THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 12 - OCTOBER 12, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Sophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: IMMIGRANTS HAVE long been integral to Canada’s growth, enriching its cultural mosaic with their diverse talents and expertise. This year, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards have celebrated the contributions of outstanding individuals who exemplify this diversity, August 14, at TIFF Lightbox, in Toronto. The award is now in its 16th year. AMONG THE 25 honorees are four remarkable individuals of Jamaican descent: Noel Cunningham, Andre Smith, Nadine Williams, and Dr. Gervan Fearon. Noel Cunningham, a renowned chef and culinary personality from Kingston, Jamaica, has made a significant mark on Canada’s culinary scene. As the executive chef of Cuisine by Noel, a private chef and catering company based in Toronto, Cunningham has garnered acclaim for his Caribbean fusion cuisine. His culinary journey includes prestigious roles in hotels and restaurants across Jamaica, followed by impactful positions in Manitoba’s top hotels. Known for his appearances on Canadian television and his best-selling debut cookbook, Cuisine by Noel: A Culinary Journey through Recipes and Stories. Cunningham’s dedication to showcasing Jamaican cuisine and his efforts to inspire the next generation of culinary artistes have earned him numerous awards, including the Best Black Chef in Canada and Best Podcaster. Cunningham told The Gleaner that he is honoured to be a recognised in his adopted home, especially as a recipient of the annual award. “I’m honoured and grateful to be named as one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant recipients of 2024. This award not only puts a spotlight on my achievements, but it also recognises my contributions to Canada as a chef. As someone who is passionate about food security and initiatives that build skill knowledge about food service and employment, I’m privileged to be among those who are positively changing the face of Canada,” he reiterated. Andre Smith, the founder and CEO of Flip & Floss, is a trailblazer in financial literacy with over a decade of experience in the financial sector. Smith’s company is dedicated to teaching children across North America how to save and invest wisely. His innovative approach and commitment to empowering the next generation have earned him accolades including the BMO Obsidi Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Smith’s message of perseverance resonates strongly. “Where you start is an amazing foundation for where you are destined to go. Never give up the fight, even when all odds are against you,” he said. Nadine Williams, an award-winning Jamaican Canadian author and poet, has made substantial contributions to Canadian literature and education. Originally from St. Mary, Jamaica, and now residing in Ontario, Williams has published numerous works, including poetry collections and children’s books that are featured in Canadian school curricula. Her contributions to Black History Month and her work as presenter and a guest lecturer to the African Writers Club at the University of Viena, May 2019, have earned her recognition and several other prestigious honours. “I’m grateful for this award, it is like icing on my well-baked cake,’” said Williams. Her commitment to the arts and her advocacy for the African diaspora are reflected in her exhibitions and her role as the resident poet for the Caribbean Consular Corps. Dr. Gervan Fearon, another distinguished awardee, has also made notable contributions. He has been named one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants this year for his lifelong championship of education as a pathway for equitable social and economic prosperity. He told The Gleaner that he is honoured to be one of the recipients of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. “I have dedicated my work towards support of educational opportunities and outcomes for learners because I believe education is the most significant mechanism for transforming and realising social and economic possibilities for individuals and communities,” he told The Gleaner. Fearon became president of George Brown College in August 2021. He supports career-oriented programmes to meet the needs of students and the demands of employers, advance college-led research, and enhance community engagement, and is instrumental in leading George Brown’s efforts to provide transformative education opportunities that benefit learners, industry and the greater community. “My parents are Jamaicans, and they emphasise the importance and pursuit of education at all levels throughout one’s life and helped to define me and my siblings along with the next generation. I am proud to support and inspire others,” he stated. His inclusion among the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants underscores his significant impact. These awards not only honour the individual accomplishments of Cunningham, Smith, Williams, and Fearon, but also celebrate the broader contributions of immigrants to Canada’s vibrant and diverse society. MONROE COLLEGE, a national leader in educating first-generation and international students with campuses in New York and Saint Lucia, has achieved university status and is now Monroe University. “Today’s announcement is more than 90 years in the making,” Marc Jerome, president of Monroe University is quoted in a release from the institution. “Achieving university status is a testament to the strength of our broad academic offerings and excellent outcomes and a positive reflection of our warm, supportive learning environment where students can reach their full potential.” Referencing the relationship between Jamaica and the facility, it continued: Monroe University has a long and robust history with the people of Jamaica. Indeed, its very first international students were seven students from Jamaica. It noted that Monroe has an agreement with the Ministry of Education that offers scholarships to 30 students who are interested in pursuing programmes in computer networks and cybersecurity or criminal justice. More information, including how to apply, may be found at https://tsap.moey.gov. jm/MonroCollegeScholarship. “Today, Jamaicans remain one of our largest cohorts of graduating students each year, and their country’s flag never fails to receive the loudest cheers as it is proudly carried into Radio City Music Hall at commencement. Over the years, many of these talented and gifted individuals were hired to work at Monroe. Today, they serve senior roles in nearly every department at the university, from admissions and student services to IT and academic technology. “The university extends its deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica, and the local high schools for their wonderful support and partnership in helping students achieve their higher education dreams. We are also thankful for the generous assistance and warm friendship of the Honourable Alsion Roach Wilson, consul general in New York, over the years.” STRONG DIVERSITY Monroe University began in 1933 when teacher Mildred King established the Monroe Secretarial School in the West Farms section of the Bronx. In 1963, the institution’s name was changed to Monroe Business Institute as offerings expanded. In 1972, Monroe became a junior college after it was authorised to grant associate degrees and became Monroe College following initial accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in July 1990. Today, the institution is recognised for its impact as a leader in educating first-generation students and others who have been traditionally underrepresented and underserved across college campuses nationwide. Monroe, distinguished by the strong diversity of its faculty and staff, is consistently ranked among New York’s leading institutions for graduating black and Hispanic students and is recognised for its strong impact on graduates’ social mobility. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http:// www.monroecollege.edu (a new URL reflecting the university status is pending). Monroe College Becomes Monroe University Jamaican students at Monroe University; Demetri Singh (left) from St. Elizabeth and Aeja Clarke from St. Ann. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Marc Jerome, President MU Jamaican-Canadians honoured at Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards Honourees (from left); chef Noel Cunningham; poet Nadine Williams and financial expert Andre Smith. CONTRIBUTED Professor Girvan Fearon CONTRIBUTED
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