Jamaican
High Commission,
Ottawa
Christmas is here bringing with it the spirit of sharing with family, friends and loved ones and for celebrating all of the festivities which so characterize the season. Above all, it is a time for partaking in the peace and goodwill which abounds at this time.
For some, however, this Christmas will be not be happy due to various circumstances including loss or uncertainty. Let us pause and remember these persons and in the spirit of giving, which is also one of the main messages of Christmas, continue to offer our time, talents and resources to others in particular, the less fortunate.
Christmas, coming at the end of a calendar year, allows for moments of reflection on the year that has passed while expectantly awaiting the year ahead. This year has been marked by change and challenge which has tested our resilience as a people. Indeed, the momentum of change also impacted, this year, the official representation of Jamaica in Canada. Allow me to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the sterling service and excellent work of Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith and Mr. Seth George Ramocan in representing Jamaica in Canada. As I celebrate my first Christmas in Canada, I also take this opportunity to express thanks for the warm welcome I have received.
The Jamaican community here in Canada continues to provide unparalleled support to Jamaica, land we love. The spirit of dedication, sacrifice and selflessness which characterizes their work continues to be an inspiration to many while motivating our own work and encouraging excellence in all that we do. I thank all of the various organizations, groups, individuals and others for the contribution they continue to make to Jamaica. Many also continue to assist in the development of Canada, the country they now call home.
This year has seen a special focus on the work of the Diaspora with continued encouragement for participation in the Diaspora Mapping Project and in the biennial Diaspora Conference to be held in June of next year. Additionally, there have been high level contacts strengthening tourism, health and labour relations and progress continues towards promoting investment and trade linkages. We look forward to the enhancement of these and other areas of engagement in the year ahead. We should also continue to give thought as to ways in which to further improve development prospects in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration, focusing on our young people and the vulnerable. Let us continue to work on these and other areas, together.
It is my honour then to extend on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, the heads and the staff of the offices of the Government of Jamaica in Canada, the Honorary Consuls of Jamaica in Canada, and my own family, very best wishes for a Christmas season full of peace, love and joy. May the year ahead be filled with hope and bring countless blessings to all.
Janice Miller
High Commissioner