Date of publication: Monday 1 September 2025
Sunday 24 August 2025
Ottawa Community leaders honoured at Flo’s Seniors celebration
By Ijeoma Ukazu
On August 24, Flo’s Seniors, an Ottawa-based organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Afro-Caribbean seniors, honoured three distinguished community leaders at a special recognition event held at the Mosaic Convention Centre.
The honourees were recognized for their decades of service, advocacy, and contributions to Ottawa’s cultural and social fabric. The evening brought together community members, dignitaries, and supporters for what organizers described as a celebration of unity, service, and the enduring spirit of community.
The awards portion of the evening shone a spotlight on individuals whose work has strengthened Ottawa’s diverse communities. The first honouree, Jocelyne Constant, was recognized for more than forty years of civic engagement, particularly within Ottawa’s Haitian and francophone communities. A steadfast advocate for the Black francophone population, Constant has dedicated her career to social and political work that has uplifted countless lives and strengthened representation for marginalized voices.
Terry Evans was celebrated next for her tireless commitment to feeding the hungry. Widely known for her generosity and compassion, Evans has devoted countless hours to collecting and distributing food, ensuring that no one in her community is left behind. She was honoured for embodying the principle of lifting others regardless of circumstance, a value deeply rooted in the Afro-Caribbean tradition of community care.
The third recognition went to Lennox Puckerin, also known as “Dr. Soul”,a prominent DJ who helped shape Ottawa’s music scene by introducing diverse genres that enriched the city’s cultural fabric. Beyond his musical influence, Puckerin founded a youth organization that gave young street dancers and DJs a platform to develop and share their talents. His dedication to mentorship, volunteerism, and cultural leadership cemented his reputation as a vital contributor to community life.
Before the awards were presented, the evening opened with a warm welcome from Carol Campbell, secretary of Flo’s Seniors, who greeted dignitaries, association representatives, and community members. “This event is a celebration of unity, service, and the enduring spirit of community,” Campbell said. “Flo’s Seniors is built on the values of respect, compassion, and active living. We are proud to be part of a network that uplifts and empowers seniors.”
Member of Parliament Yasir Naqvi praised the organization’s mission: “Flo’s Seniors is one of the most incredible organizations in our community. It reminds me of how, in African, Caribbean, and Asian traditions, our elders are treated as uncles and aunties, whether we are directly related or not. This organization instills that sense of responsibility in all of us to care for each other.”
Ottawa City Councillor Rawlson King emphasized the broader importance of supporting seniors. “As a society, we are judged by the way that we treat our seniors,” he said. “Flo’s Seniors is focused on social development, economic development, and cultural impact. All three honourees are pillars of our community whose contributions strengthen the city.” King also highlighted the City of Ottawa’s ongoing anti-racism strategy and called for stronger investments in social service organizations like Flo’s Seniors.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Jamaican High Commission, Deputy High Commissioner Dale Jones praised the organization’s work as biblically rooted and socially vital. “Providing quality services to persons in their later years should not be taken lightly,” Jones said, quoting Luke 10:27 on the commandment to love one’s neighbour. “Since its inception, the Flo’s Seniors team has unwaveringly provided tremendous support to the elderly in Ottawa, earning the reputation of being an effective and dynamic organization. Their tireless effort and commitment deserve the highest commendation.”
The evening concluded with an appeal from Joanne Robinson, Executive Director and Founder of Flo’s Seniors, who urged attendees to continue supporting the organization through donations. Contributions, she explained, would go directly toward food assistance programs for those in need.
Flo’s Seniors, founded with the mission to raise the profile and quality of life of Afro-Caribbean seniors in Ottawa, has become a vital support network by offering direct services and forming partnerships across sectors. Its work is grounded in respect, compassion, and the belief that seniors deserve dignity, empowerment, and celebration.
The celebration drew a wide range of dignitaries, including Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs and his wife Dianne, Member of Parliament Yasir Naqvi, Ottawa City Councillor Rawlson King and his wife Linda Grussani, and Dale Jones, Deputy High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada, representing Her Excellency Marsha Coore Lobban.
Entertainment highlighted the intergenerational nature of the event. Eddy Alleyne performed on the steel pan, Keith Woleston delivered classic renditions representing older traditions, and Miss McLeod serenaded the audience with songs from a younger generation.
The August 24 celebration not only honoured the individual contributions of Constant, Evans, and Puckerin but also underscored the collective responsibility of the Ottawa community to support its elders. For many in attendance, it was both a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of values that bind the community together.
