Community News

Top news of 2016

Published

8 years ago

January 12, 2017

TOCaribNews

BY JELANI GRANT

People Living In This Year Demanding Better Answers.

If sometime this year you thought to yourself, “What a world we’ve made”, you are probably not alone. 2016 has seen a number of changes to accept. To summarize, it was a year of deeper understanding; a significant number of people searching for answers to issues that weren’t clarified enough before. A new American President (arguably the most controversial election in American history), an unexpected division in Europe United, another world Olympics set into the history books, economical changes across the globe, the split-up of “Bradegelina”, the Knowles sisters both delling out empowering albums and the continuous struggles in the Middle East. These incidents and changes beg the question; have we as a society, learned enough this year to do better for the next.

The damage done by Hurricane Matthew

The predictions of damage Hurricane Matthew was to have on the Caribbean Islands was hard to prepare for, as it usually is when dealing with tropical storms. Something everyone could have predicted to come along with the storm is displacement and comedic spoofs, to make light of a very serious situation. Hurricane Matthew was the first Category 5 hurricane since 2004 and was also recorded as being the longest-lived Category 4-5 hurricane in the Eastern Caribbean, reaching wind speeds of up to 235km per hour. Despite some areas not being hit as hard as anticipated, islands, such as Haiti were devastated. More than 1,000 people were reported killed during the storm. The Rare Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Haiti, then travelled to eastern Cuba. The storm reached some southern states like Florida and the Carolinas, but Haiti is continuing to recover from the estimated $1 billion in damage costs.

The 45th POTUS

Millennials were a common predicting factor to how the latest Presidential election would turn out due to the 66% of voters under the age of 29 who voted for President Barack Obama. This year however, statistics showed that the majority of Caucasian women who voted, were the determining factor to placing the republican candidate into the winner’s circle with 53% for Trump. Despite the numerous controversial issues that surrounded Trump throughout his campaign, the numerous sexual assault accusations, his misogynistic behaviour, racist quotes and prejudice campaign promises, America’s Electoral College favoured Trump with 306 votes for Trump and 232 votes for democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Although Clinton won the popular vote, the results from the Electoral College vote was and has always been, the determining factor.

Though Trump’s campaign was filled with circumstantial promises, ranging from walling off Mexico from the American border, deporting residents who practice the Muslim religion or reversing everything President Obama has accomplished during his eight-year term, there is still a possibility that the policy and moral standards of America could drastically change. Some of the things president-elect Trump promised supporters included getting rid of the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans rejected from the beginning and now may get their wish with a majority senate and congress. Trump declared the threat of climate change as a hoax and vowed to stop including America in any meetings or agreements that would manage greenhouse gas emissions. The creation of religious freedom laws, which restricted the rights of the LGBT community in various ways, have been created by various republicans across the nation and could continue to grow with a majority Republican Supreme Court.

Trump nominated Senator Jeff Sessions, who is known as amnesty’s worst enemy by the Conservative National Review board, to be the next U.S. Attorney General. During his campaign, Trump made a promise of a complete shutdown of Muslims entering into the U.S. as a necessity for this country’s safety, and following his election said he would be in support of the implementing of a Muslim-based registry. Trump suggested there should be systems beyond databases that will track Muslims in America. As well, Trump has chosen Mike Pence as his Vice President, which disturbed many women and the LGBT community because of his cut of Planned Parenthood funding as Indiana Governor and support of conversion therapies, which have been scientifically proven to be useless and harmful.
While none of these changes are guaranteed to happen, as most politicians aren’t known for keeping all of their promises, the possibility is very real and even scary for some Americans.

Bolt immortalized as undefeated Olympian

Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive. No better way to describe someone who managed to make history, by breezing through each of the 100m finals, and winning three gold medals for the same event in three Olympic games in a row. Bolt won the 100m and 200m races in Brazil and is the only man to win all three sprint events at three consecutive Olympic Games.

He holds the current men’s 100m world record of 9.58 seconds and the 200m world record of 19.19s. Both were set in 2009.

Bolt was also a part of the team that set the fastest-ever time for the 4x100m relay, at the London 2012 Games. Bolt is currently building a casual diner and sports bar franchise called Tracks & Records in Ocho Rios. In honour of everything Bolt has achieved, his statue will be built at the National Stadium Statue Park along with Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Veronica Campbell-Brown. The statues are meant to be completed by the Independence celebration of Jamaica for 2017. Fraser-Pryce hoped to make a similar mark, winning three consecutive 100m finals but, due to a toe injury, came in third behind American Torie Bowie and fellow countrywoman Elaine Thompson, who won gold. Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse made a splash of his own, trailing behind Bolt’s effortless 9.81 seconds with 9.91 seconds in his first Olympic appearance. Trinidadian Akeem Stewart also broke a Paralympic record this year in the javelin competition with 57.32 meters.

Bees are becoming extinct

For the first time in history, seven species of bees have been placed on the American endangered species list, which means they’re now the first US bee species to earn federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. The seven species, which live in many different habitats on the Hawaiian Islands, are named Hylaeus anthracinus, Hylaeus longiceps, Hylaeus assimulans, Hylaeus facilis, Hylaeus hilaris, Hylaeus kuakea, and Hylaeus mana. The loss of more bees will negatively impact ecosystems, such as the pollination of almond plants which could lead to a declining production of livestock or coffee beans. The bees are threatened mostly by human development and invasive species, which are both causing a loss of their vital habitat, causing bee populations to become sparse according to the Xerces Society.

The United Kingdom divided from Europe United

Of the many shocking events, changing the world ever slightly, Brexit was one which most people wouldn’t have imagined was possible. A vote across the United Kingdom, eligible to most citizens of age, to remove the UK from the list of countries within the European Union was passed. With a majority vote of only 52%, most UK citizens decided to depart from the Europe United agreement that essentially created a single market for all countries involved, following World War II, allowing goods and people to move around as if the member states were one country. The countries share their own currency, the euro, its own parliament and set rules in a wide range of areas, including the environment, transport, consumer rights. 3% of the United Kingdom’s population is of Caribbean or African decent, and this vote has the potential to impact immigration laws since the UK will be using their own currency, consumer rights and environmental laws. Nothing has been officially declared in regards to immigrant policy changes but they are possible and no doubt will migration more complicated.

Remembering their excellence

2016 streamed the losses of a number of legendary greats, as recently as December with the loss of Guyanese-born British-American novelist E.R. Braitwaithe, best known for his novel To Sir, With Love. Some of the tragic loses, included black pioneers who made history and potentially paved the way for younger generations to achieve greatness. For instance, the soul and funk singer Sharon Jones, who died at the age of 60 after battling with pancreatic cancer. She was best known for her debut album with the Dap-Kings band, Dap Dipping With the Dap-Kings, release in 2002. After beginning her music career in the 1970s, Jones struggled to build her name in the music industry and began working as a correctional officer for a few years before returning as a backup singer for Desco Records in the 90s, proving that any dream can be achieved with persistence. Other icons who passed included Earth, Wind & Fire co-founder Maurice White, 74, television psychic Ms. Cleo, 53, and former Black Panther Afeni Shakur, 69. Shakur created Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, an arts program for young people funded by the estate of her late son.

This year, fans across the globe mourned and celebrated the life of the iconic music artist Prince, 57, best known for his hits Purple Rain and Little Red Corvette. One of the reasons Prince will forever be highly regarded is his indifference to gender norms, because of his colourful, flourishing outfits and soft voice and stern demeanour.

Also, to be remembered is renowned actor Bill Nunn, 62, known for his role as Radio Raheem in Do The Right Thing and Tommy Ford, 52, known best for his role in the 90s sitcom Martin. Soul music legend Otis Clay, 76 and Legendary hip-hop musician Phife Dawg, 45, passed away this year. Clay’s passing was tragic as he died of a heart attack, but Phife’s death shook the hip-hop community as he was a co-founder of A Tribe Called Quest, one of the most influential hip-hop groups of its entire history. Inventor George Nauflett, 84, who is renowned for the number of patents he created, one including the nitration of organics in carbon dioxide, died this year in a house fire.

Infamous communist leader Fidel Castro, 90, who was beloved by his people for pushing the advancement and quality of Cuba’s medical community while being hated by the United States for oppressing the human rights of his citizens not backing down during the Cold War, passed away. Leading Cuba for almost fifty years, Castro is known for a plethora of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ activities, depending on who is asked. Castro had once allowed the Soviet Union to build nuclear missile on Cuban land. He was also vocal about his anti-gay beliefs, which only became an issue for most in recent years but has also granted asylum to a number of civil rights activists who were placed on America’s Most Wanted list, such as Shakur.

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, 74, who fought alongside civil rights leaders like Malcolm X while demolishing any competitors who challenged him in the ring, also died this year of septic shock.
The cliché phrase, “out with the old, in with the new”, is a concept which is so relevant this year because of policy and government changes. Regardless of how 2016 has turned out, the fact that more people are actively searching for deeper explanations, to issues that affect them, is a progressive step towards a better tomorrow. Traditional beliefs, that may oppress or exclude certain groups, are becoming a growing taboo thanks to documentary television channels, such as VICE, or scientific researchers like WHO (World Health Organization) and this could lead to less oppression or at the very least, stronger demands for equality.

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Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Paul Junor

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7^th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3^rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
Unite Here! Local 75
Toronto & York Region Labour Council
Canadian Labour Congress
The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50^thanniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

Community News

What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

Community News

Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

TOCaribNews

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.