Celebrating Jamaica’s 50th Year of Independence, the Jamaica 50 Gala was a well-attended event held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre featuring Master of Ceremonies Dwight Drummond and Anne-Marie Mediwake and guest speakers including Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty (who arrived to much fan-fare). The “1962 reception” featured DJ Eugene Chang and about 4 tables of Appleton Estate each with their own variety of Jamaican rum cocktail and each table had a ballot to vote for our favourite Appleton Estate bartender. …
We had an opportunity to interview Sandra Whiting, the co-Chair of the Gala and Performing Arts for the “Jamaica 50” celebration. The Jamaica 50 organization itself is 2 years old and started with the goal of celebrating Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence (1962 to 2012). Funds raised will help to pay tribute to Jamaica. Sandra Whiting says that Jamaicans have been in Canada since the 1700s with the Maroons followed by waves in the 50s and 60s. Jamaicans love Toronto…