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Jamaicans Celebrate Appointment of Jamaican-Born Doctor to Canadian Senate

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#Kingston, January 22, 2019 – Jamaica – Government Representatives, as well as other dignitaries, are celebrating the appointment of Jamaican-born, Dr. Rosemary Moodie, to the Canadian Senate.  She was appointed to the Senate by the Canadian Governor General, Julie Payette, on the advice of Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.  Dr. Moodie has also made significant contributions in healthcare and community service in both Canada and Jamaica.

A reception in her honour was held at the official residence of the High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica on January 16 in Kingston.  In her remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, offered sincere congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica.

“We are indeed proud of your accomplishments and illustrious career, for which you were conferred with a National Award, the Commander of the Order of Distinction, for outstanding contribution to philanthropy, community development and medicine in the Jamaican diaspora in Canada,” Senator Johnson Smith said.

She also highlighted Dr. Moodie’s involvement in reducing social inequities and health disparities among children and communities locally and internationally.

“This is of particular relevance to us here in Jamaica. This is the rationale for our laser focus on implementing policies geared towards the attainment of sustained and inclusive economic growth for the prosperity of all Jamaicans, where no one is left behind,” she stated.

Senator Johnson Smith also indicated that Dr. Moodie’s assent to the Senate of Canada offers a platform where she can make an even greater impact on the Canadian society.  She added that her accomplishments are further excellent examples of the fact that Jamaicans excel in their spheres of influence in their adopted countries.

Former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, said the appointment is a “source of very great pride to us”, that another Jamaican has excelled in a country with which Jamaica has had cordial relationships over the years.

“We are sure that she is going to bring to the discharge of her duties an awareness of the concerns in the Caribbean and how we develop the partnership between the people of the Caribbean and Canada,” Mr. Patterson told JIS News.

For President of the Senate, Thomas Tavares-Finson, Dr. Moodie’s record of work in Canada and her “social activism”, have led to her elevation to the post.

“It is a remarkable achievement that all of us, especially those in the Senate here, celebrate with her,” Senator Tavares-Finson said.

President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Howard Mitchell, says the group is extremely proud of the appointment.  He noted that Dr. Moodie’s influence of integrity, professionalism and a strong work ethic “is what we need to get out there in Canada to counteract possibly some of the more negative influences”.

Meanwhile, Medical Chief of Staff and Consultant Neurosurgeon at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Dr. Carl Bruce, said he “has no doubt that she is going to do a tremendous job, and represent the people very well, in Canada”.

Mother of the newly appointed Senator, Gloria Moodie, noted that her daughter, as a child, executed tasks with careful attention to detail.

“I am sure that she will bring to that job the same expertise, attention to detail; and efficiency that has been her hallmark,” Mrs. Moodie said.

For her part, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, Her Excellency Laurie Peters, noted that Dr. Moodie has been a “firm advocate” for women and girls.  She pointed out that in her capacity as President of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Toronto, Dr. Moodie spearheaded the completion of the city’s largest affordable housing project for low-income women with mental health needs and indigenous women and their families.

“As neonatologist at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, and as a Professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Paediatrics, she has contributed to public policy changes that have reduced social inequities,” the High Commissioner stated.

In her response, Dr. Moodie lauded her husband, Peter Wong, for his continued guidance and support, and her mother, who has been an exceptional role model to her and her sisters.  She told JIS News that her appointment is a declaration that Jamaicans will continue to excel at home and overseas.

Dr. Moodie also noted that young people should “push your dreams, and don’t accept any barrier, because unless you test it; you don’t know what is possible”.

The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s bicameral parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country.

Senators scrutinise legislation, suggest improvements and fix mistakes.

 

By: Garfield L. Angus

Release: JIS

Photo Captions: 

Header: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (left), with President of the Senate, Hon. Thomas Tavares-Finson (second left); recently appointed Senator to the Canadian Parliament, Jamaican born Dr. Rosemary Moodie (second right); and former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, at a reception held in honour of the new Senator, on January 16, at the official residence of Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, in Kingston.

Insert: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (right), along with Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency, Laurie Peters (left), celebrate the appointment of Jamaican born Dr. Rosemary Moodie (centre), to the Canadian Senate. Occasion was a reception held in honour of the new Senator, held on January 16, at the official residence of Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, in Kingston.

 

Photos by Donald De La Haye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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One Nation TCI Pageant to Launches this Weekend

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

“Founded on the principles of Unity, sisterhood and community service,” is how Alicia Swann, One Nation TCI Founder, and President, describes the organization as it gears up for its inaugural showing, to be marked by a pageant and parade of nations, family fun day and cultural show. 

When Magnetic Media spoke to Swann she explained the inspiration behind the name.

“The reason why we chose ‘One Nation’ was because we wanted to ensure that all of our beautiful ladies within the Turks and Caicos feel as if they are a part of our society. Speaking with the ladies I’ve gotten the opinion that a lot of them feel as if they are in our country but they don’t actually feel fully a part of it,” she explained. With constants whose heritages span the DR and TCI, TC-Trinidadians and more the contest is showcasing the rich and diverse culture of the country.

At least two contestants flew in from the UK and the US to participate in the pageant and the event is not just an array of pretty girls.

“We’ve taken the aspects of pageantry to another level, the young ladies have a platform  based on our pillars of the organization which include education and mental health,” Swann continued “We wanted to ensure that they understand the value and importance of  having a role and voice in society.”

The contestants were all allowed to choose an area to speak on and advocate for, and the President told Magnetic Media that so far the young women are taking the challenge seriously. There are 10 contestants overall, five in the ‘Miss’ category and five in the ‘Teen’ category.

The pageant is already receiving regional recognition as the eventual winner has been invited to take part in a regional pageant in St Kitts in August, a feat which Swann says she is extremely proud of. 

In addition to that event a cultural showing, family fun day and parade of nations will be held. 

“We will be honoring people from across the Turks and Caicos, out of every island, for their lifetime achievement in terms of giving back to their society. The persons being honoured are unsung heroes. They have been active in their communities in various roles and we felt the need to recognize all of them.” Swann explained.

The Founder didn’t share the names of those being honoured, preferring to leave it a surprise but did drop hints about who would be highlighted during the event; a smiling clinic nurse in South Caicos, a Grand Turk Taxi driver committed to the island’s development, a dedicated principal from North Caicos, a shipping pioneer from North Caicos as well and a creative founder from Providenciales.

“Our company is huge on ensuring that the community is involved and a part of doing that is ensuring that persons in the community are honoured,” the president said.

Several sponsors have stepped up to the plate including 

No monetary support has come from TCIG but endorsements from both Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, and Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, have been shared and the girls are currently undergoing intense training with a pageant coach in preparation for their big night.

Swann is hoping that once the community has a chance to see what One Nation TCI is doing they’ll understand the importance of the events, 

“We are a diverse culture and society and– we want people to understand the importance of diversity, supporting our young ladies and empowering them so they can see they have a role in the Turks and Caicos– The more we offer our young ladies [the more] we are able to retain that talent. Once they feel empowered the sky’s the limit.”

The Pageant and Crowning will be on the 25 and 26th of April while the parade and family fun day will be held on the 27th.

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Agriculture Ministry Providing Two Water Trucks to Serve St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine

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#Kingston, Jamaica, April 24, 2024 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is to unveil two more water trucks this week, which will be used to service communities in St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during Wednesday’s (April 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

He also informed that of the $90 million earmarked to support farmers being impacted by the current drought, the Ministry will be providing additional support for storage and drip-irrigation systems.

“So, we have targeted about 600 water tanks and about 400 12-millimetre drip irrigation hoses, and that distribution has already started. Additionally, we have earmarked about $8 million to really help with our livestock farmers,” Mr. Green said.

“We know the difficulty that you’re facing now in this time; [it’s] very hard to get the right nutritional support for your animals. As such, we will be providing some hay, and we will [also] provide some trucking of water to you. Again, our livestock farmers, if you are in need, please contact the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and let us see how we can help in these times,” he further stated.

Mr. Green also encouraged farmers to download the RADA App, so that the Agency can “help guide you, not only in relation to what is happening on the rainfall side, but also in relation to your integrated pest management”.

“We do see some increases of certain types of pests during this time, and it’s important that our farmers are paying attention to that. It’s also important that you’re taking drought management seriously [by undertaking] soil mulching, looking at planting drought-tolerant crops, timely harvesting, implementing land husbandry treatments and contour ditches,” he stated.

Contact: Latonya Linton

Release: JIS

 

Photo Caption: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, speaking during Wednesday’s (April 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

 

Donald De La Haye Photo

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RBC appoints new Head of Caribbean Banking

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NASSAU, April 21, 2024 – RBC Financial (Caribbean) Limited, (“RBC”) has appointed Chris Duggan, a  native of the Cayman Islands, as Senior Vice President and Head of RBC Caribbean Banking, effective  April 1, 2024. He succeeds Chris Ronald, who has been leading the bank’s operations in the Caribbean  for the last 2.5 years and has recently returned to Canada as Regional President, Atlantic Provinces at  RBC.  

Duggan, who is based in Nassau, The Bahamas, is taking on responsibilities as Head of RBC Caribbean  Banking to carry out the bank’s strategic direction and manage the overall business strategy and vision across the Caribbean region. He has a career spanning more than two decades in the financial industry  across both the United States and the Caribbean. 

Most recently, he was the Cayman Islands Government Representative to North America, in Washington  DC, primarily focussed on financial services. Prior to his tenure for the Cayman Islands Government, he  served as a senior executive at DART Family Office and Butterfield Bank. 

RBC’s Executive Vice President, Personal Financing Products, Erica Nielsen said “We’re delighted to  welcome Chris to RBC. Born and raised in the Caribbean, Chris has a deep understanding of the  regional financial landscape and a passion for representing the culture. He is highly driven, outcome focused, and passionate about building trusted relationships with clients, communities, and employees.  His appointment demonstrates our continued commitment to the region. I am confident that under Chris’  leadership, Caribbean Banking will continue to grow and serve our clients and communities.” 

As an active member of the communities where he lives and works, he has held leadership roles on the  boards of numerous charitable organizations over the years. Duggan was awarded the Queen’s  Certificate and Badge of Honour in recognition of his outstanding service to the Cayman Islands  community during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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