Caribbean News
Jamaicans Celebrate Appointment of Jamaican-Born Doctor to Canadian Senate
#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
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
-
Crime2 days agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
TCI News3 days agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
Bahamas News1 week agoPacesetting Cohort of Eleuthera Residents Graduate from Leading Light Programme
-
Bahamas News1 day agoRBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos
-
Bahamas News1 week agoNassau Cruise Port Donates Nearly $2 Million Towards Food Security
-
Bahamas News2 days agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Bahamas News1 day agoBahamas economic growth
-
Health1 week agoIncreased cases of Chicken Pox Prompts Ministry of Health and Human Services Response