BY GLORIA O’KOYE

Scavengers fly in circles

Sky high on top of landfills.

Filled with babies and humans that took

Their stories during transition,

Their voices fade like the tides crashing

Into the shorelines, chipping away rocks

And sands little by little.

When news spread

The people chant.

A hot topic that social media trends

And call for action is at its peak

Making their demands.

However sudden sparks will eventually

Fade as intentions shift away

By ego and instigating seeds,

Planting its roots deep into inexperienced

Minds through trial and error

With not many mentors to teach.

What started as good will be consume

With pride and internal arguments arise,

Like hives overturning their rulers once

The phenomenon runs dry.

Power struggles distract goals,

Distracting as enemies patiently wait

To regain grounds that were lost.

Please,

As movements continue to move on

And momentums slowing down

With numbers rise and fall.

Don’t forget the voices that sparked

The passion that push to answer those

Calls.

Don’t forget the people, communities,

The cries,

For they will never stop.

These inner conflicts amongst groups

Need to stop,

Stop putting good works on pause

Because leadership is in chaos.

Never forget about us.

BY PAUL JUNOR

The 32^nd Jamaica Day Family, Food and Music Festival celebrated on Saturday, August 24^th and Sunday, August 25^th, 2024, did not disappoint the thousands of fans who came out. It was held at the Brampton Sports Park located at 7575 Kennedy Rd, near the intersection of Kennedy Rd and Steeles Ave, just north of Derry Road.

Cornel Davis and Hewitt Loague, festival directors who represent the non-profit Sunrise Talent Program have been busy over the last few months preparing for this annual festival. Since 1991, this festival has been a staple in the Greater Toronto Area and has since evolved from its early location on Eglinton Avenue near Jane Street and Eglinton Avenue.

On Tuesday, August 13^th, 2024, the organizers of Jamaica Day held a press conference at Brampton City Hall where details about the event were released to the public. The event commenced with an introduction by Sharon Campbell, who has been active for many years as a supporter and promoter of the festival. She was followed by Rod Power, City Councilor of Brampton who mentioned the importance of the partnership between Experience Brampton and Jamaica Day. This is even more significant considering that Brampton has a large African-Canadian population, especially of Jamaican background who have been involved in other events such as: Jambana on Monday, August 5^th and the Canada Day celebration held at Chinguacousy Park.

Festival Directors David and Loague mentioned important details about the genesis of the festival. They traced its beginnings as a medium to promote positive aspects of the Jamaican culture to youth who were not aware of these uplifting and enriching features. Loague emphasized that the festival focuses on positive aspects of Jamaican music to counteract the negative aspects that were being promoted in the 1980’s. It has now become an inclusive event that attracts a diverse crowd from a variety of backgrounds.

On Saturday. August 24^th, the featured artist was the iconic and legendary international reggae artist Sanchez, back by popular demand. On Sunday, August 25^th, the Manhattans featuring: Gerald Albright, Mikey Spice and Papa Michigan headlined the day.

There were many aspects of both days that featured inspiring, enriching and motivating things about Jamaica’s culture, history and music. There were cultural displays that featured traditional dances, folk tales and art exhibitions. In addition, there was an art and craft market which showcased many handmade crafts, jewelry and artworks produced by gifted and positive Jamaican artisans. There were many special souvenirs that patrons were able to take home that reflected the ingenuity, authenticity and positivity of all that Jamaican represents. The savory sensual delights and smell of Jamaican cuisine permeated the scene where food trucks served: jerk chicken, patties, ackee and saltfish as well as many other authentic dishes.

The young people in the audience participated in activities such as: face painting, workshops, crafts and storytelling, and interactive games. Adults had a chance to have fun as well and engaged in the popular game of domino tournament as well as in a talent contest.

BY PAUL JUNOR

There has been media attention focused on the role that Superintendent Stacy Clarke played in the police cheating scandal that has tarnished her previous unblemished 26-year career. On Wednesday, August 28^th, 2024, tribunal adjudicator Robin McElary-Downer handed down the penalty. Superintendent Clarke will be demoted one rank to inspector for two years after which she can apply for her previous rank.

There is no doubt that Stacy Clarke rose prominently up the ranks of the TPS during her 25-year tenure. She played a crucial role in the Community Engagement Review project. She held the No.2 position at 14 Division before she was promoted in 2021 to superintendent after 23 years of service.

The fact that Scott Hutchison, prosecutor lawyer requested that Superintendent Clarke be demoted two ranks to staff sergeant for twelve months and subsequently to inspector for a one-year period then resumption of her superintendent position was not a good option. Clarke’s lawyer, Joseph Markson however requested a milder disciplinary sentence.

The ruling by retired South Simcoe police chief, Robin McElary-Downer focused on the damage that her actions caused “irreparable damage” to the Toronto Police Service and the “unwanted publicity” that resulted from the case. She notes that Clarke genuinely deserved her superintendent position, nevertheless, “That rank is a privilege, not a right.” Furthermore, her actions amounted to “An abuse of position, and an abuse of power,” which does not make it automatic that she be immediately reinstated after her demotion.

Robin McElary-Downer notes further, “The gravity of misconduct was far reaching. Six junior ranking officers now have stained employment records. Over a nine-day period, she undermined the integrity of the promotional process in a cheating scheme. She violated the trust of her colleagues, and she caused significant reputational damage to the service.” The consequences to the officers involved five of them being disciplined with unit-level, losing thousands of dollars in income and one being demoted for professional misconduct.

In her 71-page ruling, McElary-Downer did not address the issue of anti-Black racism and noted that it was “Complex and challenging.” In addition, she mentioned the reality of the “Purportedly unfair promotional process for Black officers.” She adds, “As a mentor, as a senior ranking officer, it was her duty, her moral and ethical obligation to lead by example and demonstrate honesty above reproach. Rather, she led by modelling corrupt behavior and unfortunately, they followed.”

Audrey Campbell, who served as president of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) states, “You can talk about fairness of systems. You can talk about the rules. No substantive change has ever been accomplished by following the rules that the system made. One man’s criminal is another man’s freedom fighter.”

Herman Stewart, another former JCA President, expressed concerns that having Clarke reapply for her previous position jeopardizes her chance of ever getting it again. He states, “She will never get it if she were to reapply.”

The Toronto Star released a statement from Chief Myron Demkiw in response to the ruling. It notes, “We are committed in partnership with the Toronto Police Service Board, to meaningful change and continuous improvement to create a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace.”

Jon Reid, President of the Toronto Police Association also released a statement in which he expressed concerns that senior-ranking cops could be treated favourably compared to lower ones and “The need for more accountability among senior officers.” He notes further, “Their actual and observed experiences indicate that expectations and rules for senior officers are not consistently enforced. As we move forward, we must continue to engage in transparent dialogue and take steps to ensure that accountability and fairness are not concepts but practiced realities within the service.”