BECAUSE FASHION is for everyone, influential fashionistas, industry lifestyle leaders in various capacities and the eclectic-minded were warned to ‘be the fashion’ and ‘dare to be different’ at the inaugural staging of the Vanguard, which showcased at the exquisite downtown Toronto locale, The Carlu. Guests experienced luxury and opulence in one evening of live entertainment; premium hors d’oeuvres and drinks; expressive art form in dress, culture, and music at the luxuriously upscale event vibing off ‘The Met Gala of Toronto,’ premise. The event was organized by Shawn Cuffie (known for the Black Diamond Ball), to have a portion of tickets go to the Dream Legacy Foundation programs to help withmental illness and affordable housing. The worthy cause saw‘out of this world’ fashion, hair, and make-up styles that amped up the camaraderie for networking with the who’s who in fashion, music, and entertainment on the Canadian landscape. Sophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer THE VIBE was relaxed and refined at the exclusive and elegant cocktail reception to launch Jamaica 60 Canada, held on March 26, at the spacious Toronto Event Centre, Grand Bizarre, on the grounds of the Toronto Exhibition Place. The pageantry was befitting the exciting array of events scheduled across Canada to mark the diamond Jubilee of Jamaica’s Independence and for Jamaicans to mingle again. The illumination of the Niagara Falls on August 6, and flag-raising ceremonies in Toronto, Brampton, and Hamilton were detailed in a video presentation. A cricket match featuring a Jamaica 11vs Trinidad & Tobago 11, scheduled for August 20, and church services are among the other events listed. Lincoln Downer, Jamaica’s consul general (CG)toToronto, says he wanted to bring inclusivity to Canada. He told Sofi Style that during his posting to England and his involvement with planning Jamaica 50, he noted that Jamaican communities were widely dispersed, so getting organisations fromdifferent communities to be a part of the line-up will bridge any divide, especially where distance can affect Jamaicans showing up to celebrate. Downer will leave a legacy of having facilitated a closer connection between Jamaican communities within Canada. After all, this year’s celebration is dubbed ‘Reigniting a Nation to Greatness’. It’s evident that is what the CG is doing, and that foresight augurs well for success. Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, officially launched the event and was joined by Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s tourism minister, after his address, in cutting the signature cake. The rum cake emblazoned with the Jamaican flag was created by Chef Noel Cunningham, who also catered for the event, along with Chef Selwyn Richards of the Art of Catering. The tourismminister was introduced by Angella Bennett, regional director, Jamaica Tourist Board, Canada; Sharon J. Miller, high commissioner for Jamaica to Canada, did the honour of introducing Grange. Greetings from Adaoma Patterson, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA); councillor Michael Thompson, deputy mayor, city of Toronto; and Rosemarie Moodie, OD, senator of Canada, were on the evening’s agenda. Meanwhile, moderator Danae Peart did a superb job navigating her role, while cultural items by Letna AllenRowe delighted patrons and the soothing instrumental serenade by saxophonist Dave McLaughlin lent an exquisite touch to the auspicious occasion. The Heritage Singers, an impressive and dynamic Canada-based folk group, conjures up patriotic nostalgia of ‘we likkle but we tallawah’ energy like no other ensemble can. DJ Joshua Lucas did a brief stint. Arsenal Band closed the evening with a bang, delivering ska music that brought revellers up from their seats. 14 IT’S OFFICIAL … JAMAICA 60 CANADA LAUNCHED! Sandra Sylburne of Superior Business Services on the red carpet at The Vanguard CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Jamaica government ministers Olivia Grange and Edmund Bartlett at the Jamaica 60 Canada cocktail reception. Lincoln Downer, Jamaica’s consul general at Toronto and Sharon J. Miller, high commissioner for Jamaica to Canada join Jamaica government ministers Olivia Grange and Edmund Bartlett in the cutting of the Jamaica 60 Canada cake. Looking on are Councillor Michael Thompson, Chef Selwyn Richards and Chef Noel Cunningham, who made the commemorative dessert. WHO IS WHO HERE? PHOTOS BY SOPHIA FINDLAY Headline performer, Marieme, on stage at The Vanguard in an avant-garde outfit. THE VANGUARD SOIREE …if you’re hot, I’m at your spot! - Canada’s most exclusive night in international fashion and music THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 7 - 30, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | LIFESTYLE
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