Jamaican Association of Maryland honors community leaders at Independence Gala

Jamaican pride, resilience and community service took centre stage on Saturday, Aug. 8, as Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica gathered at Martin’s West in Baltimore for the Jamaican Association of Maryland’s (JAM) annual Independence Gala, held in celebration of Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence.

Under the theme “A Night of Golden Celebration: Resilience to Rebuild,” the gala brought together community leaders, elected officials, business representatives and members of the Jamaican diaspora for an evening of celebration, recognition and reflection.

Representing the Government and people of Jamaica and the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Lishann Salmon delivered the keynote address and commended JAM for its 38 years of service since its establishment on July 4, 1988.

She noted that the association has played an important role in uniting Jamaicans, preserving and promoting Jamaica’s cultural heritage, advancing the social and economic welfare of its members, encouraging civic participation and mobilizing support for charitable causes.

“Organisations such as JAM help to ensure that Jamaicans in Maryland are not simply individuals living within the same geographical area, but members of a connected and caring community,” she said.

Linking JAM’s work to Jamaica’s Independence theme, “United in Celebrating Resilience,” Salmon underscored the importance of inclusion, cooperation and shared purpose. She encouraged the association to expand its engagement with second- and third-generation Jamaican Americans and create additional opportunities for mentorship, leadership development and civic participation.

She also highlighted the important role of Jamaicans overseas in the country’s development, describing the diaspora as an invaluable reservoir of skills, ideas, relationships, resources and commitment.

Robinson receives Marcus Garvey Award

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Marcus Garvey Award to Claire Robinson, manager and director of Clear Sky Travel and a former Air Jamaica manager at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. She was recognized for her outstanding contribution to the Jamaican community.

Six other Jamaicans received Community Service Awards in recognition of their contributions to the social, civic and economic life of Maryland. The recipients were Janet Abrahams, president of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City; Jazz Tucker; Sandy Tucker; Dr. Elaine Simon; Kenneth “Kenny” Brown; and Errol Smith.

Nugent recognized for decades of leadership

JAM President and CEO Ricardo “Rick” Nugent was also honored for his longstanding leadership and service to the Jamaican community. He received citations from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott in recognition of more than four decades of community service.

Moore’s citation noted that Maryland is home to approximately 47,000 Jamaican residents and commended JAM for bringing together generations of Jamaican Americans, friends, neighbors and fellow Marylanders.

The governor described the association as an anchor within the community, providing compassionate assistance to people experiencing hardship and disaster, directing resources to immigrants and supporting young people.

Reflecting on the lasting contribution of Maryland’s Jamaican community, he declared: “Your fingerprints will be all over the page.”

Scott also commended JAM for its sustained efforts to advance the social and economic welfare of Jamaican Americans in Maryland. He highlighted the association’s work in service, education and culturally responsive programming, as well as the gala’s support for the Claude McKay Scholarship Fund. The mayor’s citation was presented to Nugent by Ericka Blake Morgan, representing the Office of the Mayor.

In his message, Nugent noted that the evening commemorated Jamaica’s independence and emancipation, as well as Caribbean Heritage Month in Maryland. He reaffirmed JAM’s commitment to providing scholarships, uplifting young people and preserving Jamaican traditions and values.

Nugent also highlighted the association’s continuing efforts to assist vulnerable Jamaicans at home, particularly those affected by Hurricane Melissa.

“We will continue to give back to help the less fortunate in our homeland devastated by Hurricane Melissa,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the association’s sponsors, advertisers, patrons, volunteers and members of the Independence Gala Committee for their support in making the celebration possible.

Marked by Jamaican music, culture, fellowship and national pride, the gala celebrated Jamaica’s journey over 64 years while reaffirming the important contribution of the diaspora. The evening’s message was clear: Celebrating Jamaica’s achievements must go hand in hand with service, unity and a shared commitment to building a stronger future for generations to come.