Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mr. Robert Ready, addresses the CWC

This morning, at the regular meeting of the CWC, we received a visit from the new High Commissioner, Mr. Robert Ready, who arrived in Jamaica last fall. 

Mr. Ready took time out of a busy schedule to speak with us and indicated a willingness to work with the CWC and Canadians in Kingston in general. He also remarked upon a situation that is on a lot of people’s minds today: the looming IMF deal. IMF officials are in Kingston right now, trying to hammer out the conditions Jamaica must meet to receive a new round of funding. Jamaica is in some dire financial straits: its debt is currently 140 per cent of its GDP, something like $1.7 trillion. The Prime Minister gave an unprecedented national address last night with Finance Minister Peter Paulwell, during which she admitted that Jamaica faces a “dismal future” if the debt situation is not resolved. Apparently, the police were on high alert last night as the nation watched the address.

In terms of Canada’s role , Mr. Ready said that it will continue to be a friend and partner to Jamaica as it faces this difficult situation. He also said that while it is a pretty serious situation, he expects a deal will be reached. “That’s when the hard work really begins,” he said, adding that Canada will provide technical, moral and financial support.

The CWC is planning its annual fashion show, and Mr. Ready said we can again host the event on the grounds of his residence. Now, we have lots of planning to do to for this wonderful fundraising event. 

Thanks Mr. Ready for your time today and welcome to Jamaica.

Visit to Bustamante Children's Hospital's Burn Unit

Last December, just before Christmas, a group of CWC members visited the Bustamante Children's Hospital. They went bearing gift bags, but first, the children were served ice cream, cake and juice. They were then treated to a performance by a magician and a balloon man. The children were delighted and compared to the previous year's event, this time was infinitely better-organized. In attendance were Barbara Matalon, Marlene Fulford, Britta Spiring, Brianna Strumm, Erin MacLeod and Barbara's granddaughter and friend. Enjoy the pictures below.

CWC Potluck lunch

On December 12, 2012, the CWC hosted its annual potluck lunch. There was a good turnout and delicious food. We also said goodbye to Wendy Lee, who finished her Cuso placement. Thank you so much Wendy for your wonderful service over the past 18 months.

Canada and Jamaica

Hazel's beautiful backyard

Hazel's backyard

Hazel's orchids

CWC friends and family and members enjoying lunch

Potluck lunch

Goodies 

Goodies

CWC Thanksgiving Dinner

People enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner on Oct. 7. Special thanks go out to Su and Al Nakash, who graciously hosted about 40 people at their lovely home. Guests enjoyed a meal of turkey, ham, vegetables, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Maree was responsible for the wonderful pie, and several CWC members cooked other sumptuous dishes. 

Cynthia, Marguerite and Sybil

Guests enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving in a beautiful setting- Jamaica and the Nakash home- with good friends and good food.

Everyone was dressed to impress and looking their finest.

CWC members brought family and friends.

A good time was had by all.

Canada's Thanksgiving - CWC Annual Dinner

Greetings! We trust that everyone has gotten off to a good start for the new school year. We at the CWC are in the final stages of preparing for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner. This year, it will be held at a private residence up in Cherry Gardens (6 Carmel Ave.). It is a beautiful setting, perfect for delicious and traditional Thanksgiving fare. Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving the first weekend in October, thus our reason for selecting this date. All are welcome, with tickets costing $2,000 JA for non-members and $1,500 for members. Please bring spouses and friends and RSVP to cwc1jam@gmail.com
Hope to see you there!

First meeting and giving thanks

Hello again! It was a great summer here in Jamaica, what with celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of Independence and the Olympics. Now we are all back to school, work and whatever routines we all engage in. The CWC's first meeting of the 2012-13 year was held Sept. 11 at the Canadian High Commission and it was full of plans for this year. We formally welcomed our incoming President Mrs. Barbara Matalon, Secretary Kate Chappell, Treasurer Britta Spiring, Outreach Co-ordinator Rachel Yee Chin and Fundraising Co-ordinator Wendy Lee. Plans are now afoot for lots of activities this year. We also celebrated our award from outgoing High Commissioner Steven Hallihan and wife Cathy Hallihan, who presented us with an award for service from the Canadian High Commission. We will miss Steve and Cathy but await the arrival of the new High Commissioner with excitement.
Our next event will be the Thanksgiving Dinner on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Su Nakash's house (6 Carmel Ave.). Tickets are $1,500 for members and $2,000 for non-members and all are welcome. We look forward to a wonderful meal in a beautiful location.

CWC Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, June 12, marked the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Women's Club. It was a wonderful affair, held again at the Jamaica Yacht Club. About 40 people were in attendance, including outgoing Canadian High Commissioner Steve Hallihan and his wife Cathy, who are leaving Jamaica in several months. 

After people gathered and had a chance to watch a video of past fashion shows, the meeting kicked off with the national anthem and then reports from the Outreach Committee, the treasurer and the President. Then, a teary formal farewell was bid to the Hallihans, who in turn, thanked the CWC for their service and presented the group with an award. The Hallihans were thanked for their hospitality over the years, including the use of the High Commission, the Thanksgiving dinners and the general kindness they have extended. After a prayer to bless the food, people dug in to a wonderful meal, including salad, steamed vegetables, potatoes, chicken, fish and pork. Chocolate cake was then served as people listened attentively to the guest speaker, Burchell Whiteman. Mr. Whiteman, a pillar among Jamaica's leaders, discussed Vision 2030 and implored people to think about where we want the country to be and act accordingly. These remarks gave people a lot to think about as they said their goodbye to one another for the summer.