Jamaicans in Washington celebrate Independence

Washington, DC:

Though they were not at home, Jamaicans in Washington, DC, flew the Jamaican flag high in a series of events to celebrate the country's 51st anniversary of Independence.

Everything started last Saturday where the place to be was The Martin's West Conference Center in Baltimore, Maryland. More than 400 Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica attended the Jamaica Association of Maryland's Independence Ball

Jamaica's envoy to the United States, Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie, delivered the keynote address.

The association presented two distinguished awards. The Marcus Garvey UNIA Award went to Dr Maxine Clark, while the Distinguished Award was presented to Dr Hyacinth Dunstan-Hunter.

On Sunday, August 4, Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica again turned out in large numbers at Howard University's Dunbarton Chapel for a service of thanksgiving.

Annual church service

The annual church service, which is the centrepiece of the Jamaican embassy's commemorative activities, was attended by members of the Jamaican community in the Washington metropolitan area, Baltimore, and Richmond, Virginia.

In his remarks, Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie, noted that even as the country celebrates 51 years of Independence, there are still hurdles to overcome. He added that as a country, we can overcome these obstacles if we build on the positive legacy of Jamaicans both at home and abroad.

The service was conducted by Jamaican theologian and dean of the School of Divinity at Howard University, Dr Bertram Melbourne, assisted by reverends Sylvia McDonald Kaufman and Kortright Davis. The sermon was delivered by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, Reverend Charles Dufour.

This year, the offertory proceeds from the service were designated for the Hammond Vale Basic School in Claremont, St Ann; the Heroes Circle Basic School in Kingston; and the Good Shepherd Foundation.