Former Jamaica Observer employee to be honoured by Canadian city
A former Jamaica Observer employee, Simone Thomas is to be honoured on May 7, 2026 with the Brampton Inspirational Citizen Award by the Canadian city of Brampton, highlighting her work to help victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
The award will be presented by mayor of the city Patrick Brown, at the 2026 Brampton Citizens Award Ceremony before special guests High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada
Marsha Coore Lobban and Consul General of Jamaica to Toronto Kurt Davis.
Thomas served as executive assistant to the editor-in-chief of the Observer before migrating to Canada.
According to the mayor’s office, following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Thomas took immediate action to support affected families, both abroad and within Brampton’s local Diaspora.
“Recognising that many Brampton residents were directly impacted through family and cultural ties, Simone mobilised community support within days of the disaster. She proactively engaged the city of Brampton to secure a dedicated community space, leading to the establishment of the ‘One Love Hurricane Melissa Relief Hub’.”
The hub operated for approximately three months, serving as a centralised collection and coordination point for humanitarian aid. Residents from Brampton and across the Greater Toronto Area contributed essential supplies and emergency necessities. Many also volunteered to sort, package, and organise shipments.
“Simone created an inclusive and welcoming environment where residents could gather, share updates about loved ones, and collectively process the emotional impact of the disaster. She personally served as a consistent and compassionate presence — balancing operational coordination while providing reassurance and support to individuals experiencing distress,” the office said.
“Simone’s leadership transformed what could have been a short-term donation drive into a sustained, city-supported community movement. The scale of participation, the duration of operations, and the continued conversations about its impact demonstrate the measurable and lasting difference she made.
“Her actions exemplify proactive civic leadership, cross-community mobilisation, and compassionate service. Simone Thomas did not wait for direction, she created a structured response that united residents, leveraged municipal partnership, and strengthened Brampton’s spirit of solidarity.
“Her contribution embodies the true essence of the Brampton Inspirational Citizen Award,” the citation read.
Also expected to attend are Howard Shearer, son of former Prime Minister of Jamaica Hugh Shearer, and Bishop James Robinson of the Faith Open Door Ministries.
