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Fallen Angel Ryan Duke A Beloved Brother, Father and Friend of the Community

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BY: ALYSSA MAHADEO 

It doesn’t matter who you speak to if you ask anyone in the WI Entertainment community everyone has the same kind, beautiful and positive words to say about Ryan.

I myself never had the chance to meet Ryan, but as a community reporter, my job is to share the stories of people who left lasting impressions on society to ensure that people remember them for the amazing and wonderful individuals that they were.

In the days leading up to November 28th, 2018 news flooded throughout social media of Ryan Duke being admitted to the hospital. Close friends, family, and members of the community asking for prayers for a man who was a great friend to the community, an individual who truly understood what it meant to love humanity.

Ryan Duke was a DJ, a friend, a brother, a beloved husband, and father. Throughout his life, Ryan touched so many people. In whatever he did, he was always looking to help people in any way that he could, offering helpful advice to those that needed it, bringing a meal to feed the hungry or just be that shoulder to cry on, always actively working to reassure people that everything would be okay.

He left lasting impressions on people that had only briefly crossed his path, and the bonds of friendships he formed were everlasting. People respected him for his hustle, the way he raised his son, the pride he had when he spoke of his boy’s accomplishments and the way that he would always go above and beyond for anyone who needed his kindness.

When news of Ryan’s passing broke, the community mourned. They had no words to describe their feelings and it hurt them to hear about his sudden passing.

“Ryan was a really sweet guy,” shares his girlfriend Sasha Mohammed, mother to his four-month-old daughter Jazmyn Aryah Duke. Sasha and Ryan met through a mutual friend in the club scene where he was spinning as a DJ. “The pride he had about his son, the love that he had was just so sweet, it immediately made me recognize what a great guy he was.”

Ryan’s big heart knew no bounds, he was always searching for ways to make the world a better place. It didn’t matter who you were or what you needed Ryan would do what he could to help. At his funeral service, many came forward to share stories of times when Ryan had helped them when they were struggling financially, or living in shelters, to help them find a job, and get them back on their feet vastly improving their lives, and that of their families.

“He was a very humble and caring person,” shares Maria Duke, mother of Ryan’s oldest child Brandan Duke also known in the community as Brandan Duke the DJ. “He was one of those people that if you needed help, he was the first in line to help you.”

Ryan was a very positive and optimistic person, there was never a dull moment when you were around him and it didn’t matter how bad a situation might be, he somehow was always able to find the positive and make it known.

“I used to call him my knight in shining armour because he saved me,” Sasha says. “He always protected me even if it was something trivial, he was always there for me and he helped me through a lot.”

“He always commanded a high level of respect from people, even if they didn’t know him, they respected him, and what he did. That’s the type of man he was.”

Ryan’s greatest legacy is his two children, Brandan, and Jazmyn Duke. Although Jazmyn will be too young to remember her father, her big brother Brandan is stepping up to ensure his little sister will know all of the great memories they shared together.

“Our relationship was amazing, we always stuck together, we were a team.” Brandan shares. “One of our mottos was, teamwork makes the dream work and we worked together all the time on cool new ideas to share with the public.”

At 12 years old, Brandan speaks with a maturity not yet discovered by boys his age. His memories of his father and their unbreakable bond over music is a testament to what Ryan taught his son about loving life and extending that love to his family and the entire community. His father worked tirelessly to carve out a path for Brandan in the entertainment scene supporting him in his DJ career and making him the youngest DJ in the world at the age of 6.

“He was always trying to teach his son Brandan life lessons, always looking for the good in people, don’t judge a book by its cover,” Sasha says.

“My dad would always tell me to be humble, make sure you’re not doing bad things, or saying bad things to other people,” Brandan explains. “He would also say no matter how many people are in the crowd whether it’s one, or it’s a million make sure you always play your best, no matter what always make your best impression, because you never know who is out in the crowd watching.”

Ryan’s legacy will continue to live on through Brandan’s music. The Duke family has incorporated Ryan’s final heartbeat into Brandan’s new logo featuring his love for his faith, and his work as a DJ in the community, inspired by the hopes of great things the future has to offer.

“Ryan loved golfing, bowling and cricket even if he wasn’t the best!  His most valuable time would be watching the Raptors, Leafs, Jays and believe it or not the Buffalo Bills with his son and closest friends around,” shares two of Ryan’s close friends Sheena Rohoman and Natalie Tulshi-Persaud. “Ryan loved being around people and we loved being around him.”

“Ryan has been a part of our lives for almost 20 years. We admired Ryan’s dedication towards the relationship between us all. We loved his home gatherings that were more personal and intimate, far from the rest of his life.”

Ryan is remembered by the way he would treat people, be them people he knew intimately or a homeless man he’d just met on the street. He was touched by the people he met the stories they shared and his kind-hearted nature always drove him to go above and beyond for anyone in need.

In the entertainment industry, Ryan was revered by his colleagues and his peers. His passion for music, which he passed on to his son, was something that got him into the DJ business, he was always looking to provide a professional service and something over and beyond that of a regular DJ.

“He was a highly reliable person, he was one of those guys that I knew I could really rely on to orchestrate and plan events,” shares another close friend Riyad Mohammed, also known in the entertainment community as DJ Riyad.

“He was a man of his word if he committed to doing something he would do it, and I liked the way he conducted himself.”

His DJ name DJ R.Y.A.N stood for #Rockinyaallnight a tag which can be found across social media tied to posts of tributes from people paying their respects to Ryan appreciating the music he shared with them, and all the memories made at the events where he brought the rocking vibes all night long.

“He really wanted to bring music to the people,” Riyad says.

Ryan was committed to giving back, he never backed down from a difficult situation, never made excuses for why something couldn’t be done. Even in the coldest of winters, he would take time to go downtown with the help of Riyad, another friend Brother Krishna and a team of people from the Gopal Mandir to feed the homeless.

“He was always very supportive and did whatever he could to assist, to give back and help out. If it was one thing about Ryan he always made you feel comfortable.”

Upon his passing, Ryan’s family consented on his behalf, to have his organs donated. Through his donation, Ryan was able to help 4 individuals live to see another day. “Based on the kind of person that he was, it was what he would have wanted,” Maria said.

Over the past week, the family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, and support from the community. Tribute songs have been written in Ryan’s honour, memorial services were efficiently organized, and everyone was able to come together to remember Ryan in a way that he would have wanted. The family would especially like to thank Jerry at Calypso Hut for all of the help he has given them, and for allowing them to use his restaurant as a collective gathering place for the community.

On December 28th Ryan would have been 42 years old. As a celebration of his life, his closest friends and family invite the community to a special fundraising Dinner & Dance on Saturday, December 29th, 2018 at Chandni Convention Centre*. This is a semi-formal family event and all proceeds from the night will be put towards an Education Savings Plan for Ryan’s children Jazmyn and Brandan.

“They don’t really make people like Ryan anymore where the core values of that person are honesty, integrity, and reliability. He had it all, and he would always try his best to do what’s good for everybody else around him, he would always put people before himself,” Riyad says.

His daughter Jazmyn will never have the chance to know her father, but the people who knew him will have so many stories to share with her one day, to guide her in everything she chooses to pursue.

“I want her to know that no matter whatever bad day her dad might have had he always found ways to make you feel better. He would find ways to make you laugh, he never liked to see people hurting,” Sasha shares.

“If you can make someone smile and make their day a better day, your father would be so proud.”

Rest in eternal peace Ryan Duke. #Rockinyaallnight

*Venue has been changed since article printed in the newspaper, this is the new location.

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Before we allow more people into the country, shouldn’t we prioritize the well-being of our citizens first?

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Greetings esteemed citizens of Canada. I am deeply troubled by a pressing issue that demands our attention. It pertains to our immigration policies and the welfare of our citizens.

I am bewildered by the continued influx of immigrants into our country while we struggle to adequately care for our own citizens. Take, for instance, a drive through Toronto, or a drive through Hamilton—it’s a stark reminder of the dire situation many Canadians face daily. We witness homelessness, lack of access to basic healthcare, and economic hardships plaguing our communities.

Homelessness continues to be an issue in Toronto, with thousands of people experiencing homelessness on any given night. The impacts of it are complex, long lasting, and devastating for many. Homelessness affects some of our community’s most vulnerable residents and contributes to ongoing health inequities.

Toronto is also experiencing a heightened number of non-fatal and fatal opioid overdoses within the overall community, as well as within the shelter system. This is primarily due to the increasing toxicity and unpredictability of the unregulated drug supply. According to the City of Toronto, in 2023, there were 169 calls to Toronto Paramedics from Toronto shelters and respites sites in Q4 of 2023 to respond to non-fatal overdoses. Over 2023, there were a total of 796 non-fatal suspected overdoses at Toronto shelter and respite sites, representing an 11% decrease from 2022.

Higher rates of illness and premature death among the homeless population have been widely recognized, and since January 2024, there have been 28 deaths in homeless shelters. The City says that they are committed to identifying and responding in a timely manner to new and emerging issues in the shelter system.

According to Homeless Statistics in Canada, the estimated number of homeless people ranges from 150,000 to 300,000, with 25,000 to 35,000 individuals homeless on any given night. Let’s take a look at this on a national scale:

Homelessness Statistics for Canadians

  • Between 25,000 and 35,000 people are homeless on any given night in Canada.
  • Toronto has the most homeless people in Canada.
  • 62% of homeless people in Canada are males.
  • 30% of Canadian homeless come from Indigenous communities.
  • 90% of homeless shelters in Canada are in: Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta, and 44% of them are in Ontario alone.
  • 22% of shelters are aimed at young homeless in Canada, while 20% of people experiencing homelessness are 13-24 years old.
  • The annual cost to society is over $7 billion.
  • The Canadian Government is investing $2.2 billion over ten years to expand funding for the homeless.

Yet, for some reason, the Canadian government strongly believes that it is in the best interest of our country to continue to push for higher immigration. Yes, I overstand that immigration is a complex issue with multifaceted implications. Canada has long prided itself on its tradition of welcoming immigrants, which enriches our cultural fabric and contributes to our economic growth. The only caveat is we as Canadians need to truly understand how this is affecting us as a whole.

According to Statista, annual immigration in Canada amounts to almost 500,000 new immigrants – one of the highest rates per population of any country in the world. As of 2023, there were more than eight million immigrants with permanent residence living in Canada – roughly 20% of the total Canadian population. In a press release titled “Canada welcomes historic number of newcomers in 2022,” it is proudly written that Canada has experienced one of the fastest recoveries from the pandemic, thanks in large part to our approach to immigration.

In the press release, they state that they plan to welcome a historic number of newcomers, and IRCC has: added resources, embraced new technology, streamlined processing, and brought more processes online. They claim that these changes are all important improvements to Canada’s immigration system, which will position them well for the future. They also state that their focus is on addressing the acute labour market shortages we are facing today and building a strong economy into the future, and one thing remains certain: “Immigration is a key part of the solution.”

“Today marks an important milestone for Canada, setting a new record for newcomers welcomed in a single year. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our country and its people. Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome newcomers,” shared Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

I received an email from Maxime Bernier (PPC Leader), and in this email, he shared with me his thoughts. “I started talking about the perils of mass immigration years ago. The whole political and media establishment denounced me, smeared me, said I was a racist, a xenophobe, anti-Canadian. I kept telling the truth, because I care more about the future of our nation than about what these corrupt elites think of me.”

“More and more people now realize that I was right. Simone Jennifer, we need to make mass immigration the ballot box question at the coming election. When the Liberals took power in 2015, Canada’s population was only 35 million. How can we possibly integrate into our society, our economy, our housing market, our culture, the equivalent of Nova Scotia’s, or Saskatchewan’s population every few months? It’s a planned invasion. It’s a total disaster in the making.”

I understand the importance of immigration, especially because my parents are also immigrants, but before we allow more people into the country, shouldn’t we prioritize the well-being of our citizens first? How can we justify bringing more people into the country when we’re struggling to provide essential services and support to those already here?

I urge the government to reevaluate its immigration policies and ensure that they align with the needs of our citizens. We must prioritize the well-being of Canadians and work towards building a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

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Ontario launches One Fare Program to increase accessibility and affordability of public transportation

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BY PAUL JUNOR

“We’re working with the provincial and local transit partners towards integrating transit fares across systems, making transit more affordable, and convenient as we take action to build the region’s network for the future.” (Metrolink)

Transit riders across the GTA will save $1,600 as they utilize multiple transit agencies at no extra charge. The program started on February 26th, 2024, and it allows transit riders transfer for free to commute between the TTC and other Transit agencies in the GTA, including GO Transit. All commuters need is to tap their PRESTO: card, credit, or debit in Google wallet to save money with the Ontario One Fare Program.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford states, “Our government is on a mission to keep costs down for the hardworking people of Ontario. One Fare will eliminate double fees and put $1,600 back in the pockets of transit riders. Alongside the hundreds of dollars, we’re saving for drivers by cutting the gas tax, scrapping road tolls, and eliminating the license plate sticker fee, we’re providing commuters with real tangible relief.”

The Ontario government has invested $70.5 billion in public transit that is intended to significantly improve the overall services. It is anticipated that there will be more than eight million new riders as they traverse different public transit systems. Commuters will be able to travel between: GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

Vijay Thanigasalam (Associate Minister of Transportation) states, “At a time when many families feel like they’re struggling to get ahead, our government is making public transit simpler, more convenient, and more affordable. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to make historic investments in public transit and put money back in commuters’ pockets, where it belongs.”

It was in 2022 when it was announced that plans were underway between GO Transit and several transit agencies in the Golden Horseshoe Area. “The government will continue to work with municipal partners to identify opportunities to make transit more seamless for riders by harmonizing discounted fares and other measures.”

Overall, there will be an investment of $70.5 billion by the Ontario government in public transit that will go a long way in increasing affordability and accessibility of different transit systems in the GTA and Golden Horseshoe areas. The project will also involve: the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension, which is the largest development of any subway system in all of Canada. When completed, there will be a two-way, all-day GO train service every 15 minutes that will connect key areas in the Golden Horseshoe. It is projected to be completed by 2031.

Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto is totally supportive and pleased with the unveiling of the One Fare Program. She states, “Public transit should be a convenient and affordable option for getting to work, school, or running errands. Ontario’s One Fare will make it easier and cheaper to transfer between the: TTC, GO Transit, and other transit agencies. When governments continue to work together, we can make life more affordable and invest in public services families rely on, like high quality public transit that costs you less.”

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Your silence on crimes against humanity automatically makes you an accomplice

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Photo Credit: Roman-Odintsov

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

“Many people wonder: who is responsible for the process of self-destruction of human society? Today, to some extent, the responsibility falls on everyone. On some more than others, but on everyone. Why? Because people are silently accepting the current changes, which are literally crimes against humanity.”

The above is a quote from Elijah plus the Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate Methodius OSBMr + Timothy OSBMr and the Secretary Bishops. Now let us examine why this quote was made using present-day society as the barometer.

A good example of this nonsense here in Canada is children having the right to choose their gender while parents are being threatened with jail time if they intervene. It’s these so-called hate speech laws, and so-called laws to keep independent thinkers from accessing worldwide news and posting it on their social media platforms.

“Parliament gets presented with an unintelligible text, which is impossible to decode. Besides, the MPs usually pass multiple laws at the same time; hence they have no possibility and time to find out what they are supposed to pass altogether,” said the Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate.

Here are some of the crimes (that these so-called laws that are drafted and eventually passed) are designed to hide.

Feminization, the breakdown of family, gender ideology, and stealing children from their mothers are promoted under the term “domestic violence protection.” Make sure there are no fathers in the homes, or even if there are, he is muted, or scared of having his authority labelled as toxic masculinity.

In Norway, 70-100 stolen children commit suicide every year and the information about it is marked as confidential. In some cases, foster family is a business where children are being passed around until they are mentally bankrupt, oppressed, and eventually killed. Based on the financial status of the so-called foster parents, these cases never make the news.

We are seeing anti-discriminatory laws included in the legislation allowing mass discrimination of the majority. Systematic demoralization of children from the time they attend kindergarten is covered by the term sexual education.

“Children are robbed of their own identity by pounding in their minds that they are neither a girl, nor a boy. Consequently, they undergo hormonal therapy with a catastrophic prospect of gender-altering surgery. The society is silent about it and therefore has a shared accountability for all these crimes,” shared the Byzantine Bishops.

Some of these schools have hundreds of students. My questions are, why don’t these parents join hands and say enough is enough, instead of just one or two? Canadians, have we become a society of parents who are continually failing our children? When are we going to wake up?

Here are some of the trials our babies face daily. “Even before the child is born, mothers are forced to have it killed. Almost every mother is intimidated by having a child with so-called Down Syndrome. In reality, this is a mental terror based on lies,” said Byzantine Bishops. “As soon as the children are born, they are administered vaccines, which cause: autism, loss of immunity, loss of fertility, autoimmune diseases, cancer, etc.”

Again, where are the collective voices of our men and women saying hell no to all this? There is an enormous amount of the money that pediatricians make from the vaccines they force on these innocent children. These child doctors know full well the side effects of such vaccines, but instead, they are focused on their next: Porsche, cottage, and furnishing their high-society wives and husbands with all the luxury items, while they poison our children, and what do we do? NOTHING.

The average North American child doctor has 1,500 patients; if he or she gets most of them to take all the child vaccines, he or she is rewarded with at least $360.000. That’s way more than their annual salary. This should explain the push to vaccinate your babies at all costs. This information can be found in the BlueCross/BlueShield Doctor Incentive Booklet. Every child that gets the 24 vaccines is worth a $400 payout to that doctor.

The abuse of medicine has now become the new normal. This happens under the cover of The World Health Organization (WHO); projects are being imposed on states to reduce human population.  “We can expect the declaration of the next pseudo-pandemic followed by experimental vaccination. This not only poses a mortal danger to human life but also carries the threat of concealed chipping,” said Byzantine Bishops.

From Smartphone addiction (aka making our children braindead), the digitization of everything (aka spying on us), intervention in our food supply (aka poisoning us with GMOs), to the falsification of science for satanic agendas (aka the safe and effective COVID brew), there is no hiding place from this war that is unleashed on world citizens by corporations and so-called governments.

The big question is, are we going to give up or fight? Canadians, choose as if your life depended on it, because it does.

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