Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
Good morning folks
Hope you and your loved ones had an enjoyable Christmas in spite of the challenges posed by the new covid variant omicron. We pray that this one will come to pass and we can soon move on with our lives. Our Top Story for January is the appointment of community icon Lyse-Pascale Inamuco as Executive Director of the Family Services Centre in Ottawa, a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much to the Ottawa community as an advocate and volunteer leader. Our best wishes to her.
We also bring you a heart-warming story from Wale Adesanya about his lived experience while in quarantine after returning from a trip to Nigeria. In the spirit of Christmas, a number of Black community organizations collaborated to bring food, toys, and other essential household items to group homes, homeless shelters, food banks, and people of low income. A shoutout to ACAO, Hera Mission, and Equal Chance for this unique act of philanthropy, as reported in this edition. Esteemed Guest columnist Andy Kusi-Appiah brings his unique insight into the recent transformation of Barbados from a monarchy to a republic, and its implications for other members of the British Commonwealth, especially those in the Caribbean.
We provide the profiles of accomplished Black people who were honoured in the 2021 Excellence Awards in Toronto. Speaking of honours we report on the appointment of Musau Muele as President of the Montreal City Council, the first person of colour to hold this esteemed position; the naming of Mfoafo-M’Carthy as a Rhodes Scholar; the appointment of Skerritt as CEO, Children’s Aid Society and Jackie Schleifer Taylor as hospital CEO in Toronto.
On a sad note, we report on the passing of one of Africa’s best-known political and social crusaders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, globally celebrated for his legendary battles against the evil apartheid policies in his native South Africa, plus his advocacy for the poor, marginalized and oppressed people all over the world. The world has indeed lost one of its shining lights in an otherwise darkness-ridden world.
Here is the result of the December 2021 poll: In light of the ongoing Covid pandemic, do you plan to attend an indoor house party or dinner party during Christmas or the New Year? Yes 60% No 40 %. Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the January 2022 poll: Do you believe the new covid Omicron variant will be under control by June 2022?
Wishing you and your loved ones a new year filled with peace, love, good health, and happiness.
Godwin Ifedi Editor