BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Picture this: a romantic dinner by the sea, the sound of waves gently lapping the shore, and the sky painted in hues of orange and pink. Or perhaps you prefer a cultural adventure, exploring local markets, and savoring the flavours of Caribbean culinary delights. For the adventurous spirit, crystal-clear waters offer a playground for: snorkeling, sailing, and paddleboarding. The vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs are a sight to behold, and when it’s time to unwind, world-class spas provide the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. The island’s lively music scene and warm, welcoming locals make every moment spent here unforgettable.

In a world filled with countless islands, each holding its own unique charm, the quest to find a new paradise is always an exciting adventure. We would like to welcome you to Anguilla, an enchanting island nestled in the Caribbean Sea. A hidden gem, waiting to be discovered, and our first stop in our journey through the Caribbean.

Tucked away in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile. A slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green, the island is ringed with 33 beaches, considered by savvy travelers and top travel magazines to be the most beautiful in the world. A fantastic culinary scene, a wide variety of quality accommodations at varying price points, a host of attractions and an exciting calendar of festivals make Anguilla an alluring and entrancing destination.

Anguilla lies just off the beaten path, so it has retained a charming character and appeal. Yet because it can be conveniently reached from three major gateways: Miami, FL (MIA), Puerto Rico (SJU), and St. Martin, (SXM), and by private air, it’s a hop and a skip away.

It was at the CHTA Marketplace that the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) released that they were is gearing up to make Anguilla the fun place to be this summer with the launch of their Summer Campaign, Exclusively Yours, Anguilla, which will run from May through August 2024. Long regarded as the quintessential winter destination, the Summer Campaign is designed to position Anguilla as a premiere summer vacation spot and boost summer travel to the island.

“Our “Exclusively Yours, Anguilla” Summer Campaign is an important component of our marketing strategy to position Anguilla as an all-year-round destination,” said Kimberly King, Chief Marketing Officer, ATB. “Our aim is to highlight the island’s diverse experiences and to include special offers from our leading resorts, mid-market properties and fantastic villas. Ultimately building on the momentum generated from our blockbuster winter season.”

The key message and theme of the campaign is “No matter what adventures you seek (or what you choose) this summer; every experience is exclusively yours in Anguilla.”  The campaign highlights the island’s attractions beyond the beaches and culinary experiences, and targets families, couples, and friends traveling together.

The campaign is being rolled out in all of Anguilla’s major source markets.  On-island visits media for leading journalists and influencers will focus on active vacation experiences such as: diving, hiking, and kayaking and will include the island’s mid-market properties to showcase the full range of accommodation options available to visitors.

Anguilla offers an array of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, indulging in luxurious resorts, or immersing yourself in vibrant local culture, Anguilla has something for everyone.

Anguilla – where every moment is a treasure, and every experience is a new discovery. So, why wait? Embark on a journey to Anguilla (https://ivisitanguilla.com/deals-packages/) and uncover the beauty and magic of this Caribbean paradise.

Your dream island adventure awaits.

BY PAUL JUNOR

There was a great turnout on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, at the Viceroy Banquet Hall for the Celebration of: Inspiration, Connection and Self-Discovery hosted by My Sister Her Stories. Juliet Creary was instrumental in the planning and organization of this event as founder of this non-profit. She wrote on her Instagram account on June 1^st, 2024 “This is real conversation. Real talk between generations of women. Relationships, self -care, mental health and so much more…”

Juliet Creary is the brainchild of this: inspirational, motivational, educational and informational event. As founder of My Sisters My Stories she wears many hats: entrepreneur, wellness and health specialist and Director of Your Time Resources Inc.

She is the author of the empowering and inspiring book, “Seven Life Lessons Leading to Your Purpose- Perseverance on Purpose,” which was written in 2021. The Honourable Jean Augustine wrote the foreword. She states, “Oftentimes we tend to think that the experiences we face in life are just random occurrences’ fail to see that God uses these circumstances to prepare us for our purpose in life. We fail to realize that those life experiences can teach us some valuable lessons about life and purpose.”

The book was promoted as one that will provide material to transform and help focus on what is important. Resilient in the face of hardships and illness. The author has overcome much and as a woman, felt the need to share her learnings and knowledge gained in this format to help others in their selfcare. “As we transition to a new way of living, we need these tips to keep ourselves: physically, socially, and spiritually grounded. Personal development can be achieved when we view another person’s: life experience, their struggles, strength, and beliefs to arrive at self-fulfillment.”

There were many females from the: Black, African and Caribbean community in attendance. There were many recognizable names that showed up to support the event. They include: MPP Charmaine Williams (Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunities for the Province of Ontario), Loletta Cunningham (Loletta’s Creations), Dr. Nadine Wong (Alabaster Clinic), Angela Patrick, Edith Brown, Faith Greaves (Soniadiva Sab), Elaine Chin, Liberty Silver (singer), Anna Owusu, Jacqueline Dixon (founder of Meet the Motivators), Sofia Findlay, Marjorie Scarlett and Andria Barrett.

Many of the ladies who showed up were fashionably dressed in their finest. Many were adorned in brilliant African outfits, beautiful colours, and bright African accessories. The inspiring panel featured four women who spanned a range of ages from twenties to late seventies, representing five generations: X, Y, Z, baby boomers and the silent generation. These five panelists shared honestly and openly on a broad range of topics that were relevant to the predominantly female audience. The panel was superbly and skillfully moderated by MC Andria Barrett, nutritionist and speaker.

MPP Williams wrote on her Facebook page on Sunday, June 3^rd, 2024 “Honoured to speak about a cause close to my heart – women’s empowerment. Witnessing the tenacity and determination of women across our province is truly inspiring. When women support one another, we transform obstacles into achievements. Let’s continue to advocate for mentorship and education to unlock the full potential of women in all sectors.”

Sofi Findlay, Toronto-based journalist and style influencer wrote on her Facebook page, “We stepped into a world of empowerment and connection at the Empower Her Intergenerational Conversation Luncheon. From inspiring speeches to interactive bingo, and captivating performances, the day was a beautiful blend of celebration and unity.”

Edith Brown shared, “I truly enjoyed the discussions, it was a pleasure being there.”

Marjorie Scarlett stated, “Love it, so proud of you, and your accomplishments, keep doing your best in life.” Jacqueline Dixon wrote, “I absolutely loved this event. It was a WIN for me and for us.”

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is set to enhance its support for: Toronto’s African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities with a comprehensive expansion of services. As Canada’s largest Black-specific AIDS service organization, Black CAP provides critical support in areas beyond AIDS prevention, including newcomer settlement, employment, mental health counselling, peer support, and case management. Most of Black CAP’s clients and staff identify as LGBTQ2S+ and/or immigrants, ensuring that services are delivered by those from the same communities and intersections as those they serve.

The need for these expanded services is underscored by the severe health disparities within Toronto’s ACB communities, driven by systemic anti-Black racism and adverse social determinants such as: poverty, precarious housing, and lack of meaningful employment. These disparities lead to worse health outcomes and higher healthcare costs. Black CAP’s expansion aims to improve the health, wellness, and sense of belonging for ACB community members while enhancing their resilience and advocacy for inclusive services.

Tina Garnett, Interim Executive Director at the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) explained that the vision is to empower ACB communities to take the lead in shaping their future. By supporting and partnering with these communities, we aim to foster proactive approaches and self-reliance, contributing to a healthier and more prosperous Toronto.

Tina further noted that central to Black CAP’s expansion is the roll-out of peer-driven programs, leveraging the trust peers hold within the community to increase engagement and retention. This peer engagement is seen as crucial for channeling accurate prevention and health information.

This marks a significant milestone in this expansion is the recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Northwest Toronto Ontario Health Team and Black Creek Community Centre. This partnership will see Black CAP providing services at the newly opened Hub Space in the Jane and Finch area, enhancing on-site referrals to complementary services and reinvigorating Black CAP’s presence in the area.

To ensure representation and inclusivity, Black CAP has recruited staff from diverse backgrounds within the African Diaspora, including the: Caribbean, Africa, and Black Canadians. This diverse team reflects the rich cultural mix of Toronto’s ACB communities and supports Black CAP’s commitment to unlearning the impacts of anti-Black racism and xenophobia.

“Further, Black CAP is establishing Community Advisory Committees (CACs) to ensure community involvement and leadership across Toronto’s ACB communities. These committees will encourage ownership of the organization’s goals and work, with a youth-specific programming and outreach advisory committee guiding services targeted at ACB youth,” said Orville Burke, Director of Health Promotion at Black CAP.

In its collaborative spirit, Black CAP will initiate quarterly meetings with local service organizations to enhance and complement its efforts, reduce duplication, and strengthen local support systems. This will also encourage the participation of community members in service provision within their communities – since they have already established trust and solidified relationships, they can effectively leverage these to produce better program and health outcomes.

Black CAP has highlighted the importance to collaborate with and receive feedback from local service and community-based organizations to enhance and complement the work the team do while reducing duplication and strengthening local support systems.

Despite potential funding limitations, Black CAP’s vibrant management team and strategic input from staff are poised to creatively and agilely pursue their mandate. “The work we do in Toronto’s Black communities cannot be done alone. We are actively seeking collaborations and partnerships to ensure ACB community members have access to culturally relevant programs and services,” Interim Executive Director, Tina Garnett emphasized.

“As always, our focus is on the overall health and wellbeing of our client base and community members – in all its facets – and by pursuing this expansion we will see improvements in the indicators measuring these variables,” said Garnett.

By expanding its services, Black CAP aims for a marked improvement in the health and well-being of Toronto’s ACB communities, contributing to a healthier, more inclusive city.