In Christmas messages to the Jamaican diaspora, Jamaican diplomats in the United States -- Ambassador Audrey Marks, and consuls general Alsion Wilson and Oliver Mair -- have praised its members for their continued contributions to the development of Jamaica.
“As the festive spirit of the 2024 holiday season embraces us, we pause to extend our warmest wishes to you for both the season and the coming year. In this time of celebration, when friends and family gather to share moments of joy and gratitude, we are reminded of the precious bonds that unite us, and our collective responsibility to bring comfort and light to those who need it most. Looking back on 2024, our nation has much to celebrate. From the efforts of our athletes at the Paris Olympics to the global phenomenon of the Bob Marley biopic spreading the message of ‘One Love’, Jamaica’s influence continues to resonate worldwide. Our 62nd anniversary of Independence and our unified response to Hurricane Beryl not only brought us together, but demonstrated the resilience and strength that define our people,” said Marks.
She said the Embassy remained grateful for the unwavering support of the diaspora community.
“Your dedication has been instrumental in achieving numerous milestones that have benefited Jamaicans, both at home and abroad. Through medical missions, scholarship programmes, mentorship initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and cultural promotion you have positively impacted the livelihoods of Jamaicans near and far,” she said.
“In this season of giving, let us continue to remember those among us who face hardship and struggle. The true measure of our community’s strength lies not just in our achievements, but in our ability to uplift those who need our help the most. I encourage each of you to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate, whether through our registered diaspora organisations or through personal acts of kindness,” she said.
The ambassador, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica and the staff of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC, extended “heartfelt wishes” to the community and their loved ones for a joyous and safe holiday season, and expressed the hope that the coming year will bring abundant blessings, continued success, and the warmth of family and community that makes Jamaican heritage so special.
Wilson, the consul general in New York, in her Christmas message to members of the diaspora, extended “deepest love and greetings” to their families for the Christmas season.
“Christmas calls us to reflect on the spirit of unity. It is a time to look out for one another, to be our brother’s keeper. Let us remember those who may be lonely or struggling during this season, extending a hand of kindness, just as the love of our Jamaican community has always taught us.
“I encourage each of you to hold Jamaica close to your heart. Though we may be separated by oceans, the ties that bind us are unbreakable. Let us give back, where we can, to the homeland that has given us so much. Whether through charitable donations, mentorship, or simply sharing the stories and culture of Jamaica, your contributions help to secure a brighter future for generations to come.
“As we prepare for the road ahead, we are filled with hope and determination. Jamaica stands poised for continued progress, and the strength of our diaspora plays a vital role in shaping that journey,” she said.
She said Christmas, for Jamaicans, “is far more than a date on the calendar but a cherished tradition, a time of year that evokes the fondest memories of home...the smell of sweet cakes baking, rich with fruits soaked for months, drifting from kitchens to verandas, through windows, and over fences, reaching neighbours who smile knowingly. Those were the days when the air was alive with laughter, music, and love”.
She added, “It was a time when our parents and grandparents, with hands dusted in flour and hearts full of joy, reminded us of the magic of togetherness.
“Even here, miles away from home, we carry these traditions in our hearts and kitchens. The making of sorrel, the sharing of festive meals, and the echoes of carols infused with reggae rhythms bind us to our heritage. It is through these shared moments that we remain connected to the land we love. Together, through unity and a commitment to being our brother’s keeper, we can ensure a prosperous tomorrow for our beloved island. As we gather this season — whether surrounded by family or holding loved ones in our hearts — may your homes be filled with love, joy, peace, and the enduring spirit of Christmas. Let the nostalgia of our past inspire a future of togetherness and boundless hope.”
Mair, the consul general to Miami, in his message, said sight should not be lost of the true meaning of Christmas, a time of renewal, hope, gratitude and generosity.
“Christmas is not the same without giving and sharing – let kindness be our guide as we are reminded of the less fortunate, the elderly, the homeless and lonely ones. Giving back to our country is a testament to our love of country and an example of our fortitude and resilience as a people. Our immediate response to those impacted by the recent hurricanes across the diaspora and the Caribbean region must not go unnoticed. We joined with international organisations like Global Empowerment Missionand Food For The Poor to extend a helping hand during the hurricane periods, which caused extensive damage across the region.
“We thank the large delegation from the Southern USA who attended the 10th National Biennial Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay last June. The event was a resounding success, during which time we accomplished a full four-day agenda. We were able to complete a day of service at the Barrett Town Health Clinic, which is one of our adopted clinics under the Ministry of Health’s Adopt-A-Clinic initiative. My heartfelt gratitude to the entire Southern USA community for the success of the fifth anniversary of the Jamaica 5K Walk/Run held simultaneously on May 11th in five regions under the Consulate’s jurisdiction – Atlanta, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Houston, TX; Orlando, FLA; and the tri-county area of South Florida (Miami, Broward and Palm Beach). And we were able to visit all five clinics in rural communities in Jamaica, continuing our work through financial and mission support. We are happy to share with our diaspora community that our Jamaica Hi-5 effort was awarded ‘Best Jamaican-Themed Event’ at the recent 25th Anniversary Awards Reception ‘Best of Jamaica’,” he said.
He noted that celebrating the season means singing the good tidings of comfort and joy.
“It’s also a time to give thanks to God for His many blessings to us. As the good Book says ‘... in everything give thanks for this is the will of the Lord… .’ We have so much to be thankful for as we think of our rich cultural heritage, and our resilience as a people. This year, Jamaica commemorates 62 years of Independence as a nation. My staff and I at the Consulate General express our profound gratitude to each and everyone, including our corporate entities, charitable groups and individuals who continue to support us celebrating our accomplishments as a diaspora,and for the benefit of our homeland during this milestone celebration. This year was a productive and exciting one in our Southern USA diaspora community, and at home, as was evident in the many events that are staples on our calendar.
“As we celebrate the festive season across the diaspora, let us relive what is uniquely our Jamaican Christmas, embracing our cultural traditions…the sweet taste of sorrel, the aroma of the fruit cake baking in the ‘Jamaican’ kitchens, the sumptuous serving of roasted chicken, gungo rice and peas, and that rich-flavoured Jamaican eggnog. Now, let us remember the truth about Christmas ‘…for unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace’,” he said.