South Florida community honors founder of Jamaica Grand Independence Ball
Key Points(5)
- Friends, family members and leaders within South Florida's Caribbean community gathered on May 31 to pay tribute to Mrs.
- Elgeta Thompson-Martin, the founder of the Annual Jamaica Grand Independence Ball, recognizing her decades of service in preserving and promoting Jamaican culture in the diaspora.
- The event, organized by the Friends of Elgeta Event Planning Committee and led by Dr.
- Beverly Fray, celebrated Thompson-Martin's longstanding contributions to the Jamaican-American community and her role in establishing one of South Florida's most enduring cultural traditions.
- In her welcome remarks, Fray described Thompson-Martin as a woman whose commitment to community service was driven not by a desire for recognition but by a deep sense of purpose.
Friends, family members, and leaders within South Florida's Caribbean community gathered on May 31 to pay tribute to Mrs. Elgeta Thompson-Martin, the founder of the Annual Jamaica Grand Independence Ball, recognizing her decades of service in preserving and promoting Jamaican culture in the diaspora.
The event, organized by the Friends of Elgeta Event Planning Committee and led by Dr. Beverly Fray, celebrated Thompson-Martin's longstanding contributions to the Jamaican-American community and her role in establishing one of South Florida's most enduring cultural traditions.
In her welcome remarks, Fray described Thompson-Martin as a woman whose commitment to community service was driven not by a desire for recognition but by a deep sense of purpose.
"She did not do what she did for recognition," Fray told attendees. "She did it because it needed to be done. She did it because she cared — deeply, genuinely, and without condition."
Widely known for her dedication to cultural preservation, Thompson-Martin is credited with creating the Jamaica Grand Independence Ball as a way to provide Jamaicans living abroad with a space to celebrate their heritage and strengthen community ties. Over the years, the annual event has become a fixture on South Florida's cultural calendar, drawing generations of families together to commemorate Jamaica's independence through music, cuisine, artifacts and shared traditions.
Fray said the impact of Thompson-Martin's work extended far beyond event planning.
"Because of her vision, generations of our children have grown up knowing who they are and where they come from," she said. "She didn't just plan events — she planted roots."
The evening was emceed by Rodney Baltimore, a veteran broadcaster and DJ at HOT 105 FM, who guided the program as community members reflected on Thompson-Martin's legacy and the influence she has had on Jamaican and Caribbean life in South Florida.
Several speakers noted that while Thompson-Martin's efforts have benefited countless individuals and families over the years, her contributions had not previously received the level of public recognition they deserved.
Throughout the ceremony, attendees shared stories highlighting her commitment to ensuring that Jamaican culture remains visible and vibrant among future generations of Caribbean-Americans.
Honoree, Mrs. Elgeta Thompson-Martin, center, escorted by Mrs. Deon Kenny, daughter (L), and Ms. Dorrett Lindsay, Event Planning Committee member
Event Planning Committee Chair, Dr. Beverly Fray, welcomes patrons to the event
Event Planning Committee Members with souvenir for Mrs. Thompson-Martin, honoree
CG Oliver Mair, presenting a proclamation to Mrs. Thompson-Martin, honoree
As the tribute concluded, Fray offered words of appreciation on behalf of the community.
"We see you. We honor you. You have inspired us," she said.
The event served as both a celebration of Thompson-Martin's achievements and a recognition of her role in helping preserve Jamaican cultural identity in South Florida for decades.
