Jamaicans will hoist black, green and gold in oldest NY city park for 61St  

Jamaicans will return to Manhattan’s Bowling Green Park where they hoisted their national flag nine years ago to celebrate their Aug. 6, 1962 attainment of independence. Those bullish on commemorating 61 years of self-rule plan to revisit the landmark oldest park in the borough on Aug. 7 where like-minded nationals will regale the glory years since the island-nation blazed an alternative to British governance.

On the anniversary day nationals regale the Olympic excellence of athletes Usain Bolt and Shelly Fraser-Pryce: the global impact Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and other reggae stalwarts effected; satiating jerked-cooked cuisines, the fashion-forward flair of their unique designs, dance and vernacular and all the constantly expanding trailblazing realms conquered, many will wear the black, green and gold colors with pride to emphasize the mantra “ah fi wi culture” because ‘we lickle but we tallawah.”

More than braggadocio, Jamaicans have flaunted those colors from the pinnacle of the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower in France, Niagara Falls and elevated peak positions in every borough in New York City.

In a tradition that began at the National Stadium in the capital city of Kingston when Britain’s red, white and blue Union Jack lowered to an ascending tri-colored representation of their Out of Many, One, motto, a ceremonial event annually commemorates the 1962 milestone.

Witnessed then by Princess Margaret who represented Queen Elizabeth II the ruling monarch of the era, the midnight event marked an historic date for the region.

Constabulary forces, pageantry, revelry and the symbol of independence established change that followed when Caribbean leaders showed solidarity by seeking a similar path as the first English-ruled Caribbean nation.

Together they unified in 1973 to form CARICOM, a community of nations.

On this anniversary, a more modest daytime celebration includes praise, platitudes and prayers in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Other events include a thanksgiving church service which commences at 4 p.m. at New Life Tabernacle UPC, 4905 Ave, D in Brooklyn on the actual independence anniversary date.

A similar service is also slated for Aug. 13 at the same time on Long Island at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Hempstead, 353 Fulton Ave.

The hallmark gala event is reserved for Aug. 19 when black tie revelers gather at the New York Hilton Midtown to meet, eat and dance.

There, honorees Stephen Facey, architect and real estate expert, Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, dermatologist, Dr. Marlon Lindsay business leader, Chief Ruel Stephenson NYPD, Deputy Chief for Manhattan North Borough will be lauded.

East Orange promises early celebration in New Jersey

On July 28, Jamaicans across the Hudson River will get a head-start on celebrating the milestone 61- years achievement of Jamaica’s independence at 5 p.m. at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza in New Jersey.

Highlighted by a flag raising ceremony, the event will honor Nina Cooke John the architect whose monument to Harriet Tubman in Newark adorns the city space.

Organizers promise entertainment, vendors and a plethora of national reminders of past and present accomplishments.

The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey 25th anniversary awards of excellence gala slate an affair to acknowledge the early years of the Caribbean nation. Beginning at 7 p.m. on Aug, 26 distinguished awards of excellence will be presented to comedian Oliver Samuels and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. A keynote address will be delivered by H. E. Marks, the island’s ambassador to the USA.

The event will be held at Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott.

Numerous celebrations will be held to commemorate Jamaica’s 61st anniversary of independence in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C. and other states.

Check the individual state web portals for details.

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