No Jamaica Independence Gala in New York this year

There will be no official Jamaica Independence gala in New York this year.

The Independence gala is usually organised by the Jamaican Consulate in New York in conjunction with non-profit organisation, Jamaica Promise.

In a statement, the consulate said it was with deep regret that it was announcing that the gala would not be held, due to competing priorities, and the difficult decision had to be made to forgo “this cherished event”.

“We understand that many of you plan your calendars well in advance, and we wanted to ensure that this announcement was made with ample notice. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time,” the consulate wrote to the members of the Jamaican diaspora, which each year look forward to the event.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the generous support and funds raised over the past two years. Your contributions have made a significant impact in several areas,” the consulate said. “In addition to supporting these worthy causes, the gala has been a wonderful opportunity for individuals to come together, enjoy themselves, and celebrate our rich heritage and culture.”

The consulate stated that it values the sense of community and joy that the gala has brought to all attendees.

It said despite the cancellation of the gala, “we are excited to share that several other activities are being planned to commemorate Jamaica’s 62nd year of Independence”, and invited the Jamaica community to stay tuned for further announcements and updates on these upcoming events.

“Thank you for your continued support and understanding. We look forward to celebrating with you in new and meaningful ways.”

The decision by the consulate not to host an Independence gala this year has not gone over well with members of the Jamaican community.

Disappointment for the community

Radio host and events promoter Clement ‘Ras Clem’ Hume told The Gleaner that the cancellation was not a good look.

He questioned why there would be no gala in New York this year after back-to-back, financially successful galas.

“The gala is one of the staple events in the diaspora to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence and not having it leaves a void,” he said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by former Northeast region Diaspora Council member and educator, Dr Karren Dunkley, who told The Gleaner that not having the gala would be a disappointment for the community.

“This event has always been a cherished opportunity for our community to bond, celebrate our heritage, and strengthen our connections,” she said.

Dunkley said the community would miss attending the Independence gala this year.

“While we will deeply miss this festive occasion, we are committed to supporting the consulate to host an amazing gala in 2025,” she, however, added.

Clive Williams, a former member of the committee who assisted in planning the gala, also questioned why the consulate would not be hosting the event, given the levels of support and sponsorship it traditionally received.

“This is going to leave a huge void because people look forward to attending the gala as a way to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence. I am sure that the community will not be happy with this decision,” he said.

Irwine Clare, who has been a member of several Independence gala planning committees, told The Gleaner that the gala would be sadly missed.

“It is the social event of the year on the Jamaican community calendar and the funds raised have gone to support many charitable organisations,” he said.

Clare said that, while he understood the sacrifices that go into planning the gala, it is the flagship event and has a great track record of deliverables.

The Independence gala is hosted by the Jamaican Consulate in New York as the consulate is not a non-profit organisation and therefore cannot raise funds on its own. The consulate has to work in conjunction with a registered non-profit organisation for the staging of the gala to raise funds.

Among the areas the consulate listed as being supported significantly by contributions raised through the Independence gala in recent years are:

• Scholarships for Students: Your donations have provided numerous students with the opportunity to pursue their education and achieve their dreams.

• Life-Saving Medical Care: Funds raised have supported critical medical interventions and care, saving lives and improving health outcomes for many individuals.

• Community Initiatives: Your generosity has also supported various community initiatives, fostering development and improving the quality of life in our communities.