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National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organisations Transforming through partnerships

Published:Sunday | July 28, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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From left: Taneisha Hanson, Vinette Powell and Ullian Gordon are all smiles for our camera.
Travellers Resort's Winston Wellington (right) and friend Gary Robinson.-Photos by Janet Silvera
It's party time! Theo and Sharon Chambers had their feet glued to the dance floor while Fab 5 played the best of old-time reggae.
Carol Williams (right), NAJASO Convention chair, with NAJASO's legal counsel, Ambassador Curtis Ward, and Fay Thomas, at the organisation's banquet.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (second right) with (from left) Robert Black, attorney-at-law, Lorna Johnson, Jamaica's honorary consul to Los Angeles, and Minister of State Arnaldo Brown.
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Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:Long before the word diaspora became popular, the umbrella organisation for Jamaicans overseas, National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organisations (NAJASO), was the flag bearer, anxious to empower its citizens in the United States (US).

NAJASO is the largest and most influential Jamaican association in the US, with representatives in Jamaica, the Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Southern Caribbean region.

Thirty-six years after its formation and three years after their last convention in Jamaica, the Los Angeles-headquartered association brought 150 of its members to its annual convention at the Secrets Resorts and Spas in Montego Bay recently.

Held under the theme, 'A Partnership for Transformation', NAJASO held a series of workshops on education, science and technology, immigration and national security, tourism, and the all-important young professionals forum.

Some members of the executive who travelled here for the event included: Roy Davidson, national president and CEO; Dr Richard Constable, chairman of the board; Carol Williams, national convention chair, Dr Robert Clarke, fund-raising chair, Dr Charles Anderson Sr, health chair, and Dr Joseph Whittaker, education chair.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller gave the keynote address at the final-night banquet last Saturday night, where members really unwound and had a grand time. Here are the highlights.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com