Sultan Jessa, a retired journalist living in Montreal has been voted as one of Canada’s top 25 immigrants for 2010.
This is Canadian Immigrant magazine’s second annual people’s choice award.
Out of close to 450 nominations, Jessa was short listed by a panel of judges, and then Canadians picked the top 25. The award ceremony was held in Toronto on May 25.
Since Jessa is out of the country, the award will be accepted by his older daughter Anaar, an actuary with Sun Life in Toronto.
This award is given to people who have not only succeeded in Canada, but have made a difference in their adopted country. It is sponsored by the magazine and the Royal Bank of Canada and supported by Rogers Wireless.
“This quite an honour,” said Jessa.
Like many new immigrants, the journalist also experienced a cultural shock upon arriving in Canada from East Africa in 1973.
“Instead of waiting for acclimatization to the new society, I took a proactive approach and got involved in many communality activities,” Jessa said.
The top immigrant program celebrates the stories and achievements of outstanding new Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
“With 20 per cent of the Canadian population foreign-born, it’s important that we acknowledge the achievements of such a large group of people that make up our country – many of whom have made a great contribution to Canada and their communities,” said Nick Noorani, founder and publisher of Canadian Immigrant. “Immigrants need positive role models who motivate them to succeed in a new country as they journey through their new lives in Canada.”
More than 10,000 votes from across Canada were cast in the inaugural awards program in 2009.
Among immigrants honoured last year were the current Governor-General Michaelle Jean and the former Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson.
Born in Tanzania, Jessa once worked for the Nationalist, the Standard before joining Kenya’s Daily and Sunday Nation. In Canada, Jessa worked for the Standard-Freeholder in Cornwall. He was named Cornwall’s top citizen in 1979.
Jessa has received numerous municipal, provincial and federal awards for his work with community organizations. He is also the recipient of Queen Elizabeth’s silver and golden jubilee medals.
Jessa’s biggest moment came five years ago when he was awarded the Order of Canada, the country highest and most prestigious award, for 35 years of community service.
He is married to Rosila and the couple has two daughters, Anaar and Yasmin.
Ismailimail 