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Who Can We Trust? Why are our community organizations all being put on blast?

Published

4 months ago

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BY MICHAEL THOMAS

“We want criminal charges to be pressed first of all, and that is figuring out if they will sue him to get the money back or whatever. This person was acting of their own accord, so it was not as if he was doing this on behalf of the organization. He did this for his selfish gains, so whatever the court of law says is the punishment for that, that is what we are looking for.”

Above are the words of Rose-Ann Bailey, an ex-Officio for the organization named Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (AKA Black CAP) from the previous board.

These same sentiments are echoed by many concerned board members of Black CAP who contacted Toronto Caribbean Newspaper about the lack of accountability, bullying, and misuse of board funds by a few people on the inside whose intentions according to the other members are less than honorable. Here are some insights shared with us by these concerned members.

Like many other Black organizations today, like the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) and Tropicana Community Services, we too are concerned about financial transparency within the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention; the ONLY Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused 35-year-old organization in the country. The lack of transparency significantly undermines the accountability and integrity of the organization. We are gravely concerned about the legally required: governance, transparency, and competency of the entire board.

According to the group of concerned members, this is the group that launched the illegal takeover of Black CAP. Please read carefully as to why there are many concerns here.

The primary concerns revolve around financial transparency and governance under the previous Executive Director, Gareth Henry (currently the Interim Executive Director of the Toronto HIV/AIDS Network), and his associates: Ian McKnight, Dennis White, Denzil Buckley, Nester Tom, Tru Stewart, Hamlet Nation, Lisa Duplessis, and Tanaka Chiromobo.

According to the group of concerned members, as of June 7th, 2024, the Board of Directors led by Ian McKnight and unsecured legal advice and service from Milton Chan (unofficially secured as legal representative of Ian McKnight’s group) terminated the employment of Tina “Tee” Garnett as Interim Executive Director and replaced them with Nief Neamatt, a former staff that was terminated September 2023.

This installation of Nief Neamatt is an effort to ensure that when a new Board of Directors is put in place at the June 13th, 2024, Special Members meeting the continued independent investigation into the unapproved and documented misappropriation of over $300,000 funds donated by the LCBO and other funders in 2022/2023 cannot be continued and thus attempting to clear Mr. Gareth Henry of any criminal, or legal accountability.

The group of concerned members told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper in a statement, “Mr. Neamatt has a well-known reputation by staff to be transphobic, homophobic, misogynistic, and sexist with multiple harassment and human rights complaints against him by staff.” 

They went on to explain, “We are concerned about the physical, mental, and emotional health of all staff members, especially as they are beginning to heal under the leadership of Tee Garnett.”

Well-intentioned members are concerned that Nief Neamatt will delete all documentation that would prevent the investigation from being continued or continue to financially gouge the organization under the puppet strings of: Gareth Henry, Ian McKnight, Dennis White, Denzil Buckley, Nester Tom, Tru Stewart, Hamlet Nation, Lisa Duplessis, and Tanaka Chiromobo.

Again, according to inside sources, Mr. Neamatt has absolutely no previous experience, or competency as an Executive Director and can only rely on others to do the work.

Since October 20th, 2023, there have been many legal infractions and despite efforts to solve these issues internally, a group of six board members has consistently obstructed progress and failed to fulfill their duties. Here are some of the infractions.

  • Undeclared conflict of interests and unwilling to sign Oath of Confidentiality and Declarations of Conflict-of-Interest Board forms (Requirement as a board member).
  • Unethical behavior violation resulting in Human Rights complaints and investigations from staff based on interaction with board members.
  • On-going violation of Union and Labour relations from Board Members.
  • Demands by board members for full salary compensation for temporary replacement of the Interim Executive Director role.
  • Inability to provide a safe work environment for the over 25 staff members of the organization.
  • Blatant disregard for legal requirements has undermined the effectiveness of the Board of Directors at Black CAP.
  • Unauthorized cancellation of the investigation around the ongoing independent financial investigation of the misappropriation of financial funds by Gareth Henry.
  • Failure to meet the Enhanced Monitoring requirements set out by the Ministry of Health.

I spoke with three people from the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention: Tee” Garnett Interim Executive Director who was forced out illegally, Rose-Ann Bailey who is an Ex-Officio for the organization from the previous board, and an employee of Black CAP who for security reasons we will call Miss X.

Tee Garnett, a seventh-generation Canadian said to me, “Black CAP is near and dear to my heart. We have been here since 1781, and so seeing the first Black organization was a very monumental time in Black history for Black Canadians.”

“I came in knowing that the board was at a divide not realizing how deep it was, so I’ve been doing a lot of Afrocentric healing work with the staff who have gone through a lot of traumas, abuse, intimidation and I have been holding that space with them and for them.”

“We spent three days,” Garnett told me. “a week ago, doing healing work as an organization, only for one week later to have a board come in, who is in direct conflict with: standards, bylaws, code of conduct and then come in with an unretained, none-black legal representative, and call me while I was on sick leave with COVID to terminate me.”

Garnett told me in her closing words, “Black CAP needs community support because it belongs to the black community.”

Next up was Miss X who told me that her experience was that there is a lack of compassion and for a while Tee Garnet brought healing to the situation.

Speaking of the removal of Tee Garnett, Miss X said, “It was a hostile takeover because they took over I.T, and how they got access to the system nobody knows.”

I asked Miss X what she would like to see in the future at Black CAP, “That conflict of interest be declared from the get-go, places of power should be reserved for people who genuinely believe in the organization, and the moment we sense that things are not right, people need to say something.”

Rose-Ann Bailey was exceptionally candid about what has been taking place at Black CAP from a fraudulent point of view.

“We have the documentation to show that there have been funds that have been e-transferred to family members as well as a number of items that have not been approved by the board and were arbitrarily sent to different individuals.”

Bailey narrates a situation in Black CAP between Gareth Henry and Ian McKnight that makes the listener wonder why these two men are not in jail. From: doctoring credit card limits without the board’s consent, e-transferring thousands of dollars into a family member’s bank account, to stonewalling proper investigations and yet both men are free.

When asked what she would like to see happen to these guys for what they have done, Bailey answered, “Some of the times as Black people, we do not want to put our business out in public, but if we don’t people will continue to misuse the funds that are publicly given to community members that need it, so the more the public knows about what’s going on, the more honest we will make these organizations.”

Bailey told me this is not Black CAP’s first brush with internal thieves, however, this time the stakes are so high and outrageous that something has to be done publicly. “We want to make sure that they know that this has to stop,” she said.

By providing the information below, this organization wants the public to see the troubling number of patients who need their care, yet some who were entrusted with patients’ funds have chosen to funnel that money to places where it does not belong.

According to the Canadian AIDS Society and Health Canada, about one in four Canadians living with HIV identify as women.

In fact, an estimated 16,880 females live with HIV (including AIDS) across the country, with 597 new diagnoses among Canadian women in 2022 alone. All women have risk factors for HIV infection, but women who belong to socially and economically marginalized populations face many interconnecting determinants of health that adversely impact their risk for HIV infection, and their experiences accessing diagnosis, care, treatment, and support. ACB women, along with: Indigenous women, trans women, women who use drugs, women who experience violence, and women who are incarcerated are at a higher systemic risk for HIV.

A question that we do have as a paper is why are our organizations all being put on blast? Was the BBPA the genesis of our community organizations losing the trust of the community? Something insidious is developing, and we have to get to the bottom of it.

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In his new role as a reporter and Journalist, Michael can he be described in two words: brilliant, and relentless. Michael Thomas aka Redman was born in Grenada, and at an early age realized his love for music. He began his musical journey as a reggae performer with the street DJs and selectors. After he moved to Toronto in 1989, he started singing with the calypso tents, and in 2008, and 2009 he won the People’s Choice Award and the coveted title of Calypso Monarch. He has taken this same passion, and has begun to focus his attention on doing working within the community.

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Community News

The Caribbean Children Foundation’s 24th Anniversary Angel Gala; a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children

Published

21 hours ago

on

November 4, 2024

By

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Elegant music plays softly throughout the lavish ballroom, tropical florals accenting the tables. Glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow as guests, dressed in glamorous evening attire, make their way through the grand entrance.

Prepare for a night like no other, a celebration of unity, excellence, and culture. Welcome The Caribbean Children Foundation’s 24th Anniversary Angel Gala on Saturday November 9th, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Woodbine Banquet Hall 30 Vice Regent Blvd, Etobicoke, ON). This gala is more than just an event; it’s a moment of recognition and empowerment for the Caribbean community. A place where philanthropy and community come together in style.

Expect to mingle with: leaders, influencers, and changemakers from across the Caribbean diaspora, all gathered under one roof to assist children in need from the Caribbean, suffering from life-threatening ailments for which no treatment is available in their country. As you can see, it’s not just about glitz and glam. This gala is a platform to support and give back. Proceeds from the night’s event will fund health services that directly impact Caribbean families and youth. Through solidarity, we continue to break barriers and build a stronger, thriving Caribbean community.

The Caribbean, a region renowned for its beauty, is also home to countless children facing immense challenges. Among these are debilitating spinal deformities and congenital heart disease conditions that often go untreated due to limited or nonexistent medical resources. These children, their families, and their communities suffer immeasurable physical, mental, emotional, and financial burdens. The prospect of a life marred by pain and disability is a heartbreaking reality for many.

To address this urgent need, TCCF has partnered with local healthcare providers to build capacity and ensure that these children receive the critical care they deserve. Through their efforts, they have been able to transform the lives of Caribbean teens suffering from severe spinal deformities. By providing access to specialized spine care in Canada, they have not only alleviated their physical suffering but have also given them hope for a brighter future. TCCF’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children extends beyond the immediate relief they provide; it is a testament to our belief in the power of compassion, and the transformative impact of quality healthcare.

“We are excited that our final event for 2024 will be on November 9th, and we are proud to say that we have been able to treat 24 children in Guyana from April 2024 to August 2024. TCCF so far assisted 411 children up to date,” shared Jankie Dolaram, Vice President at The Caribbean Children Foundation.

Together, SpineHope and The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) have been able to change the lives of Caribbean children. “TCCF has gone above and beyond, and we admire their commitment to saving children’s lives! SpineHope is grateful for TCCF’s continued support, participation and generosity. We hope we can further our work together and, in the coming years, help more children in Guyana and the Caribbean who are in need of spine treatment,” shared Dawn Deakin (Executive Director, SpineHope)

At The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF), your donation makes a world of difference. By partnering with them, your organization sends a powerful message — you’re leading the charge in improving and even saving the lives of children. In recognition of your generous support, TCCF will proudly showcase your organization’s name and logo in our Anniversary Booklet/Magazine and on our website.

There are multiple opportunities to get involved, including sponsoring our annual events in Toronto and the GTA. With sponsorship levels ranging from Bronze to Signature, starting at just $500 and going up to over $5,000, there’s an option to fit every organization looking to invest in our Angel Kids. Depending on the level you choose, your sponsorship may include direct participation at our events or have your company’s logo featured on promotional materials like: brochures, event flyers, tickets, and their website.

They are inviting you to explore their corporate package and PowerPoint presentation at www.tccfangels.com, where you can also browse the Angel Kids gallery and learn more about their mission.

Looking for fundraising ideas? Consider donating in lieu of gifts for employees, customers, or suppliers, or hosting a charity sports tournament, engaging your network to support your fundraising campaign for the Angels. Additionally, through employee giving programs, the CRA allows companies to redirect charitable funds through payroll notifications.

Join us today in making an impact and be recognized as a leader in supporting children in need. Visit www.tccfangels.com to learn more. Don’t forget to secure your tickets by calling Vic 647-280-6712 or Jay 416-418-2745.

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Community News

Poems intended to inspire and can benefit nearly anyone

Published

21 hours ago

on

November 4, 2024

By

BY PAUL JUNOR

The release of African-Canadian school administrator Joan B. Williams’ book

“Character, Grit and Acknowledgement” in June 2024 will certainly make a difference in the lives of children of all ages.

The book is advertised as a “Collection of Empowering Poems,” designed to “Empower and inspire children of all ages.” In the introduction, the seasoned educator describes what motivated her to write the book. She writes, “I drew inspiration to write this book of poems on the themes of character, grit and acknowledgement from my years of teaching, observations of world events, and the experiences of raising my own children.” Furthermore, it “Aims to cultivate essential character-building skills while celebrating the beauty of inclusivity and diversity. Each poem is a beacon of encouragement, urging readers to embrace many positive themes such as resilience, compassion and the power of individuality.”

Family is especially important to Joan B. Williams as the book is dedicated to her deceased mother, husband, and children as well as dad, siblings, nieces, and nephews, as well as friends, prayer warriors and a circle of friends. With respect to her mother who passed away in 2020 she mentioned that it was her “Who instilled in me great resilience and continues to inspire me.” Her husband, Maurice, and children, DeJhaun and Alayne are highly praised. She thanked them “For believing in my dreams and visions, and for being patient and understanding, especially during those times when I was otherwise consumed with work.”

Mrs. Williams was born in Jamaica where she completed her: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. She began her teaching career in Turks & Caicos prior to migrating to Canada where she continued in the teaching profession. The students that she taught over the years have been a strong influence on her. She acknowledged her indebtedness to them for the many valuable lessons they have taught her over the years.

The book is divided into three sections: Character, Grit, and Acknowledgement with poems. It is mentioned that “The poems in this book are intended to inspire and can benefit nearly anyone. Be creative in how you use them. You may: read them for your own meditation and inspiration, speak them aloud, or even sing them as songs. However, you chose to engage them, seek meaning and maintain an open mindset for change.”

There are praises for the book by several individuals who highlight its importance. Errol Lee (author, singer, and songwriter) writes, “It’s truly a joyful read.” Dr. Balfour Spence (Professor) notes, “A major game-changer in assisting school guidance and others engaged in stimulating the mental health of children.” Pauline Christian (President of Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada) writes, ”A catalyst for positive change…for anyone committed to personal and social excellence.” Debi Lavine (retired elementary principal) states, “Equity and inclusion resonate throughout the poem.”

The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon as well as Indigo-Chapters.

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Community News

Have you ever heard of societies, or groups that talk about the end of the world as we know it?

Published

21 hours ago

on

November 4, 2024

By

BY STEVEN KASZAB

“I sat in the dark and thought, there will be no big apocalypse, just an endless procession of little ones.” Neil Gaiman

My daughter does not like watching movies that present an apocalyptic view of the future with sad endings, possible events that can affect one’s future or the future of humanity. Recently news was presented by scientists claiming that in about five billion years the sun will expand to become a red giant star that will consume: Mars, Venus and probably the Earth as well. Then the sun will shrink into a small white dwarf star as it dies (Scientific American). My daughter took the possibility of this happening as a sign. A sign to what (disaster), where (anyplace) and why (it’s bad news, who cares)?

Well have you ever heard of societies, or groups that talk about the end of the world as we know it? Apocalyptic and millenarian movements have existed for millennia giving those who have lost their taste for life a place to gather and discuss the end. My daughter is in no way like that, but the very opposite, determined to live her life to the fullest because you simply do not know when your time has come right?

Our fate seems to hinge on that of earths. Since many of us do not believe we can change the earth’s trajectory in any significant way, they pursue their lives in many ways, be it: nihilistic, selfish, or isolated from others. The very thought that the end can be upon us can psychologically affect others leading to depression, excessive fear of future loss, and most of all the realization that we individually have no control of the future and our world.

Threats to humanity 

  • Natural resources are depleted, especially fresh water.
  • Ecosystem collapsing, the biosphere at a loss.
  • There are simply too many of us.
  • Our water sources contaminated with chemicals and plastics.
  • The death clock is too close to midnight.
  • We may inadvertently damage our earth’s core causing disaster.
  • Cosmic objects can cause our eventual demise.
  • Climate change and mother nature’s wrath.

We cannot fathom what may happen, nor where and why it will happen. Sure, there are: warnings, loud bells ringing about climate change, natural disasters, war, and seemingly unending conflicts, but these have been with us for quite some time. Many of us have taken bad news for granted. The world is what it is right? Cosmic and global cataclysms are simply too big to ignore and often understand. You will notice in many movies that the authorities often do not tell the public that some horrible cosmic disaster is about to happen like a huge asteroid hitting earth, possibly killing us all in time. No news is often good news for the future victims of the end times.

There are people who ignore negativity, living on only: positive news, food, events, and things that build them up. Hurricanes are launching themselves at St. Petersburg presently, and the whole population is either on the run, or hankering down. They are used to the news that Mother Nature is about to make their lives miserable. You don’t want to experience hurricanes then move to Las Vegas, but get used to: droughts, gambling addictions and high crime stats. News affects us wherever it comes from, be it: movies, national announcements, or local news outlets. Tell a community a reformed sex offender has moved into the neighborhood and all hell breaks loose. Politicians living in Rosedale will initiate multiple self-injection sites, but just not in their neighborhood. News has the ability to assist listeners, or readers in forming their thoughts and reactions to the world.

Why did I start the letter with my daughter’s dislike of some movies? The government will not allow any movie to be introduced to the public unless it is approved for release. Is the government trying to prepare the public for tough times in the future? The advertising sector’s most industrious and generous clients are somehow affiliated with the government. Manipulating the public has been a cause celeb for a very long time, so prepare the public for the possible eventuality without letting them know the true facts. Preparation without any transparency, or accountability.

It could be the end of the world as you know it, but do you feel fine about it? It can happen at the blink of an eye or take its horrid time.

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