MIAMI – On Thursday, February 25th members of the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce (JAUSACC) paid tribute to the many cultures inextricably linked to the development of Jamaica, at its second annual Reception in celebration of Black History Month.
The event themed “Voices of Jamaica” was organized by the JAUSACC and partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Kendall/South Dade in recognition of the vision and achievements of Jamaicans and the wider Caribbean Diaspora to the development of their adopted homeland through culture, economic and socio-political contributions.
Cultural and economic perspectives were presented by activists in the South Florida Diasporic community as they traced the historical relationship celebrating the diversity of the Jamaican motto “Out of many one People”.
Ms. Karen Andre, Haitian-American, attorney, spoke of the valuable bonds that Jamaicans and Haitians share through history and bilateral relationship.
Ms. Andre also a political activist, was among the invited guests who briefly traced the long and deep relationship Jamaicans shared with Haitian neighbours through the slave period and particularly, fraternal bonds with Jamaica from the period of self-educated Jamaican slave Boukman ‘Bookman’ Dutty to Aristide, and beyond to today’s role in CARICOM.
Elaborating on her experience with Jamaicans through her daily encounters, Ms. Andre, American born of Haitian descent, described her neighbors as dignified, innovative, hardworking and always striving for excellence. Jamaicans, she felt, were regarded as leaders, whom had set the pace that other Caribbean neighbors were emulating.
Throughout their long and difficult history, Ms. Andre described the role Haitians played as a symbol of world freedom and black culture, even in their contributions to the development of the United States.
In contrast, they shared similar traits with Jamaicans as they were also independent, hardworking and resilient. “Superficially we share a region, but our ties are deeper. We share the same blood,” she added.
The inclusion of Haiti as a new member of the CARICOM group of nations was symbolic and significant, according to Ms. Andre. This, she said was important for strengthening the ties and relationship with other Caribbean neighbors.
In an emotional tone, she expressed appreciation to Jamaicans for the overwhelming support during the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti. “Jamaicans were one of the first to respond in our time of need. The love, support and prayers extended from the international community have sustained the Haitian people through these difficult times.”
Ms. Deborah Lowe, President of the Chinese Cultural Association in South Florida also briefly highlighted the Chinese-Jamaican roots of the Jamaican culture since the indentured servants began migrating from Hong Kong in 1854.
Ms. Lowe said that the history of the Chinese immigration to Jamaica more than 150 years ago was parallel to that of the African slave trade.
Contributions to the Jamaican culture, she said was established through humanitarian and social assistance by the Chinese Benevolent Society since 1854, and continues today as the Chinese Benevolent Association in Kingston. The cultural bond extended through the South Florida organization – The Chinese Cultural Association – was started some 25 years ago, to maintain the ties and relationship developed between both cultures as they began to acquire residence in the United States from the 1960s.
Jamaican Consul General and honorary Chair of the JAUSACC, Mrs. Sandra Grant Griffiths commended members of the Chamber for their intuition in celebrating our Diaspora during Black History Month. She challenged her audience to be a part of history by using available means to steadily and positively empower themselves to write their own story. She encouraged them to take responsibility with a view to improvement for the development of their personal lives, their families, that of the Caribbean community as well as their adopted homeland in the United States, despite the personal and economic challenges they encountered.
Florida State Representative, Ronald A. Brise, gave an overview of a variety of opportunities for local small businesses across the State.
The evening wrapped up with a program of entertainment by a rendition of folk songs by the Jamaican Folk Revue, the choir and drummers of the Jamaica Nurses Association of Florida (JNAF), and a reflection of Jamaican folklore by Jamaican author and folklorist, Rev. Easton Lee.
President of the Jamaica USA Chamber, Ms. Marie Gill and President of the Kiwanis chapter, Peter Bailey, presided over the evening’s program.
