Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), departs the island today (Thursday, August 4) for Canada, where she will participate in several activities to mark Jamaica’s 54th Anniversary of Independence.
The Minister has been invited by the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) to be the Keynote Speaker at its Annual Independence Gala and Anniversary Dinner. The Jamaican Canadian Association is a longstanding charitable organisation which was established in 1962. The organisation has been a strong advocate for Jamaican, Caribbean and African Canadian Communities on issues such as human rights and justice.
On Saturday, August 5, the Minister will participate in a flag-raising ceremony at the Mel Lastman Square, North York Civic Centre. In addition, Minister Johnson Smith will utilise this opportunity to have a series of meetings with key members of the Jamaican Diaspora, particularly those partnering with the education, health and business sectors. Minister Johnson Smith says, “This is my first official visit to Canada and I welcome the opportunity to interact with a wide cross-section of our Diasporians in Toronto, which represents the largest concentration of
Jamaicans in Canada. I anticipate robust, stimulating and frank discussions on issues of concern to the Community, as well as the sharing of ideas and strategies on how to maximise Diaspora engagement.”
The Minister will also have an ‘Encounter’ with Future Leaders as part of the larger objective of increasing youth engagement across Diaspora regions.
The Minister will also have the opportunity to pay a Courtesy Call on the Hon. Mitzie Hunter, Jamaican-born Minister of Education, in the Ontario Provincial Government. She will also meet with the Hon. Michael Lee-Chin, Jamaican businessman and Chairman of the Economic Growth Council.
The visit will climax with the Minister joining the Jamaican Diaspora in fellowship at the Praise Cathedral Worship Centre, led by Jamaican Bishop Lennox Walker. The Church attracts a large contingent of second and third generation Jamaicans in Toronto.
Minister Johnson Smith’s delegation consists of Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Mrs. Janice Miller and Consul General, Mr. Lloyd Wilks.
