Minister Kenney issues statement to celebrate Jamaican Diaspora Day

Ottawa, June 16, 2014 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to mark Jamaican Diaspora Day:

“Today is Jamaican Diaspora Day, a day that will be celebrated by many countries around the world. Some estimates suggest there are as many individuals with Jamaican heritage living abroad as there are citizens in the country.

“Canada is home to one of the world’s three largest Jamaican Diaspora communities, along with the United States and the United Kingdom.

“First proclaimed by the Governor General of Jamaica in 2005, Jamaican Diaspora Day recognizes the diaspora’s significant contributions to the country’s economic and social development.

“It also provides an excellent opportunity for Jamaicans abroad to strengthen their relationship with their homeland and celebrate its national motto – ‘Out of many, one people.’

“Indeed, this motto also serves to further strengthen the many bonds shared by Canadians and Jamaicans through family and friendships, including our countries’ shared commitment to unity in diversity.

“For all Canadians, Jamaican Diaspora Day provides an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the tremendous contributions that our Jamaican community has made and continues to make to our country’s rich and diverse heritage.

“As Minister for Multiculturalism, I am delighted to celebrate this day with Canadians of Jamaican origin and people of Jamaican descent around the world.”

Source http://news.gc.ca/