All posts on May, 2018

It was in May 1897 that famed American writer, Mark Twain responded to a newspaper report of his passing, by saying: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Fast forward 121 years, May 2018, and a well-respected businessman in our community, Peter Heywood, wants Montrealers to know the same is true as it relates to him. “I’m alive and well, ” he told the CONTACT, responding to a rumor running around the community that he has died. And he points a finger directly at another businessperson on Victoria Avenue, accusing him of being the source of the false news. …

Ity & Fancy Cat and Reggae artistes added to the excitement Contact STAFF Thousands of patrons passed the second annual Jamaica National Group Exposition, which was held at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, ON, Canada on April 28, to access services provided by The Jamaica National Group and its 40 exhibitors, comprised of Government of Jamaica agencies, housing developers and real estate agents. On April 30, the Expo moved to Montreal, where hundreds passed through the Ruby Foo Hotel where it was held. For exhibitors, PICA and RGD, the JN Expo was a success. Their representatives were overwhelmed by …

Over capacity crowds jammed Montreal and T.O events On Victoria Long weekend, the I AM SOCA Canadian tour was a complete success thanks to the hard work of Swady Primus from  “Rastarz Promotionz” who has proven that hard work does pay off. So, what’s this I AM SOCA event…? Created by a group of New Yorkers of Trinidadian descent calling themselves “Rastarz Promotionz,” I AM SOCA is a 100% Soca event hosted by top international Soca djs and artistes from around the world. Swady Primus from “Rastarz Promotionz” is the backbone of this event, and his focus is on making …

What do we really celebrate on Mother’s Day – When what is considered motherhood is no longer a reality? Mother’s Day recently went by with all and sundry celebrating, recalling, acknowledging and appreciating in all manner, shape and form the maternal sacrifices made – basically Mom being there. Sadly, what we consider motherhood today is no longer a reality. In Canada, Britain, the United States and even Australia, motherhood means not being there. Plainly stated, motherhood means dropping the kids off to someone, somewhere else but home, on the way to work. For millions of children, the person teaching them …

Children Helping Children Bible way Pentecostal Church invites you to an evening of inspiration from children from various Montreal churches dubbed “This is how we worship.” On Saturday 2nd June at Bible Way Pentecostal Church 2390 Coursol Street from 6:00 PM. This benefit concert promises to be fun packed and lively with music and other performances by our local gifted children. Come join us as they share their passion and support for their fellow children in Africa and Central America to also have access to basic needs. Proceeds from this event will go towards less fortunate children in Africa and …

What we need is the relevant environment, role models and students willing to improve their knowledge… By Bongs Lainjo Many Caribbean readers from the diaspora will resonate with the above abbreviation. For those readers unfamiliar with the acronym, UWI stands for University of West Indies. It is the academic ivory tower of the West Indies. Quite often, many West Indians I have talked to either have heard about it or know someone who has studied there. It remains one of the elite institutions in the region. For the interested readers, details can always be downloaded from the Internet. Why UWI? …

by Rasta KEITH In 1983 the United States government passed legislation designating the third Monday of January each year a national holiday in honour of the internationally-known civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And the argument could be made that there is no human being who has traversed the surface of Mother Earth during the present epoch who is more deserving of that honour than the slain former Baptist preacher. For despite the fact that a miniscule number of states still refuse to join in paying that kind of tribute to a Black man, Dr. King had …

CONGO In the next few days, the world will find out whether it’s possible to stop an outbreak as lethal as Ebola. On Monday (May 21) Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo began administering an experimental Ebola vaccine, as the country battles to contain its ninth outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever. According to the World Health Organization, 46 people have died from the virus. The outbreak’s epicenter is the equatorial town of Bikoro situated in one of the most remote parts of the country. With very few paved roads and no electricity. The deadly virus has been now …

BellA Forte launches ‘Hear Me Out’ The invitation goes out  to  music lovers in Montreal to join BellA Forte  and her  impressive roster of  musicians on Thursday May 31st for the launch of her recently released EP,  “Hear Me Out”  at Club Petit Campus, 57 Rue Prince Arthur E, Montréal, QC H2X 1B4. The $10 ticket price includes the CD or a download code for the EP. Tickets are available online or at the door on the day of the show. Go to Jamaica with Hilltoppers Hilltoppers say to join them as they embark on a week of ‘fun and …