The Gleaner NA 20211001

Sophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer …if you’re hot, I’m at your spot! Donnovan Simon wins!!! FOR STARTERS, Toronto was the hotspot for the personal visit of Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett along with Director of Tourism Donovan White,who attended the inaugural Edith Baxter Memorial Award luncheon,Thurs- day, September 30, at the scenic lakeview Palais Royale to honour five award finalists. The nom- inees were Mary Long Bishop, Natasha Borota, Wayne Noseworthy, Fiona Bowen and Donnovan Simon. But it was Simon, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association Alberta (JCAA), who walked away the winner of the prestigious award for his strong leadership qualities in helping to promote Jamaica where he lives in Alberta. He also hosts “What a Gwaan,” a weekly Facebook live event where he exposes viewers to Jamaican culture and encourages travel by bringing on featured panellists. He was also the grand prize winner of a five- night luxury vacation for two to Jamaica courtesy of award partners Sandals Resorts and Air Canada. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) announced the commemorative award program earlier this year in memory of Edith Baxter, a publishing icon who passed away last year. Angella Bennett, regional tourismdirector based in Toronto;Wendy McClung, executive vice presi- dent of Baxter Media;and SandraWhiting, speaker, storyteller and host made up the 2021 judging panel. Bennett lauded the Baxter family for collab- orating on the initiative and welcomed prominent members of the Jamaican community and guests. Birthday girl SOFI celebrates in STYLE I CELEBRATEDmy birthday Sunday, September 26th, in an elegant, classy affair that drew a hand- ful of well-wishers out to the east end of Toronto, in Pickering. The fabulous soiree, hosted by my dear Cheryl Kerr of MedEx Health Services, whomade the deci- sion to throwme a party- went to town, so to speak, as she and team companions, Marsha Brown and Yvette Blackburn pulled out all the stops in fine style to deliver a catered vision of a unique gathering. Guests declared it the place to be, and that they wouldn’t have spent their day in any other way. The impeccable menu choice of jackfruit, ackee and saltfish, bammy, callaloo, salmon and other delectables whetted their appetites. The deco- ration, photographer on board, premium wines, and bubblies flowing was befitting of the daytime swanky affair. Show one love and support Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation MY SUNDAY morning, September 26th was spent participating in the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) annual 5km physically dis- tanced walk - Jam-walk, along the Lakeshore, in Toronto. Karl Hale, founder and chairman of Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and Bruce Croxon of CBC’s Dragons’Den greeted fully-vaccinated guests and spoke of the importance of “creating a world of possibility for the kids and youth of Jamaica.” Natasha Borota – President, It Factor Ltd. – Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation says the HHJF’s goal of building its 24th school in Jamaica is in memoriam of Denise Jones, a former founding board member. 6 Leonard McKenzie & Aubrey Campbell/ Gleaner Writers BROOKLYN, NY: VP RECORDS in partnership with SummerStage, the NYC Parks Department and Capital One Bank, staged their end-of-season concert at the Amphitheatre on the Coney Island boardwalk on Wednesday, September 15. Billed as ‘Reggae meets Soca’ and showcasing a lineup of top acts from their signature Reggae and Soca genre, the mid-week, afterwork joint was enough reason for Caribbean nationals to travel to the far south of Brooklyn, next to the boardwalk to take part in the jump and wine festival that played out on stage for a full three hours. From the charismatic Soca King Edwin Yearwood to the queen, Alison Hinds, fans were literally kept on their feet. Roots reggae singer, Gyptian belted out some of his classic hits that had the lively audience still wanting more when he exited stage after his 30-minute set. MC Kevin Crown did well with the flow that included DJ Puffy, Chromatic Sound and Noah Powa. Early juggling was by DJ Cali B. Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Alsion Wilson, and Richard Lue, director of marketing at VP Records offered opening remarks to get the show started. Pat Chin, president and matriarch of VP Records Distributors said the company was happy to partner with City Hall in helping to bring some form of entertainment and joy to peoples’ lives as New Yorkers continue to fight through a stubborn pandemic at this time. When ‘Reggae met Soca’ on the boardwalk in Brooklyn Alison Hinds Angella Bennett, regional tourism director, presents Mary Long Bishop with her award. CONTRIBUTED Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett poses with Donnovan Simon, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association Alberta (JCAA), who won the inaugural Edith Baxter Memorial Award. CONTRIBUTED Graziano and Melanie Knott. CONTRIBUTED Sophia (left) with Cheryl Kerr. CONTRIBUTED The outdoor-tented courtyard patio of the Palais Royale provided the perfect backdrop for partici- pants who attended within their social bubbles to enjoy the beautiful, sunny outdoors. Also in attendance was Lincoln Downer, Consulate General of Jamaica and Angella Bennett, regional tourism director. The Knotts tied the knot MELANIE AND Graziano tied the knot, September 10th at the Mount Zion Apostolic Church, Malton. The delightful reception was held at the Paradise Banquet Hall, in Woodbridge. They met in church seven years ago and got en- gaged last year Thanksgiving weekend, in October. The 27 years-old made a cute couple and honey- mooned in Blue Mountain, Ontario. “Graziano is my best friend and the love of my life. It was amazing for us to see our families and friends come to witness our nuptials,”says Melanie, a nurse at Stouffville Hospital. Graziano, an IT specialist is an employee of Interstate Batteries which supplies batteries for hospitals. Mother of the bride Barbara Blagrove and the groom’s mom, Coleen Knott were significant high- lights of the day’s spectacular event. Speaking with Natasha Borota of Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and president of It Factor Ltd. CONTRIBUTED Sophia Findlay cutting her birthday cake. CONTRIBUTED THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 1 - 31, 2021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS