Local News

The Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation Inc., (JICFI) In New York set to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence

NEW YORK – The Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation Inc., (JICFI), held its media briefing for Jamaica’s 51st Anniversary of Independence Ball, at the Jamaica Consulate offices in New York on Wednesday July 31, 2013.

The ball will be held under the patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Herman G. LaMont, on Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the New York Hylton Hotel. The theme this year is Celebrating Jamaica: Triumphant, Proud, and Free. Mr. LaMont in his brief remarks paid tribute to the nation and thanked the Jamaican business community for its continued support.


Hon. Herman LaMont, Consul General of Jamaica to New York, and Paulette Willoughby Chairperson of Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation Inc (JICFI), host a Media Reception to announce plans for the August 17 Annual Jamaica Independence Ball in New York.
Photo Credit: Roland Hyde Photo

Foundation chair Paulette Willoughby spoke of the grand nature of the event which is a celebration like no other in the Diaspora as it carries such national import. She highlighted the mandate to give back which is through the foundation’s support of numerous charities.

Candidate for mayor of New York, Bill Thompson who attended the event, in his brief remarks, spoke of his pride as a person of “Caribbean Heritage.” He congratulated the government and people of Jamaica as they celebrate 51 years as a nation, noting that he will be there on August 17, to join in the official celebration.


Member of Jamaica Independence Ball organizing committee, Tim Ralph of BET and brother to Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, welcomes New York City Mayoral Candidate Bill Thompson to the Independence Ball Media Reception at the Jamaican Consulate in New York.
Photo Credit: Roland Hyde Photo

This year JICFI will honor esteemed nationals; Ms. Heather Foster, Office of Public Engagement, The White House; Ray Golbourne, Executive Vice President, Black Entertainment Television, (BET); Dr. Answorth A. Allen, Orthopedic Surgeon and Irie Jam Media.

Guiding the events for the evening will be noted Jamaican actress singer and activist, Sheryl-Lee Ralph.

The Jamaican Diaspora has always maintained strong ties to the homeland and celebrates many of the nation’s milestones even while firmly invested in the melting pot which is New York. This is yet another opportunity to share some of their culture and this significant milestone in the Island nation’s rich history with the people of New York.

Among the guests were, Honorable Courtney Rattray, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations and attaché Christopher Allwood; Dr. Una Clarke, former NYC Councilwoman and Leslie Clarke; Anthony King, JTB; Pat Chin, VP Records; daughter father duo, Sabrina and Dr. Vincent Hosang, Caribbean Food Delights; Trevor Smith, Tower Isle Patties; Sophia Jones, Caribbean Relations, office of the Brooklyn Borough President, and a wide cross section of New York media.

Sponsors of the ball are, Quality Auto Mall, Ford Motor Credit, Ford Motor Company, Fly Jamaica, Caribbean Food Delights (Royal Caribbean Bakery), Grace Foods USA, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill, Gleaner Company USA, Tower Isle’s Frozen Foods, Carib News, Jet Blue, VP Records and Phoenix Beverages.

Tickets are two hundred dollars, ($200) per person and are available at the Jamaican Consulate, VP Records and Royal Caribbean Bakery.

Related Articles

Back to top button