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Jamaicans dance abroad

Published:Sunday | August 25, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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Christine Steele of Fly Jamaica and Trevor Wade take to the dance floor.-Photos by derrick Scott
From left: Jamaica-born actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, her mother, Ivy Ralph, and Christine Steele display their cultural outfits that are creations of Ivy Ralph.
Jamaica's ambassador to the US, Stephen Vasciannie, shares a pleasant moment with Norma Dell Rose, administrator of The Gleaner's New York office.
Noted Jamaica-born actress and singer, Sheryl Lee Ralph (centre), is flanked (from right) by Jamaica's ambassador to the US, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie, chairperson of JCIF, Paulette Willoughby, Jamaica's consul general to New York (NY), Herman Lamont, NY Councilman William Thompson, and Jamaica's former consul general to NY, Dr Basil Bryan.
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Derrick Scott, Contributor

There are many ways in which one can show love and allegiance to one's country and, for many, it is done with great pride and a fervent desire to contribute and stay connected. This was evident on Saturday, August 17, when more than 800 Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica gathered at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Manhattan, New York, to celebrate Jamaica's 51st year of Independence at the annual ball hosted by the Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation (JICF).

The grand ballroom of the Hilton Hotel was transformed into a night of sheer grandeur enhanced with Jamaica's colours: black, green and gold. Under the patronage of Jamaica's consul to New York, Herman Lamont, this prestigious event brought out some of the who's who in the Jamaican and Caribbean community in the Tri-state of New York. Heading the list were US Congresswoman Yvette Clark; former New York Councilwoman Ula Clark and husband Leslie Clark; US Senator Vincent Hughes; New Jersey Councilman Bill Mackain; New York Council members William Thompson and Lony Comrie; Jamaica's former Consul General to NY, Dr Basil Bryan and Mrs Bryan; and Judge Walker.

Jamaica-born actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph outdid herself as mistress of ceremony. She had the audience in stitches as she officiated the night's event. Ralph changed into three cultural outfits, all paying tribute to Jamaica.

Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie, who delivered the keynote address, said that as Jamaica marks the 51st year of Independence, we must redouble our efforts to maintain good relations with the United States of America, and as we ensure that Jamaicans in the diaspora continue to share their lives and retain their links with family and friends at home.

In a message by US President Barack Obama, read by the chairman of the JICF, Paulette Willoughby, the Jamaican community was lauded for the outstanding contribution made to the growth of the US.

Three distinguished Americans, Heather Foster, Office of Public Engagements at the White House; Raymond Gouldbourne, executive vice-president, Broadcast Media; and CEO, Irie Jam Media, Bobby Clark, were this year's JICF honourees.

Proceeds from this year's ball will provide full scholarships for needy students to attend the University of the West Indies, and support early-childhood basic schools. The more than 800 patrons danced to music provided by the Fab Five Band. JICF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating Jamaica's Independence with Jamaicans in the diaspora.