Adaoma Patterson-Gilling Returns as JCA President

The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) has elected a new leadership team following their Annual General Meeting and Election held on May 31, 2026.

The hybrid meeting attracted a record number of members and guests, reflecting the continued strength and engagement of one of Canada’s oldest Caribbean community organizations. Members reviewed the association’s achievements over the past year, discussed future priorities and recognized the contributions of outgoing President David Betty and outgoing Director of Fundraising Michelle Davis.

Among the organization’s most significant accomplishments was its leadership role in Hurricane Melissa relief efforts. Working with community partners, the JCA helped raise more than $850,000 and collected approximately 450,000 pounds of food, personal care items and other essential supplies for Jamaica following the devastating storm.

Members also participated in elections for several Board of Directors and Committee Chair positions. The newly elected executive includes Adaoma Patterson-Gilling as President, Charles Gordon as Vice-President, Sharla Bryan as Executive Secretary and Benito Palomino as Treasurer. Shana McCalla was elected Director of Communications, Keisha Wright as Director of Fundraising, while Owen Rhoden, Horace Wright and Fiona Umoh will serve as Directors-at-Large. David Betty will remain on the board as Immediate Past President.

Committee chairs for the 2026-2027 term include Shernett Williams for Membership Services, Dr. Dana Powell for the Women’s Committee, Ashleigh Gordon for Youth, and Kyle Creary as interim Education and Culture Chair. Dan Hamilton was elected Trustee.

Patterson-Gilling thanked members for their confidence and pledged to continue the organization’s long tradition of community service.

“I am honoured to once again be elected president and look forward to working with board members and committee chairs as we continue a long legacy of service,” she said, while also praising Betty’s leadership and Davis’s six years of fundraising success.

The new board will continue implementing the JCA’s strategic plan, focusing on financial sustainability, membership services, organizational resilience, advocacy and community building.

Founded 64 years ago, the JCA is a charitable cultural and membership organization serving Jamaican, Caribbean and African Canadian communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

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