By Neil Armstrong

Three Jamaicans living in Canada are among the 150 individuals who have been appointed to the Orders of the Societies of Honour and to the Badge of Honour.

The names of Howard L. Shearer and Mary Maria Diana Joanna Bishop of Ontario and Reverend Joseph Tommy Thompson of Manitoba were announced on August 6, Independence Day, by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, acting in accordance with the regulations made under section 7 of the National Honours and Awards Act, and on the advice of Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The presentation ceremony will be held on National Heroes’ Day on October 21 in Jamaica.

Shearer has been appointed to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander for his contribution to the fields of engineering and technology.

He is the Chief Executive Canada of Hitachi Canada, a company he joined in October 1984. Prior to this position, Shearer served as Chairman, Hitachi Power Systems Canada; President and Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Canada Ltd; and Vice President and General Manager, Semiconductor Division.

“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed to the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander. The unexpected news, delivered to me the night before its official announcement, was both humbling and deeply inspiring. While this appointment is a recognition of my past contributions in the fields of engineering and technology, I see it as much more—a call to action.  It is a powerful reminder that there is still much to be done.

Shearer said it reinforces his commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and to inspire others in Jamaica, particularly youth, to pursue excellence in these critical fields.

“I view this honour as another opportunity to leverage my global experience for the benefit of Jamaica, to contribute in meaningful ways to our nation’s growth, and to ensure that the journey which began in the land of my birth continues to make a lasting impact.   This appointment to the Order of Societies of Honour is a testament to the strength and potential of our nation; it motivates me to do more, not just in recognition of the past, but in dedication to the future. I will continue to do my part to elevate Jamaica on the world stage,” says the son of Jamaica’s former prime minister Hugh Shearer.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from McMaster University and has a Global Professional Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. He is a member of the McMaster University Dean of Engineering Advisory Council, a board member of the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, and chairs the Energy Council of Canada.

In June this year, Shearer received an honorary degree, Doctor of Science, from the engineering faculty of his alma mater, McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario, where he graduated in 1977.

Bishop is the recipient of the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for services in the field of philanthropy and contributions to the development of the diaspora in Canada.

Born in May Pen, Clarendon, in 1945, she immigrated to Canada in 1966 and is a retired adjudicator with the Ministry of Social Services in Ontario. Bishop is a dedicated and enthusiastic fundraiser who supports everything Jamaican. She is tireless in supporting organizations such as the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (P.A.C.E) Canada, Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc., and Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation.

Bishop was elected to the Milton Town Council in 1988 and served as a councillor until 1992. She was also an intake worker with the Halton Social Services Department in Oakville and served as an adjudicator at the Social Benefits Tribunal of Ontario.

In 1996, Bishop was named Milton Citizen of the Year by the Milton Chamber of Commerce and in 2001 received the John Holland Award in Hamilton. She was the recipient of the Pride Woman of Excellence Award, 2007, for her mothering ability, hard work and efforts within communities.

For 47 years of service to Jamaican nationals in the diaspora in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Reverend Joseph Tommy Thompsonhas been awarded aBadge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

Thompson is senior pastor at New Anointing Christian Fellowship in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where his wife, Donna Thompson, is also a pastor.