Jamaica’s Flag Flies Proudly in Toronto

Jamaica’s national flag was raised in Toronto, Canada, at a ceremony held at the Jamaican Canadian Centre, on Sunday, August 2, witnessed by a group of Jamaicans who proudly sang the Jamaican Anthem.
President of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), Ms. Audrey Campbell, said the flag was being raised as a symbol for all who have pride and love for Jamaica. She paid tribute to those Jamaicans who, through their work and deeds, have put Jamaica on the world map.
“We will always remember Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley, but of late we have been the envy of the world with our athletes who achieved the highest sporting honour – Olympic Gold. Every Jamaican last year experienced a sense of pride as our flag flew on the world stage and our anthem played, signifying that we are the best in the world.”
Noting that Jamaicans have no boundaries, she mentioned the Jamaican Bobsled team which took part in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Alberta, Canada.
“We are what legends are made of,” said Ms. Campbell. “And once again we have astonished the world with our tenacity, in one Newton Marshall who braved sub-zero temperature to represent Jamaica as a musher in a sled dog competition in the Yukon.”
Jamaica’s Consul General to Toronto, Anne-Marie Bonner read a message from Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, calling on all Jamaicans to lend their talents, time, expertise and experiences to the process of growth and development in Jamaica.
The Prime Minister said although this is a time of celebration, it is also a time of deep reflection and introspection, and Jamaicans should all ask themselves these questions: “Have we done all that we can, to assist Jamaica’s advancement? Are we pleased with Jamaica’s pace of development? How can we strengthen our contribution to Jamaica’s growth?”
Former Member of the Provincial Parliament in Ontario, Jamaican-born Mary Anne Chambers, said she loves this year’s Independence theme – “I Believe in Jamaica.”
She told the audience that when her family moved from Jamaica to Canada more than 30 years ago, “we were determined that Canada was going to be good for us, but also that we were going to be good for Canada.”
She said that many Jamaicans were doing good for Canada and were making a positive contribution to that country.
“Can you imagine the health care system without Jamaicans? Can you imagine the educational system without Jamaicans? These professions would not be the same. So, feel good and believe in Jamaica. One of the other reasons we have to believe in Jamaica is because there is absolutely no value in coming from somewhere you can’t feel proud of,” stated.
Master of Ceremonies, Letna Allen-Rowe, gave a history lesson on Jamaica’s road to Independence.