African Union 6 Region Canadane

Global African Diaspora Edition May 2012

African Union Headquarters, Ethiopia Parliament Building, Ottawa, Canada

AFRICAN UNION6TH REGION, CANADA

Congratulations

His Excellency Yayi BoniChairman, African Union

Dr. Jean Ping, ChairmanAfrican Union Commission

Dr. Jinmi Adisa, DirectorCitizens And Diaspora Directorate

CIDO, AUC

His Excellency Jacob ZumaPresident of the Republic of South Africa

As leaders of the African Unionand the host nation for the 2012 Global

African Diaspora Parliamentarians’ Summit,congratulations for the excellent work

done to advance the best of Africaand of the global Diaspora.

~*~

The African Union is the premier institutionand the principal organization for the promotion

of accelerated social and economic integration ofAfrica, which will lead to greater unity and solidarity

among countries and people. Congratulations toall delegates who are attending the 2012 global

summit of African as well as Diasporaparliamentarians in South Africa.

Discover Africa | Global African Diaspora Edition | 3

CONTENTS

6. Message From The Chairman, African Union Sixth Region, Canada.

6. Message From The Dean Of The African Diplomatic Corp.

7. Message From Senator Donald Oliver

7. Message From Senator Don Meredith

8. About The African Union

10. African Union Sixth Region Canada

12. Events Diary: Sixth Region Canada Operations

13. Profiles Of Members Of The Diaspora In Canada

18. Nollywood: Exporting African Heritage

20. Message From The Black Business Initiative

22. Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee

Editorial dirEctorPatricia Bebia Mawa

copy EditorAlwin Dwain Wellington

crEativE dirEctorUday Modi

photographyAlff Henry

group publishErMoses A. Mawa

dEsign studioSilvertrust Communications Inc.

dEvElopmEntSilvertrust Communications

African Union Sixth Region, CanadaAfrican Diplomatic Group

Planet Africa Group

publishErsSilvertrust Communications

Planet Africa Group

In association withAfrican Union Sixth Region Canada

African Diplomatic Corp

www.planetafricagroup.com

Disclaimer

Discover Africa is a special publication aimed at showcasing the vision, mission and values of African Union Sixth Region Canada Foundation Inc. It is published in association with Silvertrust Communications and Planet Africa Group. The views and opinions in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the mission, the publishing partners, supporters or advertisers.

MAY 2012

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Message From The Dean Of The African Diplomatic Corp

Message From The Chairman Of African Union 6th Region Canada

The African Diplomatic Corp in Ottawa salutes all delegates attending the Global African Diaspora Conference in South Africa. It is an honour to have your presence as we commemorate African unity and explore ways to advance the aspirations of Africa and of the Diaspora. Aside from being the continent with the most countries around the globe, with 54 countries in total, Ottawa is host to 33 African embassies whose aim is to increase our influence in Canada and to increase Canada’s positive impact in Africa.

On May 25th, 2012, which happens to be Africa Day, we in Ottawa are demonstrating Africa’s visibility in a number of ways. These include the promotion of an atmosphere for prosperity in a peaceful continent with its citizens as prime movers. Through the exhibition of African cuisine and culture, this event aims to bring Africa in its diversity closer to Canadian communities. It is fitting that the function shares the spirit of the Global African Diaspora Parliamentarians’ Summit, which takes place in South Africa at the same time.

Presently, Africa boasts of a population of 1 billion and untapped natural resources. Among ourselves, we aim to promote unity and solidarity among member states and are continuing to engage the African Diaspora to contribute to the developmement of Africa and of all African Diaspora communities. We continue to call upon renewed partnerships between Canada and Africa, in order to guarantee win-win situations.

Best regards

H.E. Florence Zano Chideya

On behalf of the Africa Union 6th Region Canada, I extend warm greetings to all attending the Global African Diaspora Parliamentarians’ Summit. In recognition of our rich heritage, tenacity and vast contribution to humanity, we embrace our uniqueness and triumphs as we advance the purpose of the 8 commissions and the African Diaspora Legacy Project.

Africa is calling her people from every place in the world as this is our season. We welcome the establishment of the African Union 6th Region through the CIDO and ECOSOC agencies. We stand united to build our communities, strengthen and empower the African Union as a global voice for African descendants in the 21st century and beyond. I encourage the African Union Commision never to give up on the African Diaspora. We believe that through this summit, Article 3Q will be fully enacted for better engagement of the Diaspora.

I appreciatiate my fellow African Diaspora leaders, particularly Dr. David Horne, Dr. Chika Onyeani, Rt. General Ishola William, Ms. Barryl Biekman and Mr. Kennedy Tumenta. Special thanks to Dr. Jinmi Adisa, Director of CIDO, for his effort in building the global African family. Thanks to the African Union, the Pan African Parliament and the Government of South Africa for organizing the summit. Marcus Garvey said it best, “Up you mighty race; you can achieve whatever you will”. God bless the Diaspora and long live Africa, our homeland.

Sincerely,

Macaulay Onyekachi O. Kalu

H.E. Florence Zano ChideyaDean, African Diplomatic Group

& Ambassador Of Zimbabwe

Macaulay Onyekachi O. KaluChairman, African Union Sixth

Region, Canada.


The HonourableDr. Don Meredith

Senator , OntarioCanada

The HonourableDr. Donald H. Oliver

Senator, Nova ScotiaCanada

Message From The Honourable Senator Dr. Donald H. Oliver

Message From The Honourable Senator Dr. Don Meredith

These are exciting times for the entire African Diaspora, and particularly for all African Canadians. The Global African Diaspora Parliamentarians’ Summit in South Africa is an important step in strengthening the ties that unite us. The conference will help mobilize the Diaspora and create partnerships between legislators in Africa and those in the Diaspora worldwide. Indeed the summit will empower the African Diaspora around the world to make positive contributions to the development of the continent.

It is important that Canadians of African descent participate in the summit in order for the international community to better understand our North American reality. This also enables the Diaspora to better contribute to the great wave of positive change that is transforming the continent of Africa. In addition, it will allow us to share some insight on the challenges we must overcome to succeed and the many initiatives we have in place to ensure that we receive equal opportunities.

African Canadians should be proud of the many contributions we have made over the last four centuries in building a strong and vibrant country. The summit will give our community the opportunity to showcase our many success stories, which I hope will serve as catalyst for ongoing progress both in Africa and in Diaspora communities around the world. I wish all the delegates a productive and memorable summit.

Sincere regards,

Honourable Senator Donald H. Oliver, Q.C.

Dear friends,

As the fourth African Canadian and first Jamaican to be appointed to the Senate of Canada, I believe strongly that through this historic meeting, participants have the potential to bring lasting change to the lives of our people. The Global African Diaspora has experienced great successes especially in Africa, the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, but people of African descent in these regions are still facing tremendous challenges.

If the African Diaspora is to be engaged, encouraged, and empowered, it will require education, spiritual renewal, and the cultivation of an entrepreneurial spirit among our people. This is why the Global African Diaspora Parliamentarians Summit is so important. It is a cohesive and decisive step towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

I encourage you to not let this golden opportunity be one of all talk and no action. When you leave this meeting, determine in your hearts that now is the time to act and bring lasting change to our global community and to future generations, especially our youth.

Yours sincerely,

Honourable Senator Don Meredith


The launch of the African Union (AU) is a major event in the contemporary history of the continent. In July 1999, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) decided to accelerate the process of economic and political integration of the continent.

The OAU had been created in 1963 to eliminate the last vestiges of colonialism and apartheid, strengthen unity and solidarity of African states, coordinate and intensify cooperation for development, defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and promote international cooperation in the framework of the United Nations must give the torch to the AU.

In their quest for unity, economic and social development, the African countries have taken various initiatives and made substantial progress in many areas which paved the way for the establishment of the AU. On September 9, 1999, the Heads of State and Government adopted the Sirte Declaration calling for the establishment of an African Union, with a view, inter alia, to accelerating the process of integration in the continent to enable it play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems.

In 2002, the Durban Summit officially launched the African Union, whose headquarters is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Fifty-three (53) African countries are members of the organization. Its main goal is to strive for the promotion of accelerated socio-economic integration of the continent in order to promote development and strengthen unity and solidarity between African countries and peoples.

The AU is based on the common vision of a united and strong Africa and on the need to build a partnership between governments and all segments of civil society, in particular women, youth and the private sector, in order to strengthen solidarity and cohesion amongst the peoples of Africa.

As a continental organization it focuses on the promotion of peace, security and stability on the continent as a prerequisite for the implementation of the development and integration agenda of the Union. The African Union supports among others, sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States. It wants to encourage international cooperation, taking due account of the Charter of the United Nations but also works with relevant international partners in the eradication of diseases and promoting health on the continent.

About The African Union


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The DiasporaIn Developing Kenya

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Nigeria

President Goodluck

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His Excellency

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African UnionSixth Region Canada

Profile

1. Encouragement and intensification of the participation of the African Diaspora in Conflict Resolution, Peace Making and Peace Keeping, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Further-ance of Human Rights and Good Governance in Africa and the African Diaspora.

2. Establishment of mechanisms and instruments or strate-gic partnerships to mobilize resources, including the creation of a Diaspora Bank in Canada to manage Diaspora remit-tances from Canada; Provide innovative financial support to Diaspora entrepreneurship in Canada; Mobilize resources for the engagement of the African Diaspora in Canada as an important source of support for the African continent.

3. Establishment of an integrated and multipurpose African Diaspora Center in Toronto, Canada.

4. Establishment of a framework for project development and implementation in Canada and internationally.

5. Through the Commissions, advise the Canadian govern-ment on the African Union and African Diaspora affairs.

6. Work closely with the Commissions to promote integra-tion and exchange between African and the Diaspora.

7. Promotion of African culture in Canada as a means to: celebrate and preserve the shared heritage between Africa and persons of African descent in Canada; and to consoli-date African identity, unity and solidarity;

8. Leveraging of the influence and strength of African Diaspora entrepreneurs, professionals and intellectuals to: Mobilize human as well as capital resources to sup-port economic development efforts in Africa and, in so doing, compile a comprehensive African Diaspora skills database in Canada and corresponding market intelli-gence as a means toward identifying key areas of critical shortage and short, medium and long term needs of the African development agenda.

9. Formation of strategic partnerships with existing Af-rican media in Canada to: re-brand Africa and counter stereotypes about Africans and people of African de-scent; Provide both Africans in the Diaspora and Ca-nadians with better access to balanced information that enables them to appreciate the situation of the people in Africa and reflect the perspectives of Africa and the people of Africa; profile African challenges and African initiatives and in so doing ensure optimal placement of African success stories in the media.

10. Creation of durable mechanisms that take the differ-ential experience of African Diaspora women and youth in consideration with the aim to: ensure their inclusion in the activities of the Organization; promote activities that empower African Diaspora women and youth in Canada.

ACTIVITIES

The organization will engage in the following activities along the lines of the African Union’s African Diaspora Program of Action and Consolidated Outcomes Strategy.

“In recognition of our rich heritage,tenacity and vast contribution to humanity,

we embrace our uniqueness and triumphs as weadvance the purpose of the 8 commissionsand the African Diaspora Legacy Project.”

Macaulay Onyekachi O. Kalu, ChairmanAfrican Union Sixth Region Canada


BOARD OF DIRECTORS Macaulay Kalu, Chairman of the BoardAlesia Johnson, Co-Chair of the BoardBarbara Stewart, Corporate SecretaryAfet Kalu, Communications AdvisorSandra Bowen, Financial secretary

Stephen Small, Director Legal AffairsDoris Davis Udensi, Communication Director

Veronica Paquette, Internal Affairs DirectorAime Kabuya, Francophone Director

ELDERS COUNCILDr. Audley James, Chairman

Evadne Wilkinson, National FacilitatorHonorable Dr. Jean Augustine

Dr. Rondo ThomasJustice Kotei

Arnold MinorFelicia Botchway

Rev. Alvin NicholsonBishop Yvonne Drakes

Dr. Wycliffe Baird

ADVISORY BOARDAmbassador Florence Chideya

The Honorable Dr. Don MeredithThe Honorable Dr. Donald OliverThe Honorable Michael Coteau

COMMISSIONSGlobal Dialogue, Relations, Peace and Stability

Ojo Tewogbade, The Honorable Justice Kofi N. Barnes

Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentAnthony Burke, Dr. Gervan Fearon

Historic, Socio-CulturalDr. Rosemary Sadler and Jayne Samali

Religious Commonalities and Challenges Dr. Audley James

Women and ChildrenBeatrice Nday Wa Mbayo

Knowledge SharingDr. Rondo Thomas

Health and DisabilityDr. Chris Morgan and Liben Gebremikael

Youth and DevelopmentGlen Joseph, Sharifa Wilkinson

Media & ImageMoses A. Mawa

Patricia Bebia Mawa

Special RepresentativeKay Morris, Jamaican Diaspora

African UnionSixth Region Canada

MandateAfrican Union 6th Region Canada Foundation Inc. is the official head-quarters of the African Union 6th Region in Canada. Our mandate is to mobilize and unify all people of African Descent in Canada and to elect representatives for Canada in the African Union ECOSOCC Assembly.

MissionOur mission is to support the promotion of African culture in Canada as a means to: celebrate, preserve, and protect the shared heritage be-tween Africa and persons of African descent in Canada; consolidate Af-rican identity, unity and solidarity.

HistoryThe African Union is the linear descendant of the Organization of Af-rican Unity, which was established on May 25th, 1963. Since 2005 the African Union recognized the efforts of the African Diaspora and in order to engage civil society in their processes, created the 6th Region.

Commissions• Global Dialogue, Relations, Peace & Stability• Economic Co-operation and Development• Historical, Cultural and Religious Platform • Programs For Our Women & Children • Education and Knowledge Sharing• Issues Concerning Health & Disabilities• Youths and There Development• Media and Image Building

CongratulationsI congratulate the African Union for hosting the 2012 African Diaspora summit in South Africa. I trust that this meeting will have great benefits for Africa and the Diaspora. I am de-lighted that Canada will be well represented and that we have an opportunity to showcase our success stories. I also congratulate Chair-man Macaulay Kalu, whose competent lead-ership is building African Union Sixth Region Canada into a strong and vibrant organization. God bless Africa and all its people.

Dr. Wycliffe Baird


AFRICAN UNION 6TH REGION CANADA | EVENTS GALLERY

Guests at the 2011 Symposium

Guest; Jenny Gumbs, Consul General of Grenada,Yvonne Drakes, and Chairman Macaulay Kalu

Afet Kalu with Moses & Patricia Mawa, recipientsof the 2011 Media & Image Building Award.

Dr. Audley James, recipient of 2011 ReligiousCommonalities & Challenges award.

Dr. Chris Morgan & his wife, recipients of the 2011 Health & Wellness Award at the AU6RC gala

Macaulay Kalu, Chairman & Doris Udensi Davisat the 2011 AU Sixth Region Canada gala

Nathaniel Dett Chorale Choir performing at the2011 African Union 6th Region Canaca gala

Cross section of speakers and guests at the 2011 AU6RC symposium at TAIBU Health Centre

Alesia Johnson, Donisha Prendergast, MacaulayKalu & friends of Donisha at the Planet Africa Studio

Chairman Macaulay Kalu and his leadership teamat the African Union 6th Region Canada 2011 gala


Youth at the AU 6th Region Canada February2012 Black History event at University of Toronto

Barbara Stewart; Seth George Ramocan Consul General of Jamaica, Macaulay & Afet Kalu

African Union 6th Region officials and others at an event at the Nigerian High Commission, Ottawa.

The African Union Sixth Region Canada leadership at a Montreal Town Hall by AU6RC in July 2011ebec

Ken James, Financial Secretary of JamaicanCanadian Association at the 2011 Symposium

Afet Kalu of AU6RC and Patricia Bebia Mawa,President of Planet Africa Group at the gala.

AU6RC cultural group NILEFLO Performing at a Black History event at George Brown College

E. Wilkinson; Michael Smith, Bahamas Ambassador, M. Kalu, Dr. A. James, A. Kabuya & Alesia Johnson

Alesia Johnson, Doris Udensi, Dr. Methabo Tsepa,Ambassador of Lesotho & Chairman Macaulay Kalu.

Macaulay Kalu & Senator Donald Oliver, recipientof the 2011 AU6RC Person of the year Award.


Born in Lexington Park, Maryland, Kevin Williams is the last of 12 children. He shares with Planet Africa, that as a child his brother would deliberately ensure his chores were above par. When the young Williams decided to question his brother, he was assured that he was not being picked on, rather he was being taught excellence.

Williams took that core value with him when he began his GM career in 1983 as a reliability analyst at Buick City in Flint, Michigan. That same year, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Tennessee State University, going on to attain his master’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University in 1989.

In 1989, he became the general supervisor of production at the Lansing Craft Centre in Lansing, Michigan, and in 1991 was appointed program readiness manager for GM’s EV1 electric vehicle program. In 2002 Williams completed the GM Senior Executive Development Program.

Prior to his current appointment, Kevin Williams served as GM vice president and general manager, Service and Parts Operations; president and managing director of GM de Mexico; assistant managing director and manufacturing manager, GM de Mexico and GM North America vice president of quality.

On March 1, 2010, Mr. Williams was appointed president and managing director of GM Canada, Ltd. with overall responsibility for GM’s operations in Canada. In pursuit of excellence, Kevin Williams has risen to the highest level of his field of expertise. He has proven that diligent hard work has its reward in success.

A divine call in 1980 led Rev. Dr. Audley N. James to establish Revivaltime Tabernacle Worldwide Ministries and build a church complex, which houses a 1700 seating capability sanctuary and banquet facility. The edifice was the first to be built in Ontario in 129 years by a predominantly Afro-centric Christian fellowship, and the second in Canada in the 20th century.

The Jamaican native is an ordained Minister with the P.A.O.C. (Pentacostal Assemblies of Canada) with head offices in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from Tyndale University, an honorary doctor of divinity degree and a doctorate degree in Professional Counselling from Canada Christian College.

He is Associate Professor with Canada Christian College in the field of Hermeneutics and Pedagogy, is Chaplain of the Jamaica Diaspora Canada Foundation and Jamaica National Canada. In 2002, Dr. James along with his wife of 42 years and Co-Pastor Rosenda established an historic Christian academy for the purpose of providing Christian elementary education.

Biblical Scholar, Pastor, Musician and Community Advocate, Bishop Audley N. James is busy making a difference. In recognition of his leadership, he has received numerous awards from government and community organizations for his services to youth, young adults and family. Bishop James is a man set on a singular mission to heal a community.

Expanding to two locations, in Downsview and Durham, Ontario, the church has extended its outreach ministry with a mandate to have an impact on at risk youth for Christ, while ministering to their physical needs. There is no mistake Bishop James places the bar high when he sets the pace for achieving a greater purpose.

Mr. Kevin W. Williams President & Managing Director

General Motors of Canada

Bishop (Dr.) Audley JamesFounder, Revivaltime Tabernacle Ministries

The African Diaspora In Canada


Dr. Jude O. Igwemezie, P. Eng., is a registered engineer in the province of Ontario with expertise in railway engineering. He obtained his B.Eng. M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He is the Founder and Chairman of TransGlobim International (Globim Corporation), which was awarded the US$300 million contract in 2009 to build Iraq’s first monorail transit system in the Holy City of Najaf, and the US$365 million monorail transit system in Enugu, Nigeria. He is also the President of Applied Rail Research Technologies (ARRT Inc.), a railway consulting engineering firm and Chairman of NorFast Inc, a developer and manufacturer of premium railway track products.

Globim has developed a train-set (TGM-01) that will be built in Canada starting in 2011 for use in Globim’s monorail projects. This will make Dr. Igwemezie’s Globim, the first Nigerian Canadian owned and controlled company to design and build a complete train set, putting his company in the league of the Bombardiers and Siemens.

Dr. Igwemezie holds or has pending patents for over a dozen innovative railway track products and is a recognized North American railway industry expert on derailments and track component failures.

Dr. Igwemezie has won several awards including the “Gold Medal” in Canadian Design Engineering Awards (1997); “Harry Jerome Award” (2001) for Professional Excellence from the Black Business & Professional Association of Canada; “Outstanding Business Achievement Award” from the Business Development Bank of Canada (2008); “Outstanding contributions to the Diaspora and industrialization in Nigeria” from the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO 2009); “Resolution of Appreciation” from the International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA) for his contribution to the latest book on “Best Practices for Heavy Haul Railway Operation – Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance Issues”, published in June 2009 and “Global Entrepreneur”, from amongst Nigerians worldwide, presented by NIDO Canada in 2010.

Dr. Jude IgwemezieEngineer, Inventor and Businessman

Making A Difference

The Honourable Margarett Best was elected MPP in the riding of Scarborough-Guildwood on October 10, 2007 and appointed to Cabinet, as Minister of Health Promotion and Sport. A lawyer, advocate, mentor and dedicated community volunteer, she has been recognized with numerous awards for her community service, including the African Canadian Achievement Award in 2006.

Minister Best has also received the BBPA Women of Distinction Award and in October 2009, was bestowed a 2009 National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Award in the Distinguished Services category of Equality/Social Justice. In her role as Minister of Health Promotion and Sport for the Province of Ontario, Minister Best was part of the successful bid lead by Premier Dalton McGuinty for the 2015 Toronto Area Pan/Parapan American Games.

Minister Best champions health and wellness for all Ontarians. She is responsible for a Ministry that supports a wide range of programs and services that include chronic disease prevention, physical activity, sport participation, injury prevention and mental wellness. She is an alumnus of the University of Toronto at Scarborough and Osgoode Hall Law School, and she holds a Mutual Funds Certificate from the Investment Funds Institute of Canada.

In August 2008, Minister Best was honoured in her native country of Jamaica by the Northern Caribbean University. She was conferred with the degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws for her substantive contributions towards empowering people of colour through humanitarian gestures which have positively impacted the socio-economics of the province of Ontario and beyond. Minister Best is a mother of three adult children, an avid gardener who loves the arts and has a passion for writing.

Honourable Margaret Best Minister of Consumer Services

Ontario, Canada


This is Michael’s first term as Member of Provincial Parliament for Don Valley East. Michael was first elected in November of 2003, as the School Board Trustee representing Don Valley East. Michael was and continues to be a strong advocate for student nutrition, community use of school space, environmentally friendly schools, and the use of educational technology. As a Trustee, Michael brought forward several positive system-wide changes at the Board, including the Community Use of Schools initiative. This motion drastically reduced user fees for space at the Toronto District School Board’s 500 plus schools.

Michael grew up in Don Valley East and attended Don Mills Middle School and Victoria Park CI. In 1997, Michael graduated from Carleton University with a Political Science degree and obtained a second degree in Canadian History. Michael worked as an assistant to the Minister of Industry, on initiatives such as Connecting Canadians and Computers for Schools.

Michael was responsible for organizing the Malvern Youth Cabinet, the Law and Order Youth Group and the Malvern Photo Club. Michael is also the former Marketing Manager for ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and was responsible for the marketing and execution of Family Literacy Day, a national program that promotes literacy. Most recently, Michael was the Executive Director of AlphaPlus, a national literacy organization, mandated to support adult education through the use of technology.

Michael was the chair of the TDSB’s Programs and School Services Committee and Student Nutrition Advisory Committee. In addition, Michael served as the Chair of Redemption Reintegration Services, a United Way of Greater Toronto initiative, funded through the Youth Challenge Fund that provides services to Canadian youth involved with the criminal justice system. Michael and his wife live in Toronto along with their two daughters.

Michael CoteauMember of Provincial Parliament

Ontario, Canada

The African Diaspora In Canada

Dr. Alexander MacGregor is the Founder, President and Dean of Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology (TIPT®), North America’s premier post-graduate institute of pharmaceutical sciences, technology and research. He received an honours degree in Medical Biochemistry and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics from the University of Wales and the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School, London, UK.

As an inventor for over 20 years, Dr. MacGregor has been involved with the design, development and clinical testing of pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical products. He is a recipient of several patents in pharmaceutical drug delivery technologies from Canada, US, Australia, Europe and Japan, Dr. MacGregor’s inventions have led to ground-breaking therapeutic drugs for diabetes, systemic infections, cancer and post-operative pain.

In 2002, he was appointed by the Government of China as an International Advisor in the field of pharmaceutical technology and research through a nomination proffered by the City of Beijing and Beijing Double-Crane Pharmaceutical Company, China’s third largest pharmaceutical company. Dr. MacGregor is the first Nigerian-born Canadian to be recognized by the Ontario Black History Society and Planet Africa Television as a Luminary. He is a recipient of the African Canadian Achievement Award, the Planet Africa Science and Technology Award, and the Harry Jerome Trailblazer Award. He also serves as Adjunct Professor of pharmaceutical technology at the University of Technology in Jamaica.

A founding member and Chair of the Canadian Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists (CapTech), and the Toronto Pharmaceutical Ethics Committee for Medical Research in Humans. He is also a Clinical & Scientific member of the Canadian Diabetic Association, a member of Control Release Society (CRS), Canadian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences (CSPS), and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS).

Professor Alexander MacGregor President & Dean, Toronto Institute of

Pharmaceutical Technology.


James Atebe is mayor of Mission, British Columbia, Canada. A native of Ekerenyo, a village in the North Mugirango Constituency of Kenya, he was first elected mayor in 2005, after serving as a member of the city council for 6 years.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, Atebe worked for the oil industry as a cartographer in Calgary. “But it was too predictable. So I did a Master’s in city planning and transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle,” says Atebe.

In 1999, Atebe ran for city council. As a parent and sports enthusiast he wanted better recreational facilities in the town. Following in his father’s footsteps, he realized that if he wanted change, he’d have to do something about it. He was elected to council in 1999 and again in 2002.

Re-elected to his second term as the mayor of the District of Mission in B.C., Atebe is considered by many to be one of the most popular mayors Mission has ever had. Although he’s only one of very few African Canadian residents in the small town, Atebe, is embraced wholeheartedly by the town’s populationMayor Atebe is the type of guy who always has a smile and ready handshake; he remembers your name and asks you how your family is doing.

While it might seem to outsiders that the tall mayor, who originates from the Gusii tribe in the town of Kisii, Kenya, sticks out among the town’s mostly Caucasian population, many Missionites will tell you that Mayor Atebe is an easy fit. His is a recipeint of the prestigious Planet Africa Award for his leadership and inspiration in 2010.

Dr. Wycliffe Baird migrated from St. Kitts, West Indies to Canada in 1964 in pursuit of medical studies. He attended at St. Francis University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia for three years and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967.

He then went on to Dalhousie University Medical School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he spent four years followed by a one year internship and then graduated with a Medical Degree in 1972.

In 1972 he moved to Mississauga, Ontario where he set up a Family Practice and had privileges to work at the local Hospital. For the past 40 years, Dr. Baird has provided faithful and devoted medical service to the Mississauga community.

He still works 80 hours per week between his two busy offices and the Emergency Department at Trillium Health Center. He has served on the Board of Peel Family Services for seven years and was busy raising funds in the community for his local Hospital.

Dr. Baird was the founder and owner of Four Maples Group Homes that provided residential treatment for emotionally disturbed children for 15 years. Dr. Baird also spent one week every month in his homeland of St. Kitts for approximately 10 years providing medical service to his people and giving back some of what he had learnt abroad.

He still finds time to enjoy his beautiful 2 children and 4 grand-children. Hi hobbies are music, travel and dancing. His passion is soccer and he plays in a league 2 or 3 times per week.

His Worship James AtebeMayor of Mission

British Columbia, Canada

Dr. Wycliffe BairdMedical Doctor & Businessman

Toronto, Canada

Making A Difference


Exporting Nigerian Heritage

By Ope L. Akinyemi


Film is one of the most popular mediums in Nigeria. Many people are deeply interested in movies and Nollywood is the main industry, which quench their thirst. Acclaimed as one of the biggest film industries of the world, Nollywood produces over 1000 films every year. Nollywood imbibed its name from the term Nigeria and Hollywood, the American Film Industry.

As part of the Nigerian Film Industry, Nolly-wood encompasses other language film industries. The movies churned are the major source of entertainment, with an audience of over three million people. The films usually comprise all genres: comedy, drama, action, thrill-er and romance. Many of Nigerian films give insight into the historical, political, and cultural changes that have shaped the country. Nigeria’s struggle for independence, the search for a national identity, and the influence of tra-ditional and Western culture are all reflected.

Nollywood’s cultural value has always been larger than its market value. Nigerian films remain a dominant form of entertainment with social and cultural practices in the country often tied to Nollywood. The film industry has capitalized on Nigeria’s status as a service powerhouse. Information networks, both physical and electronic, have allowed it to increase its presence in global markets.

Nollywood filmmakers have been attracted to North America’s and Europe’s diverse locations, land-scapes, post-production facilities and infrastructures. Filmmakers continue to explore overseas markets and improve the production quality of their films. Much like casting non-Nigerian faces, globalizing the backdrop of the films add an international flavour that injects Nolly-wood further into the mainstream cinematic culture.


On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the Black Business Initiative in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I offer greet-ings to the delegates, visitors and residents attending the Global African Diaspora Parliamentarians’ Summit and African Day celebration in Johannesburg, South Af-rica this May 22nd to 25th.

I am sure the summit will be extremely informative and the celebrations world class. I take this opportunity to encourage all delegates to add the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada on their list of future places to visit and partner with.

Let this conference be the catalyst for the pooling of our collective knowledge, creativity and experience on route to realizing enhanced benefits and opportunities for those we serve.

Let’s actively seek out business, training, development and cultural tourism opportunities of mutual benefit. By working together and building strong partnerships, we will advance our respective mandates and take charge of creating a stronger and more vibrant future.

Message From Honourable Dr. Jean AugustineFairness Commissioner, Ontario, Canada

My best wishes to you as you participate in the African Di-aspora meeting in Midrand, South Africa. As a former Par-liamentarian, I attended the inaugural conference and as Co-Chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, I remember fondly the warmth of the welcome of the then President, Madam Gertrude Mongela, Committee Heads and other MPs.

Attending as delegates of the African Diaspora would en-able us to be recognized as African descendants living outside of Africa. I want to affirm that we are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African union. I look forward to hearing of your deliberations.

Sincerely,

Hon. Jean Augustine PC, CMFairness Commissioner, Ontario, Canada


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The spirit of the island always enchants my soul. Jamaica is more than sand, sea and sun; it is more that reggae music and jerk chicken or jerk pork. The “Land of Wood and Water”, is an experience in itself, boasting a vast array of attractions and treasures not readily known. Whether you are looking for a family vacation, being pampered in a spa or a romantic getaway, it can be provided. If you would like to visit a plantation or rum factory, tour a

historical site, go horseback riding, raft on a river, enjoy a cruise, scuba dive or snorkel, the possibilities are endless. You will find that the vast majority of the 2.8 million people are warm and accommodating, eager to share and enhance your experience.

Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee

By Dwain Wellington Rattray

An International Extravaganza

SPECIAL FEATURE


Jamaica’s

The third most populous English speaking nation in the Americas, after the United States and Canada, Jamaica gained full independence from Britain on August 6, 1962. The country’s motto, “Out of Many, One People” is indicative of the faces you will see in Jamaica. As a previous slave colony, the country is a mélange of nationalities, coming together to create the beauty many locals simply call “the Rock”. It is commonplace to see a white faced Jamaican, or Jamaicans of Asian ancestry. Often, visitors are taken by surprise upon hearing non-Black natives speak the Jamaican vernacular, or patois.

As her motto reflects her people, so does her flag and its meaning embody the spirit of Jamaica. Two diagonal yellow lines form a cross on the flag, which sections it off in four parts. The top and bottom sections are equal-sized green triangles, and the left and right sections are equal-sized black triangles. Its meaning: ‘Hardships there are but the land is green and the sun shineth’. The black triangles represent adversity overcome and possible future hardships that will be overcome. The green triangles represent hope and agriculture, while the golden saltire represents mineral wealth and sunlight.

It is this attitude of triumph that has taken the mystique of Jamaica and Jamaicans across the globe. As the nation celebrates 50 years of independence, Jamaicans in other countries are being encouraged to join in the festivities. Initiatives both throughout the island and in various Embassies and High Commissions around the world seek to entice nationals and visitors alike to allow all their senses to be enveloped by the spicy aroma that is Jamaica.

Jamaica is calling. Can you hear it? Can you feel it? Can you see it? Can you taste it? Whatever your liking, whatever your station; wherever you are, whoever you are, the message is yours, “come to Jamaica and feel all right.”

The black triangles represent adversity overcome and possible future hardships that will be overcome. The green triangles represent hope and agriculture, while the golden saltire represents mineral wealth and sunlight.

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