Ja-born navy commander urges diaspora to continue to mentor, inspire

TORONTO:

When Paul A. Smith, Commanding officer of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) York became the first black officer to lead a Royal Canadian warship, he did so with the support of those around him who saw his leadership potential.

As the keynote speaker at the 63rd anniversary gala celebrating Jamaica’s Independence and the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), he shared aspects of his journey and reflected on the organisation’s theme of the evening, ‘One Love One Mission: 63 Years of Strength and Community Service’.

“Every step I’ve taken throughout my career has been lifted by the love, guidance, and sacrifices of those who went before me, on whose shoulders I stand,” he said.

The Lionel Town, Clarendon-born decorated officer in the Royal Canadian Navy encouraged the audience to keep telling their stories because what they do as Canadians, as Jamaican-Canadians, is important.

Commander Smith said his mother immigrated to Canada with “hope in her heart and determination in her bones” to make a better life for herself and a better future for her four young children.

“Like many of you, she faced challenges of racism, economic hardship, and struggled to find belonging in a new country. But she also found community. The JCA has been one of the most important pillars of our community for over six decades.”

Smith said mentorship is important to him because when he started his career, he did not see anyone who looked like him. The navy was the last to allow black people to serve several years before he joined.

CALL TO ACTION

The commanding officer said he joined the navy because he wanted to give back to the country which took in his family.

While serving onboard a ship on Canada’s west coast, it was a commanding officer who saw his leadership qualities and, along with the operations officer, put together all the paperwork he needed to take his command position. He signed and thus started his journey, which included serving as the commanding officer of HMCS Kingston and HMCS Summerside.

“You might not see success in yourself. Allow others to show you where that success lies,” he advised the youth in the audience, noting that there is a strong community that supports them.

Commander Smith said the path to becoming a naval officer and eventually commanding Canadian warships was not always easy.

“There were moments of doubt, moments of isolation, and times when I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in leadership. But I pressed on by first reminding myself a couple of things — you are not less than anyone, you just have to go a little bit further to prove it.”

He said representation matters, not just for appearance, but because it changes what is possible. “When young people see someone with their story, their roots, and their complexion leading people and representing the country, they start seeing new horizons for themselves. You may not see yourself reflected in every space today, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong tomorrow.”

Smith urged the JCA to keep building, opening doors for others, mentoring, advocating, serving, and to continue to be the example, inspiration and change.

“ One Love is not just a song, it’s a philosophy, a way of life, a commitment to unity, compassion, a shared destiny. One mission is not just a slogan, it’s a call to action. Remember that our work is not done, that our community still needs us, that our future depends on what we do today.”

VITAL ROLE OF DIASPORA

The event, held under the distinguished patronage of Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada, Marsha Coore Lobban, at the Jamaican Canadian Community Centre, included the presentation of awards to several JCA volunteers, community stalwarts and organisations. Dr Dana Powell received the president’s award; Mary Green, the outstanding volunteer of the year award; veteran musician Jay Douglas, the community service award – individual; Joint Coalition Addressing Needs, and Rhema Food Bank each received the community service award – organisation.

The recipients of the golden jubilee award were Sheila Raymond and Pansy Stewart; lifetime service award, Sonia Griffith and Pauline Reid; and 25-year membership award to Dr. Sylvanus Thompson.

High Commissioner Coore Lobban said that for over six decades, the JCA has been a pillar of unity, advocacy, and cultural preservation uplifting generations and strengthening the bonds between Jamaica and Canada.

“As we celebrate Jamaica 63, we do so under the inspiring national theme: ‘Be Proud, Be Bold in the Black, Green and Gold’. This call to action reminds us of the strength and vibrancy of our heritage and the importance of embracing our identity with confidence and pride. It is a moment to reflect on our journey as a nation, our triumphs, our resilience and our global impact, and to recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in unity, excellence, and cultural pride.”

Kurt Davis, Jamaica’s consul general in Toronto, said the story of Jamaica’s progress cannot be told without acknowledging the vital role of the Jamaican diaspora, especially in Canada.

“Organisations like the JCA have not only preserved and promoted our culture and identity, but have been instrumental in building strong, inclusive communities, advocating for social justice, and mentoring generations of leaders.”

Meanwhile, David Betty, president of the JCA, said the event was held to honour the past, celebrate the present, and “recommit to a future built on unity justice, and the enduring spirit of One Love”.