The Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Delano Franklyn will be honored by the Miramar City Commission on Wednesday February 23, at a ceremony at the Miramar City Hall.
Jamaican-born, Miramar City Commissioner Mr. George Pedlar, told JIS that Senator Franklyn was being recognized for his outstanding role in support of Jamaican nationals overseas and the significant contributions they continue to make to the national development of their homeland.
Mr. Pedlar along with two other Jamaican nationals – Messrs. Winston Barnes and Fitzroy Salesman – are currently serving on a five-member City Commission, making this South Florida suburban community, the only locale nationally where Jamaicans form the majority on that City Commission. The city of Miramar in southwest Broward is home to a large population of Jamaicans. Broward County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States as well as the largest population of Jamaicans in Florida State reside in that county.
There are eight Jamaican nationals currently serving in elected offices throughout Broward County.
Through the formation of the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation, last June, Mr. Pedlar also emphasized Senator Franklyn’s initiative in uniting the Jamaican Diaspora both at home and throughout the overseas communities creating the framework for national development locally and strengthening those communities.
Mr. Pedlar noted that Jamaicans have always been impacting their island home through alumni and charitable organizations as well as individual support. That cohesiveness enhanced through the Diaspora movement could further positively impact the development of Jamaica, he said. Following the presentation, Minister Franklin will be guest speaker at a town hall where he will address the public on current developments and concerns in Jamaica.
