Jamlanta.org

Thank you Golden Krust for partnering with Redeemed Christian Fellowship to feed the community in the first annual “Feed the community initiative.” There were 103 volunteers between both locations, Golden Krust Marietta, and Golden Krust Douglasville.  We fed more than 350 individuals and sent meals to the police stations, fire stations, and some paramedics as a part of our first responders dinner drive.  In addition to these individuals, this initiative hosted hurricane evacuees and their care givers, nurses, bus drivers, funded by FEMA as a part of the FEMA program.  Individuals came from youth homes, shelters,…….. and anyone who wanted a meal.

Thanks to the many organizations and individuals who contributed and were instrumental in making this event such a success:

BAK foods, TIP TOP, Golden Krust, Grace Kennedy, Restaurant Depot, Tropical Treats, Proctico Dry Cleaners, Sams Club, Diamond Distributors, Smart Clips Barber Shop and Salon in Acworth, Nubians Touch Beauty Supply in Acworth, Proctico Dry Cleaners Kennesaw & Marietta, Redeemed Christian Fellowship members, Local Radio stations, Rev. Dr. Clifford Clarke, Brother Norman Brown, Mr. Horace Murray, Ms. Denise Newell, David Whilby, Francine Patterson, Aretha, Chefs (Carlton, Ricky, Christ, Norman), and the many volunteers.

WELL DONE.

Coalition of Jamaican Alumni Associations of Florida

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2017736428287550&type=1&l=3c2063bffa

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/it-s-dalton-_151256

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information: Dr. Rupert Francis, 909-994-2490

 Unified Diaspora USA Leadership Summit Concludes with One Voice

New York, NY (November 27, 2018): The historic event in Morrow, Georgia from the 16^th to 18^th of November was billed as a “unified Jamaica Diaspora USA Leadership Summit”. This first-time effort was envisioned by the three US-based Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Members to promote a cohesive and viable Diaspora community starting with the joint convening and discussion to initiate the creation of USA Diaspora Development Plan.

The Summit apparently concluded on several high notes with the general consensus around the need for a structure with clear purpose to galvanize and unify the US Jamaican Diaspora. A post-Summit report is expected in December highlighting the various activities and recommendations from participants. The Advisory Board Members and leadership then plan on undertaking widespread consultations across the Diaspora with diverse stakeholders in an effort to strongly inform the creation of a Development Plan. Along with periodic updates including media releases and other communiqués to the Diaspora community, the team is aiming to submit a progress report by the June 2019 Biennial Diaspora Conference in Jamaica.

Summit opened with participants hearing from different dignitaries including the Hon. Earl Jarrett, OJ, CD, JP, LLP, CEO of The Jamaica National Group (premier Summit sponsor) who highlighted that as “we meet at an important time in history”, the Diaspora is to not become isolated but to help and support each other and to “Stand up, stand strong, and be counted.”

 The keynote address by Minister of State with specific responsibility for Diaspora Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), Senator the Hon. Pearnel P. Charles, Jr. noted that “This ground-breaking Leadership Summit is the first of its kind from a Jamaican Diaspora context. It has caught the attention of the wider Diaspora and will consequently serve as a model for collaboration and cohesiveness among Jamaicans globally.”

 Before closing, the Minister used the opportunity to announce that the 8^th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will convene in Kingston from 16^th – 20^th June 2019.

Strongly endorsing the Leadership Summit through financing was premier sponsor The Jamaica National Group along with Hardware & Lumber Ltd., Jamaica Tourist Board, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill and Tru-Juice. The Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc., under the leadership of President Tony Gray, was the non-profit fiscal sponsor and a major supporter.

The Summit featured sessions where leaders of varying competences engaged in a highly interactive process to discuss shared Diaspora vision and values; identifying what makes the Diaspora great and the challenges confronting it; and the creation of a legal institutional framework for Diaspora leadership and governance. The closing breakout sessions engaged leaders in dialogues around currently trending issues impacting the Diaspora and how they may collaborate across the nation despite their individual affiliations.

In the final analysis, it was evident by the gravity of discussions that included Mr. Earl Jarrett and several other guests, as well as attendees from the MFAFT, that those who came were engaged in the opportunity that was provided for them to share their thoughts and raise their proverbial hands to move to the next steps. Reportedly, many left the Summit feeling optimistic because they were engaged in a way like never before and are anxious to engage in recommendations outlined.

Entities desiring to learn more about the Summit and the strategic development planning process are encouraged to contact info@jdneusa.org.

***

The US-based Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Members and their respective regions are Mrs. Akelia Lawrence-Maitland (Northeast USA), Dr. Rupert Francis (West/Mid-West USA) and Mr. Wayne Golding Sr, Esq. (Southern USA). They are members of the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board that advises Minister of State with specific responsibility for Diaspora Affairs in Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Pearnel P. Charles, Jr. with advisement on matters related to the Jamaica Diaspora.

News Release

October 24, 2018

Appointment of JA. Honorary Consul to Atlanta

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade recently announced the appointment of Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan as Jamaica’s newly appointed Honorary Consul to Atlanta with effect from 1st October, 2018.

As Honorary Consul, Dr. Bryan will provide consular services to Jamaicans and persons wishing to visit Jamaica, and to promote the development of social, cultural and commercial relationships between Jamaica and Atlanta.

Dr. Bryan succeeds Mrs. Jewel Scott, who resigned from the position in December 2017.

Dr. Bryan is a former educator in the Atlanta School System and is now a real estate entrepreneur. She is also the founder and chair of The Elaine Bryan Foundation.

During her tenure as educator, Mrs. Bryan has worked diligently with young persons as a motivational speaker empowering high school and college students through mentorship programmes.  Then as a Microsoft Education Partner, Dr. Bryan collaborated with the Microsoft team to develop and establish Microsoft-GECG STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) for the students conducted through enrichment workshops.

She is the recipient of several awards and commendations for her outstanding contribution to Education.  She was also recognized as the Gleaner “2007” Phenomenal Woman.

She is married to Gregory Scott Bryan and they both work together on global projects for The Elaine Bryan Foundation and the Global Education Consultants Group.

Contact:

Cheryl Wynter

Consulate General of Jamaica

Miami, FL