Luminaries honored at Jamaica People’s Independence Ball

Clive W, Blackwood, executive vice president and general auditor of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was among a number of luminaries who were honored Saturday night at the Third Annual Jamaica People’s Independence Ball at Terrace On The Park in Queens.

 The glitzy, sold-out, Black-tie gala, organized by the New York-based Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc., headed by Julie L. Brook, celebrated Jamaica’s 62nd Independence Anniversary. 

Other honorees included Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser for his contribution to reggae music; Veronica Campbell Brown for her outstanding accomplishments in track and field; Hyacinth Bloomfield for Community Service; and Lamona Worrell, assistant commissioner in the Mayor’s Office in New York for her work in the development and engagement with the Caribbean community in New York. 

Blackwood, who was born in Kingston, the Jamaican capital, and attended the Chetolah Park Primary School and Ardenne High School in Kingston, was hailed for his outstanding accomplishments in the financial services industry. 

Blackwood, who was also the evening’s keynote speaker, has background in risk and auditing spanning over 25 years. Prior to joining the Federal Reserve Bank, he was an executive at American Express Company and at KPMG Assurance Services. 

Blackwood, received the Pinnacle Award for outstanding accomplishments. He was also the recipient of US House of Representatives New York State Senate proclamations. The awards were presented by Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, representative for the predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.  

Mayor Eric Adams also declared Saturday, August 10 Dean Fraser Day in New York City. 

In his address, Blackwood said there was, indeed, a lot to celebrate in reflecting on Jamaica’s  history and resilience, but added that there was still more work to be done.

“We celebrate and march towards the Promised Land, but there is much more success to come, based on everything we have seen our people overcome during the course of history”, he said. 

Social media sensation Julie Mango thrilled the audience as emcee. The evening’s entertainment was provided by True Tribute Band, led by LeRoy Graham, Jr. Both Fraser and local artist Maricia Ramed made guest appearances with the band. 

The ceremony closed with lively dancing to the music of DJ Bandit, who spat out endless barrage of reggae classics, from “Land of My Birth” to “I Man Born Ya”, “Ram Goat Liver” and “Three Little Birds.” 

“My team and I worked very hard to make the People’s Ball a resounding success, and we are happy that that night exceeded expectations and that our guests left with their spirits lifted, pride in their hearts and a smile on their faces”, Julie Brooks, president of Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc., told Caribbean Life. 

Among patrons were Victoria Harper, sponsor and executive with the Jamaica Tourist Board; Karl and Fay Rodney, owners of New York Carib News; Sabrina Ho-Sang Jordan, CEO of Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Foods Delights; executive, Ann Marie Grant, American Foundation for the University of the West Indies; Patrick Maitland, of Street Hype; Marcia James, executive at the Kimberly Hotel; Mike Williams, of the Outside Lounge/Eye Collection; media marketing specialist Dave Rodney; and college lecturer Dr. Sophia Manning.