Jamaican-Canadians appointed to national honours

TORONTO:

Four Jamaican-Canadians appointed to Jamaica’s national honours and awards and to the badge of honour, effective August 6, are enthusiastic about the recognition from their homeland.

Award-winning author and Jamaica’s Poet Laureate from 2021 to 2024, Olive Senior, has been appointed to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander for outstanding service and contribution to the field of literary arts.

“I am thrilled by this personal honour but even more by the recognition of the literary arts in Jamaica,” says the author of twenty books of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.

Senior is the recipient of numerous awards and honours, including honorary doctorates from The University of the West Indies in Jamaica and York University in Canada, the Gold Medal of the Institute of Jamaica, Canada’s Matt Cohen Award for Lifetime Achievement, the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.

Her work is widely translated, and is taught in schools and other institutions worldwide; her writing is also the subject of numerous critical essays.

She recently launched Paradise Once, a “sweeping historical novel that brings life to the resiliency of the indigenous Taino people of the Caribbean, whose culture was virtually destroyed within two generations of their “discovery” by Christopher Columbus in 1492.”

The celebrated writer splits her time between Toronto, Canada and Kingston, Jamaica.

LEGACY OF PROFOUND IMPACT

After almost 50 years in public health in Jamaica and Canada combined, Dr Sylvanus Thompson, a former associate director with Toronto Public Health, retired at the beginning of 2021.

His plans included volunteering in public health-related community projects, but he has also dedicated countless hours to volunteering with the Jamaican Canadian Association — which celebrates its 63rd anniversary on the same day as Jamaica’s independence. He also volunteers with the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board.

Dr. Thompson was appointed to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer “for invaluable contribution to community service and the advancement of Public Health and early Childhood Education in Jamaica from the Canadian Diaspora.”

Chris Campbell, former president of the Carpenters’ Union Local 27 and chair of the Toronto Community Benefits Network board, recently retired after more than 30 years of advancing United Brotherhood of Carpenters Canadian District trade unionism values, community engagement, equity, mentorship, and inclusion in the skilled trades, as a union leader, community advocate and award-winning trailblazer.

He is the recipient of a Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his contribution to the Jamaican diaspora in Canada.

“This recognition is not mine alone, it belongs to everyone who has walked with me, supported me, and inspired me throughout my journey. I accept this award with immense pride and gratitude, as a son of Jamaica committed to service, community, and progress. To be acknowledged by the land of my roots is a moment I will forever cherish,” says Campbell.

An invitation to an upcoming retirement brunch to honour him on September 21 in Woodbridge, Ontario notes that Campbell leaves behind a legacy of profound impact, inspiration, and lasting change.

It describes him as an extraordinary leader and change maker in Canada’s construction industry “whose life’s work has opened doors for so many and continues to inspire the next generation.”

SELFLESS SERVICE

Vivienne Nelson-Campbell is also a recipient of a Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for her contribution to the Jamaican Diaspora in Canada.

“I’m deeply humbled and filled with joy to receive such an incredible honour from my beloved Jamaica. Thank you to everyone who nominated me – your support means the world to me. This recognition is not just mine, but a reflection of the love, strength, and pride of our community. I truly appreciate this moment,” says the CEO of Viv’s Catering and Takeout.

A former employee of the Jamaican consulate in Toronto, she has been whetting taste buds in and out of Canada since 1989. Among her clients are Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica National Bank, JAMPRO, GraceKennedy, and The Gleaner Company.

Kurt Davis, Jamaica’s consul general at Toronto, has congratulated the honourees.

“I am extremely proud to see the conferment of National Honours on these four Jamaicans in the diaspora in Canada. They are most deserving of the recognition for their years of outstanding and selfless service to Jamaica and our Jamaican family globally. I salute each of them and offer hearty congratulations on behalf of the Consulate General and the entire Jamaican community in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area.”

The national honours and awards ceremony will take place on National Heroes’ Day on October 20.