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The Citizen, 1991-08-07, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7,1991. Joyce and Vivienne Stephens sworn in as Canadians Former Blyth resident and Cen­ tral Huron Secondary School track star Vivienne Stephens and her mother Joyce were officially sworn in as Canadian citizens on Thurs­ day, July 25 in London, Ont. The late Mr. Stephens, a Canadi­ an from Montreal, had wanted his Jamaican family to become Canadi­ ans, since coming here five years ago. It takes three years before you can apply and eight to 10 months before citizenship is granted. The Stephens were lucky, however, get­ ting theirs in just six months. For the mother and daughter, the first step to becoming Canadian started out with filling out appro­ priate forms and visiting a counsel­ lor, who then gathered background information and referred the appli­ cants to the judge. Mrs. Stephens said they were given documentation on Canadian history and geography. During a first interview with the judge, the applicants are asked questions from the documentation. In total, the mother and daughter made four trips to London. » The day of the ceremony the clerk explained the procedures, rights and privileges that come with being Canadian. There were guest speakers and then the national anthem, before the applicants are swom in and the judge says an oath which they then repeat. Certificates and identification cards are then presented. Of the 72 immigrants who attended the ceremony, Judge McKenna chose Vivienne to give a speech about her life, what she has accomplished and why she wanted to be a Canadian citizen. The Stephens still retain their Jamaican citizenship, which will be important for the track and field runner, in the future, but for right now, Vivienne says, she is putting that part of her life on hold and planning for her education. Swearing in ceremony long awaited The following is the speech read by guest speaker, Vivienne Stephens, when she and 71 others, including her mother, were swom in as Canadian Citizens, Thursday, July 25. This day is one I have long awaited. Your honour, fellow citi­ zens, mother and friends. It is with all of you in mind that I have these words to say. I am Vivienne Andrea Stephens, (shortly to be) a Canadian citizen. My journey begins in the country of my birth, Jamaica. My mother married a Canadian in 1978. Due to my new found father's occupation, my first stop was in Haiti. After a period of two years, Pills­ bury, the company my father worked for transferred him to Saudi Arabia. Four years later, we were on the move again, our direction was now towards Torreon, Mexico. Our stay was only for two years after which we returned to Jamaica. Two years after our stay, my father had decided to retire from Pillsbury. The compass then point­ ed due north, Canada was our next destination. Since my father was a World War II veteran and having spent 27 years away from Canada, he felt that it was fitting that he should return home. Canada, the land of my father's birth was now to be our new home. Jamaica will always have a spe­ cial place in my heart. I cannot and will not deny the existence of my roots, I am Jamaican bom. Upon my arrival in Canada, I immediately immersed myself in the Canadian way of life. I began high school in Clinton going into Grade 10. It was in high school that I achieved new goals and devel­ oped a love for track and field. I made new friendships and embarked on a new life. Everything was going well until tragedy struck. Six months after our arrival my father passed away leaving my mother and I with a void in our lives and new chal­ lenges to face. Strangers in this strange land soon became friendly faces. With their help, we picked up the pieces and carried on with our lives. It was something that my father would have wanted. We were on the move again, this time it was only a fifteen minute drive to Clinton. My mother was a tower of strength, I marvelled at her emo­ tional durability. Through all of this she was able to restore order back into our lives. She found us a new home, and after 14 years, she returned to work in a totally alien environment. After having worked in Clinton, my mother is presently employed in Seaforth. I am taking a break from what has been a hectic and successful five years of high school track and field. Being the top high school sprint­ er in the province was the result of hard work and support of all my friends. As a member of the Saugeen Track and Field Club, I have been able to enjoy other parts of Canada, places such as St. John, New Brunswick; various cities in Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Some day I hope to see the rest of this beautiful nation. I I hope to continue with my edu­ cation, to someday establish a career for myself and be able to give back at least a little of the great things Canada has given me. I want to make my life all that I can in Canada. I want to someday represent Canada at the Olympics. I wish to be a part of the democratic process. I want my opinions to be heard and my cares to matter. I want to say that I am a Canadi­ an Citizen, to say it with conviction and pride. It is for these reasons that I am here today. From this day forward my dreams, hopes, and aspirations start to become reality. Mother, I thank you for being my greatest supporter, I hope that I have been yours. Father I thank you as well, I know that you are here with us. If it was not for you, this day would have never been possible. To our friends who came here to share this day with us, my mother and I thank you, you have been our family. To my fellow citizens congratu­ lations and together let us make our new country proud. 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