Jamaican-Canadians honoured at Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards

TORONTO:

Immigrants have long been integral to Canada’s growth, enriching its cultural mosaic with their diverse talents and expertise. This year, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards have celebrated the contributions of outstanding individuals who exemplify this diversity, August 14, at TIFF Lightbox, in Toronto. The award is now in its 16th year.

Among the 25 honorees are four remarkable individuals of Jamaican descent: Noel Cunningham, Andre Smith, Nadine Williams, and Dr. Gervan Fearon.

Noel Cunningham, a renowned chef and culinary personality from Kingston, Jamaica, has made a significant mark on Canada’s culinary scene. As the executive chef of Cuisine by Noel, a private chef and catering company based in Toronto, Cunningham has garnered acclaim for his Caribbean fusion cuisine. His culinary journey includes prestigious roles in hotels and restaurants across Jamaica, followed by impactful positions in Manitoba’s top hotels. Known for his appearances on Canadian television and his best-selling debut cookbook, Cuisine by Noel: A Culinary Journey through Recipes and Stories.

Cunningham’s dedication to showcasing Jamaican cuisine and his efforts to inspire the next generation of culinary artistes have earned him numerous awards, including the Best Black Chef in Canada and Best Podcaster.

Cunningham told The Gleaner that he is honoured to be a recognised in his adopted home, especially as a recipient of the annual award.

“I’m honoured and grateful to be named as one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant recipients of 2024. This award not only puts a spotlight on my achievements, but it also recognises my contributions to Canada as a chef. As someone who is passionate about food security and initiatives that build skill knowledge about food service and employment, I’m privileged to be among those who are positively changing the face of Canada,” he reiterated.

Andre Smith, the founder and CEO of Flip & Floss, is a trailblazer in financial literacy with over a decade of experience in the financial sector. Smith’s company is dedicated to teaching children across North America how to save and invest wisely. His innovative approach and commitment to empowering the next generation have earned him accolades including the BMO Obsidi Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Smith’s message of perseverance resonates strongly. “Where you start is an amazing foundation for where you are destined to go. Never give up the fight, even when all odds are against you,” he said.

Nadine Williams, an award-winning Jamaican Canadian author and poet, has made substantial contributions to Canadian literature and education. Originally from St. Mary, Jamaica, and now residing in Ontario, Williams has published numerous works, including poetry collections and children’s books that are featured in Canadian school curricula. Her contributions to Black History Month and her work as presenter and a guest lecturer to the African Writers Club at the University of Viena, May 2019, have earned her recognition and several other prestigious honours.

“I’m grateful for this award, it is like icing on my well-baked cake,’” said Williams.

Her commitment to the arts and her advocacy for the African diaspora are reflected in her exhibitions and her role as the resident poet for the Caribbean Consular Corps.

Dr. Gervan Fearon, another distinguished awardee, has also made notable contributions. He has been named one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants this year for his lifelong championship of education as a pathway for equitable social and economic prosperity. He told The Gleaner that he is honoured to be one of the recipients of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

“I have dedicated my work towards support of educational opportunities and outcomes for learners because I believe education is the most significant mechanism for transforming and realising social and economic possibilities for individuals and communities,” he told The Gleaner.

Fearon became president of George Brown College in August 2021.

He supports career-oriented programmes to meet the needs of students and the demands of employers, advance college-led research, and enhance community engagement, and is instrumental in leading George Brown’s efforts to provide transformative education opportunities that benefit learners, industry and the greater community.

“My parents are Jamaicans, and they emphasise the importance and pursuit of education at all levels throughout one’s life and helped to define me and my siblings along with the next generation. I am proud to support and inspire others,” he stated.

His inclusion among the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants underscores his significant impact.

These awards not only honour the individual accomplishments of Cunningham, Smith, Williams, and Fearon, but also celebrate the broader contributions of immigrants to Canada’s vibrant and diverse society.