LAUDERHILL – Monday, August 2, was designated Jamaican Flag Day in the City of Lauderhill to honor the accomplishments and achievements of Jamaicans in the Diaspora.
Later that day, a large crowd of Jamaican nationals and friends of the Diaspora cheered as they gathered to witness the flag raising ceremony jointly by officials of the City Commission of Lauderhill and the Jamaican Government.
In a brief ceremony, Mayor Richard Kaplan of Lauderhill praised the greatness of the population Jamaican Americans residing in Lauderhill as they were instrumental in strengthening the links and support systems through the significant contributions and achievements through economic empowerment, civil engagement and philanthropy.
Sharing in the proud moment of comraderie, Jamaica’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange said that the historical celebration was a showing of great pride and love of country among Jamaicans and friends even beyond the shores of Jamaica.
In commending the organizers of the historical ceremony, Minister Grange expressed gratitude and pride to the long cordial friendship and cooperation existing between Jamaica and the United States.
Jamaicans numbered almost one-third of that City’s population of some 75,000 residents, and is known as “Kingston 21” because of the many migrating nationals who first settled first in Lauderhill and Miami, in the 1970s through 80s.
Jamaica’s Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths also echoed about the bountiful spirit of patriotism and support demonstrated by our Diasporic community. She also acknowledged that the love and friendship extended to our people in the United States continues to flourish with the long cordial and respectful relationship.
The Consul General also congratulated radio personality Bevon “Duke” Earle, of WAVS 1170 AM, for his sense of patriotism and passion while at the same using such avenues to enhance mutually beneficial relationships.
Over the years, Jamaicans in the Diaspora have contributed to the significant development of this fast-growing community, notably with the large number of flagship stores – Charlie’s Pastries, Jerk Machine, De Jamaica Shop and Findlay’s Shipping, and – and other small businesses specializing in real estate, entertainment, food, and legal and medical professions.
Three years ago, the City of Lauderhill was twinned with Jamaica’s historical City of Falmouth, the capital of Trelawny. Several initiatives between the City, and the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), and Falmouth have so far, resulted in a cricket delegation and trade mission; return trade mission and participation in Lauderhill City events. Recently, the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce participated in the Jamaica Expo held in Kingston, last June.
An elated Bevon Earle, (Duke of Earle as he is affectionately known), expressed pride at the success of the event, an effort he proclaimed to “stimulate that sense of patriotism in the Jamaican community and to demonstrate unity, the love, respect and courage of our people as we celebrate Independence across the Diaspora.”
Beaming with pride, he expressed to JIS News, his desire to see this event, a dream he has had for a long time, established annually. The occasion, he explained, was celebrated at a crucial time as the country seeks to recover despite challenges and setbacks, reiterating the resilience and tenacity of Jamaicans.
Meanwhile, he appealed to Jamaicans to continue to be resourceful and supportive in their commitment to the nation’s economic development.
Ms. Diana Willis, media manager, JTB office in Miami made a presentation of the Jamaican publication titled “Jamaica Absolutely” to Mr. Earle for what she described as his hardworking and selfless demonstration of patriotism and spirit of community across the Jamaican Diaspora.
Lauderhill Commissioner and Vice Mayor Dale Holness, is the first and only Jamaican national serving in public office on that City Commission.
Pastor Karl Francis of Living Word Church of the Open Bible in Davie, gave the invocation. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. John Beckford, Executive Director of the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Several proclamations acknowledging the positive impact of Jamaicans in the Diaspora were presented to the Consul General by representatives from neighboring cities in Broward County including Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Lauderdale Lakes, the Broward County Board of Commissioners, and the Governor of Florida State, Charlie Crist.
Heavy storm clouds gave way to a bright evening as the festive mood continued with gyrating sounds of Jamaica Festival winning songs echoed across the park, as nationals and well wishers danced to every beat, waving hand-sized flags, while others shared nostalgic moments. “It’s a great feeling” exclaimed Mrs. Iris Jones, 80-year old grandmother and resident of Fort Lauderdale, as she displayed national pride in her black, green and gold attire. “I know that we are a proud people, I don’t care what people say” she smiled, swaying to the blaring sounds of reggae music in the background.
The Mayor of Lauderhill, Richard Kaplan, (center) getting ready to hoist the Jamaican Flag with Jamaica’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange (right) and South Florida radio personality Bevon “Duke” Earle (extreme right) at the Lauderhill Sports Complex after designating the Monday, August 2nd Jamaica Flag Day in Broward County. A large number of Jamaicans and friends in the Diaspora participated in the all-day festivities. Photo by: Uriah Bennett
Several Jamaican-owed companies partnered in the symbol of camaraderie and shared in the party-like atmosphere. Revelers were treated to a sumptuous Jamaican favourite – curried goat and rice, provided by Carl’s Seafood Restaurant and Donna’s Restaurant, two famous Jamaican-owned eateries, while Charlie’s Pastries provided snacks of patties and other favorite Jamaican pastries. Other companies included the Jamaican Consulate General, the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) and Jamaica National Representative Office, Grace Kennedy Remittance/Western Union, Ocho Rios Limited, Kingston Miami Trading Limited, Sandals Beaches Resorts, and Air Jamaica.
