All posts on April 17th, 2025

Alicia Anderson, better known by her stage name Miss Diva, has been making inroads in music for almost a decade now. grew up deeply rooted in music and faith. “I was always in church,” she recalls to the CONTACT, reminiscing about weekends spent between her two grandmothers—one Pentecostal, the other Anglican. Encouraged by her grandmother, young Alicia took her first steps into the choir, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become her career. Beyond the church walls, Alicia was immersed in the sounds of reggae greats like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Marcia Griffiths, thanks to jam sessions in …

Get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean! The Caribbean Coalition Network of Montreal (CCNM) is thrilled to announce the return of the Carimas Festival, officially approved by the City of Montreal for its second consecutive year. The Montreal Carimas Festival is a showcase of the Caribbean community’s rich traditions, featuring music, dance, food, and artistic expressions that bring the spirit of the islands to the heart of the city. Through this event, CCNM remains committed to fostering cultural exchange, strengthening community pride, and empowering youth while celebrating the diverse contributions of the Caribbean diaspora to Montreal’s multicultural …

Jean Parris, a dedicated advocate for women, immigrants, and nurses, was awarded the 2024 Governor General’s Award last October. This was given to her in recognition of her lifelong commitment to service and social justice. Throughout her career, Parris has been a formidable force for change, breaking barriers in the nursing profession, fighting systemic racism, and championing the rights of marginalized communities. Parris began her career as an obstetrics nurse, where she provided invaluable support to new mothers, helping them develop essential skills for newborn care. However, while working within the healthcare system, she became acutely aware of the systemic …

I sat down to write this article about “rest” about 3 weeks ago, and then I got some news that turned my world upside down, and made time stop (this is what it felt like). Someone who was very close to me told me that they are dying from Cancer, and that they don’t think that they will make it to summer. This person is around the same age as me… Ever since, I’ve shed so many tears. Watching this person be in pain at all times, not being able to eat, and not being able to sleep because they …

I was speaking with a lovely lady the other day, who is the epitome of a busy woman – caring for, and oftentimes literally running after young children, she’s very involved in her community, travels for business, finds creative ways to stay fit, and now she has informed me, that she is taking a course. Just the thought of all that makes me tired! Not that I should talk. I am one of those people who thrive on that hustle and bustle lifestyle. During these times, I feel energized and seem to work at my best in that state of …

Blood is essential for life. It carries oxygen and nutrients, removes waste, fights infections, regulates body temperature, and even heals wounds. Without it, the body cannot function. The Bible confirms this truth in Leviticus 17:11, stating, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.” Just as our physical bodies depend on blood to survive, the body of Christ—His church—depends on His blood for spiritual life. Our freedom is not of ourselves but through the saving grace of the blood of Jesus Christ. His blood, shed at Calvary, redeemed us from sin and reconciles us to God. Jesus, who …

Canada and America. ——Borders Apart– Immigration at Heart During my senior years in high school, I developed a love for history. This is due in large measure to my late high school teacher, who was entertaining, encouraging and enlightening. As I began to learn about some of history’s greatest tragedies, I would sometimes wonder what went through people’s minds, especially ordinary people who were witness to extraordinary events. History seen through anyone’s eyes is inherently subjective, not to mention subject to all kinds of inaccuracies. Trying to understand people’s perspective, and to decipher their motivations, is endlessly fascinating to me. …

I’ve a few questions to ask my readers. Do you put up a Christmas tree in your house in December? Do you eat turkey during Thanksgiving weekend? Do you buy Chocolate and Flowers for your loved ones duringValentine’s Day? I bet the majority of my readers will reply, Yes! If thats the case, have you ever stopped and ask yourself why? Despite your race, religion, culture or background we come from, we tend to follow traditions and adapt habits without truly knowing the meaning or history behind it. I myself am willing to confess to doing the same. Just last …

As I write, I feel bothered, bullied, brow-beatened, badgered and broken, and unable to fight back. These forces are not internal, but they seem inescapable. They are coming from the media, whether it be the radio, television, e-mail and other forms of communication. I am being deluged with unwanted and unpleasant news. Isolation is not the answer, as curiosity does not go to sleep. Over the last few months, Canada has been under attacks and threats from its once friendly and powerful neighbour to the South. Your best friend passes you on the street without a kind salutation. So what …