IF anyone deserves the Jamaican Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation it is Claudette Cameron-Stewart, who keeps one foot firmly anchored in her homeland and the other steadfastly planted in her adopted home, Canada.

After over 30 years of voluntary work to make life better for Jamaicans and Canadians, especially the young, Cameron- Stewart is still surprised anyone thought that she was worthy of any national honour.

It’s the familiar mark of people who serve from the heart. They never stop long enough to count the cost or to seek compensation or limelight. But this jewel of Bog Walk, St Catherine will no longer be unsung, even if it’s the last thing she expected.

Cameron-Stewart was one of 65 people who were honoured for significant contribution to the economic, cultural and social development of Jamaicans at home or in the Diaspora during a ceremony on April 25 at Jamaica House.

As a member of the Jamaican Diaspora in Canada, she has unceasingly and voluntarily contributed to Jamaica as a whole, and particularly to the development of the youth in a number of marginalised communities such as Rose Town in South St Andrew, Rocky Point in Clarendon, Duckenfield in St Thomas and her hometown of Bog Walk in St Catherine.

“I have tried to immerse myself in the fabric of the community of which I have been a member in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) ‘temporarily’ for more than 30 years, and have volunteered in various capacities/sectors, including the United Way,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“I get a sense of satisfaction from serving community organisations, including the Jamaican Canadian Association, in the hope that I can assist in improving the conditions of my brothers and sisters, as well as my homeland, Jamaica.

“Jamaica will always be home to me, and as such I am intensely interested in what’s happening there at all times and am grateful that I am able to visit fairly regularly for both goodwill participation and to let my hair down in recreational activities,” said Cameron-Stewart.

She proudly tells anyone who would listen that: “I am fiercely Jamaican and fervently believe that it is the only place in the world that I can never be told that I am not welcomed.

I strongly believe that all Jamaicans should commit to helping Jamaica as a nation, be successful not just in Jamaica, but also on the world stage. We are an amazing people, truly blessed and favoured.”

Cameron-Stewart founded the Merl Grove Past Students’ Association Canadian Chapter nearly 20 years ago.

Over 25 scholarships and bursaries have since been presented to students in need. Two more scholarships will be presented at this year’s 19th annual fund-raising event on May 26 in Canada.

As a former president and currently secretary/treasurer, she credits “a wonderful team of Merl Grove past students and an equally supportive group of sponsors – all folks who believe in the dreams of these students” — for the success of the association’s scholarship programme.

Cameron-Stewart is also assistant treasurer of the 40- member Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations (AJAA) in Toronto, which includes primary schools through to universities.

These organisations support their various alma maters and Jamaica through their dedication to volunteerism and the desire to stay connected with their homeland.

She described three particular projects as being “very dear to my heart”, including the “School Shoes Drive” that was organised by the Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness for the Duckenfield Primary School in St Thomas in 2006.

With the support of members of the AJAA and the Jamaican Foundation of Hamilton, she was able to collect 78 pairs of shoes for children who were attending school barefooted, saying it was “a truly very humbling experience”.

She continues her work with children and families within the Rose Town community in Kingston, which began as a member of the Jamaican Canadian Diaspora Foundation.

She is also a current member of the annual Jamaica Independence Church Service Committee that plans the service to celebrate Jamaica’s political Independence from Britain.

“In my desire to help Jamaica succeed, I sincerely believe that I must help one young person at a time to succeed. I will not be able to help every child, but for each one that I am able to, not only does that child take her/his rightful place, but huge benefits redound to Jamaica as a nation,” Cameron-Stewart said.

She expressed gratitude for receiving the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation as it was not expected, adding: “I am also grateful to the nation that informed who I am and, like Harry Belafonte said, “her shores will always be home to me”.

— Desmond Allen