High Commissioner Commends Jamaicans in Canada

High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Sheila Sealy Monteith, has commended Jamaicans living in Canada for their hard work and great achievements.
“We are very, very proud of all our nationals in Canada and of your hard-earned reputation as great achievers. You demonstrate some of the most admirable attributes of our Jamaican people – hard work and ambition, love for country and love for our fellowman,” she said.
The High Commissioner was addressing patrons attending the annual Independence Banquet of the Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton, held on Saturday, September 11, at the Marquis Gardens in Hamilton, Canada.
High Commissioner Sealy Monteith lauded Jamaican-Canadians for their presence in almost every area of productive life in Canada.
“You have made your mark in building strong communities and economies. So let us not be sidetracked by the few who go astray and who capture the headlines. We are more than the negative things that we see in the headlines. We are far more than the persons who are being deported. They focus on those numbers and less on the number of persons here who stand tall in the community, who make Canada what it is,” she said.
Noting that the successes in conventional and non-traditional fields have sometimes come through great sacrifices, the High Commissioner encouraged the Jamaicans present to remain steadfast in attaining high standards.
Mrs. Sealy Monteith, who has been High Commissioner since February 2010, thanked the members for the important role the organisation has played in seeking to serve the interests of the Jamaican community in western Ontario and to foster greater cohesiveness in the city of Hamilton. She told them that the government and people of Jamaica are appreciative of the contribution of associations like theirs, which are active throughout the Diaspora.
“Over the years you have provided much needed assistance in the areas of disaster relief, promotion of cultural awareness and financial support for places of refuge for children in Jamaica,” she told them.
Turning to the celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary in 2012, the High Commissioner assured the group that she wants to work with them to organise events for that milestone.
“Fifty years is a significant time in the history and the life of any country, indeed in the life of any individual or organisation,” noted the High Commissioner.
The Jamaica Foundation also recognised three outstanding graduates of the Practical Nursing programme at Mohawk College in Hamilton, by presenting them with awards of achievement. They are Marcia Blake, Paulette Grant and Samantha Patterson.
Secretary of the organisation, Olive Francis said despite several challenges the students were able to overcome, excel in their studies and achieve their goals. She announced that Ms. Patterson, who was born in Trelawny, will be pursuing a Registered Nursing degree at the university level.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jamaica National Children’s Home in Kingston and the Riverside Bible Church Outreach Centre in Montego Bay.