Jamaican diaspora to mark Emancipation and Independence at annual Thanksgiving Service in Maryland

Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from across the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia will gather on Sunday, July 26, for the annual Thanksgiving Service celebrating Jamaica's 188th anniversary of Emancipation and 64th anniversary of Independence.

The service will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the Seabrook Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lanham under the theme, "United We Stand: Rebuilding with Resilience."

The annual event is expected to bring together members of the Jamaican diaspora, diplomats, clergy and local, state and federal officials for a morning of worship, reflection and celebration of Jamaica's national heritage.

The program will also feature the presentation of the fourth annual DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to Jamaica and the diaspora.

Chargé d'Affaires a.i. and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., Lishann Salmon said this year's theme reflects the enduring spirit of the Jamaican people.

"This year's theme reminds us that the Jamaican spirit is strongest when we stand together. From Emancipation to Independence, our journey has been one of courage, resilience and hope. As a people, we have always found the strength to rebuild, renew and rise again," she said.

The service will be presided over by Jamaican-born New Testament scholar Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne, former associate and interim dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, alongside Bishop Stanley Murray of Baltimore New Testament.

The sermon will be delivered by the Rev. Eron Henry, editor at Judson Press and former communications director for the Baptist World Alliance. Musical performances will be provided by Ariel Jarrett, Lennard Jack, Errin Stewartson and Jazmyn McCoy.

A major highlight of the event will be the presentation of the DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awards, an initiative of the Independence Anniversary Church Service Planning Committee in collaboration with representatives of the Embassy of Jamaica.

Awards will be presented in four categories: Individual, Organization/Institution, Friend of Jamaica and Lifetime Achievement.

Chairman of the Awards Subcommittee Ian Edwards said this year's honorees have made significant contributions to both Jamaica and the diaspora.

"This is the fourth year that the committee is conferring these awards on individuals in the DMV who have made outstanding contributions towards keeping Jamaica's flag flying high, and this year's honourees are well deserving," Edwards said.

This year's service will also serve as a fundraiser for the Windsor Therapeutic Centre in St. Ann, formerly the Windsor Girls' Home. The facility provides residential care, education, counseling and rehabilitation for girls who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Custos of St. Ann Joseph Issa welcomed the initiative and said the support would directly benefit vulnerable children.

"This timely and generous partnership will make a profound difference by supporting the Centre's efforts to meet critical needs in health, education, child welfare and psychological rehabilitation, while strengthening its capacity to deliver quality care and brighter opportunities for the young people it serves," Issa said.

The annual Thanksgiving Service is organized through a partnership involving the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., Jamaican clergy and several diaspora organizations across the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. It has become one of the flagship events commemorating Jamaica's Independence celebrations in the United States.