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Thursday, August 01, 2013 | 9:39 AMWASHINGTON DC — Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in Atlanta, Georgia, will mark Jamaica’s 51st year of Independence with two major activities from August 4 to August 10.The programme of activities, planned by the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA), commences with a Thanksgiving Service at the Hillside Presbyterian Church in Decatur at 5:00pm on Sunday, August 4. The service will feature music, songs and poetry, which capture Jamaica’s cultural heritage.The sermon will be delivered by Professor of Theology at Emery University, The Rev Dr Noel Erskine, while the Rev Dr Barry Davis, will bring a special musical tribute.The celebration comes to close on Saturday, August 10 with the Annual Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway.This spectacular black-tie event which is the premier annual Caribbean event in Atlanta attracts patrons from Georgia and surrounding states.A special feature of this year’s event will be the honouring of Vin Martin, former Jamaican Honorary Consul in Atlanta, who retired from that position at the end of June this year after serving for 16 years. Among those who will paying tribute to Martin, include, US Congressman, Hank Johnson; President of the AJA Errol Ritchie; Dr Erskine and Dr David Panton. Two educational scholarships will be awarded to two students of Jamaican parentage, one from the AJA and the other from the Tropical Sports Club. The AJA Community Service Award will be presented to Ms Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson of the Golden Krust Bakery.Prominent show and dance band, The Fabulous Five will provide entertainment.According to AJA president, Ritchie, the annual events commemorating the anniversary of Jamaica’s independence are very important to Jamaicans in Atlanta. “They serve to bring us together in a cultural bond that oftentimes overpowers the individualistic urges that seem to restrict our coming together as a people. “These events bring back memories of our time in Jamaica and force us to reflect on our achievements as a nation and as individuals. They also serve to remind us of our rich culture and generate the festive mood that we have all come to associate with our independence celebrations “he said.
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Jamaicans in Atlanta celebrate island"s 51st Independence
