The embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., has clarified that it is not hosting an event scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024, despite promotional videos circulating on social media. The embassy emphasized that it remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays, including June 15th.
The embassy condemned the misuse of its name to promote an unsanctioned event, describing it as “disingenuous” and “misleading.” This incident is particularly disappointing as it coincides with Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of Caribbean communities in the United States.
The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), whose name has also been associated with the event, confirmed through its founder and President, Dr. Claire Nelson, that ICS is not involved. Dr. Nelson released a schedule of official Caribbean-American Heritage Month events, which the Embassy endorses.
“The Embassy of Jamaica maintains a list of registered, active Diaspora organizations that work assiduously to improve the lives of Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, and we commend all patriotic Jamaican Americans taking a proactive approach to address the issues that face our people. None of these over 400 organizations are associated with any event at the Embassy of Jamaica on June 15th, 2024,” the statement read.
The embassy urged the public to disregard the unauthorized use of its name, which it called “malicious and deceitful.”
It invited Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to participate in its official annual independence Celebrations, which are being hosted in partnership with active Diaspora organizations and members of the Jamaican Community in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.
The Annual Independence Church Service is scheduled for Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, MD. JAMAICA Fest will take place on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in downtown Silver Spring, MD.
For more information on official Diaspora activities, visit the Embassy’s website at www.embassyofJamaica.org.
