WASHINGTON, DC (JIS) — Jamaicans residing in Washington DC and Baltimore, Maryland, will be celebrating Jamaica’s 51st Anniversary of Independence with several activities, beginning this weekend.
In addition, from August 3 to 11, the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC under the leadership of Ambassador to the United States Stephen Vasciannie will be engaged in activities supported by leading Jamaican organisations.The activities commence with the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM) annual independence Ball, which will be held at the Martins West Conference Centre, Baltimore. Vasciannie is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Ball which is expected to attract about 400 Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica.This year, JAM will present the Marcus Garvey UNIA Award to Dr Maxine Clarke, while the distinguished community service award will go to Dr Hyacinth Dunston-Hunter.Among those to bring greetings at the event are Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor, Anthony Brown, who is of Jamaican parentage; US Congressman, Elijah Cummins and Baltimore’s Mayor, Stephanie Rollins BlakeThe Dumbarton Chapel at Howard University’s School of Law is the venue for the annual Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, August 4, starting at 11:00 am. Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, Reverend Charles Henry Dufour, will deliver the sermon. Vasciannie will deliver the Independence message from Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller.Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and representatives of the US Congress and Senate will attend the service.Three charities in Jamaica — Harmon Valley Basic School in Claremont, St Ann; Heroes Circle Basic School in Kingston and the Good Shepherd Foundation — have been selected to receive this year’s offering.On Monday, August 5, Vasciannie will host a reception and Independence Art Exhibition at the Embassy, commencing at 6:30 pm. The exhibition will feature the works of Jamaican artists, Webster and Charlene Ferguson-Campbell, who will display over 50 pieces.And on Sunday, August 11, independence celebration activities close when the JAM hold its annual Independence Thanksgiving Service at the Baltimore Central New Testament Church of God, commencing at 5:00 pm. The guest preacher will be Bishop Stanley Murray.View the original article here
Jamaicans in Maryland and Washington DC celebrate Independence