Diaspora pride
Four Jamaican-Canadians beaming with pride after homeland’s salute
Published:Wednesday | October 22, 2025 | 12:07 AMNeil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer
TORONTO, Canada:
Four Jamaican-Canadians were celebrated with national honours on Monday during the annual Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards on the lawns of King’s House in Kingston.
The honourees – Dr Sylvanus Thompson, Chris Campbell, Vivienne Nelson-Campbell and Olive Senior– expressed pride and gratitude as they were formally recognised for their contributions to Jamaica and the diaspora. Family and friends in Canada shared in the moment through congratulatory messages and social media posts during the televised ceremony.
Thompson was appointed to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his outstanding contributions to public health, community service, and early childhood education from the Canadian diaspora.
“Standing at King’s House on Heroes Day to receive the Order of Distinction was one of the proudest moments of my life. I felt immense joy and gratitude, knowing that my work has made a positive impact and touched lives. This recognition belongs to everyone who has supported and believed in me,” he said.
A former associate director with Toronto Public Health, Thompson is active in several diaspora organisations, including the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (Canada), the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board, and the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN).
“It motivates me to keep giving back and to continue helping to build a stronger, brighter Jamaica,” added Thompson, who was also feted by some members of the Jamaican Canadian Association.
Chris Campbell, former president of Carpenters’ Union Local 27 and chair of the Toronto Community Benefits Network board, received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his work in promoting equity, mentorship, and inclusion in the skilled trades.
PROFOUND MEANING
“This recognition holds profound meaning for me as it reflects not only my personal journey, but the collective efforts of those who have supported and inspired me along the way. I proudly carry the values of hard work, service, and community that Jamaica instilled in me,” said Campbell. “This honour reminds me that no matter how far we travel, our roots remain our strength. I accept this award with gratitude and dedication to continue serving both Jamaica and Canada with pride.”
Campbell was part of a team of Carpenters’ Union Local 27 and the charitable organisation, Food For the Poor, that built a house for a family in St James.
Also receiving the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service was Vivienne Nelson-Campbell, CEO of Viv’s Catering and Takeout, recognised for her service to the Jamaican diaspora in Canada.
“To be acknowledged by the country of my birth is a moment of immense pride and gratitude. I share this honour with my family, my community, and all those who have supported and encouraged me along the way. The award is a powerful reminder that service and commitment to others never go unnoticed,” she said.
Renowned author and former Jamaican Poet Laureate Olive Senior was also honoured with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander for her exceptional contribution to literary arts. She was unable to attend the ceremony.
Senior’s legacy spans over 20 books and numerous awards, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the OCM Bocas Prize. Her work is translated and taught globally and continues to elevate Caribbean literature, notes the biographical information from her new novel, Paradise Once, about the indigenous Taino people of the Caribbean.