the side, or even baked versions of the flying fish. But traditionalists will always say: stick to the roots.
Cou-cou has also been adapted with substitutes like polenta or cornmeal mash when okra isn’t available, but purists will tell you it’s not quite the same without that slippery texture and subtle bite from the okra.
Why It Still Matters Today
In a world that moves fast and flirts with fusion at every turn, dishes like flying fish and cou-cou remind us where we come from. They’re humble. They’re not about fancy ingredients or pretentious plating. They’re about time, connection, and keeping culture alive one bite at a time.
For many Bajans, this dish represents home—even if they’re far from it. It’s what they ask their mothers or grandmothers to cook when they come back to the island. It’s what restaurants proudly offer tourists who want to “taste the real Barbados.” And it’s what locals still sit down to on a Sunday afternoon, passing plates, stories, and laughter around the table.
Taste the Island, One Bite at a Time
Flying fish and cou-cou isn’t just a meal. It’s the soul of a people served hot on a plate. It speaks of fishermen who braved early morning waves, grandmothers who stirred the pot until their arms ached, and an island that holds fast to its roots while the world rushes on.
So whether you’re planning a trip to Barbados or just want to bring the Caribbean to your kitchen, try this dish the way it was meant to be made. No shortcuts. No substitutions. Just flavour, tradition, and heart.
If you really take a look at our world; What is happening outside our microcosm
STEVEN KASZAB
steven@carib101.com
INSIGHT TO SOCIETY
bours in Kiev and are warning the EU. Their war of attrition is quickly bankrupting the nation. An end to the conflict is needed. The ongoing process of Russification of the lost republics of the former Soviet Union continues.
The Philippines fear their neighbour China, whose ambitions continue to grow daily. China has become a bankrupt Paper Tiger, with an economy flatlining and a huge military base in need of a good fight. The military cannot continue to simply suppress their populations’ discontent but look to the profitable lands that surround them. The Chinese security apparatus is sucking revenue by the day, draining Beijing of needed capital to bolster its economy, and satisfy its growing middle classes.
Central and Latin America now have more dictatorships ruling in the continent than democracies. According to sources within the United Nations there is a strong Hamas presence in this region too, involved in: money laundering, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and kidnap -
ping. Dictatorships such as those found in: Nicaragua, El Salvador and Cuba are working with these groups just as they did with Columbia’s Escobar. After all, money made in any way is still that, money and profits. America’s presence in this region continues to receive diplomatic benefits, but the war on drugs, terrorism and criminality is being lost. Police officers continue to be assassinated, wealthy persons are still targets for kidnappers, and it is difficult to tell the difference between criminals, drug peddlers and dictators’ thugs.
The Caribbean’s economy is presently holding steady, but the North American middle class may find better ways to spend their excess cash than travel there. Economies in Canada may shrink drastically (creating panic) while America’s may grow substantially due to the effects of tariffs upon America’s former allies.
New alliances are being developed. Will Canada join the EU? Canada has more in common with the EU than present day America. American isolationism has turfed any chance of establishing a new
You cannot vote your way out of this mess
free trade deal between the three amigos. At the same time Mexico is in negotiations with several South American economic and political alliances.
The Caribbean’s need to unify is growing annually. Climate change, the rising waters of the world oceans and seas, Chaos in several island nations, a shift towards the right-wing nationalistic point of view all point to either over all continued chaos, or a sound reason to: unite, reform and grow their economic purpose.
The cost of gas will increase as shipments to North America and Europe are stifled by terrorism along the Canal and Horn of Africa. There is a possibility that normal everyday folk will respond in a bad way to all the chaos within their lives, the threats to their livelihood and families. Europe has experienced mass protests, acts of violence towards the government and also opposing groups. Will this confusion and domestic pressures reach America’s?
This news sets itself in our minds, rolling around oppressing our natural optimism in life.
BY HERBERT HILDEBRANDT POLITICAL PARLEY
Until we understand that faith is upstream from culture, which is upstream from politics, we will have a government that reflects our lowest common denominator.
There is a problem in the way we think about political change today. Somewhere along the line, we started believing that politics is the primary lever for fixing a broken world. That if we could just vote in the right people, pass the right laws, and repeal the wrong ones, then society would somehow snap back into place. That is not how real change works. Politics does not lead to culture. It follows it. Culture is shaped by something deeper still: faith in God, or lack thereof. Always has been, always will be.
We pour time, energy, and hope into politicians, political parties, and court rulings, thinking they will somehow reverse the moral freefall of our nation. But politics is not the source. It is the reflection. It is the mirror that reveals who we are as a people.
Politicians are not moral giants. They are crowd-readers. They watch the
BY GEORGE SHEPPARD
polls, they study the trends, they keep one finger in the wind and the other on their re-election strategy. Rarely do they lead unwaveringly with principle. They lead with permission. They do what they think they can get away with and are expected to do to remain decently popular. That is dictated by the people. If the public has no appetite for truth, do not expect politicians to dish it out.
If politics is downstream from culture, and culture is downstream from faith, then the only way to truly change the direction of a society is to go to the source. That means the Church. That means the pulpit. That means you and me.
The state of our culture is a direct result of the weakness in our faith communities. It is time to stop pretending otherwise. Weak Christian leaders have filled pulpits across the country, more concerned with being liked than being right. More worried about offending politicians than offending God and they have traded orthodoxy for optics. Churches have been built that resemble social clubs and selfhelp seminars instead of sanctuaries where truth is preached without apology and sin is named without hesitation. The people
sitting under that kind of leadership have become just as: weak, confused, compromised, and incapable of withstanding the cultural pressure bearing down on them.
What happens when you have a generation of weak Christians? You raise up a generation of weak business leaders, weak educators, weak influencers, and weak political leaders. People who lack conviction, who are terrified of confrontation, who go along to get along. The decay we see in our political systems did not start with ballots. It started with Bibles collecting dust and pulpits going soft.
Look around. The world is lost, but that is no surprise. The bigger tragedy is that churchianity has become silent in the face of that loss. We have abdicated our responsibility to be the conscience of the culture. We have allowed truth to be replaced by tolerance. Confusion grows in the world while clarity fades in the Church. Still, we keep asking why things are not changing.
We cannot expect the culture to uphold standards that the Church no longer teaches. We cannot expect the world to hunger for righteousness when we have been busy watering it down to make it more palatable. We absolutely cannot ex-
pect politicians to fight for values that we have failed to model.
We have a political crisis because we have a faith crisis, not the other way around.
If the Church would rise to its calling and stop trying to blend in, the culture would take notice. The culture would begin to shift, and when the culture demands something better, politics will fall in line. That is the natural order. That is the chain of influence. Faith shapes the people. The people shape the culture, and the culture shapes what politicians can and cannot get away with. That starts with a church that has a backbone and with leaders who are more afraid of compromising the truth than they are of losing their platform. We need to stop outsourcing the fight for righteousness to Washington, or Ottawa or Parliament Hill. The battle was never theirs to win. It is ours and it always has been. The revival we need is not going to come from a political movement. It will come when the Church starts looking like the Church again. When we put truth over trend. When we choose holiness over popularity.
Reclaiming yourself takes time, but it’s worth it
Warning: This article contains reference to childhood sexual abuse.
“Be bold, be brave enough to be your true self.” Queen Latifah
In my previous article, “Time heals all wounds. Or does it?,” I shared how two significant events changed my life. Enduring prolonged sexual abuse during my formative years, then losing my only brother to cancer seven years later, left me: bewildered, shaken, unable to recognize myself. Yet, there I was in all my shining glory. For most of my adult life I have sought to reclaim myself, to not be defined by tragedy, trauma, self-doubt, or insecurity. In all facets of my life, I worked hard to prove myself as a: partner, father, teacher, coach and friend. There was one aspect I consistently got wrong: the only
person I needed to prove myself to was me.
I spent thirty plus years missing me, thinking I had to do more, be more just to look in the mirror. Whatever I did, I wore a sense of frustration, seemingly agitated with an undercurrent of anger. For a long time, the ones I love felt they had to walk on eggshells around me. I was unaware of my tone; of the level of heightened anxiety I created in others by not being my true self.
On one occasion, while I was cursing the ills of humankind, I was reminded, “You are mad at a world that is not one bit mad at you.” This comment landed with a punch. For one of the first times, I was left speechless. For as long as I could remember I had been fighting misguided opinions, injustices of life I had faced yet I chose to project that hurt on everyone else. I am not proud of that version of myself. I missed out on many moments
that could have brought joy by lamenting events I kept beneath the surface, fearful that my vulnerabilities would show through the cracks. In trying to be strong, I had built such a wall around myself that any healing love could not get in. I had not been strong, I had been fighting a losing battle to reclaim myself, my essence, by not acknowledging and confronting matters that I felt were too painful.
My brother and I were very different, but we were very close. His illness was not the fault of anyone. He had great medical staff, difficult surgeries, unbearable treatment, until it was done. I am not bitter at losing him. I was sad for a long time, and a part of me will always feel sad. Through the years of struggle, raising two boys that will never know that cool uncle, there is one simple truth, I just miss my brother.
The sexual abuse I faced was not my fault. It took me a long time to say that.
It was decades after the abuse stopped before I was able to tell others. When I finally did, the comment “Why didn’t you leave? You knew it was wrong,” is what was said. That hurt. It was time I spoke my truth and brought the perpetrator to task. Yes, to reclaim myself! The journey of the years since that revelation has had many difficulties.
I still have to work on myself every day. People close to me mean everything. My pets, two cats-one with three legs-and a blind dog who snores like an old man, bring tremendous joy. I have found my voice in fighting for those formerly incarcerated and stigmatized, and advocating for the homeless.
My past no longer defines me, but they are an important part of my tenacity and determination. My reclamation of myself will be ongoing and that is okay. Today, I like me.
You do not need permission to be great; Just be great
simone@carib101.com HUMAN SPECIALIST
There’s a mindset holding too many of us back. It’s not just wrong—it’s the single biggest limitation keeping you from creating the life, business, and impact you’re fully capable of.
It’s this: believing you need permission. Permission to begin. Permission to build. Permission to reshape the world around you.
Meanwhile you’re waiting. Nothing changes. Things keep moving—just not in the direction that you really want.
Here’s the truth most people never learn: most of what we consider “impossible” is just difficult. It’s not unattainable. It’s just that you are not stubborn enough— committed enough—to solve it yet.
We accept limitations that were never real to begin with
We’re living in a world built on: outdated assumptions, artificial constraints, and quiet agreements never meant to serve us. These are not laws of physics. These are constructs—rules made by you, for systems that no longer serve you.
Here’s the powerful thing: the world is far more malleable than it appears. Not because of magic. Not because
of manifesting, but because the walls you built in your head. Many of them are smoke and mirrors. Push hard enough—challenge deeply enough—and they dissolve more easily than you ever imagined.
Let me ask you something. Whether you’ve admitted it out loud, or not… there’s something you want to build. Create. Do. Pursue. If you’re being honest, you’ve been holding back. Waiting for a green light. For someone to say, “Yes, now’s the time.”
Most people wait their entire lives for that signal, and it never comes. The truth is the most dangerous form of selfdeception is thinking you need someone else’s approval to pursue your vision. You don’t. You never did. The systems that benefit from your hesitation aren’t going to give you the go-ahead.
The people who make the biggest changes in the world are the ones who decide: “I’m going to do this anyway.”
Here’s something counterintuitive—and maybe uncomfortable
Resistance isn’t always a sign you’re on the wrong path. Sometimes, it’s the opposite. You see, systems don’t push back against ideas that don’t matter. They resist the ones that threaten the status quo. So, if you’re feeling friction, if you’re bumping up against closed doors, or skeptical faces— you might be right where you need to be.
Let’s talk about what it actually takes to reshape your world
• You need to know what you want. I’m not talking about vague goals—I mean specific outcomes. The values
behind them. Your non-negotiables.
• This path filters out the casually interested. You have to move with an intensity that makes people uncomfortable. That kind of energy makes waves. It draws attention—and often, it draws support.
• The people who make an impact don’t wait for perfect conditions. They move where their skills, timing, and the world’s unmet needs collide.
• When you move with clarity and conviction, you attract allies. Opportunities find you. Doors open that were invisible before.
Let me be real with you. You have choices. You can see barriers as fixed, or flexible. You can accept conditions, or chal-
lenge them. You can follow someone else’s blueprint, or you can create your own. Your perception of what’s changeable determines what you will ever try to change. So, I want you to do something, right now. Identify one constraint—just one—that you’ve been accepting without question. Something that felt immovable. Something you’ve said “That’s just the way it is” about. I want you to stare it in the face and ask, “What if that isn’t true?” If you can break one invisible rule, you can break many. The world doesn’t need more people waiting for permission. It needs more people like you—stubborn enough, bold enough, clear enough—to start reshaping it.
The Stoic Art of Intentional Living: The antidote to existential drift
DANIEL COLE daniel@carib101.com
Modern life is a paradox. We enjoy unprecedented comfort, connectivity, and convenience, yet many feel a gnawing sense of emptiness—a quiet desperation masked by busyness. This phenomenon, which philosophers’ term existential drift, describes the passive surrender to external demands, leaving individuals feeling like spectators rather
The ancient Stoics—thinkers like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius—understood this malaise long before the digital age. Their solution was intentional living: a disciplined philosophy of aligning actions
In an era of endless distractions, the Stoic art of intentionality is not just a self-
Just like all the other Disney amusement parks, Walt Disney World Resort is supposed to be “The happiest place on earth.” The vision of Walt Disney World along with the rest of the amusement parks under the Disney name is supposed to provide a sense of joy, magic,
help trend—it is a necessary rebellion against meaninglessness.
Stoics posited that while life is undeniably fraught with challenges—many of which are outside our direct control—we can cultivate an inner realm of freedom and rationality that remains impervious to external chaos. This inner sanctum is built on the ability to distinguish between what is within our power, and what is not, a concept famously encapsulated in Epictetus’ reminder to “Give me that which is within my power and take away that which is not.”
Existential drift refers to the gradual dissipation of direction and meaning in one’s life—a subtle, yet pervasive state of being that can emerge when one allows: external circumstances, fleeting trends, or unexamined habits to dictate one’s actions.
Cultivating intentionality through stoic practices
Deliberate reflection
At the heart of Stoic practice lies the commitment to introspection. The morning meditation—a practice heralded by Marcus Aurelius in his “Meditations”—sets a purposeful tone for the day by reminding individuals of their
core values and intentions. By engaging in daily reflection, one cultivates an awareness of the habitual patterns that may steer one away from a fulfilling life. This exercise is not merely about self-criticism, but rather about aligning daily actions with overarching life goals. Through such reflection, individuals identify which aspects of their behavior are congruent with their values, and which constitute distractions that contribute to existential drift.
The discipline of mindful choice
Stoicism champions the empowerment of making thoughtful choices that reflect one’s fundamental beliefs. This involves recognizing the temporal nature of external circumstances while investing in the eternal quality of personal virtue. The deliberate act of choosing—be it in how one responds to conflict, pursues professional endeavors, or nurtures personal relationships—is rooted in a clear understanding of what matters most.
This is a form of mindful discipline where everyday decisions are rendered meaningful through the lens of enduring principles. The practice ensures that life is not simply a series of reactive moments, but a coherent narrative molded by values and pur-
pose.
Accepting the limits of control
One of the most liberating tenets of Stoicism is the distinction between what can be controlled and what must be accepted. In a world where uncertainty is the only certainty, many struggle with the desire to micromanage outcomes, leading to chronic anxiety and a weakened sense of agency.
Stoics invite us to embrace the art of letting go—the art of accepting those elements that lie beyond our control—and in doing so, redirect our energy towards cultivating resilience and virtue. The transformation that follows is profound: rather than being defined by external events or outcomes, individuals are empowered by their capacity to respond with integrity and wisdom.
The Stoic art of intentional living is a deliberate, structured path designed to reclaim personal agency in a world that is prone to induce existential drift. By emphasizing the cultivation of inner virtue, reflective practices, and the conscious exercise of choice, Stoicism provides a durable antidote to the scattered rhythms of modern life.
BY GRANT BROWNING DRIVEN TO SUCCEED
Back in 2022, I launched another business— this time a construction company, and in a completely different industry and region of Ontario where I didn’t know a single soul. No connections, no reputation, no customer base. I was starting completely from scratch. But I had one major advantage: I already knew what it takes to build a brand.
For years, I’ve told clients at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper that advertising isn’t something you do once or twice when things are slow—it’s something you commit to like rent or payroll. The minute you stop showing up, people stop remembering you.
But of course, we’ve all heard it before: “I tried advertising. Didn’t get any calls.” Yeah—because you tried it. Once. Maybe twice. Advertising isn’t a scratch ticket. It’s a long game. It’s repetition. It’s strategy. And more than anything, it’s being everywhere your potential customers look.
The ROI Trap Everyone Falls Into
We live in a time where every online “expert” is trying to sell you the perfect system that guarantees leads, conversions, and “insane ROI”—and they make you feel like if you don’t track every dollar down to the decimal, you’re wasting your money. That kind of thinking actually does more harm than good, especially for small business owners.
Don’t get me wrong—tracking is good. But too many of these gurus are just spinning circles around basic ideas to sell you something you don’t need. My favourite is
and wonder to all visitors. While people can wear what they’d like, it’s important to remember Disney-themed parks have a family friendly environment with a dress code. This means some attire is not appropriate to wear at these parks.
Folks have taken to TikTok to express their concerns over the clothing choices of some visitors at Disney World. There were far too many people wearing bubble and tennis skirts that surely did not leave room for the imagination.
A woman, who admitted to wearing a revealing skirt at the theme park, came across a specific video posted by another woman out of a genuine concern for her outfit choice. She of course responded. Although the woman didn’t intend her response video to be confrontational, she missed the point of
the ones with 200 followers trying to teach you how to go viral. No thanks.
Advertising is about attention and brand building. If people don’t know you, they can’t buy from you. It’s that simple.
Omnipresence Is the Game
When I started my new company, I knew I couldn’t rely on any one tactic or platform. This wasn’t the time to “test” a single idea—it was time to go all in. I had to do what I knew works—and that meant getting my name out there using every tool available.
Here’s what I did:
• Newspaper Ads – Yes, old-school print still works. It builds trust—especially in smaller communities. And look, I own a newspaper, so I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t use what I know still works. Print has longevity and reach when used right.
• Billboard Signs – I had large signs put up along busy roads. These weren’t just for show—people saw them every single day. Repetition matters.
• Social Media Campaigns – I ran local targeted ads, posted job videos, shared customer feedback, and stayed active in community groups. The reach and engagement were immediate.
the original video. While it is understandable, the lady and her friends just wanted to have a fun time together, their choice of clothing was not appropriate considering the environment they were in. Her mindset also highlights selfishness, because it shows an utter disregard towards the dozens of families who will be there with small children. In fact, Disney theme parks have a dress code all visitors have to abide by, and wearing an item of clothing that shows an excessive portion of skin goes against the dress code.
It’s fine to express yourself through your clothing style, but there is a time and place for everything. While a revealing skirt may be fine during a night out at the club, or at a house party with just adults, we have to draw the line with those types of outfits be -
works. That content became fuel for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok— you name it.
And to go one step further, we hosted a Christmas food drive. Not only did it help the community, but it introduced the business to a whole new group of people who might not have found us otherwise. The turnout was huge, and the goodwill was priceless. We didn’t just show up as a service—we showed up as part of the community.
The Truth: There Is No One Silver Bullet
The big mistake I see business owners make all the time? They bet everything on one platform. One ad. One post. Then when it doesn’t explode, they throw their hands up and say, “See? Advertising doesn’t work.”
Meanwhile, companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Home Depot— literal billion-dollar corporations—are still pushing flyers, radio spots, digital ads, and TV commercials like it’s their job. Because it is.
They’re not hoping to sell you something today. They’re making sure you think of them when you’re ready.
ing worn in an environment where there will be a lot of small children.
Nowadays, there’s been an alarming trend of young children being sexualized and exposed to material that is not age appropriate, and it feels as if things have got to a point where I have lost count of how many videos I have seen of young girls who look no older than five wearing crops tops and skirts that are way too short for a little girl.
As I mentioned earlier, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing clothing that represents who you are and your style. However, when visiting Disney World, or any other place that’s typically geared towards families with small children, express yourself in a way that is not too revealing so that these places can continue to be the “Happiest place on earth.”
engine—aka your business—doesn’t go anywhere.
Visibility creates opportunity. Consistency builds trust. The more places you show up, the more people associate your name with credibility. You don’t need one perfect ad—you need constant reminders everywhere they look.
Real Talk, Real Results
This second business of mine wasn’t just a project—it became a live case study. A chance to prove everything I’ve always told clients. Now, when someone calls the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper saying they tried a couple of ads and got nothing, I tell them what I now know without question: it works if you work it.
But it’s not about doing one thing once—it’s about doing everything consistently.
Because when you stay in front of people long enough, and you show up in their mailbox, on their feed, in the paper, and on the side of the road—you become the one they call when it matters.
Final Thoughts; Dominate!
Don’t just advertise. Dominate attention. Be consistent. Be everywhere. And watch what happens. Advertising:
• Mail Flyers – I designed and mailed professional flyers directly to local homes. Physical mail might feel old-school, but it still gets attention. People put it on the fridge, they hold onto it.
• Video & Photo Content – Every job we took on, I filmed the process—before and after shots, customer reactions, the
That’s the game. Not trying to sell today—but building top-of-mind awareness so that when the need hits, you are the one they remember.
Budget for Attention
If your advertising budget is whatever’s left over after you cover everything else, that’s a problem. Your ad budget should be one of the first line items, not the last. Why? Because attention is fuel. And without it, your
If you’re wondering why your phone isn’t ringing, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself: Am I doing enough? Or am I just hoping people remember me?
Ganja buds in the money tree: Cannabis and finance in Canada
The early days of legalization saw a rush of capital into the Canadian cannabis market. Publicly traded companies experienced soaring valuations, and private ventures attracted significant investment. However, this initial exuberance soon met the realities of a nascent industry grappling with regulatory hurdles, production scaling issues, and evolving consumer preferences. Oversupply became a significant issue, leading to price compression and squeezing profit margins for many producers.
One of the persistent challenges has been access to traditional banking services. While some financial institutions have cautiously entered the space, many remain hesitant due to regulatory uncertainties and perceived risks associated with the cannabis industry, particularly concerning anti-money laundering regulations. This has forced many cannabis businesses to rely on alternative financial solutions, which can be more costly and less efficient. However, institutions like Alterna Savings and BMO have established specialized cannabis banking services, offering some relief to the sector.
Investment in the cannabis sector has also matured. The speculative frenzy of the early years has given way to more discerning investors who are focused on companies with strong fundamentals, clear pathways to profitability, and a demonstrated ability to navigate the regulatory landscape. Mergers and acquisitions have become more strategic, with larger, wellcapitalized firms acquiring distressed assets to achieve economies of scale and strengthen their market position. This consolidation trend is expected to continue as the industry seeks greater efficiency and stability.
The regulatory environment continues to play a pivotal role in shaping can-
nabis finance in Canada. While legalization itself was a monumental shift, ongoing adjustments to regulations concerning excise taxes, product formats, and retail distribution have significant financial implications for businesses. For instance, the ongoing debate around excise tax reform highlights the industry’s struggle to achieve profitability under the current tax structure. Many smaller producers find the tax burden particularly challenging. However, there are indications that governments are listening to industry concerns, with potential policy shifts on the horizon aimed at reducing the excise duty burden on smaller players.
Looking ahead, the financial future of the Canadian cannabis industry hinges on several key factors. Continued regulatory evolution, both at the federal and provincial levels, will be critical in fostering a stable and competitive market. Streamlining licensing processes, addressing interprovincial trade barriers, and refining tax policies are essential steps. Furthermore, the development of export markets presents a significant opportunity for Canadian cannabis companies to diversify their revenue streams and capitalize on international demand, particularly for medical cannabis.
Innovation and product diversification will also be crucial for financial success. Companies that can adapt to changing consumer preferences, develop novel product formats (such as edibles, beverages, and concentrates), and leverage technological advancements in cultivation and processing will be better positioned for long-term growth. The increasing focus on sustainability and environmentally conscious practices may also attract a new wave of investors and consumers.
Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Recent data indicates a growing acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate economic contributor, with a significant portion of Canadians supporting further government efforts to help the sector thrive. Household spending on legal cannabis has increased, and the illicit market share continues to shrink, suggesting a growing trust in the regulated industry.
The financial landscape of the Canadian cannabis industry is dynamic and continues to evolve. While the initial “green rush” has tempered, a more mature and strategic phase is emerging. Navigating the regulatory complexities, achieving profitability through operational efficiencies and product innovation, and capitalizing on both domestic and international opportunities will be key determinants of financial success in this green frontier. The path may not always be smooth, but the potential for a sustainable and economically significant cannabis industry in Canada remains strong.
Election 2025: The housing crisis and the battle for your vote
As nature awakens and bursts into bloom, we find ourselves buried under tax deadlines, rising costs, and the consequences of tariffs. This year, there’s an added shakeup—a snap election. The major parties are in full campaign mode, and elections and housing go hand-in-hand. Times are tough, and we find ourselves here. Mark Carney is now the leader of the Liberal Party and is trying to change course.
When the federal Liberals introduced their budget last spring, they proposed changes to capital gains taxation to ensure that wealthy Canadians and corporations contributed more. The plan aimed to increase the inclusion rate—the taxable portion of capital gains—from 50 percent to two-thirds. However, Carney confirmed he would block these changes, fulfilling a campaign promise. Removing the incentive to invest undermines the foundation of prosperity.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre pledges to abolish the GST on new homes valued up to $1.3 million for all buyers, offering a five percent savings that makes homeownership more attainable. This broad incentive will attract more investors, stimulate housing construction, and create jobs.
“Our nation is more divided than ever before,” said Poilievre. “Housing prices
have doubled. Mortgages have doubled. Rents have doubled, and now they’ve doubled down on the same failed approach.”
Mark Carney takes a more measured approach, proposing to remove the GST only for first-time buyers purchasing homes under $1 million. While his strategy narrows the pool of eligible buyers, it reflects a cautious effort to balance affordability with market stability.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh intends to use suitable Crown properties to build more than 100,000 rent-controlled homes by 2035. He also commits to directing public funds towards new construction projects and speeding up approvals for federally owned land. This ambitious plan could relieve some pressure on the rental market.
Jagmeet Singh suggests that the government offer loans to first-time buyers at a lower interest rate to help them achieve the dream of homeownership. “It’s never been done before, but if we can give loans to large, wealthy developers to buy buildings, to buy homes, why can’t we give everyday families a break?” said Singh.
Pierre Poilievre’s proposal to defer capital gains tax on investment property sales is a bold move that could reshape the real estate market. When Canadians sell an investment property, half of the profit is taxable. However, under this plan, sellers who reinvest their proceeds into a similar property within a set time frame would defer paying capital gains tax, allowing them to maximize their investment potential, grow their portfolios, and increase profitability. The tax would only be due if the property is eventually sold without reinvestment.
Beyond benefiting individual in-
vestors, this policy has the potential to stimulate local investment, enhance economic growth, and prevent Canadian capital from flowing into foreign markets. Mirroring a comparable approach in the U.S., this tax deferral strategy could be a gamechanger for Canadian investors.
Mark Carney proposes that a federal housing corporation, Build Canada Homes (BCH), construct 500,000 affordable homes annually by cutting red tape and reducing taxes. “We’re getting the government back into homebuilding—partnering with workers and industry, cutting taxes for buyers—so more Canadians can own their first homes,” said the Liberal leader.
As a national developer, BCH would: plan, manage, and develop land
while collaborating with private builders to ensure affordability. The plan also promises an economic surge, driving demand for materials, skilled labour, and job creation. With Build Canada Homes, Carney envisions a future where homeownership is within reach for all Canadians.
April begins with All Fools’ Day, perhaps a fitting reminder of what lies ahead. The major parties make grand promises and distribute money we don’t possess. That said, not all proposals lack merit. The Conservatives’ Capital Gains Deferral, and the Liberals’ Build Canada Homes plan both have the potential to stimulate economic growth. You also have a role in shaping Canada’s future—make it count.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
YOUR HOROSCOPE
for the week of April 20 to April 26, 2025
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: ARIES, CANCER, LEO
ARIES: You’ve got fire in your belly—but don’t burn the place down. Use that energy to finish what you started. People are watching. Actions speak louder than rants.
TAURUS: Slow and steady, sure. But this week, pick up the pace. Opportunity won’t wait forever. Trust your gut—but don’t overthink every damn detail.
GEMINI: You’re juggling too much. Again. Say no before you burn out. You don’t need to be everywhere. Focus on what (and who) matters.
CANCER: A blast from the past might resurface. Don’t dismiss it too fast. There could be value in circling back—but don’t get stuck in reverse.
LEO: Bold moves ahead, but check your ego. Confidence is key, arrogance isn’t. Stay humble, stay sharp. A surprise offer could land midweek.
VIRGO: Don’t let perfectionism paralyze you. Get it done—even if it’s not flawless. Someone’s counting on your follow-through. Done is better than perfect.
LIBRA: Your scales are off—it’s time to recalibrate. Something feels off for a reason. Cut the fluff, simplify your schedule, check in with your people.
SCORPIO: Keep it tight. Not everything needs to be shared or posted. Quiet moves win this week. But ask for help—just be selective about it.
SAGITTARIUS: Freedom’s great, but don’t dodge your responsibilities. Handle what you’ve been avoiding. A creative idea hits around Thursday—don’t sleep on it.
CAPRICORN: The grind is real— but don’t let it harden you. Reconnect with people. A casual convo could lead to something solid. Balance is your play.
AQUARIUS: Emotions might feel messy, and that’s okay. Sit with it, don’t rush through. A breakthrough is coming—if you’re honest with yourself first.
PISCES: Your intuition is sharp. Trust it more than the noise. That voice in your head? It’s not drama—it’s direction. A small pivot matters.
CROSSWORDS
HOW TO PLAY :
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO. 129
PUZZLE NO. 839
