29 Mavis Elaine Burke – Educator – PhD, O Ont., OD(J) Died peacefully on July 7, 2022 in her 94th year. Born in Cuba to Jamaican parents Ama Gladys Burke (nee Simpson) and Charles Norman Burke, she grew up in Jamaica before migrating to Canada in 1971 to continue research on her doctoral thesis in Education. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Enyd MacKenzie, Norma Fernandez, Charles Norman Burke, Jnr and Sydney Burke. She leaves behind nieces and nephews as well as many cousins, other relatives and close friends. She attended St. Andrew High School for Girls where she did well academically as well as on the sports field. She was the first in her family to take an intellectual path and set the stage for the next generation to also pursue their dreams. She studied at the University College of the West Indies, then a college of the University of London. Graduating in 1958 with Honours and a degree in History. She earned a post graduate Diploma in Education from UWI, MA in Education from University of London and a PhD in Education from University of Ottawa. She attended and spoke at numerous International conferences relating to Education and International Development and was made a Fellow of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). An Education Officer in the Ontario Ministry of Education, in 1981 she was made Chairperson and then President of the Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism and Citizenship. In 1985 she was appointed Chairperson of the Ontario Social Assistance Review Board. In 1987 She founded Women for PACE, later becoming PACE Canada and became the first President. This organization was set up to assist Early Childhood Education in Jamaica initially and expanded to include Canada. PACE now assists some 317 Basic Schools in Jamaica through its adopt-a-school campaign Her vision, dedication and hard work have left a legacy which has enabled others to lead more fulfilled lives and to carry on the task of enriching the lives of those who come after. Her honours included the Order of Ontario (O Ont.) and Queen’s Jubilee Medal and for services to Jamaica she was made an Officer of the Order of Distinction (OD) and received the Prime Minister’s Medal for services to Education. Her funeral service will take place on Friday July 22, 2022, at Highland Funeral Home, Markham Chapel, 10 Cachet Woods Court, Markham L6C 3G1 at 10:30am. Masks required. In recognition of her life’s commitment to improving Early Childhood Education and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PACE Canada at www.pacecanada.org . INDEPENDENCE CONTINUED FROM 25 the backbone of our Jamaican society. As we continue to strive, this historic milestone also affords us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our progress as a nation so far, with a view to recalibrating the way forward, bearing inmind current global realities and the ominous threats of climate change, narco- and human trafficking and the linkages with the small arms trade, all of which threaten to erode the gains we have made over these years. There is no denying that the COVID 19-pandemic has left an indelible mark on the global family of nations, sparing none. Despite our own setbacks, Jamaica remains resilient, with our macro-economic indicators showing a slow but steady recovery to pre-COVID levels. We must be prepared to utilise these positive indicators to create a national platform aimed at ‘Re-igniting a Nation for Greatness,’ which symbolises the theme for this year’s independence. I must take this opportunity of our Diamond Jubilee to salute all Jamaicans in the diaspora. You remain a valuable component of our national development strategy. The country continues to benefit tremendously from your enduring commitment to the island’s development, characterised by your generosity, investment in various sectors of the economy and importantly, your strong interest in the day-to-day affairs of the country. We hear your voices, share your concerns and value your opinions. As such, the Government is committed to ensuring that your vision for a better Jamaica becomes part of the official development plans and strategies for the future. Let us continue the journey, working together for a brighter tomorrow, for current and future generations. I am confident that with the continued support of Jamaicans in the diaspora, we can re-ignite Jamaica for greatness. Greatness is not a destination, but an ongoing journey that unfolds each day. I wish for all Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, a happy 60th Independence anniversary as together, we establish new pathways and strengthen old ones in our continued efforts to achieve Vision 2030 Jamaica to make our country “the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”. May God continue to bless Jamaica, land we love. AUDREY MARKS JAMAICA AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES GREATNESS CONTINUED FROM 8 in a far more complex and vexing time than it was in the mid-to-late sixties. I think it is one of those good news-bad news stories. I think we have an incredibly elevated capacity with our young people to see it differently and I think therefore better than our generation did, but they’re coming into a more challenging and vexing period than we ever faced.” BELINDA BRADY, SINGER-SONGWRITER I speak from an artiste and music business perspective. Certainly, Jamaica has travelled leaps and bounds over the last 60 years. Manufacturing records was a big thing 60 years ago. Now, with the evolution of technology, there has been a drastic disruption to the music climate in Jamaica. Recording, creating album graphics andmusic distribution can now be done right from your living room via online distribution channels. The artistes are now doing it all themselves. They are creating their own micro or niche fanbase without having the record labels as the gatekeeper blocking them from direct reach to sell, engage, or perform to their fans. Artistes are now realising that music is partly a way of making a living and by increasing online followers, they can become influencers and ambassadors for other brands willing to pay them. Overall, Jamaica, whilst still holding its culture strong, has certainly been influenced by global technology and is carving a new Jamaica on the world stage. I would like to see Jamaica improve on overall crime and provide a better way for its people, like Buju for example. He uses Instagram to influence his followers to indulge in crypto currency and NFTs as today’s freedom path out of economic hardships. Many, however, may not understand the complexities of this - yet he is using this free medium to educate ‘his’ people for a better tomorrow. DANIELLE DOWDY, SENIOR ADVISOR, STRATEGIC POLICY & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS “I’m proud to see Jamaica mark its 60th year of Independence this year. It’s amazing the level of influence and impact the island has on the world! While we celebrate, let’s not forget about the incredible potential of Jamaica, which can only be realised through strong and consistent government investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, businesses and entrepreneurs, and community safety.” THE MONTHLY GLEANER | JULY 31 - OCTOBER 21, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE
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