Caribbean Carnival
Caribbean Carnival Loses $95,000. Although the annual Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival reportedly brings millions to the Toronto economy, the 2011 festival sustained a $95,000 loss. 2012 financial reports have not yet been completed. FMC (Festival Management Committee) has to date been unable to pay some of the artists who performed in this year’s festival but Denise Herrera Jackson, FMC’s CEO, has stated all financial obligations will be met.
Crack of Dawn is acknowledged as Canada’s “first Black band signed to a major record label” (Columbia). Their 1976 self-titled album included such hits as “It’s Alright (This Feeling)” and “Keep The Faith”. The band experienced huge success but left Columbia due to conflicts with the label. After 35 years, Crack of Dawn has reunited and on October 13th played their 3rd gig at the Phoenix in Toronto. Original members included co-founder Rupert Harvey (rhythm guitar) who went on to co-found the Reggae band Messenjah, his brother Carl a producer and lead guitarist with Toots and The Maytals, Alvin Jones (Sax) and Trevor Daley (Trombone) played with Third World. All are members of the current band with original drummer Carl Ottway, Carlos Morgan and Andre King.
Province Commits $1 Million: In response to the mass shootings that took place on Danzig St. in Scarborough last July (2 died, 23 injured) the Province of Ontario will be spending $1 million to help curb youth violence. The money will be used to set up another 17 parenting and family literary centres for children aged 6 and under. Children and Youth Services Minister Eric Hoskins said that getting kids into schools for play and learning will set good habits as they get older. The centres will be in schools and add to the already 155 facilities across the province. Local school boards will identify locations in “high needs communities”. Other measures previously announced by Hoskins included an additional 35 youth outreach workers and doubling crime stoppers Awards to $2,000 for tips that get guns off the streets.
Convicted: Christopher Husbands, 23, was found guilty of sexual assault on October 10th. Husbands is also charged in the Eaton Centre multiple shooting that occurred last June. He faces charges of two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder. At the time of the Eaton Centre shootings, Husbands was under house arrest in connection with the November 2010 sexual assault charge and was ordered not to be in possession of a weapon or to leave his home without one of his designated sureties. Conditions he obviously violated. He will be sentenced October 23rd for the sexual assault conviction.
Patrick Barrett was convicted of 2nd degree murder in the bludgeoning death of his girlfriend Lucita Charles on May 21, 2010. The conviction carries an automatic life sentence with a maximum of 25 years and a minimum of 10 years before parole eligibility. Charles had a son (now 10) who has cerebral palsy and is currently in the care of Safe Haven in Etobicoke. Barrett is the father of three sons with two other women.
Tragic End for Ministry: Gary Clarke had been involved in the church for 18 years volunteering his time with children. He had a passion for the ministry in Jamaica where he was born and in Canada where he has lived since 2007. In September Clarke and his wife Sonia Christie, after forming their own chapter of the Pentecostal Church, began a gospel-themed journey. While in Chicago on October 10th visiting his brother, Clarke was shot and killed in an attempted robbery while sitting in his semi-truck near his brother’s home.
Police Request Assistance: Henry Pratt, 24, has become Toronto’s 41st homicide victim of the year. His body was found in a Jane/Finch apartment building October 11th. Police are appealing for assistance in their investigation and can be contacted at 416.808.7400
