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It’s not just about talk, it’s about solutions; Carifika Canada presents Mental Health Matters

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Sometimes it is overwhelming; it is like you are feeling a hundred different emotions, and being unable to deal with any of them. Sometimes it is a silent ache. Eerily quiet; like when you are flying and your ears haven’t popped yet. The only sound you recognize is the sound of your own voice, and those thoughts frighten you to your core.

Sometimes it feels like you are trapped on a boat, surrounded by sharks. People who are safely on the shore are offering you their best advice on how to get back, but giving advice, and being in a situation are two different things. They are not privy to your current feeling; they don’t feel the fear. They are not feeling your helplessness because they are not seeing the sharpened teeth, snapping at you as you look over the side of the boat.

“Then there are those moments when you feel like you are on fire; it is an indescribable pain. You self medicate hoping the pain will stop, but it only dulls it for a moment. This is my mental health crisis.” (Anonymous)

The discussion surrounding African mental health has always been a little tricky to navigate. Many Africans on the continent, and living in the diaspora are not open to acknowledging psychological problems. Our people are apprehensive about seeking professional help for mental health challenges, which is consistent with research surrounding the willingness to explore mental health services.

One of the largest scientific and professional organizations of psychologists in the America’s (American Psychological Association) is at about 121,000 members, and less than 2% of these members are Black/African American. It is no wonder that Africans in the diaspora are worried that mental health care practitioners are not culturally competent enough to treat their specific issues.

This is one of the reasons why on Sunday, June 28th, 2020 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST, Carifika Canada will be hosting a Mental Health Town Hall Meeting featuring community mental health professionals residing in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The team at Carifika Canada understand that: cohort effects, exposure to mental illness, and increased knowledge of mental illness are factors that could potentially change beliefs about symptoms of mental illness.

I was honoured when they asked me to be a part of this town hall. What I like most about what is being prepared for the community is the fact that they have moved from just talking about mental health, to offering concrete, and practical solutions that our community can utilize.

This comprehensive and interactive town hall meeting will:

  • Address what mental health is, and some of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that accompany these thoughts and feelings.
  • Help members of the community identify the types of mental health challenges you might be encountering
  • Explore PTSD due to trauma and addressing trans-generational trauma
  • Provide solutions, which include coping mechanisms and indigenous solutions. This will be beneficial for those who do not have access, or the funds for a therapist
  • Understand the physical and psychological manifestation of mental health in the body

Our community is fortunate to have a dynamic group of mental health experts who will be dissecting each topic, and providing their own personal and professional insight. I would like to introduce to you the Carifika Canada Mental Health Town Hall Meeting panel:

Keith Cunningham, MSc., RP.
Keith is a licensed clinical mental health and trauma specialist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario.  His expertise includes individual and family therapy to children, youth and their families across Toronto.

Kerry Wilson- Behavioural Management Consultant
Former member, advocate, and mentor within the Jane and Finch community, mother to a disabled son, and the managing director of S.E.R.F, Kerry Wilson has harnessed the wisdom, insight and understanding of culturally sensitive behavioural therapy.

With a focus on client-centered and holistic approaches to self-care, Kerry uses her knowledge base and community reach to ensure her clients achieve their personal and professional goals, while ensuring behavioural stability, family interaction, and interpersonal success.

Leo D Edwards
A transplanted Grenadian, who now calls Canada home, Leo D Edwards has an impressive academic career, having received his Community Work Diploma from George Brown College, bachelors in social work (BSW), and professional certification in Anti-Racist Research and Practice (CARRP) from York University, as well as a masters in social work (MSW) from the University of Toronto.

Richard Miller (Founder of Keep6ix)
Richard Miller is a driven community leader, dedicated to assisting underserved youth. After experiencing and witnessing misrepresentation, racism, corruption, and injustices experienced by black youth and minorities, Richard decided to establish Keep6ix. It is his passion to bring healing to individuals who have been through traumatic experiences, by ensuring resources and programming are available to prevent incarceration.

The hope with this mental health town hall is to let individuals know they are not alone, and that it is okay to talk about their personal challenges, and seek help.

For more information about how you can be part of this meeting, visit Carifika Canada at https://www.carifikacanada.org/home

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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Two-week gastronomical event featuring cuisine and culture from the twin-island nation

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced the list of celebrity chefs and culinary arts professionals participating in the second annual Antigua & Barbuda Restaurant Week (ABRW) starting May 4th, 2024.

During the two-week-long celebration, visitors and nationals can enjoy a variety of special and discounted dining and event experiences designed to showcase the twin-island nation’s delicious and diverse food, restaurants, art, and culture. Whether you’re indulging in the robust flavors of Antiguan Pepperpot, or savouring the simplicity of Fungi and Saltfish, each bite is a journey through the vibrant culture and history of Antigua and Barbuda.

This year also marks the return of Chef Andi Oliver who will headline events at the “The Pepperpot Rum Shop,” a100-day food and cultural pop-up. Pepperpot is the national dish of Antigua & Barbuda, and the concept was born after the successful 2023 release of Oliver’s recipe book, “The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table.” For 100 days from the end of April, the pop-up will host curated cultural content and events spanning food and drink, music, art, and film in its stay-all-day sustainable and eco-conscious setting.

The Restaurant Week annual celebration highlights the best culinary experiences we have to offer–from favorite casual spots to multi-course menus at the finest restaurants,” said Shermain Jeremy, Special Projects and Events Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “Given the fantastic lineup of Caribbean celebrity chefs and guests confirmed for this year, we expect to draw record-breaking participation from food loving locals and tourists. We’re excited, too, to showcase the diversity of food from our twin-island nation, especially with an elevated twist.”

As ABRW grows in its second year, the event will feature a lineup of celebrity chef and beverage professionals exclusively of Caribbean heritage. Highlights include:

Chef Kareem Roberts

Born in Leicester and raised in Antigua, Kareem first set foot in a professional kitchen at 26. He began composing salads at a small café in St. John’s, Antigua, and quickly moved to the high-volume kitchens at Sandals Grande Antigua. Over the next decade, he would hone his skills in a variety of kitchens in the United Kingdom, ranging from fine dining establishments to hotels to gastropubs.  He worked his way up to his most recent position as Head Chef of Trinity, a contemporary British restaurant in Cambridge. Roberts attributes his development as a chef to the foods and cultures he’s experienced, along with the fresh seafood he was exposed to as the son of an Antiguan fisherman. His creativity and passion were showcased recently on the BBC’s cookery competition “The Great British Menu.

Cookbook Author Althea Brown

Althea Brown is the creator and voice behind metemgee.com, a blog about Guyanese and Caribbean recipes and traditions. She offers simplified recipes, made accessible with diet specific tweaks. She is the author of the bestselling cookbook Caribbean Paleo. You can often find her on social media sharing stories about traditional Guyanese food and culture, and how she remixes dishes to fit her dietary needs. Born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, Althea now lives in Aurora, Colorado, with her husband and three children.

Chef Angel Barreto

Chef Barreto is a three-time James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist and finalist, StarChefs Game Changer (2022), and a Food & Wine “Best New Chef” (2021). His highly awarded culinary career spans more than a decade, with exceptional experience in both French and Korean cuisines. He’s best known for his contemporary Korean cuisine at Anju in Washington, DC. Barreto is of Puerto Rican heritage and will be honoring Boricua cuisine at ABRW.

Chef Shorne Benjamin

St. Lucian born and New York-based, Chef Benjamin is known for his ability to infuse Caribbean food with a modern flair. Classically trained in French cuisine, he gained international acclaim as a guest chef at Mimo’s in London. Career highlights include an annual presentation at the James Beard House, competing on the Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay,” becoming a finalist on Chopped and winning the 2017 Jamaican Jerk Festival Celebrity Chef Throw Down. Most recently, he opened Fat Fowl in Brooklyn, where he crafts new age inspired dishes to showcase the richness and depth of Caribbean flavors through a healthy and imaginative lens.

Chef Digby Stridiron

 A native of St. Croix, Chef Digby is inspired by ingredients indigenous to the Caribbean and the history of regional recipes. He is best known for his work as chef of award-winning restaurants Balter and Braata in St. Croix, where he earned recognition as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Restaurants in the Caribbean and Food & Wine named his food “the new heart of Caribbean cooking.” A community leader, Stridiron served as a culinary ambassador for the U.S. Virgin Islands, having showcased West Indian cuisine at the James Beard House, and received the 2014 Chef of the Year award from the Caribbean Tourism Association. Currently based in Phoenix, Az., Chef Digby is also the founder of the West Indian Chefs Alliance.

Sommelier Nadine Brown

Born and raised in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, Brown fell in love with the hospitality industry after moving to the United States and started her career as a restaurant host in Washington, DC. Twenty years later, she’s an acclaimed industry veteran and award-winning Sommelier. Nadine worked as Wine Director at Charlie Palmer Steak for more than a decade. Owner of At Your Service, a wine consultancy, she is a wine writer, judge, and educator.

Nadine sits on the board of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and the Verasion Project, a non-profit that works to help more people of color enter the wine industry. Nadine curates a popular dinner series called, “Re-Imaging Wines,” where she collaborates with chefs, exploring wine pairings with cuisines from the Caribbean to the Philippines

“We are seeing more and more travelers around the world choose Antigua and Barbuda as a vacation destination,” said The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment. “Building on the success of 2023, Antigua & Barbuda Restaurant Week will continue to raise the visibility of our culinary excellence in the region and around the world, and we are certain our guests will delight in immersing themselves into our food and our culture.”

The schedule of events for Restaurant Week will include Prix Fixe menus and discounted dining packages ($25USD – $75USD) inclusive of lunch, dinner, wine, and cocktails from more than 20 restaurants. Dishes to suit all tastes and dietary requirements will be available, and guests will also enjoy live music, entertainment, and children’s activities throughout the festivities.

A final schedule and lineup will be available soon. For the latest information on Restaurant Week menus and packages, visit: www.antiguabarbudarestaurantweek.com.

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Bill C-63 is the conclusive end to Canadians Freedom of Speech

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

One “wrong” post on the internet, and you’re silenced… forever…

I have to admit; I am genuinely frightened by the federal government’s latest bill and its impact on OUR Freedom of Speech and Expression. This grim reality is something straight out of a science fiction movie, or at the very least, an online censorship law directly imported from an authoritarian regime like: China, Iran, or North Korea. “That can’t be happening here,” you say. Oh yes, it is.

Justin Trudeau’s (In) Justice Minister Arif Virani introduced Canada, and the world, to Bill C-63, the “Online Harms Act.” He is calling for a piece of legislation aiming to reduce online “hate” and “hate speech.” The definitions of “hate” and “hateful speech” are so vague that they could include almost anything: critical opinions, political commentary, even memes.

I get it. This might be in reaction to the fact that he has been at the receiving end of what could be called “hate speech.” An Angus Reid poll showed that the three most used words to describe Trudeau were: “arrogant,” “dishonest,” and “corrupt” with the fourth word being “charismatic,” which still doesn’t actually speak to a positive quality of his character.

Is this why there will be an update to section 318 and 319 of the CCC, that will introduce hate, or hateful speech as anything that “incites violent extremism or terrorism,” “incites violence,” and “foments hatred” (specifically)?

The implications are far-reaching and frightening since this bill will not just force social media and big tech giants to merely terminate your social media account. It’s a social media jail incarnate, where you will pay the physical price for sharing the “wrong” opinions by going to actual jail.

If the Trudeau Liberal government gets away with it, this will be the new normal in Canada. Let’s take a quick look at the proposed amendments:

  1. Update the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)’s definition of “hate speech” and “hatred” to include ambiguous terms like “incites violent extremism or terrorism,” “incites violence,” and “foments hatred” (specifically section 318 and 319 of the CCC).
  2. Expand the federal bureaucracy by instituting a “Digital Safety Commission” (aka Canada’s very own Ministry of Truth) and a “Digital Safety Ombudsperson” to receive complaints about “hate speech” and enforce speech “standards” on internet platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, Rumble, etc.).
  3. Grant even more power to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, allowing them to force content removal and impose fines up to $70,000, with a maximum of $20,000 to the offended anonymous complainants. The same commission that labeled Christmas as “racist” last December.
  4. Raise the maximum punishments for “hate propaganda” to life imprisonment.
  5. Enact “protective measures” enabling a judge to act on anonymous reports of hate crimes by requiring accused individuals to wear an electronic monitoring device, undergo house arrest, be banned from public spaces, or have a restraining order against them.

It’s unclear how these claims of “hate crimes” will be verified, opening the floodgates for anonymous complaints from anyone, anywhere in the world.

If this bill passes, we could see media outlets like the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper lose our right to provide balanced, and transparent information, especially when it comes to what is going on in our world, the information that is quietly circulated behind your backs.

The passage of Bill C-63 could bring the Trudeau Liberals’ vision of turning Canada into a so-called “basic dictatorship,” one step closer to becoming an actual-livable reality, but in this dark time, there is still a glimmer of hope.

We’ve seen the massive public backlash against The Liberal government’s failed attempts to pass similar censorship bills over the last several years. This is why I am asking you to act now. If you don’t, you will lose the ability to openly discuss and debate important issues, first online and then in person.

Only with your help can we successfully defend all Canadians from authoritarianism and preserve OUR fundamental human right to Free Speech and Expression!

We want to help you voice your thoughts, and below I am going to show you how you can do this:

  • Find your MP’s official email address on the official parliamentary website, or their personal website.
  • Clearly state your concerns in a well-written and respectful email. Clearly articulate your concerns and provide your contact details for a follow-up. Include your name, address, and contact information for a more personalized response.
  • Engage with your MP on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook. Publicly share your concerns and ask for their response or action.
  • Gather with members of the community who have similar concerns and schedule an appointment to meet with your MP at their constituency office. Face-to-face meetings can have a more significant impact as you can use the opportunity to voice your concerns in a public forum.

Remember to be respectful and clearly articulate your concerns when reaching out to your MP. We have to move past emotion and take ACTION. Providing factual information and potential solutions will strengthen your case. Additionally, encouraging others in your community to voice their opinions can contribute to a collective effort in influencing change.

REFERENCES:

Federal Politics: Conservatives open seven-point lead over Liberals as past PPC voters migrate to Poilievre

Liberals’ “online hate” bill contains $70K fines for speech and life imprisonment for hate crimes

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/online-harms-hate-crime-sentences-1.7128596

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-justice-minister-defends-house-arrest-power-for-people-feared-to/

https://montrealgazette.com/news/national/virani-says-new-measures-meant-to-help-prevent-hate-crimes-will-come-with-safeguards

https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/feds-target-online-content-that-foments-hatred-in-new-bill-seek-steep-penalties-5595412

https://www.rebelnews.com/liberals_table_promised_online_harms_censorship_legislation

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/trudeaus-online-harms-bill-threatens-freedom-of-expression-constitutional-lawyer-warns

https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-63/first-reading

https://em.citizengo.org/OTA3LU9EWS0wNTEAAAGRsmcQVWSchhVlH2Ays8BxQcP1xgK9KWmoK10MvOrCKgkK3zxb9g3G_qM7UDTgAByqcmm6YM8=

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Ring roars and adrenaline soars: United Boxing Promotions unveils another year of exciting fights

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Photo Credit: Jeff Lockhart

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

There was a palpable wave of anticipation sweeping through the air like an electric charge. The low hum of the crowd’s conversations intensified, creating a harmonious symphony of excitement. The atmosphere was charged with the promise of raw athleticism and unbridled competition. Spectators, perched on the edge of their seats, exchange animated glances and murmurs, their collective energy reaching a crescendo with every punch.

The scent of anticipation was thick, intermingling with the lingering echoes of bets being placed, and the occasional cheers that escaped from clusters of enthusiastic fans. The rhythmic thud of boxers’ footsteps reverberated through the venue, adding a primal heartbeat to the growing fervor.

As the announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers, introducing the contenders, the tension became almost tangible, creating an exhilarating prelude to the impending clash of skill and strength in the squared circle. The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, usually synonymous with chance and risk, transformed into a cathedral of adrenaline, where every spectator becomes a fervent believer in the unpredictable dance of combat about to unfold.

Once again, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for a night of incredible fights. When I arrived, the Featherweight fight between Michael Cabato, and Jorge Diaz was nearing its end. Although not privy to the actual fight, I was informed that Michael Cabato had erased the only blemish on his record – an April 2023 draw – with a confident unanimous decision win over Jorge Diaz in a rare rematch.

Thankfully I was just in time for the Cruiserweight fight between Milad Zareian and Edgar Gonzalez. Milad Zareian stopped the overmatched Edgar Gonzalez and moved to 2-0 in the process. Boxing lovers definitely have to keep an eye on the promising newcomer, as he gradually discovers his rhythm and asserts his presence in the ring. The initial nervous energy that I saw in his first fight had transformed into a composed and calculated demeanor, evident in the fluidity of his movements and the precision of their strikes.

His increased comfort is palpable, as he is learning to seamlessly navigate the space, and exhibiting a heightened awareness of his surroundings. This newfound confidence is not only reflected in his technical proficiency, but also in his ability to adapt and strategize.

I stood up and cheered proudly when fellow Jamaican Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown caught Rafael Abdala Sanchez flush in the first round, ending their heavyweight clash early. As the dominant presence of Big 12 Brown continues to cast a looming shadow over the heavyweight division, fans are wondering if there exists anyone capable of challenging this formidable force. The relentless dominance of Big 12 has raised concerns about the competitive balance within the division, prompting a collective call to thoroughly assess the landscape, and identify potential contenders who can stand up to the challenge. The future of the division hinges on the strategic decisions made by United Boxing Promotions in their quest to find the next worthy adversary.

In an unfortunate turn of events Natasha ‘The Nightmare’ Spence was unable to showcase her skills in her match that was set against Angelica Flores. Drama ensued when Natasha reached out to Melinda Watpool to step in, as a return favour for her stepping in last year when Melinda’s fight was falling through. Melinda said “No,” stating her reasons, and Natasha was not having that. She was given a chance to speak to her fans in the ring, and she called out Melinda for not returning the favour. I can appreciate her frustration, and I enjoy the fact that there has been a little drama brought to the ring.

The Co-Main Event was an exciting match between Billy Allington, and Mark Smither, IBO International Super Lightweight Championship. British battler Billy Allington won a feisty 10-round road decision over Barrie, Ontario crowd favourite Mark Smither. The win should propel Allington back into the mix for another shot at the British title, and he and his team were full marks for the road victory.

Smither could not find the offensive breakthrough against the veteran Allington over the second half of their championship fight, and there was no protest after the scores were announced. His fight goes to show that it is crucial for a fighter to avoid leaving the outcome of a match to the scorecards.

At 12-1 and still the reigning IBO Americas Champion, Smither has a number of intriguing local, national and international options available — to be considered after a few weeks of reflection with his team and promoter.

Then there was the main event, the beloved Sukhdeep Singh against Gino Godoy, IBF International Junior Middleweight Championship. Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh legitimized his contender status, stopping Argentine Gino Godoy with an emphatic right in the fourth round to win the IBF International Junior Middleweight Championship.

This emerging young champion is undeniably one to keep a watchful eye on. With each passing challenge, his confidence continues to soar, solidifying his status as a rising star. In a recent triumph, he has added yet another impressive feat to his growing collection of accomplishments. As he navigates his way through various arenas, it becomes increasingly evident that his: determination, skill, and unwavering spirit are propelling him toward greatness. The world eagerly anticipates the next chapters of his journey, recognizing the undeniable potential of this remarkable individual who seems destined for even greater heights in the days to come.

I have some other exciting news for you boxing fans; United Boxing Promotions today announced the company has signed two-time Caribbean Amateur Champion Jerone Ennis to a multi-year promotional contract. Ennis, a product of Denham Town, Kingston, will campaign at light heavyweight and news regarding his professional debut in Canada will be announced shortly.

“This is another step in our efforts to build Jamaican boxing, and sign the best Jamaican talent available,” said United Promotions president Tyler Buxton. “Jerone is an elite boxer and joins a stable full of the best talent the country has to offer.”

The 24-year-old Ennis has big goals in the professional ranks and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Jamaican stablemates Kemahl ‘The Hitman’ Russell and Ricardo ‘Big 12’ Brown. “My goal is to rise through the ranks and hopefully in God’s favour one day become the number-one light heavyweight boxer in the world,” said Ennis, who in addition to his Caribbean titles also won a bronze medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. “Kemahl Russell and Big 12 Brown have always inspired me to become great, and I am happy to now join the United family where we will all push each other to get better.”

Owwwweeee! The start of the boxing year in Toronto has been an electric one; I can’t wait to see what United Boxing Promotions has in store for us next!

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