Jamaica’s 51st Independence Anniversary Ball Launched in New York
By Dennis Kabatto – When Consul General (CG) of Jamaica in New York, Herman G. Lamont took the podium inside his Consulate’s auditorium, he was jovial as he articulated a list of upcoming activities during the month of August commemorating Jamaica’s 51st Independence Anniversary.
Consul General of Jamaica, New York Mr. Herman G. Lamont & Ms Paulette Willoughby – Chair, Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc
Speaking at a Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc. (JICFI) sponsored media reception Wednesday in Manhattan to launch Jamaica’s 51st Independence, he urged dozens of Jamaican nationals, local politicians including New York City mayoral candidate William Thompson (whose grand parents emigrated from Barbados), friends of Jamaica and members of the press to participate in the many upcoming events commemorating Jamaica’s Independence.
CG Lamont, a career diplomat who previously worked as deputy consul general in Miami and Toronto, Canada and assumed his duties in New York in March 2012, cautioned the multi-generational guests inside the Consulate’s auditorium that the purpose of the celebration is not limited only to parties but it encompasses a mission of charity and service.
He called on Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in New York to support many of the causes and organizations across the Diaspora and the Island. Every year JICFI makes charitable donations to the following benefactors including American Foundation of the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), Mustard Seed, Early Childhood Foundation, New York City Rescue Mission, Alpha Boys House, Ward Theatre Foundation, Boys’ Town Foundation, American Cancer Society and Mission for the Poor.
Andrea Daley – JICFI Media Liaison and Meron Dagnew – Advocate of Ethiopian Culture & Arts and founder of Addis Ababa based BE Kollective
“I look forward to welcoming my fellow Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to our 51st Independence Anniversary Gala,” said Paulette Willoughby, Chair of JICFI. Ms Willoughby added, “I salute the honorees for their outstanding contribution to the community and their accomplishments in their respective fields, they have made us proud to be Jamaican. We need your support, so come celebrate with us and I promise a spectacular evening.”
Other featured guest speakers from the New York Jamaican community included respected Diaspora advocate and JICFI Board Member Irwine Clare. Mr. Clare said in statement that he is “extremely proud of my country and the Diaspora for the level of pride and nationalism so evident in their support of the annual Ball. This is a grand affair which celebrates not only the proudest moment in the life of our nation, but also recognizes Jamaica’s sons and daughters who have excelled or continue to excel in their respective fields and provides support for charities that serve the neediest among us,” Clare said.
The Mistress of Ceremony for the 51st Anniversary Ball is famous actress and singer Sheryl-Lee Ralph whose heritage is from Jamaica while Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States of America Professor Stephen C. Vasciannie in Washington, DC is slated as Special Guest of honor.
For their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican community, JICFI will honor and award Ms Helen Foster, Office of Public Engagement, The White House; Ray Goulbourne, Executive Vice President, Black Entertainment Television, (BET); Dr. Answorth A. Allen, Orthopedic Surgeon and Irie Jam Media.
“The 51st gala will be a fabulous affair. This annual celebration is always a thrill for Jamaicans who are passionate about their heritage and culture. The ballroom of the New York Hilton will be rocking to the sweet sounds of Jamaica, so mark your calendars, Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica, alike,” said Andrea Daley, JICFI Media Liaison and key organizer of the Media reception.
Jamaica’s pre-eminent reggae band The Fab 5 Band will provide entertainment.
Proceeds from this year’s event will provide full scholarships for needy students to attend the University of the West Indies and support an early childhood basic school.
