Natural Environmental

Back in the 1990s, young people like myself were leaving B.C. in great numbers and heading to places like Alberta where the economic conditions and opportunities were much better. That’s a sad situation to be in. Alberta may not have any provincial sales tax, and it may not have any debt thanks to its diligent debt-busting during the 1990s, but it’s not home either.

Fortunately the tide has now changed and B.C. is once again a province of opportunity and a far more attractive place for those of us who want to stay here. All of the economic indicators for B.C. have been pointing in the right direction and in most areas we’re leading the country.

The one area where we’re falling behind, however, is in the critically important renewable energy and clean technology sector. Ontario recently stole the clean energy lead from B.C. and that represents jobs and opportunities that could have been ours here in B.C. If this province wants to keep its young people and keep the vigour and energy we bring to the mix then the province is going to have to redouble its efforts and regain the lead position in clean energy and technology that is rightfully ours. If we can do that then there is nothing that can stop us at all.

Christian Albanese

Coquitlam BC

This summer, thousands of people heading to and from the BC interior and Lower Mainland will pass the famous Hope slide on Highway 3.

Many will stop to view the massive environmental devastation this natural event caused 45 years ago when 46 million cubic meters of pulverized rock, mud, and debris came down the mountainside with a force so great it completely displaced the water and mud in the lake below and scraped away trees and vegetation on the opposite side of the valley.

In the natural history of BC, the Hope slide is probably just one such natural environmental disaster and it dwarfs any damage that past logging, mining and other resource extraction activities have done at the hands of man.

Fortunately for the BC environment, environmental awareness has increased greatly over the past several decades and the requirements for industrial activities such as logging, mining and road-building that could impinge on the environment have tightened considerably.

In many cases, the rules and regulations in place for new resource extraction activities like wind energy and run-of-river projects are actually leading to the reversal of human-caused damage from the past through the rehabilitation of abandoned logging roads and the restoration and enhancement of lost fish and wildlife habitats.

But as the Hope slide reminds us all, there is nothing that we humans can do to the environment that can match the devastating power of nature itself. When it comes to causing environmental damage we are complete amateurs compared to Mother Nature.

Sandra Robinson

Maple Ridge

Honorable Evelyn Greaves, High Commissioner of Barbados in Canada Second Left Photo By KMG -TAN

NCBAC (National Council of Barbadians in Canada) in conjunction with the local organization BCABC (Barbados Cultural Association of British Columbia) celebrated its 26th anniversary in Burnaby, British Columbia on May 21st – 24th, 2010.

The weekend of activities included workshops, a cultural show and a grand gala banquet at the Hilton Vancouver Metro Town Hotel. The guest speaker at the banquet was the Honorable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados. The Afro News had the opportunity to speak with the Honorable Evelyn Greaves, High Commissioner of Barbados in Canada.

We asked the Honorable Evelyn Greaves how he viewed the outcome of the celebrated event:

“I am very impressed with the work of the contributors and very proud of what we were able to achieve.”

He added that there are many Barbadian contributors in Canada that have done a tremendous work in our society. Their works and profiles should be recognized and are being captured in a book that will be released in November 2010 in conjunction with the Barbados Independence Day. This book will feature the works of modern day professionals, a Neurological Surgeon that practices here in Vancouver, a top doctor in Cancer Research that works in Alberta, and a doctor that works in Toronto who discovered a cancer gene along with past contributors, Colonel Richard Clement Moody, the founder of Port Moody and Joe Fortes a legendary figure in the early history of Vancouver who today has a popular restaurant located in downtown Vancouver and a public library branch in his name.

The High Commissioner encouraged not only Barbadians but everyone to get a copy of the book, because not only will it be a record of contribution of Barbadians in building Canada, but it will also be a conductor of inspiration in which our youth and young Barbadians will see as great figures and role models in society.

Honorable Evelyn Greaves added that education is important and that Barbadians put a high emphasis on education. One of the guest speakers at the event said that “I don’t understand how a small country of Barbados could produce people of such quality”.

We also asked the High Commissioner what his view of Canadian Entrepreneurship is:

He responded that Tourism is a vital part of Barbados economy and growth is expected in this sector. The culture in Barbados is a rich commodity; however, this can’t be exported but serves as a great promotion tool to have people visit Barbados.

Barbados also provides countries like Canada, USA and England with a clean record for offshore investments and that their country is on a ‘white’ list for the country’s effort in clean energy and quality of conditions for laborers.

Lastly we asked for his advice for our youth:

The youth are our future. We have to give, show and inspire them with the values of victories that have been raised in Barbados. They need to recognize that they live in a world with so many cultures and conflicts that they will have to live with but they have to pay attention to a value system like education and health in order to make a mark in the world!

Vancouver Canucks

It is wonderful to see the Vancouver Canucks at this stage of the play off games. Their hard  work and determination and full spirit of togetherness and collective  play, prepares them for the challange of each game they take on.  The only thing all their fans want is to see then win the Stanley Cup the biggest reward of all time in the game of hockey, for our City, Vancouver in beautiful British Columbia. GO CANUCKS GO!

By KMG

Sage Foundation Launch Reception, Senator Mobina Jaffer, Honore Gbedze, Senator Yonah Martin (keynote speaker)

Helena Kaufman The Afro News Vancouver

Sage Foundation saw its official launch on Friday, January 29, 2010 at a by-invitation dinner at Metrotown’s Hilton Hotel.

Guest speaker, the Honourable Senator Yonah Martin shared news and stories derived from a lifetime in education and cultural and community initiatives, as well as those of her own family’s immigrant experience. Education was the prime piece in the adjustment to Canadian language and culture. It served as the critical link towards opportunity and contribution in the immediate and larger world

A pre-dinner reception, hosted by The Fort Wine Company, offered tastings of British Columbia’s premier fruit winery’s newest dinner and dessert wines.

Founding board members and new community supporters met and mingled enjoying both business and social networking moments. An announcement of Sage Foundation’s Honorary Board of Directors saw the addition to advisory capacity of the Honourable Senator Yonah Martin, Heather Holden, Wealth Advisor at Scotia Macleod, Deirdre Heim, Editor in Chief of the Afro News and G.M. of the newest Holiday Inn and Helena Kaufman, Communications Trainer and MC for the evening.

After dinner, a six minute documentary on the Sage Foundation and its founder Honore Gbedze was screened. The presentation was produced in its entirety by rising, young film maker, Paul Macharia. In addition the new website was unveiled by designer Gaffur Remitallah on the screen at www.sagefoundation.net.

Honore Gbedze, founder of the Sage Foundation closed the evening’s celebration of community, innovation and commitment. He shared his message of empowerment of youth to pursue education and opportunity through community support, thus creating a better future for all.

Mayor of Sochi, Anatoli N. Pakhomov, and Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson shake hands after signing the protocol of intent at Robson Square.

Olympic hosts British Columbia and Russia  signed a cooperation agreement at Robson Square.

BC Premier Gordon Campbell and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson were joined by Dzhambulat Khatuov, First Vice-Governor of Krasnodar Region, Russia and Anatoli N. Pakhomov, Mayor of Sochi, Russia.

The 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic host leaders signed a protocol of intent benefiting both governments. The protocol will encourage economic development, growth in trade and business development.

It will also promote partnerships, cultural sport and opportunities associated with the Olympic Games.

Krasnodar’s Vice-Governor congratulated Vancouver for ‘passing the Olympic exam with flying colours’.

He told a packed audience at BCMC that the 2010 Winter Games would live in memories as an example of good practice in sporting organisation.

Today’s signing also included a protocol between the Olympic host cities of Vancouver and Sochi.

In signing the agreement Mayor Gregor Robertson promised to share Vancouver Games’ planning, delivery and lessons learned.

By Abby Wiseman

On Jan. 22, the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of British Columbia and Sociology students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Vancouver, in British Columbia Western Canada organized a fundraiser, which raised $2,800 for Doctors without Borders and the Canadian Red Cross. The “Giving a Helping Hand to Haiti” event was attended by a cross-section of the Ghanaian and Kwantlen University communities.

Organizer, Dr. Quist-Adade who doubles as president of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association and sociology professor at Kwantlen University, was thrilled with the amount of money donated. He said he was expecting to only raise about $500. “I am pleased we are able to throw life line to our long-suffering kith and kin in Haiti.” He thanked the Ghanaian community and his students, colleagues, and staff at Kwantlen for their generosity.

“It’s really upsetting to see what’s going on. It’s just scary to see that something can happen out of nowhere,” said sociology student Jasman Virdi: “It’s good that everyone is pulling together to help out all around the world.”

The highlight of the event was local slam poet “Scruffmouth” Kevan Cameron. Cameron recited three poems about African-Canadian culture, modern society and playing scrabble with his mother. Other highlights included Dr. Quist-Adade recounting fantastical “Ananse” (spider) stories from his Ghanaian childhood, earnest appeals from the professor’s three children, Maayaa, Kwaku, and Malaika

ZAMBC’ s First Independence Day Celebration– A Huge Success!

Finally! A sigh of relief and pride washed over many BC Zambians on October 24, 2009 as their countless days of planning, meetings and negotiating came to fruition. That evening, the newly formed association of Zambians living in British Columbia (ZAMBC) celebrated a momentous occasion when it launched its first official event in honour of Zambia’s 45th Independence anniversary. As part of its mandate, the association intends to encourage, to promote and to maintain the rich cultural heritage of Zambia, as well as to foster greater communication ties between Zambians living in BC and those living abroad. The executive body comprises of the: Chairperson Andy Mtambo, Vice Chairperson Mary Chibinda, Treasurer Sitwala Muhongo, Vice Treasurer Lillian Mukanzo, Secretary Ireen Chibinga, Vice Secretary Sau Ngosi, Trustees, Saul Phiri and Angela Malyo.

The event not only saw a delightful turn-out of persons from the Zambian community but the myriad of other nationalities that were represented could hardly have gone unnoticed. Highly represented and not to be left out were a number of Zimbabwean and Mozambican families who would have wanted it no other way.

The evening started out with the singing of the Zambian national anthem and an opening prayer. Then it was followed by an awe-inspiring and informative presentation by the younger Zambian generation who showcased Zambia – its beauty, its secrets and much of its rich oral and cultural traditions. Additionally, as part of the entertainment package, a slide show organized and produced by a group of exuberant teenagers took us into the lives and homes of a number of the Zambian families living in BC. Then finally, the moment that everyone was waiting for arrived – the food! Oh what joy! The unique attribute of this occasion was that the food was not prepared by a hired caterer, but by the Zambian women folk who poured their hearts and souls into providing a host of delicious and mouth-watering dishes from which it was terribly difficult to only choose a few. So most of us just had a bit of everything! The opening of the dance floor by Louis Kabwe culminated the evening’s celebration. Attendees danced until they were wet and even so, they never stopped until the clock struck 2:00am.

The organizing committee wishes to thank all the participants, including those who were not able to be present, attendees and volunteers who helped to make the event the success that it was. Special thanks go to our Zimbabwean and Mozambican brothers and sisters who came out to support us in large numbers. The committee also wishes to thank Salem’s Beauty Supplies and Touch of Africa for their generous gift donations.

Door Prize Winner and on the right is Pres. of Calgary Antigua & Barbuda Assoc. Claude Spencer

The Antigua & Barbuda 28th Anniversary of Independence Celebration

By Len Chan The Afro News Calgary

The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Calgary celebrated the 28th Anniversary of Independence of Antigua & Barbuda with a Dinner and Dance at Crossroads Community Hall Nov. 7. The Hall was fully attended and most important was the top notch Buffet under the direction of Clarence Williams. President of the Assoc. is Claude Spencer and during the opening speech Claude thanked all of his Executive Members and Volunteers for making this a special evening. The Association has their own Building and has also donated to a number of needy organizations. They also have provided scholarships to their young people who are attending Post Secondary and also a number of their members are part of the Mas Making group known as Sykotik Mas. Special guest was Constable Lawrence Cross who is from the Calgary Police Diversity Unit for the Caribbean and America’s. Entertainment from Diversity Dance Group and the Band for the evening was Explosion Band and Kic Up Sound.

Special to The Afro News – Vancouver

Aug 30 La Palabre radio show in studio panelists John Nuraney, MLA Burnaby-Willingdon Patience Nzamakunda Deidre Heim Honore Gbedze (DJ KMG) Jenipher Wasike, REACH Multicultural Family Services Jenny Francis MA student at UBC Bitisho Bembeleza

On August 30, 2008, a public radio forum sponsored by The Afro News and La Palabre Radio Program aired live on the topic of “Settlement Issues of African Immigrants & Refugees. The panel discussion and call in segment explored the theme of “How can we make Vancouver a better place to live?” The show was hosted and sponsored by La Palabre’s director and Afro News Publisher, Honore Gbedze. The show runs weekly on Saturdays in the 11:00 a.m to noon time slot on 96.1 FM in Vancouver. It offers local and international listeners news, interviews, special features and music of interest to Afric peoples, their co-workers and friends round the globe. The special call in show featured guest panelists: Dr. Charles Quist-Adade, Professor of Sociology and Geography at Kwantlen and UBC (phone in), John Nuraney, MLA Burnaby-Willingdon, Jenipher Wasike, REACH Multicultural Family Services, Patience Nzamakunda, a Vancouver refugee claimant, Bitisho Bembeleza, a government assisted refugee and Jenny Francis, MA student at UBC, author of forthcoming HRSDC report: African Immigrants/Refugees’ Experiences of Housing & Homelessness in Greater Vancouver.

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Written by Helena Kaufman

Frances Margaret Gordon was a good ESL teacher when she began her working life in Montreal. Soon, however, she was swept up in the developments and opportunities that characterized her times. She changed herMontreal.career and even the cities she lived in. All the while she followed the great heart she had for social services and social justice but knew her goals would come together once she also put her mind to law.

“The term social justice had not yet been formed, and the way into the work I wanted to do in developing social policy was through the practice of criminal law,” says Gordon. “In this particular arena we see most clearly what our society values, whether it be crimes against the person or property.”

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