The Grenada Board of Tourism is pleased to recognise the remarkable achievement of Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, who was recently nominated and selected for the prestigious Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award in Canada.
Raeburn-Baynes was born in Sauteurs, St. Patrick, Grenada and migrated to Canada at the age of 13.
A community activist since 1964 and an avid fundraiser for various non profit and charitable organisations, she played an instrumental role in the formation of Montreal's Caribbean Carnival.
She also created the first black modeling group/agency in Quebec and raised over $1.5 million in the last 27 years for charity through their fashion show productions.
Two years ago, she produced and promoted "A Taste of the Caribbean" - an extravagant Caribbean food festival in Quebec supported by the City of Montreal which featured local Grenadian chef Johnny Phillips.
Gemma sits on several boards and is currently working on her new program Triumph through Adversity - which will assist disenfranchised black youths, giving them an opportunity to achieve academic success and contribute positively to the community.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award is presented each year to individuals who best exemplify Dr. King's ideals.
Raeburn-Baynes, who was cited for promoting the beloved community and human dignity, was presented with her award last month at Montreal's City Hall by the Mayor of the City of Montreal.
She is a Senior Auditor for the Bank of Montreal and is married to elementary school teacher, Bernard Baynes. They have one son, Kevin.
