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4 years ago

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Instead of taking insults to my intelligence personally, I research, qualify, and then educate.”
Simone Jennifer Smith

I won’t lie. I have been in my feelings lately. Instead of staying in the feeling, I faced the facts that when it comes to this pandemic, I have to give credit where credit is due.

The mainstream media continues to impress me with their ability to manipulate, and present information in a way that drives fear, induces stress, and divides the masses. Mainstream media is the giant, and then you have a few tenacious individuals who have chosen to see through the hypocrisy, and work together to help their communities.

 

 

I know that there are members of the community who have been following our coverage of COVID-19. Some agree with us, and others think that we are endangering their health and well-being. Respectfully, I understand both sides, and this is why we move to bring credible, relevant content to our community.

This week, I turned to a cohort, who should have been turned to from the very beginning. In 1.5 million years of human existence, it is only for about the past 200 years that communities have not turned to their elders during times of extreme social strain. An anthropologist will coincide with the fact that in prehistoric times, the collection of wisdom found with our elders was the key to human survival.

Our elders have a wealth of experience. They have gained so much wisdom in their lifetime; it is almost idiotic to not turn to them, especially when they have experienced situations that you are personally struggling with.

Life is cyclical. What has happened before will happen again. There is nothing really new under the sun. When facing indecision, or dealing with an experience that you have never been through before, why not ask an elder? Find out how they handled the experience.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Richard Schabas, a retired physician, and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer from 1987 – 1997. He happened to be the Chief of Staff at York Central Hospital during the SARS crisis in 2003. During this time, he spoke at “Pandemics and the Media: Global Health Challenges,” a conference that promotes the understanding about how to best inform the public in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Dr. Schabas spoke out against the WHO’s 2005 declaration of a pandemic third-stage alert for avian flu. He did not believe it was justified, as there was no substantive change in the behaviour of the disease. He was sure to point out that he believed that the decision was based on politics, not on scientific or biological events.

With his over 40 years of experience in the medical field, no one has been paying closer attention to this pandemic than Dr. Schabas. What he is focused on is the daily situation reports issued by the World Health Organization. What he shared with me that day was not only powerful, but also eye opening, even for me who has been following this pandemic, just as closely.

“We shouldn’t panic!” Dr. Richard Schabas

Let’s take a look at some facts. At the beginning of March 2020, Dr. Schabas contributed an article to the Globe & Mail, and in that article, he calls attention to the numbers.

“But in the same three months, there have been about three million deaths in China from other causes, and about 14 million deaths worldwide. During the same three-month period, according to Health Canada, there have been almost 10,000 deaths in Canada from tobacco addiction, for instance – and just one from COVID-19.”
(“Strictly by the numbers, the coronavirus does not register as a dire global crisis”, Globe and Mail, March 11th, 2020)

He stresses on paying attention to just the facts, not the sensationalized version of the facts. During his time dealing with SARS in 2003, he learned some powerful lessons. He shares his discomfort on how the WHO issues their daily reports. In his eyes, the reports given are wrong in many aspects. However, like I mentioned above, these larger global organizations are the strongest sources of information out there.

One thing he does not preach is complacency. He realizes that this disease is not going away anytime soon. He stresses that we need to be vigilant in our surveillance of the pandemic. Travellers from areas of active disease should be tested. Patients with atypical pneumonia should be hospitalized. People with COVID-19 need to be isolated, and their close contacts monitored. In his words,

“We need to be sensible. The province going back into a lockdown is not only unnecessary, it’s also damaging. Our last lockdown accomplished nothing. We need to establish our non-negotiable, which are school, and people’s ability to be financially independent. People have to be able to work.”

There is so much that I could share with you in this article, but I think that it would be better off if you heard it from him. I am going to share two topics that we went into: quarantines, and masks.

“Quarantine belongs back in the Middle Ages. Save your masks for robbing banks. Stay calm and carry on. Let’s not make our attempted cures worse than the disease.”

Quarantine
Quarantine is defined as “restrictions placed on the entrance to and the exit from the place or premises where a case of communicable disease exists.” It describes the actions directed at healthy people thought to have been exposed to a communicable disease and who may be nurturing the infection.

His article “Is the Quarantine Act Relevant,” Dr. Schabas goes into detail about why quarantining is not the best way to handle a pandemic. He shares that quarantine is an ancient concept. It can be traced back to the Black Death in 14th century Italy. At that time, the period of detention was 30 days, and was later modified to 40 days (quarantino). He calls these measures “harsh and stupid.” There are unmarked graves on Grosse-Île on the St. Lawrence River that bear witness to how well quarantine worked for them.

It was interesting to learn that about 40 years ago, quarantine had fallen into disrepute because of the widespread perception that it did not work. It became relevant again in the mid-1980s to describe an unsuitable effort to control the spread of HIV. Since then, quarantining has become a thing again. It gained strength during the SARS situation in 2003. Now, quarantining has turned into a measure to fight pandemic influenza.

Dr. Schabas introduced “The Control of Communicable Disease Manual,” which provides an authoritative summary of control measures for more than 150 infectious diseases of public health concern. The book recommends modified quarantine for only six diseases, and: influenza, smallpox or SARS are not on that list.

According to Dr. Schabas, for quarantine to be effective, three conditions must be met:
1. The disease must be efficiently transmissible in its incubation period or very early in its symptomatic stage. Case isolation, not quarantine, is appropriate for diseases that are spread only during symptomatic illness. Quarantine will be ineffective for diseases that can be spread by people with only asymptomatic illness.
2. Second, it must be possible and practical to identify all, or virtually all, people incubating the infection.
3. Third, infected people must comply with the conditions of the quarantine.
When I go through this list, I think to myself, what handbook is the government reading out of? Also, where are they finding their specialists? This unnecessary quarantining has hurt our communities. It has caused: diversion of scarce resources (toilet paper hoarding), augmentation of public fears and intolerances (mask-shaming), provocation of civil disobedience (non-maskers) and infringement of human rights.

“Masks have become a symbol. All it does is identify someone as being on the good side. Personally, I think it is silly to wear masks.”

Masks
Dr. Schabas mentions that he thinks that the governments are all caught up in a high stakes poker game where they can’t fold. Every country keeps upping the ante, and then other countries follow suit. He truly does not understand where the global governments are going with these measures. He feels that they have all over-reacted.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time I personally write about the harmful effects of masks. This is yet another doctor telling us that the use of masks is hurting rather than helping us.

There are studies that continue to show that the prolonged use of facemasks is associated with higher rates of respiratory infection and depression of the immune system.

Dr. Colin D. Furness, a professor from the University of Toronto, also is speaking out about the fact that wearing a mask can be dangerous. He notes that masks can collect bacteria and other viruses.

There was a study done in a U.K. medical journal, showing that health-care workers who wore cloth masks all day while working were 13 times more likely to get a respiratory illness when compared to those who only wore a mask when necessary.

Let’s wrap this up with one more study that supports Dr. Schabas’s attitude when it comes to masks. A Singapore study observed health care workers, and they found that those who wore their masks for long periods of time developed new headaches or exacerbation of their pre-existing headache disorders.

I want to be clear about something here. Dr. Schabas does not have any issues with people who want to wear masks; he just wants you to be doing it safely, and he thinks that mandating it is unnecessary.

I am starting to question certain things that I continue to hear in the mainstream media. As I question, I dig for answers, I consult with those who know more than me, and then, I share it with you. Do with it as you wish!

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Timeless music brought to life on stage; Welcome to the Soul Nostalgic Experience

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5 days ago

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May 13, 2024

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Photo Credit: Jose Maria Elizalde

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Soul Nostalgic Experience! Tonight, we’re taking a journey back in time to relive the magic of an era that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Are you ready to feel the groove?”

The audience erupts into cheers and applause as the band launches into a classic soul tune. People start swaying in their seats, unable to resist the infectious beat. A few brave souls even start dancing in the aisles.

Imagine being transported back in time to the golden era of R&B and Soul music, where smooth melodies and infectious rhythms ruled the airwaves. Now, envision this timeless music brought to life on stage with the energy and spectacle of a Las Vegas residency.

That’s precisely what the Soul Nostalgic Experience is all about. As I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by the smooth ambiance of classic R&B tunes mingling with the clinking of glasses and the tantalizing aromas wafting from our kitchen. The atmosphere was electric, alive with the anticipation of what the night had in store.

In the heart of Toronto’s vibrant music scene, there exists a figure who orchestrates brilliance from the shadows. Steve Hollywood, a name whispered among those in the know, is the unseen force behind many of the city’s musical endeavors. Despite his significant contributions, he stays removed from the spotlight, preferring the quiet hum of behind-the-scenes influence. Regardless, his presence remains enigmatic, known only to those privileged enough to collaborate with him. It’s a rare invitation to glimpse into his world, an offer extended to a select few, beckoning them to join the symphony of creativity he meticulously curates.

On Thursday, April 25th, 2024, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was welcome to the Acqua Supper Club, where the heartbeat of Toronto’s R&B and Soul scene will pulsate throughout the summer. Nestled in the heart of the city, the venue is a sanctuary where men and women will be able to gather for unforgettable evenings of soulful music and culinary delights.

At the helm of this musical journey is none other than DRU, a Juno Award-winning and gold record artist with a visionary passion for bringing back the magic of the 90s and 2000s R&B/Soul era. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, his performance was a journey through the soul, evoking nostalgia and stirring the spirit. Inspired to create something truly special, DRU collaborated with the immensely talented The Recipee Band to craft a show unlike any other. The Recipee Band, comprised of musical virtuosos: Jason Larmond, Otis Williams, Juwayon Clarke, and Jonathan Kerr, bringing over two decades of collective experience to the stage.

Drawing from a diverse range of genres and generations spanning from the 50s to the present, The Recipee Band serves as the backbone of Soul Nostalgic, infusing each performance with their unmatched musicality and passion. Soul Nostalgic isn’t just a concert; it’s a collective of exceptional talent coming together to create an immersive experience that will transport you back in time.

The night brought me through a ray of emotions, from high-energy dancing to electrifying live music, every moment of the show was designed to make you groove and feel good.

As the night unfolded, I found myself immersed in a world where time seemed to stand still, where the troubles of the outside world faded away, and all that mattered was the connection between music, food, and community.

I completely co-sign on this unforgettable journey. On May 30th, 2024, they are sharing this experience with the city again, so get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of an era that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. This is more than just a concert; it’s the Soul Nostalgic Experience.

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Community News

Generational survival: Can our young people survive our generation?

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5 days ago

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May 13, 2024

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Photo Credit: Dr Obotdean

BY STEVEN KASZAB

The young people of the day are often criticized for not voting or participating in our electoral and public service efforts. Called bubble wrapped by some, those who attend schools of higher learning face challenges presented to them such as: professors who are not objective but espouse various ideologies of the left or right. Professorial prejudices often place the young student in academic limbo, encouraged to choose their professors preferred political outlook.

Raised to be democratically inclined, our youth often witness the actions of our establishments, which can appear to be very undemocratic. Terms like “Do as we say, not as we do,” hypocritical actions by the administration and police often lead our youth an openness towards misguided ideologies and movements of purported social change.

Our youth are encouraged to insert themselves into local, national and international politics, only to be witness to the horrible events, misinformation and the manipulative nature of global media who present their own interpretation of said events. Media is in fact a business manipulated by corporate and politically friendly owners. So, how can our youth truly believe what is in fact real, truthful, honest and objectively presented?

Our youth will often develop a sense of “Stockholm Syndrome” like attitudes, actions and desires. Desire to change a society that is obviously unacceptable but have an attitude to accept no other message except that which is given by their governments and institutions.

Our youth find the idea of voting in a system that remains the same, changes nothing and has players who all look and act alike to be a waste of time and effort. There will always be bad guys, taxes, raising prices, and diminishing opportunities. One’s outlook can be deflated, filled with nervous tension and even fatalism. War, addiction, premature deaths, abortion, women rights, democracy while supporting and doing business with dictatorships.

To be young, means to create, grow and aspire to positive things. Our national and global experience is seen as the opposite of that approach. There is simply: too much going on, too many people being harmed, too little opportunity, too much misinformation, too much greed to allow our young to develop in a well-balanced, mentally positive manner.

Mental health concerns for not only the youth, but our own as adults challenge us to change our ways, assist each other with an: empathetic, charitable manner, open minds and hearts.

Our young people are our treasure and future hope. If they are screwed up, so too are our future expectations and future goals. We have to continue to work on getting it right.

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Community News

The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) scandal: Is there room for corrections and restoration?

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5 days ago

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May 13, 2024

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BY MICHAEL THOMAS

After over 40 years of upholding a legacy of integrity and excellence, accusations and allegations of mismanagement of public funds and conflict of interest have raised its ugly head at the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA).

As I investigated the meat of information surrounding this case it is easy to see why many buzzards are circling this prey. One of the main allegations I have noticed is that BBPA management awarded contracts to companies controlled by the former President and CEO, Nadine Spencer, without appropriate due diligence. Again, if this turns out to be true, an organization that has been in business for four decades must have seen this coming.

If the rules of receiving the funds, or government grants say that you must put out tenders to hire workers, then by all means do so. We have to remember that bad news travels twice the speed of good news.

There is more; on November 5th, 2021, the BBPA’s President at the time, Nadine Spencer became the CEO where she was allegedly paid in the range of $250,000. This was used to make the comparison that a bigger organization was thriftier with their money than BBPA, here is how. As an example, the Executive Director of Tropicana Community Services, a much larger non-profit organization, earned a salary of $163,671 in 2023.

My job in this article is not to throw BBPA under the morality bus, but to shed a bit of light on how as a people we must realize that all eyes are on us. Something I quickly spot is how many mainstream media took the opportunity to jump at this alleged scandal in BBPA, yet, for over four years now Canada has been led off the cliff, and because these same mainstream media folks were paid and funded, they looked the other way.

Do I condone the misuse of public funds? Hell no! If these allegations are proven to be true, should BBPA be held accountable? Hell yes!

That said, I went to BBPA’s website to have a bird’s eye view of what this organization is all about, and after reading I must say I was impressed.

I am hoping that BBPA realizes that to whom much is given, much is required.  An organization that has kept such a sterling reputation over the last four decades need not look only in its rearview mirror, but in blind spots as well.

Misappropriation of funds is no laughing matter regardless of how big or small an organization is, nor is conflict of interest. These are tantamount to having blood stains on white garments. If proven there needs to be public apologies, and most importantly “a complete cleaning of the house.”

The Boards of Directors of the BBPA released a statement on Friday, April 26th, 2024, in response to the call for their resignation in the midst of the allegations of financial mismanagement. The statement was addressed to BBPA members/supporters. It states, “We want you to know that we have been listening to the concerns that have recently been raised. The BBPA has hired independent professionals to undertake the appropriate reviews. The current BBPA Board has and continues to proactively take steps to strengthen governance and compliance practices. We are all dedicated to learning, improving, and continuing to work together through this process. We, as Directors, also want you to know that you can reach out to us any time for a conversation.”

Now in the case of Mr. Harry Jerome’s daughter, when one engages in asking an organization that has upheld her father’s name for four decades to quit using the name. I would like to think that this individual has solid proof of wrongdoing, or if proven wrong is ready to apologize as well, but with all these wolves circling the wagon. I understand her plight.

Starting from a small gathering that honored just six Black Canadian athletes who excelled at that year’s Commonwealth Games in 1983, to an organization that built an endowment fund of close to $600,000, and in the last 24 years the fund has granted over 650 scholarships totaling close to 2.5 million dollars, BBPA has a lot to be proud of.

However, if these allegations are found to be false, I am hoping that the accusing parties will do the right thing and apologize. On the other hand, if BBPA is found to be in the wrong, then the organization should be wise enough to rock the boat and throw those found guilty of tarnishing BBPA’s and Mr. Harry Jerome’s good reputation completely overboard.

According to news sources, BBPA has categorically denied all allegations. Whichever way this cookie crumbles, BBPA, your decision should and must make your people, and the late sprinter Mr. Harry Jerome’s name and family proud.

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