Fellow Jamaicans,

 I greet you all and express the hope that whatever your circumstances, you will find it possible to appreciate some of the blessings of this life. 

 I am honoured to be able to serve our country Jamaica as its current High Commissioner to Canada.  Our relations with our host country are long, deep and wide, accomplished in large measure by your own presence and activities.  It is our joint task to continue to strengthen and enhance those ties to mutual benefit.

 Canada has for many, many years been home to one of the largest concentrations of Jamaicans in the Diaspora.  It is therefore no accident that the Government of Jamaica considers it important that this community be fully involved in its efforts to formally engage the Diaspora to meet its development objectives.  To that end, your presence and active participation in the Biennial Conferences held in Jamaica is essential.  It is my hope that the decisions which are made on your representation are carefully considered and take into account all interests and ages within the community.  The Consul General in Toronto and I are prepared to work with you in this regard. 

 Beyond the Conference itself, there is the clear need for us to get to work on practical areas for meeting our goals.  This will require the efforts of all.  It is recognized that not all of you will be able to work through the established mechanisms to make your impact.  Let me assure you that all that you do, whether it be through your churches, alumni associations, community associations, sports clubs, cultural groups or even individual effort, are valued by us.  Your response in times of emergency and your constant support in critical areas such as education and health, among others, are commendable.  We salute you for your labour of love on behalf of your homeland even as you work to develop your country of residence and nationality.

 In 2012 Jamaica will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of its independence.  By any standards, this is a significant milestone which I am sure will be commemorated with all the energy and pride in our achievements.

 We are fortunate in Canada to have the presence of a number of Jamaican government agencies all engaged in specific areas of our interests.  In addition, we have been able to count on the work of Honorary Consuls in Provinces and cities across Canada.  Together, we are all working with you to achieve the goals of the Government of Jamaica in Canada.

 Allow me to close by extending my very best wishes to you and your loved ones, even as I encourage you to look beyond your own situation and try to make a difference in the lives of others.

Grow where you are planted!

 

H.E. Sheila Sealy Monteith

High Commissioner

March 2010