THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 3 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 PLANS ARE in high gear for the staging of Jamaica’s independence celebrations in a number of states, including Washington, DCMetropolitan Area, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and New York. The events have been organised by the Embassy of Jamaica, the consulate in New York, various honorary consuls, alongside various diaspora organisations. On August 19, the Jamaica Association of Maryland will stage its ‘Jamaica 61 Gala’ under the patronage of Ambassador Audrey Marks. The event will be held at Martin’s West ballroom, commencing at 8 p.m. Led by Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia Christopher Chaplin, Jamaicans in Philadelphia will celebrate Jamaica 61 with a flag-raising ceremony on August 4 at the City Hall in Philadelphia, beginning at 10:30 a.m. On August 13, the ‘Jamaican Diaspora Pastors’ of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will hold a Jamaica 61 church service at the First African Baptist Church at 6700 Lansdow Avenue in Philadelphia, commencing at 4 p.m. In New York, the Jamaica 61 celebrations will take place on Independence Day, Sunday, August 6, with a church service at the New Life Tabernacle in Brooklyn, beginning at 4 p.m. The sermon will be delivered by the senior pastor of New Life, Bishop Michael Mitchell. Jamaica’s Consul General in New York Alison Wilson will deliver the welcome remarks. The consulate will continue its Independence activities which will feature a grand Independence Gala on August 19 at the New York Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan. The function is expected to recognise seven outstanding Jamaicans, including actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and recording artiste Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell. On August 26, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey will stage their 25th Anniversary and Independence Awards Gala at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Newark, New Jersey. The guest speaker will be Audrey Marks, while US CongresswomanYvette Clarke and comedian Oliver Samuels will be recognised by the organisation. In Atlanta, Georgia, the Independence activities begin on Saturday, August 12, when the Atlanta Jamaica Association will stage its annual Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel. Special guest will be Ambassador Audrey Marks, while the guest speaker will be President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Maryland, Dr Clare Nelson. On Sunday, August 13, the Benevolent Missions of Atlanta will stage its annual fundraising brunch at the Mayfair Tower in Atlanta, at which time Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks will deliver the keynote address. On August 20, starting at 3 p.m., the Jamaican community in Atlanta will attend an ecumenical thanksgiving church service at the PeachTree Road United Methodist Church, led Rev Dr Denzil Holness, while the service will be moderated by Rev Noel Erskine. On September 17, the Jamaican Embassy will be staging ‘Jamaica Fest’, an event which will showcase Jamaica’s rich culture and music. This will be held at the Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, beginning at 12 noon. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to facilitate these events, along with our partners and friends who have contributed to Jamaica’s development over the years,” said Marks. “I hope that all Jamaicans in the diaspora will continue the great tradition of sharing the Jamaican spirit. I encourage all Jamaicans, and friends, to embrace this year’s theme, ‘Jamaica 61 ... Proud and Strong,’ in celebration of Jamaica, land we love.” Jamaican diaspora to stage Independence celebrations across the United States Flag bearers enter the sanctuary in Takoma Park, Maryland, signalling the commencement of the thanksgiving service to mark Jamaica’s diamond jubilee and 184 years of Emancipation. Leading the procession is Rick Nugent, president of the Jamaican Association of Maryland. Bearing the Jamaica flag is Kerry Anderson-Dixon (right), and Ingrid Jallier (with the USA flag), both Embassy of Jamaica staff members. At right is Ambassador Audrey Marks. PHOTO BY DERRICK SCOTT THE ANNUAL Marcus Garvey march will take place this year on August 19 in Harlem, New York. The march will kick off at 6 p.m. at 124th street and 5th Avenue and will culminate at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. The march to celebrate Jamaica’s first national hero, the Marcus Garvey is organised yearly by the NewYork chapter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Organiser of the march, Michael Duncan, said that he hopes that the march will be bigger and better this year. Garvey was headquartered in Harlem during his time in the United States and made his mark in that community. Annual Marcus Garvey march on August 17 MY FELLOW Jamaicans in the diaspora and at home, I am pleased to convey warm greetings to you, as we celebrate the milestone anniversaries commemorating our 61st Independence and 185th Emancipation. THIS YEAR, our Independence theme, Proud and Strong, is a reflection of the indomitable spirit of resilience inherent in our nation’s history and people. Our journey towards nationhood has been one of great struggle but with transformative achievements, extending beyond the glorious hoisting of our national flag on August 6, 1962. It is with the foregoing in mind that we welcome this occasion to reflect on our legacy of greatness over the past 61 years of Independence and 185 years of Emancipation. We also do this with renewed vigour towards redefining our destiny by charting a course towards becoming a republic by 2025. As one of the most stable democracies in the Caribbean, Jamaica has remained a credible voice on the international scene, with noteworthy freedoms that have laid the foundation for the remarkable paradise that we love and call home. Our small island home has given birth to extraordinary talents whose legacy of excellence reverberates throughout the halls of greatness in various fields across the globe. From our cultural icons to intellectual giants, our influence has transcended geographic boundaries. UNWAVERING COMMITMENT I wholeheartedly commend the unwavering dedication and exceptional efforts of our invaluable Jamaican diaspora, whose continuous commitment to serving our fellow nationals is truly remarkable. Year after year, your unwavering support ensures that Jamaicans at home benefit from your extraordinary generosity. From providing 16 scholarships to extending assistance to burn victim Adriana Laing through funds raised at the Independence Gala and generous donations, to engaging in various medical missions, education donations, and community projects, your impactful contributions bring about life-changing transformations. Your unwavering commitment to making a significant difference is truly commendable and deeply appreciated. Let us honour this Independence by recommitting to uplifting those among us, for it is through the embrace of empathy and compassion that we build bridges that foster solidarity. It is only through this approach that we can truly embrace the spirit of unity and resilience that define us as Jamaicans, proud and strong. In so doing, I am certain that we can work diligently together to ensure that ‘Jamaica, may under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race’. Happy Jamaica 61st Independence and 185th Emancipation. Thank you and One love! AlisonWilson Consulate General of Jamaica NewYork Embrace the spirit of unity and resilience MESSAGE CG Alsion Wilson CONTRIBUTED
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=