Ottawa Jamaicans Celebrate 64 Years of Independence

Keeping the Legacy Alive: Ottawa Jamaicans Celebrate 64 Years of Independence

By Ijeoma Ukazu, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Jamaicans in Ottawa gathered on August 8 at St. Laurent Boulevard to celebrate Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence at Jam Day 2026. Organized by the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the event brought members of the community together for a day of music, food, culture, and fellowship.

Marsha Monique Coore Lobban, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada, said the celebration was part of a series of events taking place across Canada to recognize Jamaican heritage and the contributions of the Jamaican diaspora.

“This is Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence and also our 150th anniversary of emancipation,” Coore Lobban said. “This is one of the many activities taking place across Canada to celebrate our rich Jamaican culture and just the vibes.”

She said Jamaicans have had a presence in Canada dating back centuries, including the arrival of the Maroons in the 1700s, and have contributed across different sectors of Canadian society. “They have done so well across every sphere. And so today it’s just celebrating our culture,” she said.

The High Commissioner said the Jamaican diaspora continues to play an important role in strengthening ties between Jamaica and Canada. She said the Commission works to promote community celebrations and ensure Jamaicans in Canada know that their contributions are recognized.

“We’re here to show to our diaspora that we recognize what they’re doing and that we’re here together to celebrate unity and solidarity,” Coore Lobban said. “My presence here is for my Jamaicans to know that the government and people of Jamaica sincerely appreciate our diaspora and everything they do on a day-to-day basis.”

The celebration also focused on the importance of passing Jamaican culture and identity from one generation to another.

Coore Lobban said the High Commission has been working with young Jamaicans, including students at Carleton University and other young people, to keep them connected to their heritage. “We do need to make sure this legacy continues on from generation to generation,” she said.

She said involving young people in community activities gives them opportunities to experience Jamaican culture through food, music, language, and social gatherings.

The Jamaican Ottawa Community Association president, Elaine Ebanks, expressed appreciation to those who attended and supported the celebration.

The association’s gathering brought together families, community members, elders, and young people, with attendees enjoying music and food.

Peter Barrett, vice-president of the Jamaica Association of Montreal, in his address welcomed everybody here to this special occasion. “I am here to support everything that Ottawa Jam does,” he said, thanking the organizers and the High Commissioner’s office for the invitation.

The event also received a message from Peter Sloly, retired chief of the Ottawa Police Service, who described Jam Day as more than an independence commemoration.

“JAM Day is more than a commemoration of Jamaican independence. It is a joyful expression of our shared heritage, resilience, creativity, and commitment to building stronger communities wherever we live,” Sloly said in his message.

He recognized the contributions of generations of Jamaicans to civic life, public service, culture, business, education, sport, and community leadership.

“Four generations of Jamaicans in Ottawa and across Canada have contributed to civic life, public service, culture, business, education, sport, and community leadership,” he said.

Sloly also praised the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association for creating a space where “families, neighbours, elders, youth, and friends can gather in unity for celebration.” He encouraged the community to continue passing on the values of “service, excellence, compassion, and pride” to future generations.

As the celebration continued, the grounds remained active with music, food, and vendors. Organizers encouraged attendees to move around, meet other community members, and reconnect with old neighbours, friends, and schoolmates.

But the festivities were interrupted by heavy rainfall while the event was underway. Despite the downpour, the celebration had already brought community members together to mark the milestone and showcase Jamaican culture.

For Coore Lobban, the anniversary was also an opportunity for Jamaicans abroad to reflect on their identity and the responsibility of preserving it.

“Today we celebrate,” she said. “There’s so much to be grateful for. There’s so much to be proud of.”

Coore Lobban urged the Jamaican community to ensure that the celebration of its heritage continues beyond the present generation.

Jamaicans across Canada have been marking the anniversary through community celebrations in cities including Montreal, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa, with activities taking place from mid-July through mid-August.