Staff WriterThis year’s Grand Ball commemorating Jamaica’s 57th anniversary of Independence as a sovereign nation; and tribute to Jamaica’s First National Hero and Pan-Africa, will undoubtedly be marked as unprecedented in the history of this celebratory occasion.
The Grand Ball is slated for Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Marriott, Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street. His Excellency Ambassador E. Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations is the patron for this premiere event.
In the spirit of Garveyism, The Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc., (JICFI) intends to recognize leaders who have demonstrated true commitment to service to Jamaica and the Pan-African Diaspora. They hail from varied disciplines: public service, entertainment, business, and philanthropy.
Among the honorees this year are: Grammy-winning Reggae Superstar, Orville Richard Burrell, CD, known as Shaggy; Congresswoman, Yvette Diane Clarke (D-NY 9th district); the Honorable David Norman Dinkins, 106th Mayor of New York City.
Mrs. Paulette Smart Willoughby, Chairperson for JICFI shares a quote from the Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey, “Never forget that intelligence rules the world and ignorance carries the burden. It’s our duty to develop the best and creative minds for service, while remembering charity begins at home.”
Proceeds from the annual ball are directed to various charities and scholastic beneficiaries. Among the charities that have received support are: the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, Inc., American Cancer Society, Jamaica Cancer Society, Jamaica Aids Support, American Foundation for the University of the West Indies, and the Jamaican Association of Vintage Artistes & Associates.
The Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc.’s, (JICFI) mantra remains to promote, to further, and to support selected charities for the benefit of needy communities in Jamaica and here in the United States of America.
This year JICFI has earmarked proceeds from the Ball to The Garvey School, and another local charity.
The Grand Ball is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. with a lavish cocktail reception, silent auction,followed by dinner, community awards ceremony, entertainment and dancing in the ballroom.
Jamaica’s legendary dance band, the Fabulous Five Band, a.k.a. Fab 5, promises to please with the best of authentic Jamaican music, along with guest artists; including Gem Meyers. Famed Dee-Jays with Road International will complement the evening’s entertainment.
Tickets are $250 per person and available on eventbrite Jamaica’s 57th Independence Anniversary Grand Ball in Brooklyn New York. ( JICFI), or by reserving with JICFI at [email protected].
A quote from the great hero: “emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind.”
Media Writer
