Jamlanta.org

https://reggaegirlzfoundation.com/

Rev. Dr. Clifford Clarke:

Dear Dr. Clarke,

On behalf of our Consul General, Mr. Oliver Mair, I take this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to you and your team who have so ably demonstrated a spirit of volunteerism and community outreach to those less fortunate in the Atlanta communities at your first annual “Feed the Community Initiative”.   We learnt of this project from Mr. Kevin Boothe, one of community stalwarts.

As was obvious, your team of partners encompassed a wide cross section of community volunteers from corporations, churches, retail outlets, families and friends.  And this kind of partnership has proven that collaborative efforts with like-minds, a clear vision and compassion, can be successful.

I commend you for your leadership and dedication in your efforts not only to save lives and care for those with great needs, but also to support you as you continue to motivate and inspire our community.  Kindly extend our regards to your community of volunteers and know that we look forward to working with you in other interests to broaden the impact of service to our Diaspora  communities.

Our newly appointed Consul General is now on the road as he visits the expanded region under his jurisdiction (Southern USA).  Needless to say, the growing community of Atlanta is being earmarked for an early visit.  We will keep you posted in this regard.

Again, we thank you for all you do in service and fellowship.  We wish you all a blessed healthy and prosperous new year.

Sincerely,

Cherylw.

Cheryl Wynter

Office of Community Relations & Communications

Consulate General of Jamaica

Suite 620 Ingraham Building

25 S.E. Second Avenue

Miami, FL 33131

Tel:  305-374-8431 (Ext. 232)

954-559-3955/cell

Fax:  305 577 4970

E-mail: info@jamaicacgmiami.org

Website: www.jamaicacgmiami.org

News Release

The 12^TH ANNUAL LOUISE BENNETT –COVERLEY READING FESTIVAL

presents

“Daughters of Miss Lou”

(With Hon. Lorna Goodison, CD, Pauline Stone Myrie, Donna Aza Weir Soley and Dr. Susan Davis)

 “Daughters of Miss Lou” will be the theme of the 12^th annual Louise Bennett-Coverley Reading Festival which will be held on Saturday, February 2, at 2:00 p.m., at the Broward College Performing Cultural Arts Theater, located at 7200 Pines Blvd, in Pembroke Pines, Florida (33021).  This event will form part of the Black History Month activities coordinated by the South Regional Broward Library, and will also launch the 100^th birthday celebration of the late Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, OM, OJ, MBE, Jamaica’s cultural Ambassador.

The event is free to the public and celebrates the legacy of the internationally renowned folklorist, poet and author. Under the patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica, the annual LB-C Reading Festival is jointly coordinated by Broward College, the Friends of the South Regional Broward Library and the Jamaican Folk Revue, Inc.

The “Daughters of Miss Lou” will headline an exciting program which will bring to stage four of Jamaica’s highly regarded “dawtas” – folklorists, storytellers and writers to take us on the cultural journey created by the mother of Jamaican culture, “Miss Lou” as she was affectionately known.  The presenters will include Poet Laureate, Hon. Lorna Goodison CD; actress, Pauline Stone-Myrie; educators and authors, Dr. Susan Davis and Dr. Donna Aza Weir-Soley.  Moderator will be the Rev. Easton Lee, another of Jamaica’s renowned authors and story-tellers. The evening will also feature entertainment by local performers including Tallawah Mento Band, the Jamaican Folk Revue and the Sierra Norwood Children’s Cultural Ensemble.

The program will also highlight culture “kulcha” riddles, quizzes and proverbs, reminiscent of the Jamaican vernacular.  “Do refresh your memories on Jamaican culture, wear your national garb, and be prepared to win a prize or surprise” according to Colin Smith, President of the LB-C Heritage Council.

Several events will take place in Jamaica as well as in the Diaspora communities, to observe the 100^th birthday celebration of “Miss Lou”, highly esteemed for her efforts to legitimize Jamaican patois and to celebrate the lives of ordinary Jamaicans.  In South Florida, later this year, the popular and highly successful Writer’s Clinic and a cultural Symposium are planned, as well as a concert with the Jamaican Folk Singers, scheduled as part of the 2019 Independence activities in August. More information will be posted on upcoming events.

The annual Louise Bennett Coverley Reading Festival was started in 2007, by Mrs. Norma Darby, President Emeritus of the Heritage Council, a not-for-profit South Florida entity, following the death of the cultural icon and internationally acclaimed folklorist, Louise Bennett-Coverley (Sept. 1919 – July 2006).  Mrs. Darby reiterated that Miss Lou’s “work continues to immensely influence many individuals and organizations through her volumes of lasting and immeasurable contributions to Jamaica’s cultural development.”  The annual event continues to attract overflow audiences consisting of nationals and friends of the Diaspora and serves as a forum for emerging writers and students of the Performing Arts, through the LB-C Scholarship program.  Following the inception of the Festival, the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley Memorial Scholarship was launched.  The annual awards  are tenable at the Edna Manley College in Jamaica, and the Broward College in South Florida.  So far, some 20 deserving students have been awarded the scholarship at both institutions.  Proceeds from fundraising activities continue to support the scholarship programme.

Sponsors for the annual event include the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Jamaica National Bank (JN Bank), Riddims Marketing, Sandals, Neita’s Nest -Bed & Breakfast (Jamaica), Tallawah Mento Band, Jamaican Folk Revue, Broward County, Board of County Commissioners, Broward College, Friends of the South Regional-BC Library, XLCR Alumni Association (So. Fla), Antilles Freight Company and the Diaspora media.

Contact:  Colin Smith (954-257-0375) and Norma Darby (305-613-4365)

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https://jamaicans.com/jamaican-ann-marie-campbell-ranked-among-most-powerful-women-in-the-world-by-forbes/

From: “Cheryl Wynter” <info@jamaicacgmiami.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 3, 2019 at 6:14 PM -0500
Subject: SAVE THE DATE – 8th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2019
To: “Cheryl Wynter” <info@jamaicacgmiami.org>
Dear Members of the Diaspora,

The 8^th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will be convened in Kingston during the period 16^th to 20^th June 2019.  The theme of the Conference is “Jamaica and the Diaspora: Building Pathways for Sustainable Development” .  The theme recognises the synergies between our National Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which includes our Diaspora as an integral valued development partner.

Further details on the Conference programme and schedule of activities will be transmitted over the next few weeks and months.  In the interim, please see attached, a ‘Save the Date’  notification for your attention.

Best wishes for 2019!

 Office of the Consul General

Consulate General of Jamaica

25 SE Second Avenue – Suite 69

Miami, FL 33131

305-374-8431

Email: jamconmia@jamaicacgmiami.org

Website: www.jamaicacgmiami.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.