TOCO Diabetes Public Service Announcement for St. Lucia

THEY OFTEN CRY OUTREACH - TOCO

Video by: Good Eye Video

In response to the diabetes crisis in St. Lucia, Taj Weekes and TOCO created this public service announcement in partnership with Good Eye Video, to bring greater awareness to the rapidly rising rate of diabetes in St. Lucia. During the first week in November, International Diabetes Awareness month, TOCO will travel to St. Lucia to launch the "Sneakers Not Wheelchairs" campaign through TOCO HEALTH with donations of 2,700 blood glucose meters, testing strips and educational materials.

Currently, St. Lucia has the highest rate of diabetes per capita in the world and an average of two amputations per week on adults and children as young as two years old. With a population of only 160,000, the country is in dire need of outside intervention to staunch the rapidly rising rate of diabetes and diabetes-related illnesses, which is literally crippling the population.

Taj Weekes interviewed by Claudius Francis of HTS Radio 100 St. Lucia

HTS RADIO 100 ST. LUCIA

Interview by: Claudius Francis

Reggae artist Taj Weekes discusses his charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), and goals for a November 2009 mission trip to St. Lucia to continue in the fight against diabetes with "Straight Up" Radio 100 commentator Claudius Francis.

Taj Weekes Interview at Rhythm 95.5 FM St. Lucia

RHYTHM 95.5 FM ST. LUCIA

Interview by: Andre Fontenelle

Andre Fontenelle, "The Redman," interviews Taj Weekes for Rhythm 95.5 FM St. Lucia in June 2009. They discuss Taj's efforts through his charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), to focus attention on the diabetes crisis in St. Lucia.

Taj Weekes Visits St. Lucia Correctional Facility

DBS TELEVISION - ST. LUCIA

Reported by: Lisa Joseph

Taj Weekes paid a visit to the Bordelais Correctional Facility in St. Lucia where he presented soccer balls to the inmates through his charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO).

The administration welcomed the donation noting that the footballs will go a long way in helping develop a tournament amongst inmates. Formerly, there was only one football being shared by the entire facility. Ms. Victoria Alcide, Assistant Custodial Director of the facility, indicated that the donations will allow the inmates to be engaged in the sport for lengthier periods.

Part of the vision is to establish a correctional officers team that can play against the inmates. Such activities are being considered as part of the rehabiliation plan for inmates. Weekes states, "I am really moved by the correctional facility thing because I think had these kids gotten some balls earlier, they probably would not have been here. They would have had something to keep them going in another way. We just hope that this can actually change some of their lives and hopefully they don't show up again."

Taj Weekes & Adowa Win “Best Reggae Album” for DEIDEM at the Independent Music Industry’s Just Plain Folks Music Awards

St. Lucian Roots Reggae Artist Taj Weekes and his band Adowa walked away with the award for "Best Reggae Album" for their sophomore release, DEIDEM, at the indie music industry’s Just Plain Folks Music Awards Ceremony in Nashville, TN on August 29th.

Taj Weekes and Adowa's critically acclaimed sophomore release, DEIDEM, garnered a win for "Best Reggae Album" at the independent music industry’s Just Plain Folks (JPF) Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee this past Saturday, August 29, 2009. The band brought down the house with a rousing performance of Angry Language during the awards ceremony, with fans jumping out of their seats at the close of the song. Angry Language and Little Fire, both songs from DEIDEM, were also nominated for "Best Reggae Song" at the awards. This win follows a 2007 JPF "Best Reggae Song" Award for Scream Out Mellow off their debut album, Hope & Doubt.

Just Plain Folks (JPF) is an organization of over 51,500 songwriters, recording artists, and music industry professionals and hosts the largest independent music awards in the world. Their members include Grammy, Emmy, Country Music and Academy Award winners. Each year, JPF screens more than 350,000 songs and over 25,000 albums in 70+ genres from 100 countries to honor the very best works of its members and the independent music community. Volunteer judges include industry professionals, peers and music fans.

The award comes after a brief summer tour of Mid-western cities including Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Kalamazoo. The band is currently in the studio recording their much-anticipated third album, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, set for release in early 2010.