Jamaica PM to address Independence Anniversary Gala in NY

The Jamaica Consulate General announced recebtly that Prime Minister Andrew Holness will address Jamaica’s 61st Independence Anniversary Gala on Aug. 19 at the New York Hilton Midtown, Manhattan.

“Distinguished guests will be privileged to witness an evening of excellence, as Prime Minister The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON delivers the Jamaica 61 Independence Message, spotlighting the theme ‘Proud and Strong,’ which perfectly embodies the exceptional achievements of this year’s honorees,” said the Consulate General in a statement.

Holness also expressed “heartfelt congratulations to this year’s illustrious honorees of the Jamaica Independence Gala.”

“As I prepare to deliver the Jamaica 61 Independence Message at the gala, I am filled with anticipation to personally congratulate each honoree for their outstanding accomplishments,” said the Jamaica prime minister in a statement. “Their dedication, talent and unwavering commitment to their respective fields have not only brought pride to Jamaica but have also positively impacted the lives of countless individuals.

“I commend the Consulate General of Jamaica and the Jamaica’s Promise Foundation for their tireless efforts in bringing together this remarkable event,” he added. “It is through their dedication and support that we are able to honor our outstanding achievers and contribute to the betterment of Jamaica through charitable causes.”

Jamaica Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, said, on behalf of the Planning Committee of the Jamaica Independence Gala, that she was “delighted to unveil the remarkable honorees for this year’s highly anticipated event.

“We are thrilled to announce the stellar lineup of honorees who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, remarkable talent and unparalleled contributions in their respective fields,” she said.

The honorees comprise: Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, a diamond-selling, multi-GRAMMY Award winning recording artist and dedicated philanthropist; Stephen Facey, chairman of Pan Jamaica Group; Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, a highly respected dermatologist and successful entrepreneur; Marc Jerome, president of Monroe College; Marlon Lindsay, CEO of 21 Cent Ed; Sheryl Lee Ralph OJ, award-winning actress; and Ruel Stephenson, assistant chief of the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Wilson said Burrell will be honored for “being an international cultural icon in reggae music and philanthropy”; Facey will be presented with the award for “business leadership and the development of Jamaica”; Dr. Ingleton will be honored with the Jamaica Independence Award for “Woman of Excellence in Medicine and Business”; and Jerome will be recognized for “education excellence and the development of Jamaica”.

The Jamaica Consul General in New York also said Lindsay will be honored for “leadership in STEM education and entrepreneurship.; Ralph will be presented with the Jamaica Independence Award for “outstanding contribution to film and television”; and Stephenson will be honored for “leadership in law and enforcement and community development.”

Wilson said the Jamaica Independence Gala is an annual event held in New York that celebrates “Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage.”

The event is hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York in partnership with the Jamaica’s Promise Foundation.

“The goal of the event is to bring together Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in recognition of the nation’s independence, while supporting various causes at home through the generosity of the attendees,” Wilson said.

“The 2023 Gala will serve as a platform to support charitable causes in Jamaica, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development,” she added.

Tickets for the Jamaica Independence Gala can be purchased through Eventbrite or by visiting the event’s official website at www.jamaicaindependencegalany.com.

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