Diaspora Digest - Atlantans raise funds for health mission to Jamaica
Published:Sunday | September 18, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Atlantans raise funds for health mission to Jamaica
Derrick A. Scott, Contributor
Washington, DC:
Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, delivered the keynote address during the Atlanta-Montego Bay Sister Cities Foundation 11th annual fund-raising banquet and dance at the Atlanta Marriott Century Hotel yesterday.
The event raised funds for the 18th annual health mission to Montego Bay, scheduled to run from October 10 to 12. The banquet saw some 400 patrons from the metropolitan city of Atlanta in attendance. Dean Fraser and by DJ Migraine entertained.
Programme going for 17 years
According to Jamaica's honorary consul to Atlanta and chairman of the Atlanta-Montego Bay Sister Cities Health Mission, Vin Martin, over the past 17 years, the mission has served over 30,000 patients in St James and neighbouring parishes. It is estimated that during that period, approximately $37 million worth of medical supplies and services have been donated.
The medical team comprises some of the finest physicians, nurses and volunteers who willingly give of their time and talent to support this worthy cause.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, in commending the foundation for its work in strengthening ties between both cities, said: "Each year, members of the health mission come together and give selflessly to address the health-care needs of the residents of Montego Bay and as mayor of Atlanta, I want to applaud them for helping the less fortunate in Montego Bay.
Today, Marks will be the special guest of the Benevolent Missions of Atlanta at the Resurgents Plaza, downtown Atlanta.
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Jamaican deputy mayor celebrates birthday
Just over 75 friends and family gathered at the Highland Park Community Center in New Jersey to celebrate the 50th birthday of Jamaica-born president/deputy mayor, Borough Council of Highland Park, New Jersey, Elsie Foster-Dublin.
The party, dubbed 'Fifty and Fabulous', spoke volumes of the celebrant, who was elegantly attired in an amethyst-coloured dress. The venue and guests stuck to this colour theme.
Elsie's actual birthday was on August 9 and was celebrated at her family's home in Deeside, Trelawny. However, wanting to fellowship with other family and friends, she hosted a second celebration.
In her toast to the birthday girl, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, described Elsie as a close friend and an outstanding Jamaican.
"You have given your time and resources to promote your homeland and to improve the lives of hundreds of citizens in Highland Park where you live," she said.
"As Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, I want you to know that you are regarded as one of the beacons within the Jamaican diaspora here in the United States of America. Your contribution over the past 11 years to various projects in the areas of education, heath, trade and investment in Jamaica speaks volumes of your commitment to your homeland. I want to wish you continued good health for another 50 years," said Marks.
Several toasts
Other toasts came from Elsie's husband Aubrey Dublin, son Brandon, chairman of the North East Diaspora, Patrick Beckford; associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr Harold Mignott; Jamaican attorney Winsome Barnes, Highland Park Police Chief Steve Rizco; CEO and Highland Park Administrator Kathleen Kovach.
In her response, Elsie thanked God for allowing her to see 50 years and the opportunity to serve the community of Highland Park as well as her Jamaican countrymen.
Other guests in attendance included financial planner and adviser Judith Lee, Meryl Lynch Wealth Management Group; Winsome Barnes, Dr Harold Mignott; Sandra Adams-Picchierri and husband Dr Mark Picchierri; director of Harvest of Hope, Maureen Archibald; president of the Jamaican Organisation of New Jersey, Jacqueline Lewis-Barnett; administrator and chief financial officer of Highland Park, Kathleen Kovach; production manager of Venezuela Television, Gisselle Carbera; Certified Public Accountant Robert Barnett; senior vice-president of Techstar Systems, Fred Cayetano; her brother Patrick Hayden, sister Jennifer Hayden, nieces Selene Dawkins and Michell Foster, brother and sister-in-law George and Pricilla Taylor, aunt Betty Foster, husband Aubrey Dublin, son Brandon Dublin; Keith Dublin; Spice Dublin; Valerie Dublin-Dent and president of Pavilion Catering, Roger Clayton.