Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

The Same Old Story About FMC Finances By Stephen Weir It has been a few years, but here I am in October, and once again, the Caribbean Camera is running this story I have written about the financial woes of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This time, it’s based on rumours and innuendos because the Festival Management Committee (FMC) isn’t talking—for now. Word on the street is that the FMC doesn’t have the money to pay off its stakeholders: the Mas Bands, the Steel Drum orchestras, and Calypsonians who took part in the 2024 annual festival. The band leaders have apparently received letters telling them of this year’s cash crunch. The FMC managed the 57th annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival, which they touted as “North America’s largest celebration of Caribbean culture.” According to their website, “The Toronto Caribbean Carnival remains a key economic driver, generating nearly half a billion dollars in economic impact. We are calling on the government, the business community, the broader

  "It is for all the marbles" $23 Billion and climbing By Stephen Weir Even though very little news has surfaced in the press about a forthcoming Black Action Lawsuit in Toronto on October 28, that doesn’t mean it isn’t huge. A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Federal Court of Canada on behalf of Black Canadians working for the Public Service of Canada, and it’s for all the marbles—$23 billion worth and growing. “This lawsuit is seeking long-term solutions to permanently address systemic racism and discrimination in the Public Service of Canada,” explains Toronto lawyer Courtney Betty, the lead counsel for the Black class action lawsuit. The lawsuit addresses systemic racism in the Public Service of Canada, targeting self-identifying Black individuals who either applied for employment with the Public Service and were denied entry due to their race or those who were employed but denied promotions on the same grounds. This includes current employees as well as those w

 J ay Douglas Movie Turns Up the Volume at the Royal Theatre for One Night Only By Stephen Weir It is only fitting that the city of Toronto is getting a sneak preview of a documentary about one of its favorite sons—Jay Douglas. Play It Loud! – How Toronto Got Soul is coming to The Royal Theatre with a special advance 6:30 p.m. screening on October 23. Given his long history performing in Toronto, perhaps this new movie, made for television, should be called Play it Long and Loud because the Jamaican-Canadian performer has been taking the stage since the late 1960s. He’s still very much a part of the reggae scene, having performed a major concert in late August at the CNE. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Toronto's Caribbean, Jamaican, and reggae music scene was almost unrivalled in North America in terms of quality and talent. Jay Douglas, the lead singer of The Cougars and one of the biggest and brightest stars of that era, is the subject of this new TVO Original documentary

  WONDERFUL JOE HAS MANY STRINGS ATTACHED by Stephen Weir In these turbulent times of 2024, leave it to the puppets to show us how hard life can be for penniless seniors living downtown, as they're displaced from a soon-to-be-demolished rundown apartment building to make way for a high-rent tower. You almost don’t notice the strings when "Wonderful Joe," a weary, weathered senior, takes the stage at the Jane Mallet Theatre in downtown Toronto. With his wrinkled face, stooped back, and clothes likely scavenged from dumpster dives, Joe is the star of a one-act play that will run for the next month in the city. Wonderful Joe is written and performed by longtime puppeteer Ronnie Burkett. The cast of marionettes includes a community butcher, a nasty landlord, Mister the dog, and even Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and Jesus Christ. “The play tells the story of an elderly gay man living in a fifth-floor walk-up in an urban centre,” says Burkett, considered one of Canada’s top p

  Roger Gibbs is Alive and Singing By Stephen Weir For Calypso scholar and singer Roger Gibbs, every day is Calypso Day. On Oct 15, however, he will be moderating a symposium titled Calypso in Canada: Past, Present, and Future, as part of the official Calypso History Month. The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA), in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and Kaiso Street Society, is presenting a series of talks and discussions exploring the rich history and evolution of Canadian Calypso. The first event will take place on October 15, 2024, from 7:00–9:30 PM at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, 777 Bathurst Street, Toronto, next to Another Booklist store. Prominent Calypso artists and experts—including Jesse Ryan, Rhoma Spencer, Henry Gomez, Lindy Burgess, and Macomere Fifi—will share stories and insights into the Canadian Calypso scene. Roger Gibbs, who will moderate the discussion, told Caribbean Camera that “this discussion will be the first of several planned

  INNOCENCE CANADA & INTERNATIONAL WRONGFUL CONVICTION DAY COMMITTEE  (IWCDC) PRESS RELEASE  Innocence Canada & IWCD Committee Are Hosting a Gala Event to acknowledge the 10 th  Anniversary of IWCD.    October 2, 2024 , Innocence Canada and other innocence, and social justice groups worldwide will join together in our shared goal of spreading awareness about wrongful convictions. International Wrongful Conviction Day (IWCD) was launched by Innocence Canada on October 2, 2014. The 10th Anniversary IWCD Gala Event is drawing pan-Canadian interest, with exonerated individuals from all regions of the country confirmed to attend.   Organizers are anticipating a full house, reflecting widespread support and engagement in the cause of wrongful conviction awareness.    In recognition of this special milestone year, Innocence Canada, and the International Wrongful Conviction Day Committee (IWCDC) are hosting a IWCD 10 th  Anniversary Gala Event.  This night provides us all the opportuni

  Tobago Drama Guild Brings Eric Roach’s Belle Fanto to the City of Toronto Toronto is set to experience a vibrant showcase of Caribbean theatre as the Tobago Drama Guild presents Belle Fanto, a play by celebrated Trinidad and Tobago playwright Eric Roach. Directed by Thabiti, the three-day theatrical event will be held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, located at 185 Sheppard Avenue West. The play will run from Friday, September 27th, to Sunday, September 29th, 2024. Showtimes are at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, with a matinee performance on Sunday at 5:00 PM. The production of Belle Fanto promises to deliver a rich blend of culture and dramatic storytelling, highlighting Roach’s impactful legacy within Caribbean theatre. Known for his explorations of identity, history, and society, Roach’s works continue to resonate with audiences today. The event is a celebration not just of theatre, but also of the 25th anniversary of Sisters in Action,

  If It Isn’t Luv it must be Sean Jones at his best By Stephen Weir What better place to launch a new tune than under the neon palms of the venerable El Mocambo Tavern in downtown Toronto? Early last week, Hamilton’s Sean Jones did just that, stirring up some heavy love emotions as he performed his latest single, "If It Isn’t Luv," featuring Trinidadian-Canadian author and hip-hop artist John Orpheus. Sean Jones is not only a hot solo artist but also a producer and up and coming actor in a secret film project. At 47, the Caribbean-Canadian (both his parents are from Jamaica) describes his life as “incredibly busy and just getting started.” “I first made waves in the music industry as a member of In Essence. With hits like 'Friend Of Mine' and 'You Will Never Find,' the group captured the hearts of R&B fans across the globe, earning a Juno Award in 2004,” said Jones. His journey from band member to solo sensation has been extraordinary, with a career that