The Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association hosted it’s annual celebration of Jamaica’s National Heroes – 10/22/2005

PRESS RELEASE October 24, 2005 On Saturday October 22, The Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association hosted it’s annual celebration of Jamaica’s National Heroes and at the same time paid tribute to the positive involvement of local members of the community, through their participation as volunteers, community leaders, and entrepreneurs. Under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency, Carl Marshall, High Commissioner for Jamaica to Canada, members of the Association and guests welcomed His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Howard Cooke, ON, CD, GCMG, GCVO, Governor-General of Jamaica as this year’s Keynote Speaker at this most splendid occasion. The guests were joined by various Government and Corporate representatives from Canada and Jamaica, as well as other community leaders and action groups. All in attendance were delighted by the selected entertainment, poetry and songs that focused on the history and contributions of one particular National Hero, Sam Sharpe.

“Caribbean history attests to the fact that Jamaica led the way in the fight for the abolition of the cruel system of slavery, with the most frequent slave uprisings and revolts. Samuel “Sam” Sharpe, one of Jamaica’s seven national heroes, was instrumental in the fight for freedom as the main instigator of the Christmas Rebellion of 1831.”

Recipients of the Jamaican Community Service Awards for 2005 included: Janice Reid, Dr. Michael Kirlew, Nadine Mott, Savannah Afro-Caribbean Products, Sarah Onyango, Dr. Frederick Pryce, Jasmine Thompson, Lilieth Boswell and Janet Haynes. Recognition was also given to recent recipients of Volunteer Service Awards from the Federal Government as well as the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship.

A private reception with the Governor General was held prior to the Dinner where Sir Howard was greeted by His Excellency, Carl Marshall and Mrs. Eileen Marshall, Her Excellency, Lorraine Williams, High Commissioner OECS, Patricia Rodney Evering, Deputy High Commisisoner for Jamaica, Marlene Catterall MP Nepean-West , John Baird MPP, Ottawa Police Chief Vince Bevan, Deputy-Chief, Larry Hill, Wayne Russett RCMP, Carolyn Goulbourne-Warren Jamaica Information Service, Stafford Henry Jamaica Tourist Board, and the PSAC was well represented by members of the Racially Visible Action Committee. The Venue for this year’s Gala and Dance was Algonquin College, Salon A & B, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue. Special thanks to RogersTV and Jamaica National.

Harvey Brown

President

613-523-9085

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