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Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Rising Stars: 16 Students Awarded Scholarships by African Caribbean Council of Halton
On May 23, the African Caribbean Council of Halton (ACCH) held their third annual Black Excellence Scholarship Awards and Fundraising event. The ACCH is a non-profit organization whose aim is to strengthen and empower the African Caribbean community through political and educational advocacy, and collaboration with other community groups. Scholarships, like the ones given out last Friday to graduating students who met the ACCH's criteria, are another empowerment tool the group uses. The award is open to students of African, Caribbean, and Black descent. Students must attend a high school in Halton and have been accepted to a post-secondary institution. According to the ACCH website, students are also expected to be involved in community work and the Black History Month initiative. Recipients are expected to mentor other students, volunteer, and be ambassadors of the community. Sixteen awards were given out, seven for Halton District School Board (HDSB) students and nine for Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) students. The event was held at Burlington's Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School and was attended by many dignitaries, including politicians, a Halton Regional Police Service officer, and both school board directors. The ceremony was held in the school gym, with tables and chairs set up for guests. A Jamaican dinner was prepared for attendees, which was served after the scholarships were handed out. Students also walked around with a QR code on their phones, which enabled attendees to donate to the ACCH. Adejisola B. H. Atiba (also known as Lady ABHA), founder and board chair, spoke first at the event and talked about the importance of nurturing our youth. 'We always say our students are our future,' Atiba said. 'But they are only our future if we invest in them today.' Atiba also spoke about how valuable time is and quoted an African proverb about asking for help. 'Time is your most precious currency,' Atiba said. 'It doesn't wait. It doesn't pause, and you can't rewind it. How you use it determines what you become.' 'Lean on your mentors, your teachers, and your elders,' Atiba continued. 'Seeking guidance is a strength. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' Atiba finished with an analogy to guide students going forward. 'Time is your seed, mentorship is your soil, and intentional living is how you bloom,' Atiba said. Edosa Adams-Idode, president of ACCH, spoke next and outlined the three pillars that, for her, make these awards essential. 'Ownership is number one,' Adams-Idode said. 'We cannot complain that our youths are not successful without a conducive and collaborative environment to recognize their hard work, leadership, and service of volunteerism, which is the bedrock of our Canadian values.' 'The second pillar is the link between student achievement and mentorship,' Adams-Idode continued. 'Where one is weak, the other is compromised. Without both, there can be no trust in our educational system. And finally, the last pillar is investing in our youth. That's where we look to the future with hope and confidence.' Adams-Idode noted that she thinks this group of recipients will produce many MPs and the future prime minister. Paul Sharman, Burlington Ward 5 councillor, followed with reflections on the rewards of public service, encouraging the students to consider careers rooted in empathy and community impact. 'The best career of all is being an elected official, because that way I can make contributions to the community,' Sharman said. 'And as you think about your careers, if you think about your empathy, doing good for the community, doing good for your families, and for your loved ones, that is the biggest gift you can give the world.' Milton Regional Councillor Sammy Ijaz (Ward 3) reiterated the importance of time when he stepped up to the front of the room to speak. 'If you waste time today, at some point, time will waste you,' Ijaz said. 'That's not a promise, it's a commitment of time. If you do justice to time, time will do justice to you. But if you do injustice to time, time will catch up and then do injustice to you.' Curtis Ennis, director of education for HDSB, urged the students never to let go of their dreams and emphasized the importance of perseverance. 'Never lose your dream,' Ennis said. 'Regardless of what anyone says, work hard, stick to it, and never lose your dream. You are going to be discouraged. You're going to find others who are trying to stop you, but never lose your dream because you, and you alone, along with the determination, the purpose, and the resilience that you have, determine where you end up.' 'When you are locked in, when you are focused, when you are determined, when you are committed, there is nobody or nothing that can stop you from becoming who you were created to be, absolutely nothing or no one,' Ennis continued. 'I believe that to my core, I believe that every single one of you here has a gift and a purpose that you must realize, and so do not be distracted.' John Klein, director of education for HCDSB, drew on faith in expressing his hopes for the students' futures. 'There is a very old saying in the church that says, 'The glory of God is humanity, fully alive,'' Klein said. 'So I'd ask you to think about what it means to be fully alive for those that you encounter each and every day, how you honour them and how you respect them. And that's really my prayer and my hope for you.' Ryan Smith, a staff sergeant for Halton police, spoke of the lasting impact the students will have on the community and how they will help shape Halton going forward. 'Don't lose the fact that you will have such a tremendous impact on this community for generations to come,' Smith said. Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North-Burlington, was not present at the event, but sent a video message that was played via projector. In it, Triantafilopoulos spoke about her continued involvement with the ACCH's work. 'As part of my commitment to the important work done by ACCH leaders, each summer I offer a job in my community office to one of the successful recipients and will be doing so again this summer,' Triantafilopoulos said. 'So, please contact ACCH if you're interested in better understanding how the Ontario government works.' The following students were honoured with scholarships at the event:
Bloomberg
8 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Ecopetrol to Push Ahead Colombia Gas Drilling After Shell Exit
Ecopetrol SA plans to continue drilling for natural gas in Colombian Caribbean waters after partner Shell Plc exited three offshore blocks, betting on growing domestic demand and potentially lucrative reserves. Shell said in April it would pull out of the COL-5, Purple Angel and Fuerte Sur blocks as part of a 'strategic' decision, ending its oil and gas exploration in Colombia. Ecopetrol, which jointly operates the areas, will move forward on its own or seek a new partner, according to Rafael Guzman, vice president of hydrocarbons.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Tragedy as Brit mum, 53, killed in horror motorbike crash on holiday in Jamaica as heartbroken daughter pays tribute
A BRIT mum has died in a horror motorbike crash while on holiday in Jamaica - just a night before her 54th birthday. Lisa Ball from Keighley, West Yorkshire, was on board a rented scooter when a pick-up truck smashed into the bike and sent her flying over 60ft across the road. 4 4 4 Lisa was on a dream holiday to the Caribbean with her partner Anthony Hurt as the pair celebrated their anniversary. Anthony is thought to have been driving the scooter with Lisa sat as a passenger when the truck pulled out from a restaurant car park on the island's tourist trail near to Montego Bay. Both were dramatically thrown from the Honda scooter along the North Coast Highway, according to horrified witnesses. The tragic accident took place around 7.40pm on May 19. Lisa tragically suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to hospital. Anthony reportedly escaped with just minor injuries to his feet. A shocked eyewitness who stopped at the scene to help Lisa described the tragedy. Kacia Campbell-Jones said: "I am still reeling from the shock of the incident, which made for a sleepless night." She also revealed that the fatal crash took place as the couple were celebrating their anniversary as well as Lisa's birthday. Lisa, who was also known on social media as Jo-Ann Pickles, was reportedly staying at a resort near the coastal town of Lucea. Brit shark attack Jamaica Tributes have poured in for the beloved family woman since her death was confirmed by Jamaican police. Her heartbroken daughter Chloe Watson left a heart-aching message on social media saying: "Love you mum." She added: "She was a much-loved mum and nana of Olivia, Daisy, Lyla, Lillie and Madelyn." As close friend Fiona Ward said: "This beautiful lady is one of my closest friends, she came to Jamaica for a holiday with her partner they were having the best time until this tragic accident. "This is such devastating news for her family and friends. Everyone who loved Jo is grieving." Lisa was also labelled as a "gentle soul, kind and caring" by Claire Ettenfield, a salon owner in her hometown of Keighley. The driver of the pick-up truck involved in the crash has been taken into custody by Jamaican police for questioning. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told The Sun: 'We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Jamaica and are in contact with the local authorities.' Lisa's death is the latest fatal tourist road accident in Jamaica in recent months. In February, a Canadian holidaymaker lost her life on the same highway just hours after she arrived at the island's airport. The British Foreign Office has guidance online for tourists warning them to be aware of the dangers of road accidents in the Caribbean. It states: "Many roads are badly maintained with poor signage. In some locations a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. "Road accidents and fatalities are common. Roads in rural areas are often narrow and winding and poorly lit at night. "Weather conditions can exacerbate poor driving conditions. "Driving standards vary. Lane discipline is poor. Speeding and drink-driving is common. Many drivers do not have car insurance." 4
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
This Underrated Puerto Rican Town Is Home To Lush Mangroves And Bioluminescent Kayak Tours
Puerto Rico is packed full of verdant jungles and lush landscapes, with visitors flocking to iconic tourist destinations like El Yunque National Forest and Toro Verde Adventure Park each year—but the arid southern reaches of the island are home to their fair share of top-tier getaways as well. Just west of the wildlife-rich Guánica State Forest, La Parguera has been a top vacation destination for Puerto Rican residents for decades, with no shortage of mangrove-covered cays that are perfect for a relaxing day on the water. Whether you're hoping to kayak to your heart's content or spend a few days sipping mojitos in the sun, this seaside town is the ideal spot for an in-depth immersion into the beauty of Puerto Rico's southern shore. The bulk of La Parguera's attractions can be found along the waterfront, and for anyone searching for overnight accommodations in the midst of the action, Parguera Plaza Hotel serves as the perfect base. Equipped with cozy rooms and five drinking and dining concepts found around the surrounding neighborhood, this adults-only property serves as an oasis of tranquility during daylight hours, with a lengthy outdoor pool that's lined with plush daybeds and beach loungers—and to sweeten the deal, the space takes on a completely different atmosphere by nightfall. Each weekend, the hotel springs into action with a live DJ performing just a few steps past the main lobby, inviting visitors to enjoy craft cocktails and take a soak in the 24-hour pool from sunset into the early hours of the morning. While La Parguera is brimming with top-tier bars and restaurants, those who venture beyond the shoreline will be richly rewarded with stellar views of its sandy cays, each one playing host to a wealth of native fauna. All throughout the week, locals can be found pulling their boats up to the edge of a cay, dropping anchor and enjoying a Medalla under the sun—and for any outdoor adventurers, Fondo de Cristal has a wealth of options available to help join in on the fun. Visiting wildlife aficionados are welcome to rent a kayak and set off in search of local birds like the sanderling and ruddy turnstone, while the company also offers a glassbottom boat tour that provides captivating views of the native coral reefs. However, when it comes to crafting a truly unforgettable itinerary, don't miss out on the bioluminescent bay, a fascinating natural feature that can be explored through a guided tour via boat or kayak. You're certain to work up an appetite after hours spent paddling along the mangroves, and fortunately, La Parguera is home to a thriving seafood scene thanks to its shoreside location. Visitors can sample fish asopao, shrimp mofongo and a wealth of other Puerto Rican staples during a trip to Puerto Parguera, while Parguera Plaza Hotel's Isla Cueva draws diners in droves thanks to their hearty beef, chicken and vegan burgers. Beyond the scope of seafood, cocktail aficionados can make their way to Restaurante El Karacol to sample one of their famous mojitos or swing by Mar & Tierra, an open-air bar that's packed with pool tables—and after a long night of sampling savory arepas and pastelillos, Zerogrados is the perfect dessert spot for a hearty serving of Thai ice cream. Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays. Parguera Plaza Hotel Though some visitors prefer to stick to the San Juan area during their trip to Puerto Rico, there's no shortage of underrated getaways found far beyond the confines of the capital, with La Parguera serving as a prime example. Alongside its many pristine cays, the community also offers an opportunity to explore the thriving seafood scene that Puerto Rico has become known for, with added opportunities to sip on refreshing mojitos and local beer all throughout the night. As you plan your next trip to the Caribbean, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a foray into the idyllic beauty of La Parguera, a thriving community that offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, gastronomy and nightlife.
Metro
9 hours ago
- Metro
Moment cop shoots driver through windscreen while clinging to car hood in Miami
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A police officer held on to the hood of a car and fired several shots through the windshield at the driver in a chaotic scene in Miami. Cell phone footage captured the moment that the officer, wearing a neon reflective vest and directing traffic, clung to a black BMW as it turned on Biscayne Boulevard near a downtown park. After three rounds sounded off, the car stopped in the middle of the intersection and the driver ran out, the clip obtained by Local 10 News on Tuesday shows. The officer also got on his feet and made his way around the passenger's side of the vehicle to pursue the driver. The driver quickly got on the ground and rolled over onto his stomach as another officer got on top of him and handcuffed him. Blood stains showed on the driver's white shirt. He sustained several gunshot wounds and was taken to a nearby hospital. The dramatic incident unfolded as the Best of the Best International Music Festival, which dubs itself the largest Caribbean festival in North America, was taking place at Bayfront Park on Sunday. Sherlyann Clarke, the driver's sister, said that her 21-year-old brother, Menelek Clarke, was simply looking for a place to park. 'The patrol officer, we were all stopped, we were in the middle lane,' she told the TV station. 'He told everyone else to go with his hand — hand signaling that we can go. And then he stood in front of my brother's car and shot him.' Sherlyann insisted that 'it wasn't intentional to hit' the officer and that 'the man moved with the car as he was going around him'. The Miami Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Metro. Assistant Police Chief Armando Aguilar told Local 10 News that they are not sure what happened exactly. 'We do know there was physical contact between the officer and the vehicle,' said Aguilar. More Trending The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident. Menelek 'felt like he was gonna die', his sister said. 'I feel like he was wrongfully shot multiple times in his vehicle with no weapon,' she said. It happened more than a year after a conspiracy theory emerged of a 10-foot silver alien sighting near the Bayside Marketplace shopping mall, which is adjacent to Bayfront Park. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Convicting man accused of setting fire to Quran could 'reintroduce blasphemy' MORE: Seven people still in hospital after car ploughed into Liverpool fans MORE: Adidas is latest cyberattack victim with shoppers' data stolen
