Northeast USA’s Jamaican diaspora prepares for spectacular independence festivities

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

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