Jamaicans in Canada Urged to Engage in Volunteerism

Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Evadne Coye, has challenged Jamaicans living in Canada to volunteer their time and energy in service to their country and the communities in which they live. Stating that “the age of volunteerism is now,” High Commissioner Coye urged them to take a page out of the book of the Independent United Order of Solomon whose members have worked assiduously to assist young Jamaicans and others to further their education since the launch of the organization’s scholarship programme some 29 years ago.
She was the special guest speaker at the Independent United Order of Solomon’s annual anniversary dinner and charitable presentation held recently in Toronto, Canada.
High Commissioner Coye lamented that “too many young people are on the fringe and are becoming wards of the state,” and called for more Jamaicans to become big brothers and sisters, and mentors, who, by example, can motivate these youth to be the best that they can be.
She further implored the Diaspora to “speak good” about the country of their birth and increase the “positive vibes” about Jamaica, while continuing to support the country with more than their well-appreciated remittances.
“We need to work together, do good together, support each other and give back from your prosperity to help our country. It’s that little rock where we are all citizen number one,” she stated.
The 40-year old Independent Order of Solomon, under the leadership of Jamaican-born Lloyd Seivright, presented more than C$20,000 in scholarships to eight medical students from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and three students from the University of Toronto. The organization also donated medical equipment and supplies, which included wheelchairs, crutches and walkers to several countries and organizations.
High Commissioner Coye congratulated the scholarship winners, noting that their hard work made them all deserving of the award.