12 WASHINGTON DC: THE SPIRIT of Jamaica left an indelible imprint on Washington DC’s highly touted Passport DC ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’ 2024, with the Jamaican embassy opening its doors last Saturday, May 4, to throngs of visitors to the US capital city. Saturday’s inclement weather was no match for the excitement of those who made the Jamaica stop in DC, eager for a sample of delectable bites of Jamaican cuisine and culture. Neither were the long lines that at times spilled out onto the streets, snaking from the embassy around the block into Connecticut Avenue, Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour is part of an annual Washington, DC, tradition taking participants “around the world” for a variety of food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations, and manufactured goods from different countries. With people gathering as early as an hour before the embassy doors opened, a warm and upbeat atmosphere welcomed visitors eager to explore the rich heritage and flavours of the island paradise. The event proved a resounding success, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on the more than 2,000 visitors who stopped in for the Jamaican adventure. One of the highlights of the evening was the exquisite culinary tour that served up authentic,tantalising Jamaican delicacies: mouthwatering jerk chicken and patties, skilfully prepared by the talented chefs from DC’s Jerk@Nite. Rum punch cocktails, refreshing juices, and delicious snacks compliments of Grace Foods and Appleton Rum added a special touch to the savoury treats on offer. The embassy of Jamaica, Jamaica Tourist Board, and EMD Sales partnered to deliver delightful momentary escapes to the white sand beaches of Jamaica. By way of immersive displays and captivating visuals, guests experienced the allure of the island’s crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning landscapes – one patron likening the adventure to being in Jamaica but skipping the need for passports, airports, and flying. The JTB-Embassy partnership gave visitors an opportunity to dream, to envision themselves basking in the warmth of the Jamaican sun and enjoying a truly unforgettable vacation. It was a pleasure to host such a diverse and enthusiastic group of visitors during the Passport DC ‘Around the World Embassy Tour,’”said deputy chief of mission at the embassy, Lishann Salmon. “Our goal was to transport our guests to Jamaica through an immersive cultural experience, showcasing our vibrant traditions, delicious cuisine, and the natural beauty of our island. We are thrilled to have been able to share the spirit of Jamaica with all who attended.” This year’s Jamaican attractions included Appleton Rum Tasting, Jamaican Rum Punch sampling, Jamaican Culture Corner, Coconuts and Sugar Cane, Jamaican Fashion Corner, Jamaican Art Corner, Jamaican cuisine, and Live Jamaican DJ music. “Events DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour and Passport DC attract nearly 30,000 attendees each year and allow the diplomatic community to highlight the very best of their home countries,” remarked Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “Washington, DC, is a worldclass destination for many reasons. With such a high concentration of embassies, locals and tourists have an unparalleled opportunity to experience a wide range of local, national, and international traditions from around the globe. I love that we can benefit from each other for inspiration and creativity in so many ways, art, cuisine, Spirit of Jamaica captures Washington in Passport DC Shawn Graves, travel adviser with Jamaica Tourist Board, interacts with visitors as they stop by the JTB display at the Jamaican embassy. Two members of staff at the Jamaican embassy, Melisa Baker and Georgette Smith, entertain visitors to the embassy’s display at Passport DC. DERRICK SCOTT PHOTOS Lyndon Taylor/Contributor NEW YORK, NY: COMING OUT of March – Women’s History Month – and skipping past April, women and especially mothers, will again be in the spotlight this month and for all the right reasons – Mother’s Day celebrations. In this issue we highlight some women who have made outstanding contributions to the community. Dr April Spencer, founder and chief operating surgeon of the Dr Spencer Global Breast Health and Wellness Center and co-host of UrbanMD TV @dr.aprilspencer, has not only shattered glass ceilings, but has paved the way for future generations of black women in medicine. With a career spanning over two decades in surgical oncology, Dr Spencer is dedicated to guiding her patients through their journey, advocating for women and early detection while empowering them to thrive beyond a cancer diagnosis with her mantra: Treat It, Beat It & Move On. She is a Chicago native who was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, earning her undergraduate degree in biology from Norfolk State University. She returned to Atlanta to attend the prestigious Morehouse School of Medicine, and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree. After matriculation, she remained at Morehouse to complete a general surgery residency. She completed both her Internship & General Surgery Residency at Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the busiest Level 1 trauma centres in the Southeast. Statistics show that 47.1 per cent of surgical oncologists are female. Of that number, 1.8 per cent are black and African American. The board-certified surgeon, ranked in the Top 10 in the State, provides 100 per cent breast services to women, men and adolescents. Dr Spencer is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). She was recognised by her peers and awarded the ASCO National Diversity in Oncology Award in 2009. Recently, she launched a non-carcinogenic anti-ageing cosmetics and skincare line, along with the Just Breast Women’s Supplement. Her advice to young girls and women is a quote from the late, iconic freedom fighter and president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela: “You can never lose. You either win or you learn.” Dr April Spencer, paving the way for black women in medicine Dr April Spencer, founder – Global Breast Health & Wellness Center, GA. CONTRIBUTED 10 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MAY 9 - JUNE 8, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MAY 9 - JUNE 8, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT
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