MARYLAND – Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie has lauded members of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) for remaining resilient amidst the inevitable challenges faced from time to time.
Ambassador Vasciannie said he was heartened by the commitment of past and present members of NAJASO who have dedicated their time, energy and vision to ensure that the Diaspora remains valid. Not only as effective responsible citizens in the United States in the communities in which they serve, but in their determination to contribute to the development of all Jamaicans, including those back home.
“Your organization should take pride in the fact that through visionary leadership and strong membership support you will continue to grow from strength to strength”, said Ambassador Vasciannie who delivered the keynote address at the organizations’ 37th awards banquet held at the Sheraton hotel in College Park, Maryland on Saturday, July 19, 2014.
The Ambassador pointed out that NAJASO and its affiliated organizations, as well as individual members of the Diaspora, continue to make significant contributions to Jamaican education and healthcare sectors. He said that this kind of contribution strengthens and compliments the initiatives undertaken by the government of Jamaica.
The Jamaican Envoy pointed out that Jamaica’s education system has opened new opportunities for thousands of children and to a considerable degree, made it possible for children of the poor to access education up to the tertiary level. This current arrangement would be enhanced by greater funding. Notwithstanding the financial challenges, the government remains committed to keeping open quality education for all.
Turning to healthcare, Ambassador Vasciannie told his audience that a national commitment was in place to ensure that as many people as possible would have access to modern medical facilities and highly trained professionals.
Five awards were presented at the dinner. The Lignum Vitae award went to Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Courtney Rattray. Founder of New York Caribe News, Dr. Karl Rodney and President of the Council of Caribbean Organizations, Mr. Leopold Edwards both received the Outreach Service Award. Former Jamaica Counsel General to New York, Ambassador Dr. Basil Bryan received the National Convention Chairman Award while former Jamaican Olympian Sprinter Albert Lawrence received the NAJASO Presidential Award.
The banquet brought the curtains down on NAJASO’s three-day conference which had as its theme, “Transition with a Vision”.
