Plans are well underway for Jamaica’s 61st anniversary of independence, with vibrant celebrations scheduled to take place in various states, including the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York.
The events have been organized by the Embassy of Jamaica, the consulate in New York, various honorary consuls, alongside various diaspora organizations.
Noteworthy events and dignitaries attending the festivities
The commemorative events will kicked off on Friday, July 28, with the Rochester New York Jamaica Organization hosting an anniversary ball.
Continuing the celebrations, on Sunday, July 30, the Embassy of Jamaica held a Service of Thanksgiving at the Sligo Seventh Day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Dignitaries, including Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore of Jamaican parentage, members of the diplomatic corps, elected officials, and representatives of international organizations, were in attendance. Reverend Astor Carlyle from Webster Memorial United Church delivered the sermon, while Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne, Dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, will moderate the service.
Ambassador Audrey Marks extended the official welcome and share the Prime Minister’s message.
On August 19, the Jamaica Association of Maryland will host the “Jamaica 61 Gala” under the patronage of Her Excellency Audrey Marks at Martin’s West Ballroom.
Notably, Jamaicans in Philadelphia will participate in a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday, August 4, at the City Hall, led by Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin.
The “Jamaican Diaspora Pastors” of Pennsylvania will hold a special church service, celebrating “Jamaica 61,” on August 13 at the First African Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
In New York, Independence Day, Sunday, August 6, will be marked by a church service at the New Life Tabernacle in Brooklyn. Bishop Michael Mitchell, Senior Pastor of New Life, will deliver the sermon, while welcome remarks will come from Alison Wilson, Jamaica’s Consul General in New York.
The Consulate will continue its Independence activities with a grand Independence Gala on August 19 at the New York Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
The event aims to honor seven outstanding Jamaicans, including award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and Grammy Award-winning recording artiste Orville “Shaggy” Burrell.
In New Jersey, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey will raise the flag at the East Orange City Hall on July 28, with Mayor Ted Green participating in the ceremony.
On August 13, they will hold a Thanksgiving service at the New Hope Baptist Church, celebrating their 25th anniversary as an organization and Jamaica’s 61st year of independence.
The guest speaker for this occasion will be the pastor of the Montclair Seventh Day Adventist Church, Dr. Dwayne Frazer. Subsequently, on August 26, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey will stage its 25th Anniversary and Independence Awards Gala at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Newark. Her Excellency Audrey Marks will be the guest speaker, and the organization will recognize US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Comedian Oliver Samuels.
Down in Atlanta, Georgia, the Independence activities will begin on August 12 with the Atlanta Jamaica Association hosting its annual Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel.
Ambassador Audrey Marks will be a special guest, and the guest speaker for the event will be Dr. Clare Nelson, President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Maryland.
The following day, the Benevolent Missions of Atlanta will hold its annual fundraising brunch at the Mayfair Tower, featuring Ambassador Audrey Marks as the keynote speaker.
On August 20, the Jamaican community in Atlanta will attend an ecumenical Thanksgiving church service at PeachTree Road United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Denzil Holness as the preacher and Rev. Dr. Noel Eerskine as the moderator.
Bringing Jamaica to the Northeast USA
Lastly, on September 17, the Jamaican Embassy will stage “Jamaica Fest” at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. The event will showcase Jamaica’s vibrant culture and music, embodying the theme “Jamaica Proud and Strong.”
Ambassador Marks expressed her enthusiasm for the celebrations, emphasizing the Jamaican spirit of resilience captured by the slogan, “We likkle but we tallawah.”
Though the nation’s history spans only 61 years, the occasion serves as a reminder of Jamaica’s enduring and impactful presence on the global stage.
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