Vote 2025: Jamaicans in Canada keenly watching elections

By Shannick Dawkins  

 

With Jamaicans heading to the polls today, the excitement is not confined to the country.

 

Jamaicans in Ontario, Canada say they are closely watching the campaign unfold back home.

 

Canada is home to more than 200,000 Jamaicans, one of the largest diaspora groups. 

 

While they cannot vote from abroad, many want a better life for their families in Jamaica and also wish to return home one day. 

 

"Although the crime rate has gone down quite a bit, I think they could do better in that area. I think they need to try and bring more companies into the country to provide jobs for the younger people, the younger generation, to give them more stability," said one member of the diaspora.

 

Jasmine Johnson has rejected the notion that Jamaicans in the diaspora should stay out of the country's affairs. 

 

"Well to me, the ones that help build the country and the ones that help work for the country, we should have a say because we have, even my churches, we do charity, I personally myself do charity there. When I go back there's not a time that I don't give back to my own country. So if I give back to my own country and I was born here, I should have a say, once you put your money to the work."

 

Some in the diaspora are paying close attention to the party manifestos, whether it's the JLP's plan for a rural school bus system or the PNP's pledge to exempt small businesses from corporate income tax obligations for three years.

 

Meanwhile, the Jamaican Canadian Association will be hosting an election watch party later on Wednesday. 

 

Dr. Sylvanus Thompson of the Association said the event goes beyond politics.

 

"For Jamaicans living abroad, coming together to watch the results of the general elections is more than a political exercise. It is a reaffirmation of identity, unity, and shared responsibility. When we gather, we share in the excitement of Jamaica's democratic journey, celebrate our roots, and stay connected to the issues that affect our families and friends back home," he noted.