All posts on July 31st, 2017

Egbert Gaye Expressions of congratulations and joy were in free-flow at the Catalonga Lounge of the Soccerplexe in Lachine where friends and relatives gathered for the send-off party for Osamede Iyare on her way to the University of Memphis where she earned a full scholarship. Iyare was recruited out of John Rennie High School and Lakeshore Soccer Club where she had standout careers as a star midfield player. She also played for Quebec’s Regional team from 2014-16. Last year, the 17-year-old was part of the Lakeshore team that won the 2016 Canadian National Championship, scoring the two goals that earned …

 Chris Heron On Saturday August 5, one of Gospel music’s most exciting new artists – Travis Greene – makes his debut concert appearance in Montreal. The highly acclaimed inspirational recording artist who jump-started 2017 by receiving two Grammy nominations, and winning an unprecedented seven awards at the 2017 Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas will bring his charisma and soulful Christian music to Montreal, as part of a two-city Canadian tour. In addition to  his impressive credentials that’s made him the face of faith-based music in the new millennium, Greene has connected with millions around the globe through his …

Egbert Gaye More so than any other island in the English-speaking Caribbean, Jamaica, which boasts among its nationals some of the world’s most illustrious names in music, sports, literature and entrepreneurship projects, has a powerful image across the international stage. And because of heavyweights such as Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, Rex Nettleford and Butch Stewart, its flag (the Cross, Black, Green and Gold) has become a highly recognizable symbol in every nook and cranny around the world. Jamaican born Dr. Hume Johnson, a US-based communication expert recognizes the potential power that resides within “Brand Jamaica,” and is striving to raise …

Consultations will be launched in September Egbert Gaye When it comes to racism in Quebec, go to the facts for evidence, although much of it is anecdotal because in this province hardly any institution keeps numbers to trace the discrimination faced by Indigenous People, Blacks, Muslims, Latinos and other minorities in the province. However, stories are plentiful about the hurdles that are in the way of these groups as they try to access employment, proper housing, social services or deal with the police and other law enforcement agencies. In fact, Quebecers have been quite forthcoming about their attitude when it …

By Gemma Raeburn Baynes Coming to Canada at the age of 19, Leon (Leo) Charles was destined to be a successful businessman. Many people would know the young man distributing meat to restaurants and residences while making his mark as an Entrepreneur. Recently, I was able to sit down with Mr. Charles in his soon-to-open restaurant located at 395 St. Jacques in Lachine. As a former Chef, Mr. Charles will be right where he wants to be, making and serving breakfast from 6:30 a.m. each day. “I have done every job in a restaurant, from dishwasher to chef,” he said. …

With over 20 years of hits under her belt, Tanya Stephens is a dancehall and reggae legend Melissa Murphy Though she still sees herself as that little girl from St. Mary’s, Jamaica, the veteran performer was all laughs as she spoke with the Community Contact via a telephone interview for a bit of girl-talk about life, and of course, music, as she prepares to make her way to Montreal for this year’s International Reggae Fest. Making her dancehall debut with the now classic, “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis”, which was featured on Reggae Gold 1996, Tanya made sure audiences learnt …

About race, racism, ethnocentrism… “Québec veut ouvrir le dialogue sur le racisme systématique…” screamed a headline on the cover page of last weekend’s Metro newspaper. It’s like a rite of passage for any MNA who holds the Quebec Immigration portfolio. Each one invariably establishes a commission to conduct an inquiry into the reality (or the perception) of systemic racism in the province. According to the article, the announcement of this latest endeavour “coincides with the appearance of a poster proclaiming “All these hateful acts are unacceptable in a society…” the minister stated. That’s true. But platitudes are all that; they …

Quebec launches Public Consultation on Systemic Racism and Discrimination Yvonne Sam Finally, Quebec is moving in step with her neighbour, Ontario, in the aftermath of a 2,662-signature petition tabled by Québec Solidaire MNA Amir Khadir, which called for “the creation of a consultation commission on systemic racism.” On Thursday May 20, Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion Minister Kathleen Weil unveiled plans for the public consultation on systemic discrimination and racism in Quebec, scheduled to commence next September. To this end the government and the Quebec Human Rights Commission, along with non-profit groups intend to hold province-wide meetings geared towards listening to …

Be encouraged. Accept what is and change what you have the power to change… Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. [Sonia Ricotti] You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you certainly can change how you respond to the circumstance and you can change what you have the power to change. Virginia Satir said: “Life is not what it’s supposed to be.  It’s what it is.  The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” It’s all about your attitude and your perspective. There’s always another way …

Do you recall the article in the Community Contact a couple issues ago stating that there will be no “Trini Day” in the park this year? Did you hear about the unfortunate death of Devon Matthews, who placed third in this year’s International Soca Monarch with his hit song “D’ Journey (Make It). Well it’s never too late to start over, never too  late to pay respects to someone’s contribution to our culture.     Montreal Trini Day is a display of Trinidad’s culture through music,  singing and dancing  and considered one of the biggest outdoor  Caribbean events in our city. Organized …