MIAMI – Eighteen (18) Jamaican nationals of the South Florida region will be honored for community service and development of that Diaspora at the first annual Community Service Awards ceremony of the Jamaican Consulate General in Miami.
The Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, will be the guest speaker at the awards ceremony to be held at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, on Sunday, (March 25).
According to the Consul General, “this event provides an opportunity to officially recognize and honor local Jamaicans who have made a significant cultural impact on this diasporic community”.
“While there is an abundance of persons who have made significant contributions, the intention is to focus this year, on ‘cultural originators’ and persons who have served in a cultural or artistic capacity”, he added.
Nearly 400,000 nationals are resident in the South Florida tri-county region (Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties).
While Jamaicans continue to impact the development of the USA through corporate leadership, public service, entertainment, sports and economic development, a large number of Jamaicans are affiliated with nearly 70 charitable and service organizations, and alumni groups benefiting the development of the overseas communities in which they reside, as well as their island home.
The primary focus of these associations is how best Jamaicans can unite and pool resources for the development of their overseas communities as well as their island home, in the areas of health, education, culture, trade and personal development.
Diaspora advisory board member to the Southern USA, Marlon Hill, described the special occasion as “a unique opportunity to educate the present and next generation of those pioneering individuals who built our Jamaican community on a solid foundation with their sacrifices, contributions, and accomplishments.”
