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United Boxing Promotions finally back after a summer break; I don’t think we were ready!

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Photo Credit: Jeff Lockhart

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Let me tell you, I was way too excited for this night! Boxing events are always a vibe, and you know I had to make sure I looked the part. I am a girly girl through and through, so picking out the perfect outfit? That was a whole process! I needed something stylish, yet comfortable, because boxing events are always so mad extra! Plus, I was going to see some amazing people I had not caught up with forever.

That’s right, boxing fans. The date was circled in red on my calendar—Friday, September 20th, 2024. United Boxing Promotions was finally back after a summer break, ready to bring us the highly anticipated fight between Chakria Singh and Lukasz Maciec. I want to take a moment before going any further to introduce the incredible sponsors: Pickering Casino Resort, Verdi Alliance, Grant’s Gym Toronto, G & J Sehota’s, CM Dynamics, and Durham LIVE.

The night had everything—hype, top-tier matchups, and all the energy of a proper boxing night in the GTA, and this time, I was finally going to be a part of it all! The fun, the excitement, and the buzz of live boxing—it was all happening, and I was so ready!

United Boxing Promotions fight night at the Pickering Casino Resort, was going to be headlined by reigning IBF International Champion Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh (18-0, 8 KO, IBF #14) against former Polish Champion Lukasz ‘Crazy Cat’ Maciec (29-7-1, 5 KO).

Yes, yes, I had to tackle the dreaded Highway 401 from out west, so of course, the security team from United Boxing Promotions clowned me for being late and missing the Evan Gillard vs Matias Medina fight. Thankfully, I was just in time for the Milad Zareuab (3 – 0) vs Hubert Krasuski (1 – 5 – 1) fight.

Even though Milad Zareuab is relatively new to the boxing world, his progression from fight to fight is evident. One thing I must credit him for is his ability to listen to his corner. His adaptability and willingness to learn demonstrate the importance of being a good student in the sport of boxing. Milad’s recent victory, achieved through a TKO, is a testament to his growth and dedication, adding yet another win to his record.

Then there was Kyle McLaughlin (5 – 0 – 1) vs Fernando Bravo (4 – 2 – 1), and what a fight that was. When Kyle McLaughlin stepped into the ring, his stature may have been smaller, but don’t let that fool you. There is an aura that radiates off him—a presence that demands attention, and tonight, that presence was amplified as he made his entrance to Jidenna’s ‘Long Live the Chief.The song speaks volumes about leadership, power, and dominance, and McLaughlin embodied every word.

It was clear from the moment the music hit: he wasn’t just stepping into the ring; he was stepping in as the boss. You could feel the intensity shift. His opponent, like everyone in the room, knew that McLaughlin was there to conquer, and conquer he did. From the first round to the last, Kyle delivered a brutal, relentless assault. Punch after punch—each one calculated, each one landing with precision. His aggressive display left no room for doubt. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about domination. By the time the final blow landed, it was over. His opponent was left crippled, and Kyle stood tall. It was, without a doubt, my favourite fight of the night. Kyle McLaughlin proved, once again, that size doesn’t define power. Tonight, he was the chief.

The Championship Co-Feature saw number one ranked contender Melinda ‘The Whip’ Watpool (7-0, 2 KO, WBA #1) clash with Natasha ‘The Nightmare’ Spence (8-6-2, 6 KO, WBA #8) for the WBA International Middleweight Championship. I wanted to take a moment to express my disappointment.

As a fellow Jamaican-Canadian, I had high hopes for Natasha. I have had the privilege of speaking with her about the challenges she has faced in securing fights and the perseverance she’s shown throughout her career. I was genuinely rooting for her, hoping to see her at the top of her game, delivering a performance that would make us all proud. However, from the very beginning of the match, it became clear that Melinda was in control. Her dominance was evident, and it was disheartening to see Natasha struggle to find her rhythm. We all know that boxing can be unpredictable, but this was not the showcase I hoped for.

Despite the outcome, I believe in Natasha’s potential. She is shown resilience in the face of adversity, and I hope she takes this experience back to the drawing board. With renewed confidence and determination, I trust she can come back stronger than ever. We need to keep supporting her on this journey, because I believe she has what it takes to rise again.

Finally, what the fight fans were waiting for, the fight between the reigning IBF International Champion Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh (19-0, 8 KO, IBF #14) against former Polish Champion Lukasz ‘Crazy Cat’ Maciec (29-8-1, 5 KO). As usual, Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh burst onto the scene, a true spectacle of flames and flags, embodying the spirit of Sikh pride. The energy in the arena was electric as he stepped into the ring, ready to showcase his skills.

Sukhdeep stood confidently across from his opponent, who looked tense. The bell rang, and the fight began. In the ring, Sukhdeep methodically picked his opponent apart, delivering calculated blows that made his rival suffer with each strike. It’s a masterclass in technique and strategy. What sets Sukhdeep apart is his adaptability. Like Milad, he listens to his corner, adjusting his game plan with every round. He reads the fight like a chess match, always two steps ahead.

Here’s the thing—I want to see a huge finish from Sukhdeep. I appreciate his technical prowess, but as any true fight fan knows, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a knockout! That’s what gets the fans on their feet! If you don’t believe me, just look at the electrifying clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. The tension, the power, the drama! That’s the kind of finish that leaves everyone talking.

Let’s hope Sukhdeep can deliver that explosive moment. The fans are ready for it, and so is he. The stage is set for something spectacular. Stay tuned, because when Sukhdeep steps up, anything can happen, and when it does, you won’t want to miss a second of it!

Ontario boxing fans are in for an electrifying fall with United Boxing Promotions delivering an action-packed lineup! On October 19th, 2024, the highly anticipated IBF International Welterweight Championship showdown between the undefeated Josh Wagner (18-0) and formidable contender Tom Hill (12-3-0) is set to headline the night.

Adding to the excitement, the co-main event features Mark Smithers (12-1-0) battling Helmand Meran Alekozai (14-0) for the Canadian Super Lightweight Championship. The undercard promises more fireworks, with Jamaicans: Ricardo Brown and Joshua Frazer, Gisu Lee at super featherweight, and Michael Cabato in a thrilling featherweight bout. Don’t miss the chance to witness these exhilarating fights—learn more at United Boxing Promotions’ https://unitedpromotions.ca/

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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You get vaccinated, get Myocarditis, and then have a ticking time bomb in your chest

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BY MICHAEL THOMAS

According to a new peer-reviewed study funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sixty per cent of young people who were hospitalized with Myocarditis after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine still showed signs of this disease six months after being injected.

Some 307 out of 333 patients they started with had their health data collected from April 2021 to November 2022. The time between injection and follow-up varied, with a median of 178 days, almost six months.

What is worse is the study authors are said to be making fun of the seriousness of the findings. They are calling the results reassuring and describing these cases of Myocarditis as mild.

Who are these study authors? Why are they acting so recklessly? Critics said that some of those study authors who published their report in The Lancet on September 6th, 2024, also have ties to the government and the big drug companies that may have influenced the research.

One such person is lead author Dr Supriya S. Jain, a pediatric cardiologist and researcher at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, New York. Daniel O’Conner of Trial Site News criticized the FDA as the study’s funder. “The FDA is not keeping up with its tradition of ‘patient safety first,’” he said.

O’Conner said he believes the outcome is much more severe than is reported, and The FDA study authors do not have the urgency they should, given the vulnerabilities of the population.

Chief Scientific Officer of The Children’s Health Defense Brian Hooker agreed, saying he was “disgusted” by the study authors’ downplaying of cardiac harm caused by the COVID-19 mRNA injections. Hooker is quoted as saying, “You get vaccinated, get Myocarditis, and then have a ticking time bomb in your chest for the rest of your life.”

Some of the most vital questions here concerning these injected youths, and the injected population is “What happens as they age?” or “Where do they go from here?”

It is important to know that medical researchers have pointed out that studies show Myocarditis can be life-threatening and can also cause critical changes and scarring of the heart.

“I don’t feel that any incidence of vaccine-induced Myocarditis is reassuring,” Heather Ray, a science and research analyst with CHD told a reputable news source. “Additionally, we have all witnessed several anecdotal, or personal reports of individuals who died from vaccine-induced cardiac issues over the past four years.”

Dr Peter McCullough said, as a cardiologist, he was “Greatly concerned,” that COVID-19 vaccine heart damage in most of the young people studied had not resolved at the time of follow-up. McCullough said that he disagreed with the author’s reports calling this finding mild, “Even small areas of damage invisible to cardiac MRI could put vaccine recipients at risk for a future cardiac arrest.”

It is amazing that with all these findings and recommendations to date, COVID mRNA Injections are still very intentionally and maliciously pushed on the population quietly worldwide, this is especially true here in Canada.

It may interest readers to know that the same people behind these mRNA injections in the Western world have decided to look at Africans as lab rats too. The World Health Organization has approved so-called mpox injections for use in adults and said it can be used for: babies, children, teens, and pregnant women in Africa.

Brian Hooker called the WHO’s approval of the shot for infants and children in Africa “A train wreck in the making.”

Recently here in Canada, Global News is now warning that the CDC is telling folks that COVID injections, and heart inflammation issues between injected teens are related. This is something that Toronto Caribbean Newspaper has been warning Canadians about for years now.

Again, Global News has reported, “Myocarditis is noted by the Canadian Pediatric Society as a possible side effect of mRNA injections.” https://old.bitchute.com/video/EFDWj1rHrX6v/

Now more than ever it is vital that folks think for themselves and quit relying on compromised professionals who are in positions of power but are wolves in sheep’s clothing working for Big Pharma.

A rule of thumb is to question everything because history has shown that liars usually suffer from short memory.

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New course launched that counters narratives and understands Black children’s humanity

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The launch of the new course “Black Childhoods in Canada” in the School of Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University is positive and encouraging. Details of the launch of this groundbreaking course were revealed in a post by Clara Wong on May 8th, 2024. For many students it will be the first time formally studying Black experiences; encountering Black scholarship, or even being taught by a Black professor. It was introduced in the winter term of 2024 and was one of the first courses in TMU’s Black Studies minor, which is offered by the Faculty of Community Services.

The course is coded as “CLD540” and details of its content are noted.

“An introduction to Black Canadian Studies in the context of childhoods. Childhoods are considered via Black feminism, Black studies, anti-racism, and de-colonial theoretical and practical frameworks and pedagogy. Students engage in a range of textual, experiential and multi-modal learning opportunities.”

Some of the topics covered include:

  • Black acts and media
  • Black Canadian histories
  • Black families and mothering
  • Black girlhood
  • Blackness and disability
  • Blackness and ECEC and education
  • Black play
  • Black queer activism
  • Global anti-Black racism

Professor Rachel Berman was inspired to enlarge the Black studies content in early childhood studies and reached out to her colleague, Janelle Brady to collaborate on the development of the course. This was financed through the Faculty of Community Services Anti-Black Racism Curriculum Development Fund, which ensured that it was ready.

Professor Berman states, “I’m thrilled now to see the course come to life. It’s long overdue. There’s a deficit assumption about Black children-that Black boys make trouble during play, or that Black girls are made to seem more mature than they are. We need to counter those narratives and understand Black children’s humanity.”

Professor Brady notes, “The course doesn’t resolve everything, but it’s a start in breaking the ‘preschool-to-prison’ pipeline for Black children.”

She observed further that the impact of teaching the course has influenced her greatly. She adds, “It motivated me to do even more and seek more resources. There were so many informal discussions among students inside and outside of class. There’s a real hunger for spaces like this. It was inspiring to see how much students are already engaged in anti-Black racism work, and I feel I was learning just as much as they were.”

There are many testimonials from students who have been enrolled in this extraordinary course. Faizi Ali, an undergraduate student in the early childhood studies program states, “Any forum that allows Black students to lift their voice is cause for celebration. The course provides so much space for us to exchange ideas and thoughtful dialogue. I’ve gained many new perspectives and techniques to better support students.”

Magdalena Grammenopoulos, a media production undergraduate student, talked about the insight that left the biggest impression on her from the course. She states, “The concept of Black ‘futurity.’ It’s about imagining a stronger future for Black children through the ways we live day-to-day-ways that counter the stereotypes and discrimination which prevent Black children from living as freely as others. I want to implement futurity by always taking it upon myself to create safer spaces for Black children, whether it be my friends, family, or strangers.”

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“No! You can’t check my phone.” Border officers are not authorized to search your electronic device

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Each year, millions of Canadians travel abroad, and we carry our personal devices (computers, tablets, and smartphones). These devices contain highly sensitive and private information about who you are, reflecting your: lifestyle, beliefs, relationships, finances, and health.

What you may not know is that even though your personal device is very personal, and highly sensitive because of the information on it, section 99(1)(a) of the Customs Act allows Canadian Border Officers to search these devices without any reasonable suspicion. This law was recently challenged by two travelers, Jeremy Pike and David Scott, who were charged with possessing and importing child pornography after their devices were searched. Now, although it is a good thing that this type of behaviour was caught, the key question in their appeal is whether this law is constitutional.

On August 12th, 2024, the Court of Appeal for Ontario released its decision in R v. Pike, 2024 ONCA 608, holding that section 99(1)(a) of the Customs Act, which authorizes border officers to search electronic devices without any reasonable basis, is unconstitutional because it violates the section 8 Charter right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. CCLA was an intervener in the case.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is a human rights organization committed to defending the: rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada. CCLA is the pre-eminent voice advocating for the rights and freedoms of all Canadians and all persons living in Canada. They are leaders in protecting rights and have earned widespread respect for their principled stand on such issues as: national security, censorship, capital punishment, and police and state accountability with a fearless voice on civil liberties, human rights and democratic freedoms.

Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, made the following statement, “CCLA applauds this important ruling, which makes it clear the border is not a Charter-free zone. As CCLA argued, standardless limitless searches of electronic devices, which contain highly private information, violate the Charter right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.”

I had a chance to review the decision, and I found direct references of CCLA’s submissions at paragraphs:

  • 63: The Crown’s related counterargument that travelers’ “choice” to travel with digital devices merits a lower threshold also fails. Because digital devices are our “constant companion[s]” (Bykovets, at para. 1), travelers need to bring them across borders to work and communicate. As the trial judge ruled, leaving them behind is not a meaningful choice. Neither is declining to leave and re-enter Canada, which, as the intervener Canadian Civil Liberties Association (the “CCLA”) submits, is not merely a choice but a section 6 Charter Just as “Canadians are not required to become digital recluses” to preserve their privacy (R. v. Jones, 2017 SCC 60, [2017] 2 S.C.R. 696, at para. 45), they also should not have to surrender the ability to enter and leave Canada with an indispensable instrument of modern life.
  • 66: The law’s low threshold increases this risk because, as the CCLA submits, low threshold powers are the easiest for officers to wield to target, whether intentionally or not, racialized and disadvantaged people: R. v. Landry. While the law’s good faith purpose test offers some protection against this risk, its subjective nature makes that risk harder to detect because officers do not have to point to objective facts to justify the search and help negate the possibility of discrimination.
  • 73: Simmons held that the state’s interest in suppressing the trafficking of drugs produced in other countries that had to be transported across the physical border to enter Canada justified the strip search law: at pp. 526-529. In contrast, digital contraband, even when downloaded to a device, is usually also stored on external servers and can be electronically transmitted into Canada, a mode of transmission that the Agency admits it has no mandate to control.

(They refer to Professor Steven Penney’s article “Mere Evidence? Why Customs Searches of Digital Devices Violate Section 8 of the Charter” and an article by Professor Robert Diab “Protecting the Right to Privacy in Digital Devices: Reasonable Search on Arrest and at the Border” (2018)

  • 89: Manual searches can still invade large amounts of highly private information and, if officers invest the time, can be almost as revealing as forensic searches. Further, officers could easily use manual searches as a backdoor to gain information that would meet the higher threshold to conduct forensic searches.

They refer to an article by Bingzi Hu, “Border Search in the Digital Era: Refashioning the Routine vs. Nonroutine Distinction for Electronic Device Searches” (2022)

“Parliament must legislate a stringent standard with clear safeguards for the state to search an electronic device at the border. This reflects the fact that electronic devices are a trove of our most personal, intimate, and sensitive information,” shares Shakir.

The pandemic showed how willing our government is to overlook and ignore our rights and freedoms. This is why the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper will always keep you “In the Know,” when it comes to how to truly live as a FREE Canadian.

REFERENCES:

https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onca/doc/2024/2024onca608/2024onca608.html

https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/2017/2017scc60/2017scc60.html

https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/schedule-b-to-the-canada-act-1982-uk-1982-c-11/latest/schedule-b-to-the-canada-act-1982-uk-1982-c-11.html

https://ccla.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CCLA-Intervener-Factum-R.-v.-Pike-Scott-COA-23-CR-0023-C70656.pdf

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