Posts in category Community News

Ramdas West Indian Food Contact STAFF As the owner of one of a handful of West Indian stores in Montreal, you’d think that Mr. Raymond Ramdas would be troubled by the proliferation of products from the Caribbean on the shelves of every major grocery chain these days. “Not at all,” he told The CONTACT during a little walk-around at his store. “You see, what it means is that we in the Caribbean community are finally being accepted as part of the society and our food has become more familiar to other Montrealers.” Ramdas might be the man most responsible for …

Legendary singer Jackie Robertson and boxing champ Otis Grant will receive awards Contact Staff Music will flow in an endless supply when the Black Theatre Workshop’s celebrates the 30th annual Vision Celebration Gala Awards on Saturday January 30. Among the featured performers will be Canada’s award-winning performer Jackie Richardson who will also receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award. Jireh Gospel Choir and Montreal singer Saraah-Ellise Hicks will join her on stage with pianist Daniel Loyer. In announcing the award to Richardson, BTW’s artistic director Quincy Armorer says, “Jackie Richardson is a renowned Canadian artist whose life and …

His hits include Don’t Let the Sun Go Down and Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Contact Staff In his 20 years or so on the reggae circuit, Ed Robinson has made a statement with his versatility. A competent musician who was a drummer for many years, Robinson also dabbled at the production end of the business for many years, working with many of the heavyweights in the reggae industry, such as Luciano, Maxi Priest, Buju Banton, Super Cat, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and the incomparable Dennis Brown. But it is as a singer that he has created the most waves, releasing …

From parenting workshops to back-to-school to employability programs Contact Staff As the new coordinator of the Au Futur program at the Jamaica Association, community worker Susan Hamilton has her hands extended to help all young mothers who are seeking a better path forward. Hamilton, who recently started in the position, says her program is offering a range of services all focused on empowering young mothers and their children. “It’s important for many of these young mothers to know that they can find support in the community,” says Hamilton. “That’s why we are reaching out to them to let them know …

BTW honour Jackie Richardson The Black Theatre Workshop presents the 30th annual Vision Celebration Gala honouring Blues, Gospel, Jazz queen Jackie Richardson and world champion boxer Otis Grant, with live a performance by Jireh Gospel Choir, Saraah-Ellise Hicks, Daniel Loyer, DJ Don Smooth and Kim Richardson on Saturday, January 30, 2016 on 777 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa. Refreshments will be served: cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 ($80 tax deductible). For tickets call 514-932-1104 or visit www.blacktheatreworkshop.ca Mango Bay Reopening On Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. the Grand Opening of Mango Bay …

Hawks New Year’s Eve Ball The annual Hawks International All Inclusive New Year’s Eve Ball is back at the Eveagreen Reception Hall located at 5011 Buchan, Montreal on Thursday 31st December. This year 23rd annual event is titled Renaissance will feature New York # 1 Lady DJ “Queen Dee Fire”, Julian Mcintosh & The Caribbean Thunderbolts, DJ Kelly “Sugarface Nene” and DJ 610. Reserved tickets are $75.00 per person and patrons will have access to an open Bar, Buffet Dinner and valet parking among other things. For more information please call Brenda: 514-365-8668, Evelyn 514-4841473 or Raphael 514-293-3488. NYE Affair …

Contact Staff The sound of steelband music in concert has always been a memorable holiday experience. Over the past several years, Martin Albino and his Golden Stars Steel Orchestra have been keeping the tradition alive in Montreal with their annual concert. On Sunday, December 6, the event returns to Centre Henri Lemieux at 7644 Edouard in LaSalle and promises to be a musical treat with a lineup of beautiful voices, great pannists and other musicians. Among the featured performers that evening will be a group of pre-teen steel pan players going under the name, The Crystals. They will be amply …

People Helping People “Canada is a nice place…” That has become the mantra of a gentleman around town who immigrated to Canada decades ago. He was referring to all the benefits and luxuries, relatively speaking, that are available to Canadians, especially those who, despite sometimes trying circumstances, “are able to make ends meet through the help of various benevolent organizations.” That truism was evident last Tuesday, November 17, when over 40 local not-for-profit organizations converged in the atrium of the John Molson School of Business to showcase their individual and collective services. It’s what Dave McKenzie, Founder and Coordinator, MBA …

Watertown Bus Trip Join members and friends   on Saturday, December 5 for a shopping trip to Watertown, New York. For $45 per person. Bus leaves church at 7 am and Van Horne shopping centre at 7:30am.  Info (514) 932-8225 Black and White Ballers’ Ball It has become a Montreal tradition. The Black and White 13th Edition Ballers Ball is back on Saturday December 5th at the Eveagreen Banquet Hall This year the line up include DJ Super Claude from Afrique (New York) by local top ranker James Bond. Info: (514) 815-6116 or (438) 765-1750, Chateauguay Banquet Dec. 5 Many Montrealers …

Melissa Ross tackles responsibilities and family life head on Egbert Gaye In the two years since Melissa Ross distinguished herself as one of the first Black women to own and operate a Pharmaprix franchise in Quebec, she has been working diligently building her clientele and setting a course for business success and professional satisfaction. As a certified pharmacist, Ross’ number one priority is the wellbeing of her patients, something that is becoming increasingly hands-on with recent changes in government regulations on her profession. Changes, which she says are benefitting not only patients but also the health system as a whole. …