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4 years ago

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BY JANIECE CAMPBELL

I hate needles. I don’t think there’s anything in this world that can send shivers down my spine the way that a freshly unpackaged needle can. I have extremely unpleasant middle school memories of lining up to get my shots for meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and HPV. Outside of the freedom of getting out of math class for thirty minutes, I didn’t see much of a reason behind these vaccines.

Twelve years later, I can see that this heavily debated topic is something far bigger than the realm of my middle school. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that vaccines help to prevent 2-3 million deaths from a multitude of life-threatening diseases, there’s still a strong opposing voice against them.

How could that be? How could there be a voice against life-saving medicine?

Smallpox was a devastating disease thought to date back to the Egyptian Empire around the 3rd century BCE. This speculation is based on a smallpox-like rash found on three mummies, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 1967, the Intensified Eradication Program initiated with a plan to globally eliminate the illness through the introduction of a high-quality vaccine. By 1972, the United States had eradicated smallpox and on May 8th, 1980, the 33rd World Health Assembly officially declared the world free of the disease. This is considered the biggest achievement in international public health thus far.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the globe, countries around the world are anxious to get their hands on a vaccine as soon as possible. With the millions of dollars invested into the hunt for a vaccine, many researchers worldwide are aiming for approval by the beginning of 2021. The re-opening of the economy and global efforts for a cure have re-energized anti-vaccine critics who are already protesting for what they refer to as their ‘medical freedom.’ Although often dismissed, the anti-vaccination groups may have a striking argument about the awaiting COVID-19 vaccine. If vaccine development normally has to go through five vigorous stages over the course of at least ten years, how can we trust a vaccine to be safely tested and available on the market within a few months?

In an exclusive interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Toronto Caribbean Newspaper’s own Simone Smith had an in-depth conversation about the safety and efficiency of vaccinations. Kennedy, a renowned voice in the vaccine movement since 2005, founded the Children’s Health Defense (previously called World Mercury Project) to challenge and advocate against vaccine regulation, and fluoridation of drinking water.

“I am not anti-vaccine. People call me that as a way of discrediting me or marginalizing me,” he firmly states. “I support safe vaccines that are tested in the way that other products have to be tested.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has quite an unsettling reputation surrounding his claims on how harmful vaccinations can be, especially within his own family. In 2019, his siblings and niece published a piece on Politico, stating that he’s tragically wrong about vaccines. “His and others’ work against vaccines is having heartbreaking consequences. The challenge for public health officials right now is that many people are more afraid of the vaccines than the diseases, because they’ve been lucky enough to have never seen the diseases and their devastating impact. But that’s not luck; it’s the result of concerted vaccination efforts over many years. We don’t need measles outbreaks to remind us of the value of vaccination,” an excerpt from the article reads.

In the last year, a record breaking high of 1,282 individual cases of measles were diagnosed in the United States, the greatest number since 1992. The majority of cases were among people who were not vaccinated for measles, according to the CDC. Still yet, Kennedy is certain on his beliefs and says that he has observed the effects of vaccination first-hand within his own immediate family.

“In 1986, when [Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act] we were seeing an epidemic of chronic disease in Canada and the United States. I had 11 brothers and sisters. I had 77 cousins. I didn’t know of anybody with a food allergy or eczema. And yet, I have six kids and they all have allergies. Why is that? Whatever happened began in 1986. That same year, the odds of chronic disease raised from 1 in 10,000 in my generation to 1 in 34 children today.”

Chronic disease refers to a multitude of life-long illnesses such as lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and developmental disorders. Some would argue that many of these abnormalities are inherited genetically or caused by an error in the human DNA. Kennedy thinks otherwise.

“Epidemics are not caused by genes; they’re caused by toxins in the environment. Genes can give you the vulnerability, but you need to add the toxins. There are lots of new toxins. We have cellphones, and neonicotinoid pesticides. There are a lot of things you can blame for this explosion of chronic disease. But the best of science has linked the cascade of chronic disease to vaccines. I gave my kids every vaccine that was recommended. Now, I wish I could go back in time.”

There seems to be a global race amongst nations on who will get access to the COVID-19 vaccine first. Although the issue at hand is urgent, should we really be opting for a ‘quick-fix’ solution?

“Roughly a vaccine takes about fifteen years to get to the market. What if a vaccine causes cancer? You won’t know that for at least four to five years. If you only test a vaccine for forty-five days, you’re only going to see what happens in forty-five days. They’re doing a lot of shady things in these tests.”

He continues.

“The leading vaccine right now is the Moderna vaccine and it was tested on 45 people. Bill Gates is one of the investors and Dr. Anthony Fauci put half a million dollars of our taxpayer money into that vaccine. They tested it in Washington and gave it to 45 volunteers. Fifteen got the low dose, fifteen got the medium dose, and fifteen got the high dose. In the low dose group, 1 of the people got sick. That’s 6%. That’s very alarming. In the high dose group, 3 of them got sick. They’re going to give this to a billion people. If 20% of a high dose group is getting sick, then who wants to take that chance?”

Point taken – those statistics do sound pretty frightening out loud. But the question remains. If vaccination isn’t the safest way to go, then how do we battle this highly infectious virus?

“The FDA is saying that they’re going to allow vaccines that are 30-50% efficacious. Well, I can tell you a vaccine that is 99.8% efficacious – it’s called the human immune system! You can bolster your chances of not getting infected by taking vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. Generally speaking, the people who have those things in their system are not affected by COVID, or they’ll recover very quickly. That’s what we ought to be focussing on: therapeutic drugs rather than the vaccine.”

What does this have to do with the African-Caribbean Community?
Systemic racism is not only evident within the criminal justice system. According to the New York Tmes, African-American and Latin residents of the United States have been three times as likely to become infected as their white neighbours. Data shows that they are also nearly twice as likely to die from the virus as well. Mr. Kennedy took time to educate the community on what we need to know.

“Polling shows that the skepticism is the highest in the African-American community, and there’s good reason for that. There’s lots of studies that show that African-Americans are much more vulnerable to vaccine injury. Vaccine injury, along with other disease like COVID, targets people with vitamin D deficiency. You’ll notice about 95% of people who died from COVID are vitamin D deficient. And that may be one of the reasons why it is attacking African-Americans because virtually, every black person is vitamin D deficient.”

Vitamin D insufficiency is fairly prevalent among black people. Melanin lowers the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure, as it blocks out twice as much UV radiation as white skin. According to the Cooper institute, there tends to be a greater risk for chronic and potentially life-shortening conditions such as stoke, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, some of which are associated with vitamin D deficiency.

“African-Americans also have higher testosterone than caucasians. Testosterone amplifies the neurotoxicity, particularly of mercury. Estrogen tends to wrap around the mercury molecules and protect the female brain. Autism and other developmental disorders are more pronounced in the male population due to the testosterone.”

Lest we forget the horrific 1932 Tuskegee syphilis study, where 399 black men infected with syphilis were manipulated into being a part of a 40-year study. The men, who were promised: free medical exams, free meals and burial insurance, were unaware that the study was to observe the effects of the untreated infection. Even with the introduction of penicillin in the 1940s, the men were never given the drug. 28 of the original 399 black men died of syphilis, 100 died of related complications, 40 of their wives were infected, and 19 of their children were born with congenital syphilis. It’s no surprise that people of colour are inadequately represented in medicine, due to heartbreakingly having mistrust towards medical institutions from past instances like this.

“We know that African-Americans react differently to vaccines than Caucasians. They’re more sensitive to antigens. They need half the antigens that caucasians need; yet, it’s a one-size-fit-all program. Maybe some benefit from vaccines, but it’s clearly true that African-Americans are disproportionately injured by vaccines.”

So, what do we believe? The WHO claims that vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten threats to global health, so should we be the first in line once the COVID-19 vaccine is mandated? Kennedy concludes with an ominously thought-provoking line.

“Don’t trust me. Don’t trust your doctor. Don’t trust the CDC. Do your own research.”

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Dale

    August 6, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    So they will call anyone who questions the WHO’s protocol, or their real objectives, a conspiracy theorist.
    Well if you have a theory, then watch it come to fruition factually, it is no longer a theory it is a truth.
    I pray for people to pay attention, not just to prime time media, but to what is happening around you.
    It’s almost like someone who is an atheist , and Jesus Christ himself stands in front of them and slaps them in the face, then they continue to deny that He is real.
    Thank you Robert Kennedy for having the courage to tell the truth, it’s a shame many won’t believe you.

    Reply

  2. Christopher

    August 22, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    Whem he starts talking to us about economic justice and immigration reform, he can have a conversation. Until then, he can miss us with this whatever it is. I would also like to ask him if Black Lives Matter when it comes to policing.

    Reply

    • Josh Presaud

      August 25, 2020 at 10:18 pm

      Christopher, that’s said with a little bit of ignorance, there are white people that would like to help. This article and interview talks about the negative effects vaccines are having on the POC population and you say “he can miss us”?

      Take your ego down a notch and take a look, you may learn something that may save your life and your loved ones, they are prepping to vaccinate OUR PEOPLE first. Milinda Gates said it point blanc, BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD GET THE VACCINE FIRST.

      Reply

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Community News

Amplifying authentic African narratives; the stars came out at the BSO Symposium

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5 days ago

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April 19, 2024

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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 2nd, 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 2nd, 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 28th, 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.

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Not just a reunion; It’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Welcome to the 10thBiennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference

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5 days ago

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April 19, 2024

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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 4th, 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 16th – 19th, 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 20th, 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.

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Sharp rise in the number of medically assisted deaths in Canada sparks concerns

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5 days ago

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April 19, 2024

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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 26th, 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 1st, 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 6th, 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.

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