A Diverse Cultural Toronto

Haitians Appreciation; Equity Education Conference; and CTO Market Place

By William Doyle-Marshall

Living in the City of Toronto is an envious experience for many in other parts of the world. Officially described as multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multicultural but not everyone exercises their option to actually absorb the diverse offerings without inhibitions. Fortunately this is a natural developing situation as people from around the world have decided to make Toronto their new and adopted home. This existing situation motivated this blog.

Without leaving the comfort of your home, I am taking you on a very peaceful and cultural journey. Pierspective Entraide Humanitaire will host an evening of appreciation and a website launch May 16, at 5:30 pm at College Boreal, 1 Yonge Street, Toronto. Members intend to embrace the opportunity to welcome individuals and organization that have been providing ongoing support essential to the realization of the organization’s vision for Haitian children whose lives they are striving to impact positively.

Last year (2012) Pierspective Entraide Humanitaire inaugurated a new computer center built in cooperation with its partner in Haiti -- Action Communautaire de Meyotte. The group is in the process of building an elementary / vocational Catholic school in Corail, near Port-au-Prince in cooperation with another partner in Haiti, Aide Mutuelle pour un Environnement Nouveau (AMEN). Pierspective was instrumental in initiating the Milk Bags Project in Croix-des-Bouquets near Port-au-Prince. “For those positive achievements, we wish to thank all those who invested their time, talents and donations in our projects. We appreciate your trust, support and encouragement,” says Helen Pierre, one of the directors.

Pierspective’s leadership intends using the occasion to underline the evolution of their projects, to launch their website, acknowledge supporters’ contributions to the organization’s achievements and it will also be very useful for network with like-minded individuals, donors, community leaders, entertainers, business leaders and journalists who share their dreams and commitments.

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by superbly talented young artists such as Barbara Dorsaint. Overall, the gathering will enjoy Haitian music and cuisine.

AMENO EQUITY CONFERENCE: The 26^th Anniversary Antiracist Multicultural Education Network of Ontario (AMENO) Conference on Equity and Inclusive Education: Strategies for Moving Forward will be held May 29^th at the Multifaith Centre of the University of Toronto (569 Spadina Avenue, Toronto).  Special guests will include Hon. Liz Sandals, Minister of Education, and Hon. David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. AMENO is confident that on May 29th they will Re-Focus, Re-Learn and Re-Launch their efforts and commitment to ensure equitable and inclusive education for all students in Ontario!

Due to limited space, attendees are encouraged to register soon at www.amenoconference.ca

AMENO is also conducting a survey to gain information on the experiences and perceptions of people who are implementing Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy at their schools and boards. The results of this survey will be presented to the Minister of Education, with the intent of informing future policy development and best practices in equity and inclusive education across the province. To participate in the exercise those who have not yet done so, should take a few moments to complete the survey at the following links: English version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AMENO and for those who are interested in the French connection: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C9PVD3N

Organizations that desire a conference display table, or have any question can email Helen Harris, Conference Coordinator at info@amenoconference.ca or contact Dr. Karen Mock, Conference Chair, at 416-782-1050 for further information. The conference promises to be timely, enlightening and engaging.

Just recently participants to a diversity conference in York Region, Ontario heard from Stephen Lewis, former diplomat and politician, of attempts to gain justice for members of the gay community in Jamaica resulting from legislation that are currently on that country’s books. Lewis’ organization has taken the first ever case challenging the constitutionality of the anti-homosexual laws in Jamaica and Belize before the Inter American Commission on Human Rights. This is the first ever domestic challenge in Jamaica of the Sodomy laws, says Lewis. “We have challenged the Immigration Act in Trinidad which bans entry to homosexuals and also bans entry to disabled peoples and describes them idiots in the legislation,” Lewis explained.

In addition both Jamaica television networks have been taken to court and are being sued them for their refusal to run a paid public service announcement on tolerance. “So easy going and neutral an announcement, it’s almost embarrassing as we try to overcome the homosexual bias. Court dates have been set this year which starts next month,” he concluded.

Anguilla Lit Fest: Down in the tropical Caribbean island paradise of Anguilla the second annual Anguilla Lit Fest: A Literary Jollification will be hosted from May 23-26, under the distinguished patronage of Nikki Giovanni, poet and award-winning author.

Headlining Lit Fest 2013 will be author Edwidge Danticat of Haiti who now lives in Miami; author and Executive VP of Simon and Schuster/Atria Books, Judith Curr; author and MSNBC host, Toure; author and lecturer Gillian Royes of Jamaica/St. Croix and Marcel Fahie, Anguillian historian, playwright and author. The Literary Festival pays homage to the island’s literary heritage and offers a great reason for visitors to visit during the early summer period for the three day event, organizers say. A registration fee of US$150.00 includes a welcome cocktail party, breakfast and lunch presentations, special sessions with the authors and fun-filled evening soirees. There will be a free day to ensure that participants experience the best of what Anguilla has to offer.

Director of Tourism Candis Niles notes, “Last year’s event was absolutely wonderful. The ambience, the caliber of presenters, the interaction between successful authors and literary hopefuls, the creative energy and excitement was tangible, and many of the participants left the Festival with a renewed sense of commitment to their gift of self-expression. Now we are about to do it all over again! The Anguilla Lit Fest would not have been possible without the jollification approach,” adds Mrs. Niles. “For the support of our partners, sponsors, and the community, the Anguilla Lit Fest Committee and the Anguilla Tourist Board extend our thanks and appreciation.”

Toronto Caribbean Media: Canadian travel writers, bloggers, broadcasters or photographers will be able to meet and interact with Caribbean government tourism representatives and suppliers next month at the Caribbean Media Marketplace & Awards Luncheon organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, June 27 in Toronto. The Caribbean Tourism Organization is determined to bring the region to the attention of more Canadians so they would visit and enjo the natural charm and beauty of the 32 member states. For information contact: (CTOny@caribtourism.com)

This is the time of the year when Toronto literally comes fully alive with a host of cultural happenings outdoor. Festivals, barbeques, outings, picnics in the park, Calypso and masquerade band activities associated with the major Caribbean summer festival are slowly rolling into action. Of course the Downtown Toronto TD Jazz Festival is getting reading to welcome the best from the jazz world for music lovers as we celebrate Canada’s political Independence on July 1. Hope you indulge in some new experiences this year. You can be a tourist in your own city. It’s good for your sanity.

May 10, 2013

Saint Kitts PM Denzil Douglas

Funding for HIV/AIDS and ‘No Confidence Motion’ on Prime Minister Douglas’ Agenda

By William Doyle-Marshall

Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas is the Regional spokesperson on health and HIV matters attending the UNAIDS Conference taking place in Vancouver, British Columbia. “I am going there together with some other political leaders and those who are working in the HIV/AIDS fight. We are going to look at some new initiatives which have to be pursued,” the Prime Minister promised. In addition, he will be speaking to the parliament in Barcelona bringing to the attention of Spain and Europe of the need for continued support as the Caribbean region and as UN/AIDS generally and globally continue their fight against HIV/AIDS.

  Speaking with media practitioners in Toronto last Saturday, Dr. Douglas said in the continuing fight against HIVAIDS there has to be the highest political support if the AIDS pandemic affecting the Caribbean region is to be managed. Over the years health professionals  have been able in the Caribbean to develop particular initiative called the Pan Caribbean partnership in the fight against HIVAIDS. This has been identified by the United Nations as an international model that can be followed and replicated by other regions of the world, Dr. Douglas reported.

                                       PM Dr.Denzil Douglas in Toronto

   “In that context we are looking at some of the new initiatives which are to be pursued in continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS. We all are aware that the global, financial and economic crisis and its prolongation has been affecting every single country around the world,” the Prime Minister explained. There is concern at UNAIDS that the level of financing needed for the fight against HIV/AIDS has been declining over the years.

  Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas admitted that a  motion of no confidence brought by members of his Opposition against his government and defection of two members last year has been a distraction and of some concern because it came at a time when the country was attempting to resolve a lot of the financial and economic challenges it was facing. “It became a distraction because it was at a time when we were about to go into parliament with a budget for2013, that would have shown for the first time, after several years, a surplus,” Dr. Douglas explained in an interview here with members of the Toronto media fraternity.

   The budget which was approved by parliament last week, returns the national economy on a path of positive growth, he said. Naturally a situation where serious initiatives were being pursued to have more of our people employed; a reduction in the corporation tax from 35%to33% and hopefully over the next year or so to 30% took precedence over the motion, the Prime Minister said.  The government’s proposal of taxation reduction calls on the private sector to use this tax break to be re-invested and thereby expand their operations. Such action would provide a level of support to government and the country, as a whole as attempts are being made to tackle unemployment in Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Douglas emphasized.

   While the defection of these two members of government could not have come at a worse time, the Prime Minister insisted that democracy is alive and well in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The motion of no confidence was treated with a certain amount of priority and knowing that it had to come before the parliament, the government also guided by the constitution and by the rules of the House. “The rules of the House say that government business must take precedence over private business in the parliament,” Dr. Douglas added.

  Members of the Opposite went to the court seeking a ruling to basically to bring the work of the parliament to in order to bring the motion of no confidence to parliament. Last Thursday the court ruled that the parliament could not be stopped from doing its work because there was a motion of no confidence substantive matter to be heard. So the injunction that the opposition was requesting the court to grant to prevent the parliament from doing its other business, that was not granted. The injunction was not granted. It was withdrawn in the end by the opposition. The court’s ruling means parliament can now meet to do the important business of the people and when the substantive matter of the motion would have been heard then “maybe the motion would get on the order paper and it will be debated and eventually voted upon. As of now the government has had a substantial victory on this matter because it has not been stopped from pursuing the other matters.

  The constitution does not speak to when a motion of no confidence must be heard by the parliament. In addition, government followed the tradition established way back in 1981when the Saint Kitts and Nevis government of the day had a motion of no confidence which has never been heard. It was put back into parliament in 1982 and up to now it has not been debated. “Following on these traditions and on what exactly is our constitutional framework, we eventually have decided that with the budget having been announced before the motion of no confidence was brought to the clerk of the house, the budget must be heard first,” Dr. Douglas recalled. Last week Tuesday the budget was passed, unanimously and government is now waiting for the possibility of having the motion placed on parliament’s order paper.