WASHINGTON, DC – Deeply concerned at the large number of Jamaicans being deported from the United States – some 75 a month – Jamaica’s Ambassador, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie, has sounded the alarm, renewing the call for his compatriots to “stay on the right side of the law.”
The troubling number of deportees sent back by U.S. authorities on a monthly basis “is not good for Jamaica,” Ambassador Vasciannie warned, as he delivered the keynote address at an awards ceremony Saturday, January 19, culminating a yearlong series of activities in Atlanta, Georgia, to mark the island nation’s 50th independence anniversary.
The program was held at the Atlanta City Hall Atrium, organized by Jamaica 50th Atlanta Planning Committee.
Ambassador Vasciannie, reminded the more than 300 attendees that they have an important role to play in helping to assist those Jamaicans who will fall beneath the cracks to help to mentor them.
“In the spirit of community building, we all need to continue encouraging our people to stay on the right side of the law, to banish the drug trade from our midst, and to embrace the discipline, hard work and drive for success that is characteristic of the vast majority of Jamaicans living in the USA.”
Celebrating the hard work for which Jamaicans in the diaspora are renowned, Ambassador Vasciannie saluted the more than 30 honourees – from the fields of education, health, law, media, social services, sports, business and religion. They have made outstanding contributions in continuing to keep the Jamaican flag flying high in their various communities throughout metro Atlanta, the Ambassador said. “The honorees are distinguished women and men who have in many instances based community and collective spirit at the forefront of their thoughts and actions. They have resolved to offer contributions to the lives and welfare of others.”
