Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade

Press Release
NATIONAL LAUNCH OF JAMAICA 50 CANADA

Public Relations and Media Affairs Unit, 21 Dominica Drive Kingston 5, Jamaica W. I. Tel: (876)926-4220; Fax: (876)929-6733; e-mail: informja@cwjamaica.com

(MFA&FT Kingston: March 24, 2011)

Jamaica 50 Canada was launched with much aplomb on Thursday, evening at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa, Canada. There were some 500 attendees mostly Jamaicans living in Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal and as far away as Regina, Victoria and Winnipeg; members of the diplomatic corps; government officials; and Canadian Private sector representatives, alongside their counterparts of Jamaican heritage at the National Launch of Jamaica 50 Canada. Senator, the Hon. AJ Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, who delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, noted that the launch represented the largest gathering of the Jamaican community in one place, any time, anywhere in Canada, and that this represents a reaffirmation of the links between Canada and Jamaica. Having made the point that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller lends full support to the Jamaican Diaspora in its activities in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Jamaicas Independence, Minister Nicholson noted that Canada was the first of three countries with which Jamaica established diplomatic relations on its assumption of Independence. Our relations with Canada are among those of which we are justly proud. I am happy to say that fifty years of relations have brought rich benefits to both sides. He also noted that these relations will go well beyond those fifty years. The Minister also underscored Jamaicas contribution to the world, in the field of international relations; our contribution of reggae; larger than life

personalities such as Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley and Usain Bolt; and products such as Blue Mountain Coffee, Appleton Rum and jerked foods. ScotiaBank was also recognized as having established a Branch in Jamaica, before it did do in Toronto. An important aspect of the evening's activities, was the launch of a commemorative book highlighting 250 Jamaicans who have contributed significantly to Canada. Among those attending the ceremony were Honourable Senator Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate of Canada, with Ministerial rank; the Hon. Senator, Rev. Don Meredith, the first Jamaican and fourth black person in the Canadian Senate; H.E. Sheila Sealy Monteith, High Commissioner for Jamaica to Canada; Mr. Seth George Ramocan, Consul General for Jamaica in Toronto; Honorary Consuls for Jamaica; and Chairpersons of Jamaica 50 Committees. Following the ceremony, were live performances by Jamaican classical violinist Jessica Yap; a Mass Choir of 50, consisting of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica; the Toronto-based KasheDance Troupe; and Tony Anthony, a reggae artiste from Toronto. Devon Harris, captain of the Jamaica bob-sled team which participated in the Calgary Olympics of 1998, shared his historic experiences and showed footage of the movie Cool Runnings. A reception, showcasing Jamaican culinary delights, followed. The presence of Carol Joan Crawford, now Mrs. Klaus Merkens, Jamaica's first Miss World, reflected what the next 50 years could produce.

Contact: Ann-Margaret Lim 564-4241 August 22, 2011