BY SIMONE J. SMITH

For some reason, my ears were attuned to the sound of waves crashing. As I walked into my bright, airy hotel room with a balcony overlooking the ocean, I couldn’t help but think to myself, they prepared us for this experience, and it was the epitome of luxury and relaxation. From my check-in to this point, I was attended to with such care.

I quickly finished unpacking and headed to the balcony. I grabbed my sunglasses and a water bottle and headed out the door. When I stepped outside of the room, I took a deep breath of the ocean air. Anxiety gone. I took the elevator into the bustling lobby. “Wow, this place is something else,” I said to myself.

I decided I would check the place out a bit before dinner, so I walked through the lobby and out onto the pool deck. I had to spend a few moments taking in the view before heading towards the beach. As I made my way there, I stopped to close my eyes and listened to the sound of the waves. After a few minutes, I opened my eyes and looked around. “I should probably get ready for dinner, but first, one more look at this view.” I took a final look at the ocean before heading back to my room.

The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to discover paradise at the Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle. The resort is nestled on the pristine shores of White Bay Beach in the historic town of Falmouth. For four days, I was gifted with the ability to indulge in their 24-hour all-inclusive service, where every whim was catered to. I took the time to relax in their spacious, elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to provide ultimate comfort and relaxation. I didn’t get a chance to, but as I walked around, I saw guests cooling off in one of their four sparkling outdoor pools, while little ones splashed around in the children’s pool, and the exciting Splash Water World water park. I so wanted to go down the adult slide…

The plan was to meet everyone around 7:00 for drinks and then dinner at the Kyoto restaurant. The waitstaff was knowledgeable about the menu (which is completely digital), wine pairings, and local cuisine. I had some dietary restrictions, and some of the other journalists had specific preferences. The resort’s culinary team was happy to accommodate our needs. That night, I had an opportunity to immerse myself in the island’s vibrant culture and indulge in a world-class culinary experience. The ingredients were fresh, and the dishes were creative. After that it was nighty, night for me.

The next day, we were up early, because we had a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Negril from Trelawny.  A drive through Jamaica is a drive through heaven; lush, green vegetation and stunning coastlines. We had to encounter a variety of road conditions: well-maintained highways, narrow, winding roads, and sometimes, unpaved stretches.  Potholes are a common sight, especially in rural areas. Our driver was cautious and watched out for these unexpected obstacles. We learned that in urban areas like Kingston and Montego Bay, traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

The purpose of the trip was to see the community development work that RIU is a part of in Jamaica. RIU demonstrates a profound commitment to the communities surrounding its properties, extending beyond tourism and hospitality. The company actively supports the Orthopaedic Clinic in Negril, Jamaica, a vital medical facility that provides much-needed care to local children. I was so proud to hear that this was an initiative championed by Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board. By covering the stay of volunteer American doctors and shouldering the clinic’s operational costs, RIU ensures the continuity of this invaluable service. This partnership enables the clinic to treat hundreds of children annually, improving their mobility and quality of life. RIU’s dedication to social responsibility highlights its role as a catalyst for positive change, leaving a lasting impact on the communities it serves.

We made our way over to Rick’s Cafe for some libation. We were transported back in time to the 1970s, when Richard Hershman first opened its doors in a sleepy fishing village. The cliffside setting offers breathtaking sunset views and is as iconic today as it was decades ago. As we sipped our drinks, we couldn’t help but feel the vibrant energy of this legendary spot. It’s no wonder Rick’s Cafe continues to be a top destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a taste of Negril’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.

By that time, we were all famished, so it was time for lunch at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay, and it was a delightful culinary experience. The chef truly showcased her skills with a selection of traditional Jamaican favorites. The oxtail was fall-off-the-bone tender, the rice and peas were flavourful and perfectly cooked, and the jerk chicken was seasoned to perfection. The salad bar offered a refreshing variety of options, and the rum cake was the perfect sweet ending to the meal. It was clear that the chef took pride in her work, and it showed in every dish.

After this it was time to head back to the hotel, and luck was on our side. The traffic was light, so we got back in time to change, relax and meet everyone for our second night at the RIU Aquarelle.

BY PAUL JUNOR

The untimely passing of Patrick Parson, Artistic Director, Principal Choreographer and Musical Director of Ballet Creole on Wednesday, November 20^th, 2024, came as a shock. His death has triggered an avalanche of deep emotions, strong feelings and sincere reflections not just from his immediate family members and loved ones, but the wider artistic community in the Greater Toronto Area. He was an integral and influential part of the African Caribbean dance community prior to and after the launch of Ballet Creole in 1990. His musical legacy, artistic contributions, and outstanding body of work have left an indelible mark not just in Canada but internationally as well.

He was always grateful for his years in Trinidad and Tobago for contributing to his artistic developments. He was a principal dancer with the Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theatre of Trinidad before migrating to Canada. He completed studies at the School of the Toronto Dance Theatre and later at the Katherine Dunham Center for Arts and Humanities in East St. Louis. This enabled him to become a certified teacher of the Dunham technique. Ballet Creole School of the Performing Art offered classes to different age groups: children, youth and adults. His choreographic work over the years involved a fusion of: Caribbean, African, East Indian, jazz and modern jazz styles.

Patrick was well known in the dance community for the multiple roles that he played over the years. He was a cultural advisor to the: Toronto Arts Council, Metro Cultural Affairs, Ontario Arts Council, Harbourfront Centre, Laidlaw Foundation, and the Arts Advantage Program at Downsview Secondary School.

Patrick’s awards include:

• Entrepreneurial Award of Merit from the African Chamber of Commerce
• New Pioneer Award from Skills for Change
• Outstanding Community Service Award from Dance Caribe Performing Company

There have been many tributes paid to Patrick from those who knew him personally. A Facebook post from his children: Gabriella, Mikhail, Natassia, Jeanne-Arlette, Rachel and Zane reads, “On November 20^th, 2024, our father Patrick Anthony Parson took his final breath after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. He is now at peace dancing with the ancestors. Patrick was larger than life in our family and in our expansive artistic and cultural community. People knew him in his many capacities: dancer, choreographer, musician, professor, mentor, teacher, counsellor, founder, artistic director, board member, advisor. For us he was dad, or daddy or pop. He was respected, adored, and honored by the communities he belonged to. In his final days, he sought quiet. A celebration of life for our dad is in the making and we shall share information in the coming weeks. Soar with the ancestors Dad. Your legacy will live on!”

Ricardo Keens-Douglas wrote on his Facebook page, “Patrick you will be missed. You fought the good fight, travel well my friend. You have left the world and to the folks you touched with your life and talent. Dance my brother dance.”

Monique Newton-Walker penned these words on her Facebook page. “It has been a season of many icons transitioning, and today I am sad to learn that our fellow 2002 cohort member Patrick Parson has recently transitioned and now dances amongst the dancers. This picture represents a community that I continue to learn from to this day. I am grateful I was able to share space with Patrick in 2023.He was a pillar to the dance community and will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Don’t wait, love on your loved ones daily.”

There was a deeply moving and emotionally reflecting tribute from Kevin A. Ormsby, (Artistic Director of KasheDance, Curator of Programming at CPAMO and Arts Consultant) on his Facebook page. Ormsby mentioned that he started working with Patrick when he was 16 years old. “You have poured: knowledge, energy, and focus into me. We danced together, we ran Ballet Creole together, we managed a professional program together, we advocated together, and you had the confidence to have me be a leader before those words were buzz words. When I think back crafting this in tears, I am thinking of all the spaces Ballet Creole occupied in Toronto and all the other capacities in the arts you wanted me to see. Clearly you saw deeper.”

Ormsby expressed his gratitude to Patrick for his involvement with KasheDance. He notes, “I lead with so many examples learnt over the years from you.” He summarized his reflections with these words. “You have laid the foundation for so many artists, teachers and administrators across Canada. Your tireless effort in uniting practitioners of African Diasporic Dance across Canada, the US and the Caribbean.”

Ormsby lists some of the outstanding works that Patrick has produced over the years. He states, “YOU SHOWED UP in so many spaces because you realized the capacity of presence. I hold on to that presence NOW as you transition with ‘Naningo Calling,’ ‘Voices,’ ‘Fete,’ ‘Carnaval,’ ‘Soulful Messiah,’ ‘Saraka,’ ‘Ancestral Calling,’ to your next duty as an ancestor.”

There was a special tribute by Ballet Creole posted on Facebook on Monday, November 25^th. It reads, “Patrick’s visionary leadership, profound creativity, and unwavering dedication to the art of dance transformed the dance world in Canada and internationally, touching the lives of many: artists, dancers, collaborators and audience.” The post summarizes his contributions by noting that he was, “A true pioneer in the world of dance, Patrick was known for his innovative choreography that reflected diverse cultural expressions and world issues. He had a passionate commitment to nurturing talent, and tireless advocacy, for artists of color, using his voice to push for equity and representation.”

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Last Saturday night, Pickering Casino and Resorts transformed into a sanctuary for boxing enthusiasts. The much-anticipated United Boxing Promotions Fight Night kicked off at 7:00 pm, and it promised to be an evening of high-octane action.

A unique twist to this year’s event was the new spectator design. The stands were brought down from the overhead, offering fans a more intimate and immersive experience. It was a fantastic move that brought the crowd closer to the action.

As always, I was ringside, ready to soak up every punch, every dodge, and every roar from the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, and the fights were intense. From the rising stars to the seasoned veterans, every boxer delivered a performance that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The first fight of the night was between Joshua Frazer, the rising star, and battle-tested Petr Brodsky. Both fighters looked intense, ready to put on a show. Frazer stepped in on short notice and seemed unfazed. Brodsky, a seasoned veteran, looked determined to teach the young gun a lesson. The bell rings, and the fight is on!

Both fighters exchanged blows, feeling each other out. Frazer, with his lightning-fast hands, landed some crisp combinations. Brodsky, however, was not backing down. He counters with powerful hooks and uppercuts. A perfectly timed right punch connects flush on Brodsky’s jaw! The crowd erupts as Brodsky falls to the canvas. The referee waves off the fight! Joshua Frazer has done it again! A stunning knockout victory! What a performance by Joshua Frazer! He has shown incredible skill, power, and heart. With this knockout, Frazer remains undefeated at 12-0.

Then came the highly anticipated match between two warriors, Kyle ‘Caveman’ McLaughlin and Dylan Rushton! The bell rings, and the action starts immediately. Rushton, looking aggressive, presses forward, throwing heavy combinations. McLaughlin, patient as ever, picks his shots, countering with precision. It’s a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters landing solid blows.

The second round sees Rushton continuing his aggressive tactics, but McLaughlin is starting to find his rhythm. He lands a couple of hard body shots that slow Rushton down. However, Rushton is undeterred, and he keeps coming forward, refusing to back down. Rushton, despite being hurt, shows incredible heart and refuses to give up. He digs deep and lands a few solid punches of his own, but McLaughlin is too strong and too skilled.

The ‘Caveman’ continues to dominate, landing powerful combinations that leave Rushton battered and bruised. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Kyle ‘Caveman’ McLaughlin! Despite a valiant effort from Dylan Rushton, McLaughlin proved to be too strong and too skilled. This was a classic fight, and both fighters deserve our respect.

Jerome Gabriel, faced off against the seasoned veteran, Gregory ‘Killer’ Miller. The bell rings, and the fighters circle each other, sizing up their opponent. Gabriel, with his quickness and precision, lands a few jabs, but Miller, with his experience and power, counters. The pace quickens, and the two exchange blows. Gabriel’s speed is impressive, but Miller’s power is undeniable. Suddenly, Miller unleashes a devastating right hand. Gabriel stumbles backward, his legs giving way. The referee rushes in, but it’s too late. Miller has landed the knockout blow. What a stunning upset! Gregory Miller has proven that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Jerome Gabriel, on the other hand, will have to learn from this defeat and come back stronger.

Community, we had two reasons to be proud that night. First Gregory Miller’s unforeseen knockout, then there came the Kemahl “The Hitman” Russell vs. Douglas Ataide fight. Russell, with his evolving footwork, darted in and out, landing quick jabs and crosses. Ataide, a rugged fighter, tried to close the distance, but Russell’s defense was impeccable.

The pace quickens. Russell continues to dominate, utilizing his superior boxing skills. He lands a combination of punches that forces Ataide to retreat. The Brazilian, though resilient, struggles to find an answer to Russell’s precise strikes. Russell, sensing victory, increases the pressure. He unleashes a flurry of punches, overwhelming Ataide.

The Brazilian, though battered, refuses to give up. He lands a few solid blows, but it’s not enough to deter Russell’s relentless assault. It was in the fourth round that Russell, who seemed to sense the end, went for the kill. He lands some powerful shots that send Ataide reeling. The Brazilian, visibly exhausted, struggles to defend himself. The referee steps in to halt the fight, awarding the victory to Kemahl “The Hitman” Russell.

Finally, the main event was between Collingwood’s Cody Kelly who stopped Thad Buntsma in the seventh round, becoming the NEW Canadian Super Welterweight Champion! In the seventh round, Kelly landed a devastating right hand that sent Buntsma crashing to the canvas. Buntsma struggled to get up, but the referee waved off the fight.

Kelly was declared the new Canadian Super Welterweight Champion. Cody Kelly’s victory was a stunning upset. He displayed incredible heart and determination.

Whether you’re a die-hard boxing fan, or just looking for a thrilling night out, United Boxing Promotions Fight Night is an event not to be missed. See you in two weeks!