Hayden Jones - Chairperson

Hayden Jones was born in Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He spent some years in England before moving to Canada in 1979 and has resided in the GTA since 1980. Hayden has been married to his wife Claudette for over 27 years and has 4 children and two grandchildren. 

Hayden obtained an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston Massachusetts, specializing in Marketing and International Business. He has dedicated his career to the public sector in the Federal Government (HRSDC), with higher-level Educational Institutions, and in Financial Services and has worked in the Higher education environment for the last decade.

Hayden has been involved in charitable work for well over 20 years: Diversity and Inclusion, group leader for men’s group who were traumatized as children, Chairperson of CARI-ON (disaster preparedness organization for St. Vincent and the Grenadines) and he is the former President of the Union Island Cultural Association of Greater Toronto. 

NIKOLA ANDREA JONES (AKA ANDREA) - Vice-chair, dIRECTOR OF EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

Andrea Jones grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was raised as a Unionite (from Union Island, SVG) by her parents, Jason and Omega Jones. After high school, she ventured from Manitoba into Ontario, in 1993. 

Andrea is currently employed as an Administrative Assistant with Ontario. She has been a Certified Medical Office Assistant with over 15 years of experience at Scarborough Health Network. Since 2014, Andrea became a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician, at Lakeridge Health. Studying at Centennial College, Andrea gained Medical Technologist and Laboratory Certifications (OSMT and CSMLS) with an average “A” grade, demonstrating her commitment and determination to learn and succeed.

 Having many years of experience as a Medical Secretary, Lab Technician, and Accounts Receivable Clerk in the Health Care and Business Environment, has provided Andrea with success in delivering services, trusted confidentiality, first-rate communication, and dependability, to both Hospital staff and clients of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. All this work experience, training, and development provide her with exceptionally strong service skills, both in a team and individual environment. 

Andrea’s free time has been spent with her two grandchildren. She has also volunteered as a Co-manager for her daughter’s Rep Basketball team, which held the 2017/18 Ontario Basketball Association National Gold. She is also a proud and dedicated founding Member of CARI-ON SVG Disaster Preparedness. 

CLAUDIA SUTHERLAND - TREASURER

Claudia Sutherland was born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and attended the Kingstown Methodist School. Following a move to Toronto in the late 60’s, she attended and graduated from Harbord Collegiate Institute.

 She was employed with Nestle Canada Inc. for 37 ½ years in various positions in Sales, Finance and Demand and Supply Chain, until taking early retirement in 2014. Since retiring, she has volunteered her time with numerous charitable organizations within the GTA including City of Toronto Special Events, YWCA, Starlight Children’s Foundation and Heart & Stroke Foundation to name just a few.

 Claudia joined CARI-ON SVG as she feels strong alignment to the mission of the organization and is very happy to play a role in helping to support and better the country of her birth.