Caribbean Entrepreneurs Need for Pan Am Games 2015

Entrepreneurial Opps for Caribbean Businesses in 2015 Pan Am Games

By William Doyle-Marshall

Organizers of the 2015 Pan Am Games say they are searching for entrepreneurs from the Caribbean and Latin American communities to be involved. Speaking to a recent on-line press conference officials expressed a desire to make contact with small, medium and diversity companies who wish to participate in the forthcoming historic event in the Greater Toronto Area.

Katherine Henderson, senior vice-president, marketing & revenue told journalists to enable the festival’s strategy of believing that its supply chain needs to reflect the citizens out of the Golden Horseshoe an advisory council has been established. It is referred to as the Supplier Diversity Advisory Council and it represents different constituents within the supply chain communities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe in Ontario. Henderson reported some of the representatives are minority communities as well as the Aboriginal communities, the Chamber of Commerce for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Trans-genders) LGBTQ and representatives for the women entrepreneurs.” 

 

                                               Original PanAm Games 2015 announcement

                                                  by former Premier Dalton McGuinty

   In its outreach efforts Henderson said about 200 sessions conducted by this advisory council which helps access the community. In addition it has also launched, working with the advisory council a number of networking opportunities, bringing the small to medium sized entrepreneurial companies together to meet with tier one or the larger organizations to help understand if there is any partnering opportunities.

Because the Pan Am Games is a new venture 2015 Pan Am Games administrators were told most of the small entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and other ethnic communities may need to be told about the ways that they can be involved in the games. In addition to the major corporations being involved, there should be a way to include small Caribbean entrepreneurs so they could take advantage of the opportunities being talked about here through 2015 Pan Am Games. At the moment they may not be thinking of being part of the games but maybe a little prodding could result in them becoming participants. Ian Troop, President and Chief Executive Officer of the games encourages anybody who thinks they could be a supplier to be aggressive and register on the games website.

The opening ceremonies will be at Rogers Center July 10 for Pan Am Games will be produced by Cirque de Soleil and the Para Pan American Games August 7 at the York Athletic Stadium. The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) has the responsibility of planning, managing and delivering the Games. Igniting the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture is the committee’s mission. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–14.

Questioned about the proposed three legacy facilities to be used during the games Troop said “Inside these agreements (for the facilities) – and it makes good sense whether it be Milton or the Aquatic Center in Scarborough or York (University), they are serving the communities and they are also serving the owners’ requirements and elite sports.”

Regarding the Aquatic Center Troop said there is time set aside for the community use, for the university use as well as for elite sports use. Concerns have been surfacing that after the facilities are used for the games York University for instance will take over the Track and Field Center and it will not be available to the community as it is now. There seems to be some mis-understanding or lack of understanding on that matter. The CEO stressed this initiative was led by Sports Canada with Toronto 2015 involvement. The three venues that have been selected are the Velodrome in Milton, the York University track and field facility and the aquatic center and field house at University of Toronto in Scarborough. It’s meant to supplement the existing operation and support unto itself. But it is meant to have these venues serve their communities as well as filling unique infrastructure gaps.

York Region CAS gets London lesson

Reducing Muslim Children in Children Aids Care!

By William Doyle-Marshall

A special programme aimed at reducing the number of Muslim community children from York Region Children’s Aid Society has been launched by the agency and the Social Services Network. It is being patterned after another project in London, Ontario.

Dr. Naila Butt, executive director, Social Services Network, serving immigrant communities with language and cultural barriers, said at a recent press conference her agency is proudly working with the London agency to undertake the Shared Journey Project: During the Impact of Family Violence Conference two years ago as her team searched for best practices and promising programmes that have delivered effectively in bridging gaps providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services that they discovered the London model. The London Muslim Resource Center and its projects with the Children’s aid Society were coming up frequently. This resulted in a coming together of representatives from agencies in York Region and London to discuss how they could bring the London model here because its has “so much to offer”.

   The network would be responsible for community engagement and mobilization, community mapping and conduct situational analysis and primary research for the project. A healthy display of acknowledging diversity in the region appears in the plan to work in Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Punjabi and Malayalam immigrant communities.

 Savi Singh, Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s York-Simcoe Grant Review Team is pleased that the project speaks loud and clear about the commitment that the Muslim Resource Center and the London Children’s Aid Society have shown in this initial launch and piloting of this programme. In approving the $285,000 grant for the undertaking, the jury looked at the collaborative effort between agencies involved, how it will impact and what the benefits will be to communities. “We also believe this goes a long way to help create healthier and more vibrant communities,” Singh concluded. The Shared Journey Project will be applied in York Region, London, Ottawa and Kingston. Funds from the foundation are going to be used to assist with salaries for two programme staff, the purchase of new equipment; help with programme and administrative costs and anything else that will help the project realize its goal.

                                                    Dr. Mohammed Baobaid

Dr. Mohammed Baobaid, executive director of the Muslim Resource Center, London, said the main purpose of the project was to understand barriers to accessing mainstream services by Muslim women facing abuse within the family. Michael Bowe, supervisor with York Region Children Aid Society hopes to replicate the London Shared Journey Project with the Social Services Network so similar structure serving families could be developed in that community.  “The result was really great as they were able to raise awareness within the Muslim community on issues related to domestic violence but also help mainstream service providers understand how to help and work with Muslim families affected by domestic violence,” the executive director explained. At that time the Children Aid Society of London was one of the establishing members of the Muslim Family Safety Project and served on the project’s advisory committee. The agency used that opportunity to reach out to the community to get some help and support for Muslim families with which it was involved.

   Initially the relationship between CAS and the community created conflicts, tension and sometimes crisis. The good thing however, the executive director recalled, they were able to establish some kind of trust and mutual understanding that helped to continue the shared journey. Notwithstanding the shared project involved challenges and opportunities for both sides.

Eugene Tremblay, manager of the Muslim Resource Center noted, in the spirit of the Shared Journey Project and in the work done in London specifically there has been a reduction in the amount of the Muslim children in care significantly. Over a period of three years, no Muslim child has been placed in care.   

Over two years through Trillium funding the project would undertake a community environmental scan of the entire York Region in terms of houses of worship, various grassroots agencies that serve the South Asian communities. Some mainstream institutions and organizations are to be reviewed to see what the challenges are, what they know or don’t know about the Children’s Aid Society and what they need to make known to child protection workers. There will be an internal survey of CAS staff to see what they know. “Is there a model that we work from and if not, what model do we need. There is going to be a cross training of folks in various communities about what the Children’s Aid Society is about and then there is going to be amongst its staff as to how to engage South Asian communities in a more inclusive way, Bowe concluded.

Jim Karygiannis MP celebrates 25 Big Ones

“I will call you back” Scarborough-Agincourt MP’s Mantra

By William Doyle-Marshall

Jim Karygiannis was approached to run provincially in 1987 and that was an unsuccessful attempt. Today he remarks ‘thank God I lost!’. That experience introduced the young Greek-Canadian to the political bug which still bites today.

   He won his first election by a close 800 votes. The thought of running twice to qualify for a pension soon disappeared after realizing that there were many unfinished matters that had to be addressed. Up to today and Jim would like to complete those chores. He is thankful to constituents, members of his family and members of the Ethnic press who have been supporting his efforts along the way. “There were times when I was the only Liberal member endorsed by the ethnic press,” he reflects proudly. As an honourary member of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC), Karygiannis admits being comfortable around ethnic media practitioners.

  The Scarborough-Agincourt Member of Parliament considers himself a politician who stands out in the crowd because he does not only do the talk but makes sure that he does the walk as well. “It’s a good ride. I’ve got my goals as to when I will retire. I have my ambitions and God willing that my constituents will keep returning me and as long as I am in good health and as long as my family is in good health and I have the support of my family, I will be there,” Jim promises. A 25^th anniversary dinner in his honour takes place November 22. Bob Rae, Former M.P. and Former Interim Leader of The Liberal Party of Canada will be the Special Guest at the function. It will be at the Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall, 60 McDowell Gate, Markham, Ontario.
   Having lost his father recently, that set him back a bit as he had to take some time to get his affairs on track. “It’s interesting to note that when you lose your family how badly it hurts and how it can set you back. So with the grace of God and his will, I hope to fulfill my goals and I hope at the end of the day the only legacy I want to leave behind is serving my constituency and making a difference for them and seeing a smiling faces after we help them, that’s enough for me to say okay, one more term. Let’s keep on here.”

  “I will call you back” is the only promise he makes to constituents. While admitting he may not have the right answer for them, or they might not like what he tells them, Karygiannis admits “if you can make just a small, little change in somebody’s life, then you are worth to be returned and if the people that you serve find that you are worthwhile then they will return you or else they will fire you en masse and there is nothing worse than to lose the election and get fired en masse.” Karygiannis’ 25 years in the political arena provides him with the knowledge that when there is a wave against you, there is nothing you can do to escape as the Liberal Party found out within recent times. There are situations where politicians fail and they get turfed out by constituents. “Thank God I am not at that stage and my constituents are supportive of me,” Karygiannis concludes. Up to now he still has the same core area with which he began his political career. He has lost a bit of territory south of Highway 401 and he expects losing a bit of ground east of Midland.

   Proud of not being an absentee politician Karygiannis recounts that members of his family still reside in the neighbourhood. His children went to school there and now live and work as teachers in the same community. Even while door knocking during political campaign children whom his daughters teach recognize him. Jim is very proud to be an integral part of his Scarborough-Agincourt Riding. That is illustrated through his staff who includes His Executive Assistant Kathy Gooch who has been working with him for over 20 years. The parliamentarian is aware that some politicians get elected and they move to Ottawa and they bring Ottawa to the constituency office. He prefers to bring the constituency to Ottawa. Jim has been accused of being absent from Ottawa and there have even been threats by opposing political aspirants to have him removed from office. But having the last laugh Karygiannis states those people found out the hard way that that he has his constituents support.

Jamaican Rise and other NGOs Need

Jamaican Needy Youth Can Use Diasporic Encouragement

By William Doyle-Marshall

“We can always use some support. It doesn’t have to be in the form of money. A big need that’s out there is for clothing.” Novia McKay of RISE (Reaching Individuals through Skills and Education) Life Management Services, Jamaica told a gathering of community advocates during her recent visit to Toronto to attend the “State of the World’s Youth” conference organized by Global Citizens Forum.

  McKay, whose organization partners with CUSO (Canadian University Service Overseas), talked with Torontonians about its work at home with youth. Responding to the needs of her country with respect to youth development Ms. McKay said the Metcalfe Street Juvenile Remand Center has a very, very big need for clothing. “Some of these boys that get arrested; some of them are homeless youth. They come in, they have nothing. They don’t have shoes. They don’t have shirts to wear. The organization has to find everything. They don’t have soap, they don’t have a rag; they don’t have a tooth brush: even intangible items such as those,” Ms McKay reported. RISE’s motto is changing lives for the better and its focus is on children and youth.

                                            Novia McKay of Rise, left, Alan J.F. Ballak and 

                                                   Sahitya Pendurhti, of Jatro Greentech Inc.

Jessica Dubelaar, CUSO’s Public Engagement Officer in Toronto reminded participants that CUSO is an international development organization that is working to address poverty and reduce inequality in over 20 countries worldwide. Instead of sending aid or money it provides people through skilled professionals to match work of partner organizations on the ground.

  Caricom nationals in the Diaspora who might not be able to visit Caribbean states regularly can partner with an organization on the ground that’s doing something. Lending support to an organization like RISE or any other existing group that may be doing the leg work is a definite option. She suggested there are numerous opportunities for folks in the Diaspora to become supporters.

    More than 100 young people  from around the world attended the State of the World’s Youth gathering as panelists, speakers and participants. They represented Save the Children Canada, Aga Khan Foundation Canada, RISE Life Management Services, Jamaican Self Help, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, Engineers Without Borders, Eva’s Phoenix, University of Toronto, Ryerson University, Centennial College, Humber College and many other institutions.

   During a lunch and learn session with an intimate gathering Ms McKay informed her audience that there are tremendous educational needs that could be filled by folks in the Diaspora. Helping with scholarship funds would go a long way as the needs are really, really big in terms of supporting kids who want to go back to school to learn something but do not have the financial resources. Things like that are big needs that people have and Canadians can certainly partner through an organization they know that is going to be accountable to them and has a connection with a community or a group that has the ability to help track the  assistance being provided.   McKay reported there are youths who want to start a business but their family can’t help them. “They don’t have the first dime to do it. Loans are just for people who want to buy cars. Educational loans are extremely hard to get in Jamaica,” she noted.

  In spite of negative media reports about Caribbean youth involvement in drugs and crime McKay reported that youth engagement in Jamaica is really strong even in the communities that RISE is not involved. For instance, she acknowledged there are police-youth clubs or other types of youth clubs, including football or netball club that the young people are engaged in. Overall the youth worker said there is a fairly strong youth advocate network through which Jamaican young people are on international youth councils, representing Jamaica. Other areas of very strong and very active youth involvement are the Youth Parliament, The National Secondary School Council and the Inter-Schools Christian Fellowship (ISCF) -- a network of clubs and groups within high schools.

   Rise’s mission is to provide educational, vocational and health-related services for at-risk populations including those suffering from addictive disorders, in order to facilitate healthy, fulfilling and productive lifestyle choices. 

New Jamaica Tourism Campaign to be Alright!

Come soon and come frequently, says Dr. Wykeham McNeill.

By William Doyle-Marshall

“Brand Jamaica is so recognizable because of so many things: because of our athletes, because of our music and our artists, because of our food. So many different things. Duns River Falls is an iconic attraction. There are just so many things; Blue Mountain Coffee; ackee and saltfish.” Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr. Wykeham McNeill spoke glowingly about his country with members of the community media at a breakfast meeting during his recent visit to Toronto. Philip Rose, Regional Director for Jamaica Tourist Board, hosted the gathering at the Consulate General.

  Dr. McNeill was expressing delight at the Jamaica Tourist Board being selected for the favourite tourist board award from Canadian travel agents for the seventh consecutive time. “It’s amazing when you have a country like Jamaica that can go to a world championship and win; have the fastest man and woman in the world or you can go to the Olympics and take a sprint and win one, two, three. It’s amazing when you can have a singer and that singer sings the song of the century, going up against Elvis Presley and the Beatles, makes your brand very strong and it really helps us in what we do,” the minister recounted.

  It is safe to say these qualities are not being kept a secret because the Canadian tourism market for Jamaica has grown by leaps and bounds over the last eight years and Jamaica has been getting for most of those years double digit growth. Canada has moved into second place as source market. It used to be the third behind the United States of America and the United Kingdom. “Now Canada has switched and it has overtaken the U.K. and given the fact that Canada has weathered this sort of economic storm so well in comparison to the rest of the world, we foresee that it will continue to pace and we are looking forward to it,” Dr. McNeill reported.  

It was the minister’s first official trip to Canada accompanied by Director of Tourism John Lynch and Paul Pennicook, Chairman of Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC). He told journalists of his determination to return to this very important market. Dr. McNeill wants to deepen the relationship and the bonds between Jamaica and his Jamaican family in Canada. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s promotion “Once you go you know” is now about ten years old so it is changing that campaign with a new tag line that speaks about ‘getting all right’. “Come to Jamaica and Get All right” is the new tag line. The previous inquisitive campaign has worked well enough so the tourist board’s new promotion is designed to move a step forward. Many (visitors) have gone to the island and now know they get a different feel whether it is just sitting in a bar drinking a Red Stripe or eating some jerk or listening to some music. “What makes Jamaica different is about what makes you get all right being,” Dr. McNeill suggested.  Essentially Jamaicans want Canadians to know “Jamaica is the place to get all right.”

The Jamaican Minister of Tourism and Entertainment is not about to rest on his laurels with the continued Canadian arrivals growth on his soil.  He has returned home pleased with extremely positive  response from his partners in the travel industry. “Jamaica is hot. It’s a very optimistic outlook for the winter season. We are looking at having good growth. We are optimistic about the upcoming winter season and we are optimistic about Canada. All things being equal, I think our tourism is looking well.”

                                   Ja. Tourism Leaders: John Lynch, left, director of tourism; 
                                   Seth George Ramocan, Consul General; Dr. McNeill, minister
                                   of tourism; Paul Pennicook, Chairman of Jamaica Vacations
                                   Limited (JAMVAC and rear Philip Rose, regional director JTB.

  While Jamaica’s prospect on the Canadian scene is looking bright, the minister said the tourist board  really would like to continue the work being done not with the travel partners. However, the partners in the Diaspora who play a significant role promoting the destination must be included in the government’s programmes. The minister noted that they do so much “for us as a country, who do so much for us as a tourism ministry and a tourist board: both in spreading the word; getting out there and spreading the word”.  He was conscious of the various areas where nationals in the Diaspora have been effective. Their input range from playing music on the radio right through the demonstration of pride in the Jamaican food that they eat and share with their Canadian friends.  “When somebody is going to Jamaica, one of the first things they are going to do is to talk to their Jamaican friends and ask ‘what do I do when I get to Jamaica?’ So the Diaspora’s important role in that context is certainly appreciated. Dr. McNeill took the opportunity to remind his nationals of the Diaspora that it’s time to take another trip to Jamaica. “You have to come soon and come frequently,” he concluded.