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Jamaica Jubilee, Atlanta style

Published:Sunday | August 26, 2012 | 12:00 AM
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From left: Jewel Scott, former Clayton County district attorney; Stephen Vasciannie, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States; Dr Elaine Bryan; and Errol Ritchie, president, Atlanta Jamaica Association, spend time together at the Jamaica 50th Independence Ball in Atlanta, Georgia. Contributed Photos
Dr Elaine Bryan and her husband Gregory Bryan.
Judith Silvera has a word with Dr Edward Layne.
Smiling for the camera are (from left) Patrick Silvera and his wife Judith Silvera, Dr Elaine Bryan, Honorary Consul to Barbados Dr Edward Layne and his wife Bernie.
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The Atlanta Jamaica Association (AJA), in collaboration with the AJA Cultural and Education Fund, hosted Jamaica's 50th Independence Ball and scholarship awards presentation on Saturday, August 18, at the Georgia International Convention Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States.

Special guest was Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie, who was accompanied by his wife, Lisa. The ambassador gave the keynote address at what is being hailed a successful celebration.

Some 800 guests attended the function, including Honorary Consul Dr Edward Layne, of Barbados, and his wife, Bernie Layne; president of the Trinidadian Association in Atlanta, Alan Simpson; Jamaica's honorary consul to Georgia, Vin Martin; former District Attorney Jewel Scott and husband Dr Headley Scott. Dr Noel Leo Erskine ably performed his duties as master of ceremonies and Vin Martin introduced the guest speaker. Closing remarks and vote of thanks were offered by Jannice O'Shea, secretary of the AJA.

AJA member Norman Grant offered special steel-drum selections and Byron Lee's Dragonaires provided music for the night's dancing. The ballroom and tables bore festive décor featuring the Jamaican theme and the meal included servings of fish and chicken. A grand time was had by all.