Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

Tonight. I snoozed and now I lose out on the summer best masquerade fete – Beyond the Mas. By Stephen Weir I f you don’t have a ticket for tonight’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival Gala put your wallet away.   Organizers of the “Beyond the Mas – A Celebration of Freedom” fete report that the 400-seat event is sold out. This time it is true, if you snooze you loose.   What you are going to miss is a formal party where the guests are encouraged to come in their finest Mas costumes, and dance and play with the Hoi  Polloi of Toronto’s festival world. You are also going to miss a luscious Caribbean dinner with island influenced cocktails! “This is not your average gala,” one organizer told the Caribbean Camera. “This will be a fabulous interactive party where the ticket holders are part of the magic and the thrill of Carnival.” Beyond the Mas – A Celebration of Freedom is being held this evening at the Riviera Banquet Hall ( 2800 Highway 7). The event starts at 6.00 pm on Friday

. Jamaica Birthright Programme extends application deadline   By Stephen Weir  As seen in the Caribbean Camera newspaper Jamaican Canadian university students who have not lived in Jamaica can still apply for this summer’s Jamaican Birthright Programme.  Birthright, which includes round trip transportation, accommodation, a stipend and a summer internship in Jamaica is designed to reconnect  second or third generation Jamaicans to their cultural roots. “Students should note that the deadline to apply has been extended to December 6th” explained Petronilla Marchan, one of the Toronto organizers of the programme funded by the GraceKennedy Foundation. “GraceKennedy will host four Canadian university students for a one month Internship this summer” she said. “Candidates must be  second or third generation Jamaicans who have never lived in Jamaica for  more than a period exceeding six months.”   Stephen Weir article in Caribbean Camera (left) The Program