Celebrating Jamaica 52, New York Style…An Elegant Affair!

NEW YORK – Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica turned out in their numbers to the New York Marriot Marquis, last month to celebrate another year of independence, and, 52 never looked so good. It was an evening of elegance, sophistication and sheer class, all bound by the simple yet profound theme: “Honoring Greatness.”

And there was so much of that in the room. Honorees, The Skatalites, represented by the band’s only surviving member, Lester Sterling; accomplished actress, singer and humanitarian, Sheryl Lee Ralph; Karl and Faye Rodney of the New York Carib News and by no means least, special guest presenter for the evening, former prime minister, The Honorable, Percival J Patterson. In his short but distinct remarks, Mr. Patterson lauded the Diaspora for its continued civic engagement, making special mention of the newly launched ‘mapping project’ which seeks to identify individuals and document the skill sets spread throughout the Diaspora. He spoke of his belief that it is a Jamaica for all; whether within and without her borders.

Wearing his `special presenter’ hat Mr. Patterson, who managed the Skatalites before his transition from lawyer to politician, had the privilege of presenting Lester Sterling with his award and posthumously to former (original) members: Don Drummond, (trombone); Lloyd Knibb, (drums); Jerome, “Jah Jerry” Haynes, (guitar);  Jackee Mitto, (pianio);  Lloyd Brevett, (bass and drum); Tommy McCook, (tenor saxophone); Roland Alfonso, (tenor saxophone) and  John ‘Dizzy Moore, (trumpet).

Sterling went on to wow the room with powerful renditions of Freedom Sound the Skatalites’ theme song, Take 5 and Puppa Lick. Backed by Fab 5 and accompanied byLeroy Graham Jr, on tenor sax, it was Ska resplendent and awesome to the ears–a true moment in time.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Jeff Barnes kept the room buzzing with quips that elicited plenty laughter, enhancing the already pleasant and lively atmosphere in the room.

Among other notables in attendance, were Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke, NY State Assemblyman, N. Nick Perry, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (with special responsibility for the Diaspora), Arnaldo Brown; Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Mr. Herman G. LaMont, and former NY Council Member, Dr. Una Clarke.

It was an evening of which all Jamaicans would be proud. Patriotism, pride and Jamaican verve waxed a-plenty; the room, bathed fully in the unmistakable colors of the national flag-black, green and gold, shone.  Reggae songbird, Etana, graced the stage, belting out her familiar hits, which turned things up a notch or two in the room. Fab 5 (with their usual sparkling set) followed before a short but electric set by DJ Roy and Road International, who kept patrons on their dancing feet into the early morning.

The Alpha boys Home will benefit from part proceeds of the ball.