The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York officially launched its slate of activities to commemorate Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence in Philadelphia and New York, from April 29th through to May 1st.
To kick-off this important launch, Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Honorable Andrew Holness, led a high-level delegation from Jamaica to participate in the events, which culminated with a grand reception at the Hyatt Regency JFK on 1st May
Prime Minister Holness’ working visit commenced in Philadelphia, where he was invited by the University of Pennsylvania to attend the 126th staging of the Annual Penn Relays Carnival, as part of the University’s recognition of Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence. This was his first time attending the event.
The Prime Minister participated in a number of activities which engaged various business leaders, civil society groups, members of the Jamaican Diaspora and friends of Jamaica. He was joined in these activities by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Honorable Aubyn Hill, and the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, the Honorable Olivia Grange. Coming out of these engagements were important partnerships within the fields of education, ICTs, energy, and capacity building.
The two-part launch event in New York commenced with a church service held at the New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church in Brooklyn, which was led The highly spirited service was led by Bishop Micheal Mitchell, Senior Pastor of the Church, who challenged all Jamaicans to “come back to a consciousness of who we are as a great people”.
Prime Minister Holness delivered the keynote message of “Re-igniting a Nation for Greatness”, the theme of Jamaica 60. In so doing, Prime Minister Holness spoke of the need to celebrate and to “cerebrate”. He stated that “as a people we should celebrate the many achievements we have made over the past 60 years. However, we should also cerebrate, in giving thought to the things we have not done well. Given the two elements we should go through a process of recommittal for the next 60 years as Jamaicans to make Jamaica the greatest country on earth”.
The launch reception was also addressed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams who committed to working with the Government of Jamaica to help stem the flow of illicit guns into the island. He also stressed the importance of Jamaicans to New York City, given that the largest single population of Jamaicans outside of Jamaica lives in the region.
Also speaking at the event was US Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, who shared his fondness for Jamaica and his strong relationship with the Community over the years. He also used the opportunity to present his friend and US Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry. Perry is the first person born in Jamaica to serve in that role in Jamaica.
Also in attendance was US Representative Yvette Clarke also of Jamaican descent. There were also in attendance representatives of other diplomatic missions, including Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Switzerland and South Africa.
The full list of activities for Jamaica 60 in New York, will be available on the Consulate General’s website www.congenjamaica-ny.org.