By Derrick Scott
Washington, DC – Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM) honoured two outstanding Jamaicans, Maryland State Senator Shirley Natham-Pulliam and prominent attorney Franklin Burke.
Senator Shirley Natham-Pulliam and attorney Franklin Burke were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award and the Marcus Garvey UNIA award respectively by the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM), at its ball to mark Jamaica’s 54th year of independence at the Martin West ballroom in Baltimore on Saturday, August 6, 2016.
Senator Natham-Pulliam, a founding member of JAM received the Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution to public service and politics. Senator Pulliam has served the Baltimore community for 40 years in the field of politics and as a community activist. She was cited for being the first Caribbean born person and the first Afro Caribbean nurse to be elected to the Maryland House of Assembly in Maryland’s 380 year history.
Attorney Franklyn Burke who received the Marcus Garvey UNIA award, was cited for his tremendous contribution in the field of law but also for assisting numerous Jamaicans in immigration and naturalization issues.
In her remarks, Charge d’Affairs for the Embassy of Jamaica, Mrs. Marsha Coore Lobban commended the honorees who she said were well deserving of the awards. She lauded them for their outstanding contribution to the Jamaican people in their respective communities in which they live. Jamaicans are proud of them as they continue to fly the Jamaican flag high.
Mrs. Lobban commended JAM for its 28 years of exemplary service to the Jamaican community in Maryland. “Over the years, JAM has lived up to its vision of supporting and sponsoring programs that enrich the lives, educate youths and strengthen cultural and civic awareness. She pointed out that as we celebrate our 54th year of independence and seek to further enhance the rich potential of Jamaica and Jamaicans all across the world, she was particularly proud that JAM has not wavered in its commitment to invest in our young people by providing scholarships to young people. “The organization has been complimenting the efforts of the government to ensure that our future generation is equipped and empowered”, she said.
Mrs. Lobban added that the work that has been done over the years by JAM, demonstrates the strength of purpose of our people and the positive influence that we can make in any community or country in which we live.
Photo by Derrick Scott
In bringing greetings on behalf of the Governor of Maryland, Secretary of State, John Wobensmith, said that Maryland has the 6th highest Jamaican population within the USA.
This diverse culture and tradition of all immigrant groups play an important role in our community and Maryland is proud of the contribution Jamaicans continue to make. The Maryland secretary of state commended the awardees and paid special tribute to state senator Natham Pulliam for her 40 year contribution to Maryland’s political life.
Secretary Wobensmith congratulated JAM for its tireless work in upholding its tradition which he said they have shared with the state of Maryland.
President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organization (NAJASO) Rick Nugent, as well as the president of JAM Noel Godfrey brought greetings.
