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Jamaica’s Prime Minister commends the National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO)

WASHINGTON, DC – Jamaica’s Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has commended the National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) for the outstanding work it continues to provide on behalf of Jamaica.

“I am particularly pleased at the association’s efforts to channel the much needed humanitarian assistance and the promotion of trade and business opportunities that have benefitted Jamaica”.

In her message, read by the President of NAJASO, Mr. Rick Nugent, at the Association’s 37th annual awards banquet held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Sheraton Hotel, College Park, Maryland, the Prime Minister said that over the years, NAJASO’s vision, noble pursuits and positive relationships, have impacted the lives of thousands of Jamaicans across the length and breadth of the country.

She said that NAJASO’s ability to extend its influence to include non-Jamaicans and supportive organizations is further evidence of the strength of the association’s conviction and the all-embracing nature of the purpose it serves.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller pointed out that despite the challenges; NAJASO still shows that it has the interest, energy and conviction to continue the mission, fully confident that its efforts are helping to make a difference in the sustained progress of our people and country.

In his address, NAJASO’s president, Rick Nugent said the organization is committed to attracting new investments to Jamaica and will continue to provide educational and health support as well as its outreach program to Jamaica.

“It is important that we give back to help the less fortunate in our homeland and also to the respective states in which we reside”.

President Nugent pointed out that NAJASO over the past 37 years has accomplished much. However, he said there is much more that needs to be done. He challenged the membership to recommit themselves to the organization and its mission.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Courtney Rattray (center) accepts the Lignum Vitae award from Vice President of NAJASO Eastern Region, Ms. Sadie Campbell. Looking on at right is President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO), Rick Nugent.  (Photo Credit: Derrick Scott)
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Courtney Rattray (center) accepts the Lignum Vitae award from Vice President of NAJASO Eastern Region, Ms. Sadie Campbell. Looking on at right is President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO), Rick Nugent. (Photo Credit: Derrick Scott)

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”. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie was the keynote speaker.

President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO), Rick Nugent (center), has the rapt attention of (l-r) NAJASO’s chairman Dr. Richard Constable, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Courtney Rattray and President of the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM), Noel Godfry prior to the start of NAJASO’s 37th annual banquet and awards ceremony. (Photo Credit: Derrick Scott)
President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO), Rick Nugent (center), has the rapt attention of (l-r) NAJASO’s chairman Dr. Richard Constable, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Courtney Rattray and President of the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM), Noel Godfry prior to the start of NAJASO’s 37th annual banquet and awards ceremony.
(Photo Credit: Derrick Scott)

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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