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AFJ honours Jamaica National Building Society

Published:Sunday | June 13, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Dr Edward Baptist (left) and Jim Cada pose for the social pages. - Contributed photos
At last month's American Friends of Jamaica Peacock Gala held in Florida, Dr Edward Baptist (left), former United States Ambassador J. Gary Cooper and Donnette Chambers were caught on camera.
From left: General Manager of the Jamaica National Building Society, Earl Jarrett, former Ambassador Sue Cobb, Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths, Carmen Bartlett and her husband, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, at the American Friends of Jamaia Peacock Gala held last month in Florida.
The dancers in performance at the gala.
Julie Jones (centre) with Washingon, DC, movers and shakers, Cherie Jones (left) and Maggie Shannon of Sotheby's International Realty.
From left: Lara Dyke, Donnette Chambers, former US Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda Johnson, Wendy Hart and Monica Ladd, make a pretty picture.
The always glamorous Ambassador Brenda Johnson (left) and Dr Laura Tanna.
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Coral Gables, Florida: The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) last month hosted a glittering gala in honour of Jamaica. The annual gala is the organisation's major fund-raising event which this year honoured the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

Since its inception over 130 years ago, JNBS has demonstrated a keen understanding of national developmental requirements - such as saving to own a home and for education, increasing funding for small businesses, and facilitating the growth of rural communities. It has pioneered a multifaceted approach to national advancement which has influenced the quality of life of Jamaican citizens through its contributions to education, entrepreneurial activities and philanthropic initiatives.

JNBS is now a multi-national organisation, operating 11 subsidiary companies and five overseas offices, with its main operations in the areas of finance, information technology, and insurance and automobile services. JNBS received the prestigious Humming Bird Award for International Achievement for its philanthropic accomplishments and leadership initiatives.

Charitable contributions

The AFJ deepened its partnership with the JNBS through plans for a pilot programme for US donors to be able to make charitable tax-deductible contributions through the AFJ to Jamaica. These donations would be directed to AFJ educational initiatives, among them the JNBS's Jamaica Partnership for Education.

In presenting the award to JNBS, president of the AFJ, Ambassador Sue M. Cobb (retired), pledged renewed commitment to educational, health care and economic development in Jamaica, with grant in aid funds earmarked for charities on the island. Earl Jarrett, general manager of the JNBS, who received the award on behalf of the company thanked the staff of the JNBS for their unwavering support and their commitment to philanthropy in Jamaica. He reiterated the JNBS' commitment to the AFJ.

Pledges amounting to US$230,000 were made by former president of the AFJ Ambassador Glen Holden (retired), individual donor Beverley Nichols and The Ohrstrom Foundation.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett was a special guest at the gala while his wife, Carmen, served the host committee as honorary chair. Bartlett, in his thanks, said, "I commend the philanthropic spirit and generous support of everyone present, which makes it possible for the AFJ to continue delivering these life-changing programmes, promising a brighter future for all."

The event took place at the Biltmore Hotel with entertainment by Afua Hall Dances and music provided by Eddy Martinez and A Touch of Steel.


 Pictures are courtesy of Kendra Henry Parker of Great Shots Photo Company, Miramar, Florida.