Flag raising, church services and galas to mark Jamaica’s Independence across US
Published:Monday | July 29, 2024 | 12:07 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
As Jamaicans across the United States get ready to celebrate Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of Independence, they will do so through several flag-raising events, church services and Independence galas.
An annual Independence Church Service, organised by the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC, took place yesterday at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The embassy said that in the spirit of unity and giving, the offering collected during the service will provide much-needed relief for the St Elizabeth Infirmary in Jamaica, which was recently devastated by Hurricane Beryl.
“Your contributions will help support the residents and staff as they rebuild and recover,” the embassy said.
The embassy and friends will also host a Jamaica Fest Link-up on August 18 at the Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The Jamaica Association of Maryland has announced the holding of its Independence Gala on Saturday, August 10, at Martin’s West, Windsor Hill, Maryland.
Under the patronage of Ambassador Audrey Marks, the association will honour Tony Carr, Frank Burke and Leslie Perry. Proceeds will provide scholarships.
Over in New York, the official church service organised by the Jamaican Consul General in New York to mark Jamaica’s Independence will be held on Sunday, August 11, at 4 p.m. at the First Cathedral Church in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
Under the patronage of Consul General Alsion Wilson, a special collection will be taken to assist Jamaica’s hurricane relief efforts.
Meanwhile, the flag-raising ceremony to mark Jamaica’s Independence will be held on Monday, August 5 at 9:00 a.m. at Bowling Green, Manhattan in the financial district.
Another flag raising ceremony will be held on August 7 at 10 a.m. at the Stamford Government Center in Stamford, Connecticut.
Over in Philadelphia, a flag-raising ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at Philadelphia City Hall to mark Jamaica’s Independence.
A church service to mark the occasion will be held on Sunday, August 11, at 4 p.m. at the True United Church.
Independence Gala
Team Jamaica Bickle will host an Independence Gala in Philadelphia on August 10 at the Hilton Hotel with special guest Olympian Inez Turner. Honourees will be the VM Group, Steven Olson, Anthony E. Gay and Alice Francis.
In Florida, the official church service organised by the Jamaican Consulate in Miami will take place on Sunday, July 28, at the Faith Center in Sunrise.
Under the patronage of Consul General Oliver Mair, a special collection will be taken to benefit Hurricane Beryl relief efforts in Jamaica.
On August 4, a Sweet Jamaica Independence Festival will be held at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center to mark Jamaica’s Independence. Honourees include Mair. Music will be provided by Fab 5, with guest Leroy Sibbles.
A free event to mark Jamaica’s Independence will be held on Saturday, August 3, starting at 3 p.m. at the Amphitheater in Miramar.
There will be music and entertainment, including performances by Super Cat, Gramps Morgan, Ernie Smith, Richie Spice and Ed Robinson.
In Atlanta, Georgia, the Atlanta Jamaica Association will hold its Independence Ball and Scholarships Awards function at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel on August 10.
The Jamaica Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland will hold its annual Independence dinner/dance and scholarship awards at the Greetree Country Club in New Rochelle on August 3.
Honourees include Consul General Wilson and Sephron Mair, entrepreneur and philanthropist.