Ontario Chapter – Founding Members

Founding Members – STGC | OBA Ontario Chapter
[L-R] Roy McCatty, Mike “Mello” Lym, Patrick “Skedron” Smith, Neil Dalhouse, Peter Rickards, Robbie Vernon, Ray Jackson.
Archive Photo, circa 1984

Honouring 40 Years of St. George’s College Alumni Association Ontario Chapter

Fellow Georgians, Family, and Friends,

Since our inception in 1985, we have collaboratively achieved remarkable milestones for our Ontario Georgian family and St. George’s College in Jamaica. Let us continue to uphold this proud tradition.

The journey began on April 29, 1984, when a small group of Old Boys in Toronto convened, led by Patrick (Skedron) Smith. They appointed lawyer Peter Rickards as the chairperson to oversee a Steering Committee, which included Neil Dalhouse, Robbie Vernon, Winston Cooke, Roy McCatty, Dennis Chang, Ray Jackson, and Patrick Smith himself.

Throughout the following year, this dedicated group worked diligently to draft a Constitution, recruit potential members, and engage in fellowship and fundraising activities to support our school.

On March 3, 1985, we officially formed the Chapter during our inaugural Annual General Meeting, where Peter Rickards was elected as our first President, and the original Steering Committee members formed the Board.

From these humble beginnings, guided by successive Presidents and Board members, our Association has grown significantly. Many of our members have emerged as leaders in community service in our adopted country, Canada. Over the years, we have provided substantial financial support to the school, including an annual scholarship of CAD 1,500 for the children and grandchildren of Ontario members.

We distribute newsletters to nearly 700 members and their families residing primarily in Canada, the United States, Jamaica, and other countries worldwide. These communications play an essential role in maintaining awareness of our school and showcasing the achievements of our members and their families.

Notably, four members of our Ontario Chapter have been inducted into the St. George’s College Hall of Fame in Jamaica: Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong (2000), G. Raymond Chang (2006), Robbie Vernon (2008), and Carl Chang (2012). They join esteemed Georgians such as Monsignor Gladstone Wilson, Archbishop Lawrence Burke, S.J., and Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Anthony Chen.

Additionally, several distinguished Ontario Chapter members have been recognized by the Kingston Chapter with the prestigious Msgr. Gladstone Wilson Awards: Patrick (Skedron) Smith (2002), Fred Kennedy (2015), and Danny HoLung (2017).

For more information, including access to our newsletter, please visit our official website at www.stgctoronto.com.

St. George’s College Alumni Association Ontario Presidents:

Peter Rickards (1984-1986)
Neil Dalhouse (1986-1988)
Derek Potopsingh (1988-1990)
Peter Hitchins (1990-1992)
John Chavannes (1992-1994)
Bob Wills (1994-1998)
Warren Abbott (1998-2002)
Donald Barnett (2002-2004)
Robbie Vernon (2004-2006)
Daniel Ho Lung (2006-2008)
Chris Chin (2008-2010)
Milton Hart (2010-2012)
Fred Kennedy (2012-2014)
Gary Thompson (2014-2015)
Benito Palomino (2015-2017)
Andre Gregory (2017-2021)
Chris Chin (2021-2023)
Peter Hitchins (2023-Present)

Let us continue to build on our legacy together.