(Photo by Derrick Scott)
Ambassador Marks call on Jamaicans in diaspora to pool its resources towards Jamaica’s growth and development
By: Derrick Scott
New York – Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, her Excellency Audrey Marks, has called on members of the Jamaican Diaspora to pool their individual potential and talents towards a common goal of being a strong, effective, wealthy and powerful collective influence in the United States.
“In doing so, we could be much more effective in contributing to Jamaica’s growth and development,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address at the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast USA inaugural 2016 Trailblazer Award at the Rosedale Village Grand Ballroom in Queen, New York, Sat. Oct. 29, Ambassador Marks said “we must get to the point where the majority of the diaspora is positioned to take full advantage of what the United States has to offer through obtaining citizenship, getting on the voter’s list, voting and being a part of the political process.”
Ambassador Marks pointed out that members of the Jamaican Diaspora must ensure that their individual and collective successes are harnessed in a way that is benefits other Jamaicans who are not doing so well and those who are marginalized.
(Photo by Derrick Scott)
She added that by doing so, “we must make ourselves available as mentors for the young and vulnerable in our communities. We must support our businesses in our communities. We must support each other so that we can take full advantage of the available financial resources and training.”
The Jamaican Ambassador implored members of the Diaspora to unite because “through purposeful engagement we have the capacity to be a stronger force for change in our community. And this extends further to our ability to effect change at home.”
The Ambassador commended the over 17 individuals who were recipients of the Trailblazer Award. “I congratulate each of you on your accomplishments that have caused you to be honored tonight. You are all deserving of this high honor.”
In her remarks, newly-appointed Counsel General to New York, Trudy Deans, said the Trailblazer Award serves to spotlight the hard work and dedication and achievements of the honorees, which in turn will serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement to the countless of unsung, dedicated Jamaicans throughout the Diaspora.
“It is my hope for the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast that with the continued support of the consulate in New York, and by extension the government of Jamaica, that we continue to aid in the growth of our country’s socio-economic agenda and strengthen our ties and re-affirm our commitment in bridging the gaps for the betterment of Jamaicans, both at home and abroad.”
(Photo by Derrick Scott)
Jamaica Diaspora 2016 Trailblazer Award Recipients
(Photo by Derrick Scott)
Among those receiving the Trailblazer Award were: former New York Councilwoman, Dr. Una Clarke; the Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Food Delight, Mrs. Sabrina Hosang-Jordan; the founders of Caribbean News, Drs. Carl and Faye Rodney; the first advisory board member of the Northeast Diaspora, Dr. Harold Mignot; the founding President of the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey, the Rev. Dr. Alfred B. Johnson; Vice President of Help Jamaica Medical Mission, Dr. Robert Clarke; and the President of the National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO), Rick Nugent.
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