Diaspora Day Charity Gala

Last week they participated in the 8th Advancements in Education Summit under the theme “Advancing our Passion for Teaching and Learning: Rediscovering Out Why ” The summit was organized by the Jamaican Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN)

This year's Summit boasted the largest delegation contingent of educators in attendance since inception The Summit got underway on June 14th at the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) campus in Davie where the teachers participated in several plenaries and breakout sessions on pertinent topics and issues including mental health and wellness, leadership, and mindfulness

A surprise component to this year's event was to have participating teachers from other Caribbean Islands, St Maarten, Trinidad & Tobago, and Aruba, courtesy of the President of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT), Dr Garth Anderson Dr Anderson, Dr Nicely, and President La Sonja Harrison were joined at the Summit by all Presidents since the inception of the relationship between JDTAN and the JTA in 2013: Donran Dixon, Georgia Waugh-Richard, and Norman Powell completed the slate of former presidents

The culminating event on Diaspora Day, June 16th was a sold-out Charity Gala at the Miramar Cultural Center, where the Hon Earl Jarrett, CEO of Jamaica National Bank, did the honors of the esteemed keynote speaker of the night Jarrett was very clear as he reminded everyone of the importance of good parenting and most of all formal education in Jamaica praising the indelible contributions of the teachers who “rock the cradle and rule the world ” He ended his profound presentation by reciting the Jamaican National Pledge which he encouraged all the patrons to solemnly internalize as a commitment to doing their best to continue to shape Jamaica

Please do likewise as you reflect on the pledge of Jamaica below

Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigor of my body, in the service of my fellow citizens I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship, and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race

The Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA), Jamaica National Group, Florida Atlantic University, and the Union of Jamaica Alumni Association (UJAA) sponsored the four-day event

Jamaica’s State Minister lauds voluntary work by diasporans

Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon Alando Terrelonge, has lauded the voluntary work being done by diasporans

In a Diaspora Day message on June 16, he pointed out that the voluntary work being undertaken by diasporans supports the efforts that contribute to the development of Jamaica and the diaspora movement

“There are also those who organize regular festivals and activities, keeping the Jamaican tradition and spirit alive in their communities of residence We salute you, our unsung champions,” he added

Diaspora Day was being celebrated under the theme ‘Positive vibrations: Connecting and Empowering Jamaicans at Home and Abroad’

The Day is an annual observation on June 16 It emerged from the first Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference held in Kingston in 2004

Mr Terrelonge, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, said that the Day provides an opportunity “to collectively celebrate diasporans and focus on the contributions that you make to national development and at a global level, particularly in the countries where you reside”

“Undoubtedly, Jamaicans abroad have served as excellent brand ambassadors, contributing over the decades towards the global positioning of Jamaica as a powerhouse, while supporting the development of Jamaica and the realization of the goals of our National Development Agenda,” he said

Acknowledging the importance of diaspora youth engagement and empowerment, Mr Terrelonge said that Government is committed to working with “second, third and fourth generations of Jamaicans abroad”

“The Government acknowledges the importance of diaspora youth engagement and is committed to working with you, the youth, successive generations of Jamaicans abroad, in order to continue the great legacy of Jamaicans playing their part to advance the welfare of the whole human race,” the State Minister said He said the Government will be collaborating closely through ministries, departments and agencies treating with culture, tourism and commerce to attract and stimulate the interest of the younger generation across the diaspora

The State Minister noted that over the decades, successive generations have made tremendous contributions in areas of politics, advocating for good governance and the rights and development of vulnerable and marginalized groups, including among the diaspora

Crossword Puzzle Across

1. Practice boxing 5. Sci-fi saucer, for short 8. House that might be ''humble'' 13. Mythology with Odin and Thor published

Indian Astrologer & Spiritual Healer

Down Sudoku

''You're it!'' game

He can read your Past, Present and Future about Family Life, Children’s Problems, Love Life, Business, Health, Financial Issues, Court Case Matters, Lucky Numbers, & Sexual Problems.