BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I tell you, the team at Humanity Ova Vanity is solidifying their place in Toronto’s creative scene. It is incredible to see an organization embrace the essence of human creativity, curating experiences that transcend superficiality and celebrating the authentic expressions of people.

With every event that the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is invited to, I am exposed, and have a deeper innerstanding about their commitment to showcasing the richness of human ingenuity. Through their curated experiences, they invite the world to witness the beauty that arises when humanity comes together in genuine expression, fostering connections and inspiring others to embrace their own creativity.

On Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2024, the Black Screen Office (BSO) hosted a Fireside chat with O-T Fagbenle, an acclaimed: actor, writer, and director known for his roles in: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” (which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor) “The First Lady,” and his creation “Maxxx.” In 2022, he starred as Cameron Lautner in the Apple TV+ drama “WeCrashed,” a series inspired by the tumultuous story of WeWork, and O-T can next be seen in the upcoming series “Presumed Innocent,” for Apple TV+ opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard.

The exclusive fireside chat in conversation with Donisha Prendergast was held at the Toronto Regional Board of Trade (The Quay) that forms part of the BSO Symposium, a platform dedicated to amplifying authentic African narratives and fostering substantial representation in the arts. The symposium successfully facilitated featured speakers from overseas and connected students with the opportunity to participate in creative discussion. The discussion revolved around bringing authentic African stories to life. It’s evident that African stories have been untold, mistold, and marginalized. While there are efforts to address this, they often seem minimal compared to the potential for true representation and impactful storytelling. The goal is to catalyze change.

The symposium became a starting place of strength, celebrating the global influence of African culture—the “origins of cool.” It featured: decision-makers, broadcasters, streamers, funders, distributors, producers, and creatives in the screen industry, a day for collective ideation on what’s possible, not just locally but globally.

The symposium was hosted by Melanie Nicholls King, and featured keynote interviews (Sean Cohan), and presentations from esteemed guests (Jully Black, Mark Bamuthi Joseph, Rob Maylor), roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and special presentations. “This enriches our collective endeavor, making it not just a meeting but a milestone event for actionable change,” shares Donisha Prendergast Founder at HOV.

Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the BSO, stated, “Our mission at the Black Screen Office extends beyond initiating dialogues; we aim to enact real change. O-T Fagbenle’s participation underscored our dedication to creating an inclusive screen industry that celebrates the richness of Black stories.”

If the success of the symposium was not enough, the rainy evening of April 2^nd, 2024, brought its own treat. I made my way down to Its OK Studios to watch Canada’s #1 weekly podcast (now available on Apple Music), to watch a live episode of Extra Gravy with hosts: That Dude McFly, Alicia ‘Ace’ West and Big Norm. O-T made his second appearance of the day to screen episodes of “Maxxx!”

This will be a reunion of sorts and nothing short of comedic, as Marlon was one of the comedy writers who workshopped the development of Maxxx in Toronto (now showing on Channel 4 and later picked up by Hulu).

The highlight of my night was my sit-down interview (stay tuned for that) with Rob Maylor, a Jamaican-American lawyer, producer, and spearhead at Mental Telepathy Pictures. He is noted for executive producing “Sprinter,” championed by Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith. Collaborations with luminaries like Shaka King and companies such as Hillman Grad showcase his commitment to authentic storytelling.

With a rich background including stints at UTA, Mark Burnett Productions, and Magnolia Pictures, Rob’s expertise extends to notable projects like: Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love,” and HBO’s “Get Millie Black.”

I am excited about what he shared with me, and I know it is going to excite our creatives who are reading this. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce and home of Jamaica’s Film Commission, has announced the opening of the Call for Applications under the Jamaica
Screen Development Initiative (JSDI).

The JSDI is a J$1 billion financing initiative by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) aimed at bolstering and enriching the local film industry while attracting destination films. Through the JSDI, filmmakers, animators and creatives will be supported in developing eligible, local screen-based projects across various stages of development.

The Call for Applications for grant and loan support for Development, Production and Post-Production (Completion) phases end on April 28^th, 2024. However, applications for Film Festivals and Market Attendance, applications for Marketing and Distribution, as well as Production Rebates will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications will be subjected to a validation check to ensure eligibility and assessment by an evaluation panel comprising local and international film industry experts. Assessment factors include: the strength of the application, demonstrated track record and/or ability to progress project development and execution, financial feasibility, market interests and marketing plan, as well as the overall benefit of the project to the Jamaican economy.

Exciting indeed! Application guidelines as well as the application form can be found at: https://dobusinessjamaica.com/jamaica-screen-development-initiative/.

Incredible work is being done here in Toronto, and we are so happy to be at the helm of it.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth Empowerment,’ this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration between Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders, as we work towards achieving the national development goals.” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith

There is definitely excitement surrounding the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and this excitement was evident at the launch that took place on Thursday April 4^th, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. The Conference theme is “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,” and the hybrid event will be held June 16^th – 19^th, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It will be the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a signature biennial global forum that connects Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent living across the globe with the aim to strengthen linkages and build alliances that will fuel Jamaica’s growth and development on the world stage.

Since its inception, participation in the conference has steadily increased and as such this year’s target is 5,000 participants. The conference highlights that the Jamaican Diaspora represents much more than their ability to produce remittances, with its significant untapped economic impact on entrepreneurship development and the transfer of new and emerging skills.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica. He said marketing Jamaica as ‘Destination Trade and Investment’ and using the conference to provide key linkages for investment opportunities, is to “Get Jamaicans across the diaspora to invest in Jamaica, see investment returns, and see yourselves earning money.”

“Everyone knows Jamaica for its sunshine, but Jamaica is more than our beaches. It’s more than coming down and having a Red Stripe beer, having some jerked chicken or going to Dunn’s River Falls. Jamaica is also one of the best economies in the developing world,” the State Minister said.

Key stakeholders, including Conference Chairman Mr. Courtney Campbell, Legacy Partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group, and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both Ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement.

The Thursday rising launch also saw the attendance of other Government Ministers such as: the Honourable Delroy Chuck, Honourable Franklyn Witter and the Hon. Marsha Smith, as well as representatives from a slew of Jamaican business conglomerates, who have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, emphasizing the importance of unity in propelling Jamaica towards unprecedented growth and inclusivity.

Guests attending the Conference this year will have thematic sessions addressing the following:

• Educational transformation through digitalization: exchange, exposure and opportunities for self-actualization in Jamaica and the diaspora
• Embracing the migration compact: sustaining a thriving diaspora
• Breaking barriers and building futures: empowering Jamaican communities with citizen security, entrepreneurship, digital age technologies, and productivity, in partnership with the diaspora
• Empowering the youth for the future economy: actions and pathways to success and paying it forward
• Tourism and wealth creation

During her keynote address, Foreign Minister the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of the diaspora’s contributions to Jamaica’s development including strategic partnerships in various sectors: healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors. She also shared that the Ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM), to also explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.

Guests also have the Marketplace to look forward to, as well as the Government at Your Service sections which will facilitate access to a wide range of services from both the business and public sectors. The Diaspora Day of Service will take place on June 20^th, 2024, and will entail a wide range of charitable projects pioneered and supported by the diaspora across the country. In some cases, there is broader coordination from within regions and some initiatives are pursued at the individual or organizational level. Projects are registered on an event platform to facilitate broader support, coordination and reach.

The launch had surprises like a digital dollar giveaway, and other engagement surprises that ensured that as the world gathers in Montego Bay, this in-person conference after five long years will not just be a reunion; it’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Register NOW to be a part of this historic homecoming.

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been eight years now since the federal government passed the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Bill in Canada. The passage of Bill C-14 in 2016 after the Supreme Court ruling in 2015 in the case of Carter Canada ruled that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are violated if there is complete ban on assisted dying. Many believe that as a nation we have passed the point of no return and there is not much we can do to change course. The legalization of assisted death has opened Pandora’s box. The passage of a bill on February 26^th, 2024, to delay MAID for mental illness in Ottawa is good news, but too late.

One of the challenges that legislators have to deal with in Ottawa is when they should pass legislation to extend MAID to people who suffer from mental illness. On Thursday, February 1^st, 2024, they tabled a bill that delayed this extension until 2027. They hope that four years from now they will be able to come to some sort of consensus.

In an op-ed piece in the Toronto Star on Tuesday, February 6^th, the writer raises concerns about the dramatic rise in MAID provisions and our limited understanding about what’s driving the increase. The article quotes data that show that between 2019 and 2022, there was an increase in assisted deaths by an average of 31.1%. There were over 13,000 assisted deaths in 2022, which represents approximately four percent of the total number of deaths in Canada. This rapid increase “Makes Canada the fastest MAID adopter in history,” according to an analysis obtained from Health Canada’s Fourth Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. If MAID was listed as a cause of death by Statistics Canada, it would account for the sixth major cause of death in Canada.

This is great cause for concern as it begs the question, “What is driving this significant escalation in the number of people who are choosing assisted dying as a resort to deal with the pain and suffering of this present world?”

There is presently anecdotal evidence that seems to indicate that a lack of economic, or social support and “loneliness or isolation ” are possible factors. Approximately 17% ascribed loneliness as a factor in their decision to seek MAID.

The fact that the World Health Organization does not document physicians code MAID deaths, but instead ascribes it to the underlying condition makes it hard to know the exact figure. The data on MAID that have occurred within Canada in the past two years indicate reasons for concerns. At the outset of MAID all that was required was that a patient meet all of the following criteria which include a serious illness, or disability, in an “advanced state” of decline that could not be reversed, experiencing unbearable physical, or mental suffering, and when natural death was “reasonably foreseeable.”

Many of the troubling and alarming situations result from what motivated Canadians to consider MAIDS. There is the case of Alan Nichols who according to The Associated Press, mentioned that hearing loss was his medical status, but opted for MAID after being hospitalized for suicidal ideation.