JDIA honourees and community leaders on stage

Jamaican Diaspora Impact Awards

Celebrating legacy. Honouring impact.
Tickets now available for the 2026 JDIA Gala.

About the JDIA

The Jamaican Diaspora Impact Awards recognize and celebrate individuals from the Jamaican Diaspora in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) who have made significant contributions to the development, wellbeing, and empowerment of the Jamaican Canadian community. Presented by the Consul-General of Jamaica, the awards reaffirm Jamaica's strong bond with its Diaspora and honour unsung heroes whose work has strengthened community life.

Areas of Recognition

Community Leadership
Youth Empowerment
Promotion of Jamaican Culture and Heritage
Health, Education and Social Action
Business, Entrepreneurship and Economic Achievement
Advocacy and Justice

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must be of Jamaican nationality or heritage and reside in the GTHA.
Nominees must be 16 years or older and of good moral standing.
Nominees should have a record of meaningful, measurable impact on the Jamaican Canadian community.
Nominees must not currently hold a political or elected office in Canada.

Selection Criteria

Nominees are evaluated for impact, innovation, sustainability, leadership, and credible visibility within the community. Special consideration is given to nominees who have not previously received an award from the Government of Jamaica.

Awards Ceremony

The Jamaican Diaspora Impact Awards will be presented at the JDIA Gala Awards Ceremony hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica on October 23, 2026.

Community Leadership Youth Empowerment Culture & Heritage Health, Education & Social Action Business & Entrepreneurship Advocacy & Justice

2026 Honourees

Honouring outstanding Jamaican Diaspora leadership, service, and community impact across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Select an honouree to read a short profile.

Trevor Massey JDIA Icon Award

JDIA Icon Award

Trevor Massey is recognized for a lifetime of leadership in education, youth development, and Diaspora service. A former Centennial College Registrar and founder of the Lifelong Leadership Institute, he has advanced opportunities for Black youth and strengthened Jamaican Canadian community life through decades of volunteer and institutional leadership.

Trevor Massey

Icon Award Honouree | Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation recipient | Harry Jerome Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

Diana Burke

Diana Burke is recognized for her leadership with PACE Canada and her long-standing support for early childhood education in Jamaica, including mobilizing Diaspora support for school-based initiatives and the Adopt A School programme.

Dionne Sinclair

Dionne Sinclair is recognized for visionary leadership in healthcare, mentorship, education, and community service, including her senior clinical leadership at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Dwayne Holness

Dwayne Holness is recognized as a creative entrepreneur and storyteller whose work uplifts Jamaican Canadian experiences and documents community resilience, cultural pride, and Diaspora-led impact.

Maureen Henry

Maureen Henry is recognized for decades of quiet, committed service and board leadership, including her work with Opportunity for Advancement supporting women, young women, and vulnerable community members.

Verna Andrade

Verna Andrade is recognized for sustained service through MACCA and Canadian Friends of St. Thomas Health Care, including fundraising and volunteer health initiatives that support medical and eye care services in Jamaica.

Past Winners

Celebrating the legacy of JDIA honourees whose service helped shape this continuing tradition of recognition.

Marcia Brown