Ministries Inc, who was presented with the community award (individual). He said the JCA has positively impacted many persons over the years and he was humbled to have been selected for the award. Outstanding volunteer of the year recipient Noel‘Monty’Lewis, a member of the Building Committee, shared that he has been with the association for over 20 years. He accepted the award on behalf of ‘those who, like him, were there from the beginning but are no longer able to volunteer’ like he can. Also receiving an outstanding volunteer of the year award was Prudence Betty, lead coordinator for the JCA’s Saturday morning tutorial programme, who expressed appreciation to be so recognised. Lisa Rutty, a past chair of the Membership Services Committee, received the president’s award for active participation and dedicated service including for work with the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council. Ned Blair, a Guyanese Canadian, who received the lifetime achievement award said it was an honour to be recognised by the diaspora instead of a Guyanese entity. “It’s good when others apart from my community see what I do and respond in his manner. And I’m grateful for their choice and I willingly accepted it.” Marblet James, another awardee expressed thanks for the honour. The diamond jubilee recognition award, in appreciation for 60 years of dedicated service and significant contribution to the Jamaican Canadian Association, was presented to Dr Vincent Conville and Kamala–Jean Gopie. “Anytime I receive anything from my peers, I respect and appreciate that; the people at JCA are my peers and I’ve been with them since 1968,” said Conville, a former president of the organisation. He was especially proud of its succession planning and all the youth involved. Gopie, who was the first female president of the JCA, shared that she became involved in 1975. “JCA is special for me because that’s how my volunteer life began and, of course, it’s gone to doing other things as well. And I’ve always been here for JCA over the years.” Absent were a representative of the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) selected for the Community Service Organisation Award (Organisation) and Mary Barnswell, a lifetime achievement award recipient. RICH LEGACY Keynote speaker Chris Campbell, president of the Carpenters Union Local 27 and the only black person to hold that position in its over 140-year history, charted his path from growing up in Kingston, Jamaica to his life in Canada. He underscored the importance of youth choosing careers in the construction industry. “I saw obstacles as temporary delays along my 35-year journey in the industry – now looking forward to retirement. I’m aware that family, health, and employment commitment can, and will hinder ... chance of postsecondary education and training. Nonetheless, we must keep evolving, learning new skills and efficient ways of doing things.” Outlining his journey, and how he had benefited from the advice and help of others, he alluded to the African proverb, which says, “it takes a village to raise a child”. Campbell said his mother laid out the blueprint for his life; she sent him to Calabar All Age School at four years old, he passed the Common Entrance Examination for St Andrew Technical High School, and he became competitive while a student there. He recalled that his uncle, who was an electrician with the Jamaica Public Service for 40 years, would take him on weekends to do side jobs and that was where Campbell was exposed to the construction trade. At the end of his final year of high school, he travelled to Canada at 18 years old and decided to stay. He would cross paths with an ex-soldier and industrial electrician, Frank Lake, who he described as “the most influential villager” that he had ever met in his Canadian journey. It resonated well with the evening’s celebration of Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of Independence centred on a theme of love, resilience and community. Co-chairs, Michelle McKenzieDolly, vice president, and Dr Sylvanus Thompson, said “We honour the rich legacy of our forebears whose resilience and vision have shaped the Jamaica we cherish today.” THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 Neil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: THE JAMAICAN Canadian Association (JCA) honoured nine individuals and an organisation at its 62nd anniversary and Jamaica’s Independence gala at the Jamaican Canadian Community Centre. They were recognised for significant contributions to the Jamaican Canadian community and beyond. The 2024 awardees include Bishop James Robinson, founder of Faith Open Door Association marks its 62nd anniversary, Ja’s independence Bishop James Robinson receives the Community Award (Individual) from Dr Sylvanus Thompson, co-chair of the Independence Gala Committee at the JCA. Kamala-Jean Gopie receives the Diamond Jubilee Recognition Award from Herman Stewart, a past president of the JCA. She was recognised for almost 50 years of dedicated service and significant contribution to the association. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
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