Jamaicans living in Canada named for national honours

TORONTO: Retired adjudicator from the Canadian Ministry of Social Services, Mary Maria Diana Joanna Bishop, nee Keeling, is to be recognised at this year’s National Honour and Award ceremony for exemplary service in philanthropy and volunteerism, as well as significant contributions to the development of the Jamaican community in Canada.

She joins two other Jamaicans living in Canada who have been appointed to the Orders of the Societies of Honour and to the Badge of Honour. They are Howard L. Shearer and Reverend Joseph Tommy Thompson of Manitoba.

The trio are included among the 150 individuals announced, August 6, Independence Day, by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. The presentation ceremony will be held on National Heroes Day, October 1, at King’s House, in Kingston, Jamaica.

Born on November 1, 1945, in May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica, Bishop emigrated to Canada in 1966, settling initially in Toronto before moving to Milton in 1974. Her dedication to community service and fundraising has left an indelible mark on both the Jamaican diaspora and broader Canadian society.

“It’s with humility and gratitude that I accept this Badge of Honour Meritorious Service for services in the field of philanthropy and contributions to the development of the diaspora in Canada. I’m dedicating it to honour my mother, Alice Salome Keeling, whose love, her teachings and example of being a Christian woman taught me that we must give back to the community. I share this recognition with all my friends and supporters who have been encouraging me through the years,” she told The Gleaner.

Bishop has been a fervent advocate for Jamaican causes, demonstrating unwavering commitment as a fundraiser for several organisations, including Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE) Canada, The Arts and Culture Jamaica, and Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation.

A special focus is an annual poinsettia event, hosted at her home, that continues to raise substantial funds for the community.

Her community involvement began early, with significant roles including volunteering with Canadian Conservative Member of Parliament Otto Jelinek and serving on the Milton Town Council from 1988 to 1992.

In 1985, Bishop chaired the Caribbean Nights fundraising campaign for Milton District Hospital, which successfully raised $200,000 over six years.

During Hurricane Gilbert’s impact on Jamaica in 1988, Bishop organised a campaign in collaboration with the Jamaica Consul General’s Office in Toronto, raising funds for Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas, Jamaica. Her efforts extended to supporting the Dr Daphne DaCosta Foundation, which funded cancer screenings (Pap smears) in rural Jamaica.

In 1996, Bishop was awarded the Milton Citizen of the Year Award by the Milton Chamber of Commerce; The John Holland Award I Hamilton, and the Pride Woman of Excellence Award in 2007. Her fundraising endeavours also include support for the Diabetes Association of Ontario, Drummond House, and Halton Women’s Place.

For Jamaica’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2012, Bishop contributed to the commemorative book Jamaicans in Canada, produced by the Consul General’s Office. She received a 2022 Pacesetter Award from PACE Canada for her outstanding contributions. She is married to Craig Bishop and has three daughters from a previous marriage.

LEVERAGE GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

Howard L. Shearer is receiving his citation in Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander, for his contribution to the field of engineering and technology.

Earlier this year, he also received an Honorary Doctor of Science from the engineering faculty, at Mc Master University, his alma mater.

He is the president and chief executive officer of Hitachi Canada Ltd and has been with the company for four decades, since joining in 1984. In fact, he is the first non–Japanese national to head the company, which focuses on social innovation business that fuses IT technologies with solutions to support social infrastructure.

“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed to the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander. The unexpected news, delivered to me the night before its official announcement, was both humbling and deeply inspiring. While this appointment is a recognition of my past contributions in the fields of engineering and technology, I see it as much more a call to action,” Shearer, son of the late Hugh Shearer, former prime minister of Jamaica, said in a statement.

He says it serves as a strong reminder that there is still a great deal to be accomplished, and reinforces his dedication to advancing innovation and encouraging others in Jamaica, especially young people, to strive for excellence in these crucial areas.

“I view this honour as another opportunity to leverage my global experience for the benefit of Jamaica, to contribute in meaningful ways to our nation’s growth, and to ensure that the journey which began in the land of my birth continues to make a lasting impact,” he stated.

Shearer is a board member with the JapanSociety and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and the National Commercial Bank Financial Group. He also holds memberships in the McMaster University Dean of Engineering Advisory Council and chairs the Energy Council of Canada.

“It motivates me to do more, not just in recognition of the past, but in dedication to the future. I will continue to do my part to elevate Jamaica on the world stage.”

Senior pastor at New Anointing Christian Fellowship in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Reverend Joseph Tommy Thompson, is receiving a Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service for 47 years of service to the Jamaican community in Winnipeg.