By: C. Harrison/Editor
Each Year the Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc., celebrates their biggest moments in history, right here in the big apple NYC, in the heart of Manhattan. The foundation’s projection for 2013 is no different but, will be even stunner since Jamaica is also celebrating its 51st year of independence.
Photo Credit: C. Harrison-Members of (JICFI) Committee).
New York, NY—– A press reception held by the Jamaican Consulate at 767 Third Avenue, took place here in New York City, Wednesday July 31, 2013. The event was put on by the committee for the Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc. There, Jamaican Consulate General Dr. LaMont accommodated special guests and the Press for the evening.
It was one year to date, that Jamaicans were in a jubilant state; because not only were they celebrating their 50th year of Independence but, they were infact also celebrating the incredulous milestone of freedom bestowed on the tiny populated Island and its 3 Million plus people. Indeed it was celebrated the world over; Jamaicans on a hold are spread out across the globe. Needless to say, that momentum continued on into 2013, were Jamaicans are in a frenzy now celebrating their 51-year of independence via a slue of activities which will coincide with the Independence Ball August 17th 2013, and will continue on for the rest of the year.
According to Paulette Willoughby, chairperson for (JICFI) who spoke about the background on the Ball and the dos and don’ts of the Ball, also noted briefly that there is a stiff silent auction yearly—which of course is quite the catch of the Ball. She explained that the Ball could do much much more with vastly more contributions, then it is doing. She said more participation is needed from the Diaspora’s business sector as well as forged partnerships friendly with Jamaica. When asked what’s in it for the corporations to support the Ball, she pointed out that sponsors would get a level of entitlement, free ad, free publicity, to mingle with VIPs and get a table of ten (10), this, via the great gift bags the corp. get each year. And for which I would be so lucky to get; these among other goodies……. to our bemusement, the argument spiked into the fact that companies who do participate, are actually showing a level of respect to the community and do need to engage, especially Jamaican companies here in the Diaspora, who needs to hone it for themselves and own the Ball at this level, so voiced Irwin Clare.
In addition, Willoughby also spoke about the pricing of the tickets, to the delight of those who complained that tickets were too much. The Chairwoman, told the room full of press core that the Ball started out with tickets at $100 dollars each to attend the ball and that 22-years later they are now charging $200 dollars each. She said that each year a % is added on to the cost of doing business with the hotel and that the hotel has notified them that food price has gone up.
I who have attended several of these Balls and can attest to its 5-course meals, its lavish cocktail hour of which you don’t want to miss this, its super presentations and laughs and yes, its dance the night away to the very end. I promised you, you will not leave disappointed.
Additionally, Willoughby contends that over the years proceeds from the Ball, have helped with the Maxfield Park School and Boys town school. She quipped that it was the Jamaica Progressive League, who started these Independence Balls in New York.
Honoree for the night will include: Ms. Heather Foster, Office of Public Engagement, the White house; Ray Golboume, Executive Vice President of Black Entertainment Television (BET); Dr. Answorth A. Allen, Orthopedic Surgeon and Irie Jam Media. Host for the evening will be Sherylee Ralph. The Ball, will be held at the New York Hilton Hotel, in New York City.
Moreover, during the course of the evening we heard many innuendos and stories regarding challenges facing the committee and ways for solutions. . We listen to different speakers; in particular Dr. LaMont, who thanked the business community for their support and the media (us), for coming out and participating. We also heard from Vincent Hosang, CEO of Caribbean Foods Delight, who spoke on and continues to asked for just $10 dollars to buy a machine that would help people at a hospital in Jamaica; which would other wise cost tens of thousands of dollars to get in Jamaica without our help. Hosang’s company also helps the Jamaican Track Sprinters and sport developments in Jamaica. Another particular we heard from was Clare, again, who is CEO of Team Jamaica Bickle. He pounded on us to bring out or encourage young Caribbean’s to come out, especially young Jamaicans in the Diaspora, to come out and celebrate their heritage’s biggest moments in history. He center pieced that when Jamaicans throw a party its for the whole Caribbean.
Another noted speaker was former Councilwoman, Una Clarke, who voiced that Caribbean people should go out and vote and that this community should get access from whichever person wins for Mayor and comes into office. Bill Thompson, also of Caribbean heritage and running for the Mayoral post, also stopped by, to congratulate Jamaica on its 51st independence celebration and answer of course questions from the media (Yours truly). He promised not to miss the official celebration August 17.
Honorable guests included: the honorable Courtney Rattray–Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nations; Mr. Christopher Ellwood, Dr. Unna Clarke former NYC, Council Woman; Leslie Clarke, Mrs. Pat Chin, CEO of VP Records; Mr. Anthony King, JTB; Sabrina and Dr. Vincent Hosing, Caribbean Foods Delight; Mr. Trevor Smith- Tower Isle Patties; Ms. Sophia Jones, Caribbean Relations, office of the Brooklyn Borough President and the New York Media Core.
Sponsors consist of: Quality Ford Auto Mall; Ford Motor Credit; Ford Motor Company; Fly Jamaica; Caribbean Foods Delight; Royal Caribbean Bakery; Grace Foods U. S. A.; Golden Crust Caribbean Bakery and Grill; Gleaner Company/USA; Tower Isle’s Frozen Foods; VP Records; Carob News.
