All posts on January 11th, 2016

Haiti UN Chief concerned by political instability in Haiti United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concerns over growing political uncertainty in Haiti and urged the two candidates in the presidential run-off to help the electoral process move forward while preserving the country’s democratic gains. Ki-moon’s call comes after the December 27th run-off election between Jovenel Moise from the governing party and former government executive Jude Celestin was postponed until further notice. Widespread protests broke out in Haiti last year after many opposition candidates and their supporters condemned the October 25th elections saying that it was rigged. One of the …

I would like to wish all the Community Contact readers a Happy and prosperous New Year. I believe 2016 is definitely the year for changes, which have become evident in both the Soca/Carnival and Dancehall arena. Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. On the Soca scene, look out for big changes at the International Soca Monarch competition where the categories of the past Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch have been fused into one title: The International Soca Monarch 2016. Also, the grand …

As we enter into the dull days of January and February, with the bright lights of Christmas behind us, and colder weather ahead of us, many readers of the Community Contact continue to ask me about cruising and travelling, and why I haven’t been writing about my adventures as much. The truth is that with a new grandson keeping me entertained, I haven’t been travelling as much, just the few odd trips to New York, Miami, and Toronto. As such, it was suggested to be me that I write about how I became interested in cruising and travelling. This is …

Vision Dynamics at Faith Christian Centre Join Pastor Frey at the Faith Christian Centre 6515 Henri-Bourassa W, Saint Laurent every Sunday in January from 10AM for an inspiring church service. Pastor Frey knows that God has a special plan for each and every one of us and he wants to help you recognize the glorious future that is at hand. He also wants you to learn how to abide by the law of the vision. For more information call 514-767-7720 or visit www.faithchristiancenter.ca. Red Hat Affair The call goes out to all elegant ladies from across Montreal and beyond to …

Book Review H. Nigel Thomas, No Safeguards. Toronto: Guernica Editions, 2015. 298 pages H. Nigel Thomas’s No Safeguards, depicts the lives of two brothers, Jay and Paul and the realities they face existentially in a harsh, sterile environment in St. Vincent.  We are able to understand their development through their relationship with a loving grandmother (Ma Kirton), a battered and struggling mother, Anna, and an abusive father cum preacher in Caleb. Caleb beats Anna and his first son, Jay, without the slightest provocation. This dysfunctional family is immersed in a psychology of abuse and fear. Central to this sociological dilemma …

A truly Happy New Year to all readers! Following my return from church the dawn of 2016 and in the quietude of my domicile, I thought about the things that matter to me most: my family, my community and the future of the Black community. I have learnt over the years that when we fail to seize the moment and pursue our dreams and ambitions, life can easily pass us by. I also thought about how much I appreciate your support and your willingness to trust my writings and opinions as the years go by. This is something that I …

The Barbershop Reconvenes The barbershop was crowded. Everybody was looking fresh, upbeat, ready to start the New Year on the good foot, like James Brown. They were still talking about the NYE Party hosted by Smitty City, Todd Smith and his mother Brenda. It all went down at Caribbean Paradise on Newman Blv’d in LaSalle. Anybody who is somebody was there. It was the event bringing in the New Year to be at. People came from all over Canada. Professor was sitting there just itching to go. He got up and was walking back and forth, then said, “This is …

On January 2, the world lost a great mind with the passing of Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, who has been described as the Queen Mother of Blackness. She died at a Washington, D.C. hospital after suffering a stroke on New Year’s Day.  She was 80 years old. A world acclaimed psychiatrist, Welsing specialized in child and general psychiatry but emerged as a global force through her writings and lectures, which explored issues of white supremacy and what was described as “the psychological dynamics of racism.” Among the highlights of her work is the 1970 essay: the Cress Theory of Color-Confrontation …

Nothing better describes the life of Nathalie Cole than the music video duet of the classic song, “Unforgettable” which, through the magic of technology, was recorded with her father the legendary Nat “King” Cole, a few years ago. Not only will it leave an indelible imprint on the minds of music lovers across musical genres and generations, but also ensures the musical legacy of the Coles. Fifty years after the death of her father of lung cancer in 1965 the Grammy-winning Natalie Cole died New Year’s Eve, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles as a result of compilations from various …

FEMMES DU MONDE À CÔTE-DES-NEIGES You never know what will put your partner in a rage? Do you feel controlled by your partner? Come share what you have been going through and get some information. SUPPORT AND ACTION GROUP for women going through or having gone through a difficult or a violent relationship. Every two weeks, Mondays from 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Starting JANUARY 25th. PAJAMA PARTY PAMPER YOURSELF THIS WINTER Start the winter season off with a bit of self-indulgence and share your secrets to beat the cold. Donuts will be served. Bring your pajamas. Wednesday, JANUARY 20, …