Carl Marshall, Jamaica’s High Commissioner in Canada, has praised former Consul-General Vivia Betton for her work in strengthening bilateral relations between Canada and Jamaica.

“Miss Betton has done much to strengthen the bilateral relations between Canada and Jamaica, both in how she has managed those aspects of international relations and her adroitness in the management of personal relations,” he said.

The high commissioner was speaking Tuesday at a farewell function held at the Jamaican Canadian Centre in Toronto for Betton, whose tour of duty ended on September 1.

The veteran diplomat, who has served Jamaica since 1972, has retired.

Dale Jones, consul at the Jamaican Consulate, will act as consul general until the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade appoints a successor.

On Tuesday, Marshall lauded Betton, who has been Jamaica’s top diplomatic representative in Toronto since May 2002, for her work in forging links among various agencies and community organisations.

“She has done a marvellous job in building and maintaining camaraderie and a truly effective working relationship between and among the various agencies of government resident in Toronto. Also of note, is the excellent relationship she has forged with the different community organisations. Miss Betton has been consummate in the way that she has performed her tasks,” Marshall noted.

Hundreds of Jamaicans joined Marshall in bidding farewell to Betton. President of the Jamaica Diaspora-Canada Foundation, Philip Mascoll, who also spoke at the function, described Betton as “tireless and unfailingly pleasant”.

Mascoll said that she “beautifully stick-handled the affairs of Jamaica among the thousands of sometimes incredibly difficult members of our community in this city”. Marshall added that Betton’s “vast knowledge, grace and calmness have been a tribute and boon to Jamaica and to our community”.

In her response, Betton said her experience in Canada “has further validated all the positive thoughts I have had of our great country. The great cultural performances, paintings, artwork, cuisine, music, fashion, a high standard of educational and sports achievements – all Jamaican stamped, fill me with hope and pride.”

The outgoing consul-general noted that her work was greatly facilitated by interaction with “hard-working, patriotic and dynamic individuals” who came from the many Jamaican community and alumni associations in Toronto. She also paid tribute to the staff of the Consulate and the Jamaican government agencies. “I stand on their shoulders and I am grateful to all the members of the country team in Toronto,” Betton added.

The consul-general praised the board and membership of the newly formed Jamaican Diaspora-Canada Foundation (JDCF), reminding them that they were in a unique position to contribute to Jamaica.

“You have a great opportunity to fulfil your plans to open new channels to assist in our country’s development. As you work towards the institutionalisation of the links between those of our people at home and those abroad, you are greatly implored to create an awareness of the wisdom of investing in Jamaica.

Share your expertise and exposure with those at home, and it is also lucrative to develop stronger trading links for our country and for our nationals abroad to benefit from this,” she said.