Sept 10 2012 – Canada’s Governor-General David Johnston today presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to Sultan Jessa, a retired Ismaili journalist, living in Montreal, Quebec.
Awards were presented to 35 Canadians at a Special ceremony in Ottawa.
This is the third medal for Sultan, who spent more than three decades with various newspapers in East Africa and Canada before retiring.
This medal, specially created to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II, was presented to Sultan for his significant achievements and remarkable services.
He was particularly recognized for his outstanding fundraising abilities and leadership to numerous organizations.
The award-winning journalist was presented with Queen’s silver jubilee medal in 1977 and the golden jubilee medal in 2002.
“It is quite an honour to receive all three medals,” said Jessa, who received the Order of Canada, the country’s most prestigious and highest civilian order for 35 years of community service. “It encourages you to continue to help others. You don’t seek recognition, but it’s heartwarming when the work you do is appreciated.”
The Governor-General said recipients were being recognized for their service to Canada.
“You are respected in your field, you give back to your community, you are esteemed by your peers, and many of you have been recognized in one way or another.”
Johnston said recipients of the medal have contributed so much to Canada.
“You have strengthened our nation and as a result, it is a smarter, more caring place.”
He added: This award is a symbol of constancy and loyalty, yes, but also a symbol of service and collaboration. And so I give you this message today: reach out to others and share your success.”
In 2010, Sultan was selected as Canada’s top 25 immigrants. This award is given to people who have succeeded in Canada, and have made a difference in their adopted country.
Born in Tanzania, Sultan is the former editor and publisher of Northern News.
He worked for several newspapers and periodicals including the Nationalist and the Standard in Tanzania and Kenya’s Daily and Sunday Nation.
He migrated to Canada in 1973 and started working for Standard-Freeholder.
Six years after arriving in Canada, he was made Citizen of the Year of Cornwall, Ontario.
Jessa has received numerals honours from municipal, provincial and federal government.
The Ismaili journalist has also been honoured by Rotary, Kinsmen and the Ontario Medical Association.
He also has a rare distinction of being honoured by the Catholic, Jewish and Sikh communities.
Sultan has won Ontario’s medal for volunteerism, good citizenship has been recognized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Royal Canadian Legion as well as Red Cross and Rotary International.
Sultan, who lives in Quebec, is married to Rosila and the couple has two daughters, Anaar and Yasmin.
Related: Canada honours Indian-origin journalist
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