WASHINGTON, DC – Jamaican’s residing in the Washington metro area will move into a celebratory mood with a number of official events scheduled to mark the 52nd anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.
Between August 3 -15, the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC under the leadership of Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie will be engaged in a number of activities supported by leading Jamaican organizations.
The Dumbarton chapel at Howard University’s School of Law is the venue for the annual service of Thanksgiving, to be held on Sunday, August 3, commencing at 11AM. Guest preacher will be Professor of Ethics and Theology at Emory University, Dr. Noel Erskine, while Ambassador Vasciannie will give the official welcome and deliver Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller’s message. A community reception will immediately follow the church service.
On August 4, Jamaica’s Poet Laureate, Professor Mervyn Morris will present a special lecture on Jamaica’s First Lady of Comedy, Ms. Louise Bennett Coverly, at the Embassy of Jamaica, commencing at 6:30PM.
On Independence Day, Wednesday, August 6, Jamaica’s singing sensation, Beres Hammond, will give a special concert at the Howard University theatre beginning at 8PM.
The Jamaica Nationals Association (JAM) will stage its annual Independence Gala and Awards ceremony on Saturday, August 9 at Martin’s West ballroom in Baltimore stating at 8PM. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States will deliver the keynote address. On Sunday, August 10, JAM will have a service of Thanksgiving at the Baltimore Central New Testament Church of God at 5PM to mark Jamaica’s 52 anniversary of its Independence. The guest speaker will be Rev. Stanley Murray.
The curtains will come down on the Independence activities on Saturday, August 15, when the Washington based Jamaica Nationals Association (JNA) will host its Independence dance at the Silver Spring Civic Center beginning at 8PM.
