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ABLE at the Toronto's Flag Raising Ceremony
for Jamaica's 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebration
Hosted by the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA)

Message from the President
 
Dear Friends:
It is my pleasure to report that I was honoured to represent our organization at the Jamaica Day flag raising ceremony hosted by the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) at Nathan Philips Square on Sunday August 5, 2012.
 
In keeping with the indomitable spirit of Jamaica and Jamaicans, there was no deterrence by the heavy pouring rain.  In the usual spirit of Jamaicans, we all quickly moved indoors and carried on the ceremonies there.  The impressive contingent of notable Jamaicans and Canadian dignitaries such as Sheila Sealy Monteith (Office of the High commission for Jamaica), Peter Sloly (Deputy Chief of the Toronto Police Service), Mr Seth George Ramocan (Consulate General of Jamaica), Michael Thompson (Toronto councillor), David McCloud (Toronto Police Service) to name a few who spoke and who attended, further validated the fact that the beautiful Island Nation that is Jamaica truly is, as Deputy Chief Peter Sloly stated, "we little but we "tallawa!" 
 
While I was extremely honoured to represent York Regional Police (YRP) in the March from Albert St. to Nathan Philip Square, I was also proud to represent ABLE in my dual role as our President. Undeterred by the rain, we certainly had an enjoyable time. 
 
ABLE thanks the small contingent of our members who attended the ceremony as well as the team of uniformed officers representing Toronto Police Service, YRP, OPP, Court Officers and all uniformed personnel.  We thank the Pathfinders Drum Core and Mr. Dwight Drummond TV Host with CBC for his excellence.  Finally, ABLE extends special thanks to Ms. Audrey Campbell, President of the JCA, for inviting us to this milestone celebration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence. We look forward to our continued friendship with this important organization.

Thank you all for your continual support,
Yours truly,
Keith Merith, ABLE President

This year, ABLE partnered with the SVG BPA for our All White Annual Boat Cruise and it was a great success!

"The party was HOTT, the food fantastic and the weather was wonderful." said Paul

"You guys do this every year!  WOW! I never knew cops could have so much fun!" Suzanne commented

We hop you too will look forward to an equally fun and exciting Boat Cruise next August in 2013.

Det. Alton C. Parker, remembered
Alton C. Parker served 28 years on the police force. In 1951, a promotion also made him the first black police detective in Canada.

He dedicated his life to protecting a city where he wasn’t allowed to rent an apartment.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of Alton C. Parker breaking the colour barrier to become Windsor’s first black police officer.

But seven decades after Parker overcame the odds in a city where black people weren’t allowed on golf courses or in many bars and restaurants, Windsor’s acting police chief said his force still has a long way to go. Al Frederick said the Windsor Police Service is stepping efforts to recruit minorities and become more diverse. The service has been reaching out to community leaders and will hold community recruitment meetings.

“Diversity is one of the keys to success, because diversity brings different perspectives,” said Frederick. “It’s not just about skin colour or race or religion. It’s about diversity of education, diversity of experiences. So all of those things, we want to attract people to our service so that we’re stronger, we’re more responsive and we’re a better police service.”

...quoted directly from the Windsor Star Article:Windsor’s first black police officer honoured

Also see the CBC Article: Windsor Police try to add minorities to reflect city

Peter Butler III - Rose Fortune Scholarship Recipients