Ryerson University

Ryerson University

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to 28,000 students, including 2,000 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 tenured and tenure-track faculty and staff, and more than 130,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca

Dr. John Stewart

Dr. John Stewart

- Member of the first medical class of graduates from the UWI and not the UCWI.
- At the UWI he received honours in Anatomy and Physiology in 1964 and the Clinical Gold Medal; distinction in medicine and therapeutics, honours in surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology in 1969.
- One of his most notable works is FOCAL PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHIES, published in 1988
- He left Jamaica after graduating and went to Britain where he did further training in internal medicine at the University of Wales in Cardiff. He obtained the M.R.C.P. (U.K.) in 1972 and started training in neurology. However the zeal for travel supervened and he went to the University of Nairobi, Kenya as a lecturer in medicine for two years. There he teamed up with two neurosurgeons and a radiologist to form a ‘neuro team’. They discovered a high prevalence of congenital anomalies of the craniovertebral junction in two of the large Kenyan tribes and studied and published the findings establishing the nature and surgical treatment of this otherwise disabling disorder. He then entered the neurology programme at McGill University and completed that training in 1978. In 1989 he obtained the Detweiler Travel Fellowship and the WHO Travel Fellowship (Autonomic Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic and the Neurology Research Laboratory at the Middlesex Hospital in London, U.K.). He was appointed consultant/staff physician at the Montreal General Hospital and assistant professor with McGill University. After fifteen years he moved to the Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute and was promoted to full professor. The focus of his career has been clinical practice in a university hospital setting, teaching and mentoring students and residents, doing clinical research into disorders of the neuromuscular and autonomic nervous systems and clinical administration. He established an Autonomic Testing Laboratory at the Montreal Neurological Hospital. He has had several leadership positions including Director of Clinical Neurological Services, Montreal General Hospital, Chairman of the McGill University Residency Training Programme, Chairman of the Council of Physicians of the Montreal Neurological Hospital and Neurologist-in-Chief at the Montreal Neurological Hospital. He has been invited to give numerous lectures, talks and presentations in the Caribbean and all over the world and has published in journals and peer-reviewed journals, done book chapters, publications, non-medical articles and conference presentations.

Gap Adventures

Gap Adventures

Gap Adventures offers the widest selection of affordable small group tours, safaris and expeditions to more than 100 countries. As a world leader in adventure travel, we believe that every one of our trips represents an opportunity to experience something unique and memorable. That’s why we’re constantly seeking new ways to bring you face to face with the world’s most fascinating cultures, landscapes and awe-inspiring natural wildlife in a genuine and sustainable way.

Our small group adventures are all about active cultural exploration: getting away from the tourist crowds, embracing the unexpected and creating opportunities for unique experiences. Join us and discover the safety, security and convenience of travelling with a group of like-minded people from all over the world.

Dr. Karl Massiah

Dr. Karl Massiah

Karl Alleyne Massiah D.O.B. 12th September 1940.
Born in St John Barbados he received his education at The Lodge School.
He entered UCWI Mona in October 1959; graduating in The Class of 1965.
Along the way he was awarded The Junior Surgery Prize, The Chin Yee Prize in Surgery and graduated with Honours and The Gold Medal in Surgery, The Beckton Henderson & Dickinson Prize in Medicine and The Gold Medal in Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
Together with 5 classmates he broke the mould and Interned at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Barbados...now the Teaching Hospital for F.M.S. Cave Hill.
Returning to Jamaica he undertook training in Neurosurgery and in Orthopaedic Surgery.
Entering the University of Toronto in 1968 he trained in Orthopaedic Surgery, receiving his F.R.C.S.C. in 1972- the first ever Barbadian Orthopod.
Denied a post at Q.E.H. he assumed the role as Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Etobicoke General Hospital in Toronto, becoming the Pioneer Chief in this then new hospital, serving in this role for 30+ years, becoming the pioneer Chief of Orthopaedics at The William Osler Health Centre (the largest orthopaedic department in Canada).
He retired after 33 years of service.
During this tenure office he served on The Board of Governors of E.G.H for 10 years and was twice President of The Professional Staff Association E.G.H.
He counts among his greatest successes the role which he played in conceiving-along with others- and ultimately producing The University of the West Indies Medical Alumni Association...the first active alumni Association at U.W.I. He became and remains President of The Canadian Chapter.
He is particularly proud of the role of The Canadian Chapter and the role which he played in initiating and accomplishing the concept of UWIMAA International and his role in driving for UWIMAA Reunion 1 1988 at which time the International organization was formed.
He became the Founding President of the Board UWIMAA International and served 3 terms.
He continues to serve on this Board recently attending The A.G.M. at Reunion 10 some 22 years later.
He is married to his Classmate -Pamela DaCamara & they have recently celebrated their 45th Anniversary.
He is the Father of 2 Daughters and Grandpa to 3.
He enjoys Decorative Decoy Carving & Painting and travelling.
He loves his Rose Garden and spoiling his 3 Grandchildren.

Dr. The Honourable Michael Lee-Chin, OJ, O.Ont.

Dr. The Honourable Michael Lee-Chin, OJ, O.Ont.

Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman, Portland Holdings Inc., is widely regarded as a visionary entrepreneur whose philosophy of “doing well and doing good” has resulted in phenomenal success and inspiring philanthropic initiatives.

Born in Port Antonio, Jamaica in 1951, Michael immigrated to Canada in 1970 to study civil engineering at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. After beginning post‑graduate studies, Michael decided to explore career opportunities within the mutual fund industry. At the age of 26, Michael became a financial advisor and, with growing success, progressed to the position of branch manager.

In 1983, at the age of 32, Michael borrowed money to purchase $500,000 of Mackenzie Financial stock. After four years, this stock appreciated seven-fold, and Michael used the profits to make his first acquisition, a small Ontario-based investment firm called AIC Limited. At that time, Advantage Investment Counsel (a division of AIC Limited) had assets under management of just $800,000. Within 20 years, AIC grew from less than $1 million and – at its business peak – posted more than $15 billion in assets under management. In September 2009, AIC’s retail investment fund business was sold to Manulife Financial. However, Michael and his team continue to sub-advise the flagship Advantage Series of funds for Manulife through Portland Investment Counsel. Michael has managed the Advantage Fund since inception.

As the founder of Portland Holdings Inc., Michael Lee-Chin’s business accomplishments span various countries and numerous sectors.

At the helm, Michael established an investment philosophy and guiding principles for each of the Portland group of companies. Although some companies may not have possessed strong balance sheets or a guiding framework prior to acquisition or establishment by Portland, it has been under Michael’s stewardship that each of the Portland group of companies has come to display the following attributes:
• Solid returns on equity;
• Positioned in a long-term growth industry;
• Entrepreneurial, competitive and hard-working management;
• Potential to be a global leader;
• Possessing competitive advantages (for example, brands, relationship networks, licenses, etc.); and
• Possessing quality tangible assets.

Following the acquisition of AIC Limited in 1987, Michael set about developing the Berkshire group of companies – comprising an investment planning arm, a securities dealership, and an insurance services operation. Under Michael’s stewardship, Berkshire was able to amass more than $12 billion of assets under administration by 2007. At that time, Berkshire had also grown to form a network of 750 financial advisors operating in 250 offices across Canada. In 2007, Manulife acquired Berkshire from Portland Holdings in exchange for shares, making Portland one of the most significant shareholders of Manulife. In 2002, Portland’s interests expanded internationally with the acquisition of National Commercial Bank (NCB) Jamaica Ltd. and its subsidiaries. Since becoming part of the Portland group, NCB profits have increased to approximately US$130 million from US$6 million. NCB today stands as Jamaica’s largest bank with 45 branches, 2,400 employees, and offices
in the Caymans and the United Kingdom. NCB was awarded the Latin Finance 2007 Bank of the Year Award.

In April 2006, Portland acquired an 85% controlling stake in the United General Insurance Company, the largest auto insurer in Jamaica, and renamed the firm Advantage General Insurance Company. A controlling interest in CVM Communications Group (consisting of radio and television stations and newspapers) was purchased at the same time.

In 2005, Portland partnered with Risley Group to form Columbus Communications Ltd. – a Barbadian corporation that holds controlling interest in a number of telecommunications providers in the Caribbean including Cable Bahamas Ltd., Caribbean Crossing Ltd., Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited (operating under the name Flow America), Fibralink Jamaica Limited, and Columbus Communications Trinidad Limited (operating under the name Flow Trinidad).

Columbus is a diversified telecommunications company whose core operating business is providing cable television services, high speed internet access, digital telephone and internet infrastructure services (retail) and, the development of an undersea fiber optic cable network as well as the sale and lease of the telecom capacity provide by the network (wholesale). It operates in 21 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

In the tourism sector, Michael has guided Portland through a number of acquisitions in the Caribbean. Among them, the Trident Villas and Spa in Jamaica, Reggae Beach and Blue Lagoon.

The first Portland acquisition in the health care industry sector was announced by Michael in July 2006, when Medical Associates Limited, a privately held hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, joined the Portland group.

Portland also runs a Private Equity Fund focused on investing in the Caribbean region; clients include OPIC; a division of the US government, European Investment Bank (EIB), Verizon pension fund and Export Development Canada (EDC).

Under Michael’s stewardship, Portland Holdings Inc. today owns a collection of diversified businesses, operating in sectors that include financial services, telecommunications, tourism, media and health care.

Over the years, Michael’s vision for sustainable growth for Portland Holdings Inc. is anchored in two principles. First, Portland will invest in businesses that are economically substantial and provide exceptional products and services into the marketplace. And, equally important, these businesses must also seek to improve the social well‑being of the communities in which they operate. Michael formally established as the Portland mantra – “prosperitas cum caritate” – which in Latin speaks to his goal that businesses must “not only do well, but also do good” – that is the measure of success.

In 2008, Michael Lee-Chin received one of Jamaica’s highest national honours – The Order of Jamaica, for his significant contributions to business and philanthropy.

Mr. Donovan Bailey

Mr. Donovan Bailey

Few names can instil a feeling of awe and pride like the name of sports legend Donovan Bailey. Bailey commanded the world’s attention in the 1990’s when he exploded onto the track and field circuit determined to do what no other man before him had done.

It may not have always been his calling, but it was apparent from an early age that Bailey had no interest in marching at the pace of the rest of the world. He was more extraordinary than that. Bailey’s physical dominance, mental brilliance and impenetrable drive cast him as a formidable opponent in all of his endeavours. When most other youngsters in their early 20’s were just dabbling with adulthood, Bailey had already began a successful career in finance and was comfortably shooting up the corporate ladder when he decided to redirect his energy and revive a childhood passion in sprinting.

In just a few short years, Bailey was running alongside some of the greatest sprinters on the circuit – the same great sprinters that he soon began to surpass. His performances started to capture the attention of the track and field community. Then came the sports enthusiasts. Canada. Jamaica. And then the whole world followed.

Winning titles and smashing records, Bailey left his indelible mark by becoming one of the most revered all-time greatest athletes in the history of track and field.

Donovan Bailey. World champion. Olympic Champion. World’s fastest man. Extraordinary.

Career Highlights
• Birth Date: December 16, 1967
• Birth Place: Manchester, Jamaica
• Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
Donovan Bailey is indisputably among the best athletes in track and field history. Track & Field News declared Bailey "Sprinter of the Decade" (1990's) and one of the world's all-time greatest and most dominant sprinters.
• Two-time World Record holder
• Two-time Olympic Champion
• Three-time World Champion
• Eight-time Canadian Champion
• Pan American Games Champion
• Goodwill Games Champion
• Commonwealth Games Champion
• 1995- Dominated the World Championship in Gothenburg by winning the 100-metre sprint and the 4 x 100-metre relay titles.
• 1996, Bailey broke the indoor 50-metre world record in Reno, Nevada, posting a time of 5.56 seconds — a record still held to this day.
• 1996 he earned the rare triple title of World Champion, Olympic Champion, and World Record holder. (Bailey electrified Canada and the world where he shattered the World and Olympic record, winning Canada’s first gold medal ever in the glory event of the Games. Bailey ran a sizzling 9.84 seconds)
• Awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy and named Canadian Newsmaker of the Year.
• In 1997, Bailey won a third World title with the Canadian relay team and beat American sprinting champion Michael Johnson in a much publicized 150-metre race to determine who was the "World's Fastest Man."
• Bailey was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 individually, and inducted again in 2008 as part of Canada’s 1996 Olympic gold relay team.

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