Caribbean Canadians Mark Themselves Safe Amid Deadly Toronto Incident

By NAN Contributor

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Tues. April 24, 2018: Several Caribbean-born nationals in Canada began using the Facebook activated feature to react and mark themselves safe yesterday afternoon, amid reports of a deadly incident on Yonge and Finch in North York, Toronto.

Toronto police have yet to release the names of the victim but have identified the man who drove a Ryder van onto a pedestrian pavement, leaving 10 dead and 16 injured as Alek Minassian, 25 of Richmond Hill.  Minassian is reportedly an app developer and no motive has so far been released for the deadly attack.

Guyana-born, Jasminee Sahoye, was among those marking herself safe yesterday. “So sad,” she posted, adding that the incident was close to her home.

Natasha Soobramanie, whose roots also extend to Guyana, said the incident was close to her home.

“Another awful reminder that every day of life is precious. So incredibly sad for all those innocent lives that were impacted today,” she posted.

Raynier Maharaj, publisher/editor at The Independent Newspaper in Toronto also marked himself safe as did Jamaican Denzil Edwards.

“Never thought this was possible here in Toronto! Well dealt with by the police and EMS! Condolences to those affected!,” Edwards added by post.

Jamaican Melrose Parks also marked herself safe, noting, “I’m safe but hurting by this devastation right in my backyard.”

Meanwhile, at an evening press conference, Toronto’s Caribbean-roots, Police Chief Mark Saunders the suspect in the van attack was not associated with any terrorist group.