The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) marked a milestone with its 63rd Annual Anniversary Gala & Independence Celebration under the theme One Love, One Mission. Held on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at the Jamaican Canadian Community Centre, the event honoured more than six decades of unity, advocacy, and cultural pride.
Distinguished patron Her Excellency Marsha Coore Lobban, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada, presided over the evening. Guests enjoyed performances from: the Elite Dancers, Jay Douglas and the All Stars, and music by Cornel Anthony, known as DJ Funky. The evening’s host, Marcia Brown, kept the energy vibrant throughout the celebration.
High Commissioner Lobban described the gala’s theme as a perfect reflection of the JCA’s work, “For over six decades, the Association has been a pillar of unity, advocacy, and cultural preservation, uplifting generations and strengthening the bonds between Jamaica and Canada. I am honoured to serve as Patron for this signature event.”
JCA President David Betty echoed the theme’s deeper meaning, “Tonight, we honour our past, celebrate our present, and recommit to a future built on: unity, justice, and the enduring spirit of One Love. The same love that moves us to dance must also move us to stand for dignity, for our community and for people everywhere.”
Canada’s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, extended greetings in the program, “This event offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history of Jamaica and its accomplishments since Independence on August 6th, 1962. Thanks to our shared values, Canada’s connection with Jamaica has flourished.”
Parliamentary Leader of the Official Opposition, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, praised the JCA’s role in preserving traditions and fostering community spirit. Humber River–Black Creek MP Judy A. Sgro also acknowledged the association’s resilience and contribution to Canada’s multicultural identity.
Jamaican-born Dr. Maurice Bygrave and Guyanese-born Ned Blair reminded attendees that true freedom requires preparation for the next generation of leaders, “They must feel the passion you, the founders of the Jamaican Association, felt, and what you still feel today.”
Commander Paul A. Smith, Commanding Officer of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship York, delivered the keynote speech. Born in Jamaica, Smith migrated to Canada and rose through the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces. He holds the distinction of being the first African Canadian officer to command a Royal Canadian Navy warship. His words resonated deeply, “It’s always on my mind; if there’s an opportunity to make change somewhere, then there’s an opportunity to set an example.”
The gala also honoured community members and organizations making a difference:
Volunteer Awards
- Dana Powell – Volunteer Award
- Mary Green – Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Golden Jubilee Award
- Sheila Raymond
- Pansy Stewart
Lifetime Service Award
- Sonia Griffith
- Pauline Reid
25-Year Membership Service Award
- Sylvanus Thompson
Community Service Awards
- Individual: Jay Douglas — three-time Juno nominee, producer, and bandleader
- Organizations: Joint Coalition Addressing Needs (JCAN) and Rhema Food Bank, founded in 2018 by Grace Williams, which continues to serve residents across the Greater Toronto Area.
The evening closed with a spirit of reflection and joy. The gala was a celebration of the past; it was a declaration of resilience, unity, and commitment to future generations.
For those who want to learn more about the JCA’s ongoing work, visit www.jcaontario.org.
This was an event to remember.
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