Toronto Hosts Inaugural Jamaican Diaspora Impact Awards Honouring Five Outstanding Jamaican-Canadians

The Jamaican Consulate General in Toronto has held the inaugural Jamaican Diaspora Impact Awards (JDIA), honouring five outstanding Jamaican-Canadians whose work has significantly shaped their communities across Canada and the wider diaspora.

The event, hosted at the Toronto Botanical Garden, drew community leaders, artists, and professionals from across the Greater Toronto Area to celebrate excellence, cultural pride, and the enduring influence of Jamaica’s global diaspora.

The five honourees , Marcia Brown, Inez Johnson, Kevin Ormsby, David Smith, and Rose Spencer Gibbs were recognized for their contributions to culture, education, community development, and youth empowerment.

According to the Consulate, the selection process was rigorous, involving a public nomination period that attracted more than 40 submissions, followed by an independent judging panel.

Consul-General Kurt Davis commended the awardees for their resilience and leadership, describing the event as a milestone in redefining how Jamaicans abroad are viewed.

“This is not just about honouring legacy, but about breaking stereotypes. Our people continue to excel and push through challenges to make their communities better,” Davis said.

Among the honourees, playwright and producer Marcia Brown expressed gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on her decades-long journey preserving Jamaican culture through theatre.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be recognized. To know someone took the time to nominate me is an incredible feeling,” she said.

The Consulate noted that the Diaspora Impact Awards will become an annual event, aimed at amplifying the stories of Jamaicans contributing to the growth and visibility of the diaspora in Canada and beyond.

“Every journey starts with one step,” Davis added. “This is our first step and there are many more celebrations ahead.”

The elegant evening featured cultural performances, networking, and a shared sense of pride in Jamaica’s vibrant presence within Canada’s multicultural landscape.