Jamaicans in South Florida celebrate Island’s Emancipation and Independence in praise and worship
FT. LAUDERDALE – More than 1,000 Jamaican nationals and friends joined in worship to celebrate the nation’s 46th anniversary of Independence at the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, last Sunday (Aug. 3).
The annual ecumenical service of Thanksgiving in celebration of Emancipation and Independence, three hours long, was hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami. In attendance were several officials representing the Diplomatic Corp in South Florida, public officials in the tri-county region and former ambassadors to Jamaica, Sue Cobb and Michael Sotirhos, as well as Ambassador Dudley Thompson.
Guest preacher was Dr. Herbert Thompson, President of Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, who challenged his audience to continue to positively impact the nation’s development.
Dr. Thompson stressed that current economic conditions being experienced with increasing oil prices, adverse food and health conditions would not deter from our efforts to develop individually and as a nation.
He reiterated that inspire of the challenges being encountered, Jamaicans remained resilient and urged his audience to remain united in love, as indicated in our national motto.
He encouraged continued prayers for healing throughout the world at this critical time, reminding the congregants that all factors affecting us nationally had an effect globally, as other nations were also impacted by the challenges.
Referring to the nation’s outstanding accomplishments, Dr. Thompson told nationals to be proud of their heritage “we are a hardworking people and we will make it through by the grace of God,” he added.
Special prayers were made for Jamaica’s team to the Olympic Games, now being held in Beijing, China, while others were extended, traditionally, for the United States of America and Jamaica.
The service included several recitals and performances from the Sierra Norwood Church Children’s Choir, the Jamaica Folk Revue and the Caribbean Chorale of South Florida, directed by Steve Higgins, formerly of the Jamaica Folk Singers.
The Prime Minister’s message of Independence was read by Consul, Ms. Desreine Taylor. The officiating Minister was Pastor Leon Wellington, vice President of the Inter-American Adventist Division of Seventh Day Adventist.
Consul General, Ricardo Allicock in his welcome message, also echoed sentiments of our accomplishments as a nation.
He also praised Jamaicans in the Diaspora for their continued commitment to the island’s economic development while enhancing the development of the communities in which they reside.
A special tribute was paid to the Consul General as he completes his tour of duty this month-end (August 31) after assuming office in Miami, in September 2002. He will return to Jamaica to head the Division of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, starting next month.
Expressing gratitude to Mr. Allicock for his outstanding role in leadership to the community at large, was the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board representative for the Southern USA, Mr. Marlon Hill while a song recital was performed by the Caribbean Chorale.
The offering of collection was designated for the Swift Purcell Boys’ Home in St. Mary and the Jamaica Christian Boys’ Home in Kingston.
A community reception hosted by the staff of the Consulate immediately followed the service.
