New York – The Jamaican Diaspora turned out in the hundreds, to celebrate with Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) as they launched “Road to Penn 2011;” while honoring some of Jamaica’s best and brightest.
Five time Olympian Donald Quarrie, CD, was presented with a proclamation from New York City’s Public Advocate Bill de Blasio; a letter of recognition from Leroy Comrie, council member, 27th district, Queens and deputy majority leader of the New York City Council; and a special award from Team Jamaica Bickle.
Anton Tomlinson and Alsion Roach were both presented with citations from Council member Leroy Comrie’s office for their exemplary service to the community. They were also presented with awards from Team Jamaica Bickle. A special posthumous award was presented to Ms. Beryl Levi, former President and CEO of Tower Isle Frozen Foods, Ltd., for her community service.
On hand to witness the awards were the Mayor of the Inc. Village of Hempstead, the Hon. Wayne J. Hall, as well as representatives from the office of the Public Advocate of New York, representatives from council Member Leroy Comrie’s office and Ms. Brook- Lynn Jerome, Ms. Caribbean USA 2010 and host of local television entity Zync TV.
Dahved Levy, Master of Ceremony for the evening, lauded Team Jamaica Bickle for its extraordinary work on behalf of the athletes of the Caribbean and proclaimed that TJB is in line to become the third “Iconic Pillar” of the Caribbean following in the footsteps of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and The West Indies Cricket team.
Irwine Clare CEO & Founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, said “we are extremely humbled by the massive turnout. Despite a raging storm in the city, the venue which holds approximately 400 people was at capacity. In some ways we are grateful for the inclement weather as we would have had to turn people away if we had better weather.”
Team Jamaica Bickle’s business initiative, the TJB B2B 50×50 Relay (50 businesses to raise US $50k dollars) with local businesses also took center stage. TJB B2B partners, Robert Gordon, Footprints Café; Andrew Morris, Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace; Howard Hylton, Jamaica Air Express Couriers; Donald Vernon, Donald Vernon, & Associates P.C; and Colette Burnett, Super Wings all took to the stage for the B2B relay before presenting Mr. Irwine Clare with a check for US $4,000 dollars.
Sabrina HoSang presented Team Jamaica Bickle with USD $10,000 on behalf of the HoSang Family Foundation and Caribbean Food Delights. A check for USD $7,500, was presented to the organization by Ms. Carlene Largie, president of UJAA (Union of Jamaica Alumni Associations). Ms. Alsion Roach presented Irwine Clare with a check for $3,000 dollars in support of Team Jamica Bickle.
The Ruff stuff band provided exceptional entertainment with Ed Robinson, Ruddy Thomas and Carol Gonzalez among others making cameo performances. Rising star LaVante made an impressive debut.
Five time Olympian Donald Quarrie receives proclamation from Andrea L Dawes, Caribbean liaison (Public advocate Bill de Blasio’s office)
Photo credit: Ajamu Myrie
Sponsors on hand to witness the celebration were LIME, Grace Foods, Grace Kennedy Remittance Services thru its Bill Payment/Cross Border Payments, Western Union, UJAA, Tower Isle, and Air Ja/CAL.
TJB also receives support from Dennis Shipping, Trans Continental Shipping, Jamaica Air Express Couriers, Yardman Style Clothing and the Lomax Foundation. Media Partners are www.caribbeanfever.com, CLM TV, Irie Jam Radio and www.ImagesNewsletter.com
