The People’s Ball the perfect New York City night out
Sold-out, black-tie gala a celebration of Jamaica’s Independence
Published:Monday | August 12, 2024 | 12:07 AMDave Rodney/Gleaner Writer
It was the perfect New York City night out!
After consecutive days of pouring rain, some of it brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Debby, the New York City skies suddenly cleared and a shimmering Saturday evening sunset formed the backdrop for the third annual People’s Ball, celebrating Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of independence.
The sold-out, black-tie gala was presented by the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc and the cocktail hour started out on the sprawling, outdoor penthouse of the Terrace Park in Queens with its jaw-dropping, 180-degree view of the New York City skyline. Attendees screamed about the amazing weather. And they whispered about the colourful fashion parade that was unfolding with perfectly accessorised designer gowns flowing like the Hudson River, making creative use of the Jamaican colours.
“What else would you expect when the Paris Olympics and Jamaica’s Independence are happening in the same week?” a guest chuckled, after having been complemented on her eye-popping black-and-gold embroidered gown as she showed off her freshly manicured emerald-green nails.
Shortly after 8 p.m., the hundreds of attendees were ushered inside to their tables from where a multi-course dinner and the evening’s riveting entertainment were served. Once the presentation of colours and the singing of the national anthems of the United States and Jamaica were out the way, belly-bottom, backyard Jamaican laughter filled the ballroom, thanks to the comedic style of social media sensation Julie Mango and public relations executive Lyndon Taylor, who both emceed the event.
Impeccable memory lane entertainment was provided by a live band, True Tribute, who delivered a greatly appreciated Skatalites set. They were later joined by reggae icon and award recipient Dean Fraser, and New York-based singer with a powerful voice, Maricia Ramed.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Clive W. Blackwood, executive vice-president and general auditor of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, who outlined the joys of Jamaica’s journey to his present status, but pointing out that as we quite rightly celebrate, one should bear in mind that the trip to our destination is not over yet and there is more work to be done.
“Our history is that of ordinary people making extraordinary contributions,” Blackwood stated. “We celebrate and march towards the Promised Land because there is much more to come, based on everything we have seen our people overcome during the course of history,” he added.
Mayoral and congressional awards were presented to Veronica Campbell Brown for her accomplishments in track and field; to Dean Fraser, saxophonist, for his contributions to global reggae; to Hyacinth Bloomfield for community service; and to Lamona Worrell, assistant commissioner in the New York City mayor’s office, for Caribbean community development.
The Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in the Financial Services Industry went to Clive W Blackwood. He was also the recipient of a US House of Representatives Proclamation and a New York State Senate Proclamation for his more than 25 years of stellar contributions to banking and auditing. Blackwood’s awards were presented by US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke from the 9th District of New York. Clarke was dressed to impress in a splendiferous black, green and gold haute couture gown. A late surprise during the proceedings was the announcement that Saturday, August 10 had been declared Dean Fraser Day in New York City.
A session of spirited dancing followed with music provided by DJ Bandit, who churned out an unending barrage of reggae classics, opening with Land of My Birth to explosive screams of approval. DJ Bandit followed up with enduring favourites like Ram Goat Liver, I Man Born Ya, One Love, Three Little Birds, and more.
The classy, magical and fun-filled celebration ended at midnight. Among those in attendance were Victoria Harper, sponsor and executive with the Jamaica Tourist Board; Karl and Fay Rodney of New York Carib News; Sabrina Ho-Sang Jordan, CEO of Royal Caribbean Bakery & Caribbean Foods Delights; Ann Marie Grant, American Foundation for the University of the West Indies executive; Patrick Maitland, Street Hype; Marcia James, executive at the Kimberly Hotel; and Mike Williams from the Outside Lounge/ Eye Collection.