Final thought on JA Independence

So the 45th anniversary of Jamaica's independence is gone and the celebrations that follow have tapered off. But, there are still some issues that will remain for a while for the Diaspora. This is evidenced by the comments and reaction stemming from a Sun Sentinel article written by Alva James Johnson. View article here.

After reading view comments here.

I will choose not to comment much except to say that for us in the Diaspora we have to concern ourselves with affairs in the home country and also issues in the communities that we live in.

More importantly, much recognition must go to Jerk Machine for the part that they are playing in the community. From the celebration that was referred to in the article to various events involving the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce that I have attended on occasion, Jerk Machine seems to be heavily involved in community affairs and much love go out to them for this.

True example of a business looking to be involved in the community it serves.

Jamaica's 45th Anniversary

August is a special month for two of the largest Caribbean diaspora groups. On August 6th Jamaica celebrates its 45th year of Independence (T&T celebrates later this month). Already, Emancipation Day is behind us and much has already been written about the significance of this date. (See the Jamaican Prime Minister's Emancipation Day message here).

Jamaica and Jamaicans worldwide should now put the upcoming elections on the back burner as we have another significant date to commemorate. The Diaspora already has a host of events underway to mark this occasion. Of note is the fact that the Bank of America Tower in Miami will be draped in the black, green and gold of Jamaica (see article here).

And, on the eve of Jamaica's independence, I hope that the Jamaican Diaspora the world over will continue to take note of the various achievements by their countrymen and always realize the impact that Jamaica has made globally. I also hope that the Jamaican culture is never taken for granted and is continually preserved within the Diaspora. To those who have been instrumental in the preservation of the Jamaican culture here in the South Florida area, I say thank you and please continue to keep up the fine work.

Local newspapers Caribbean Contact and Caribbean Today in particular had special issues dedicated to Jamaica's Independence. I enjoyed the reading and the recognition that was paid to the Jamaicans making a difference here. Jamaicans in various fields were recognized from politics to sports and business. Clearly we have a great heritage and have much to celebrate. However, we still have more to contribute and we still have a long way to go. Yes, we are little but tallawah (strong).

In closing I would like to wish every member of the Jamaican Diaspora a safe 45th Independence celebration and that we continue to make our mark away from home.

Upcoming activities in the next month

I was supposed to be at the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce today but had to cancel last minute. Second month in a row I had to for ego this event but this August is a must attend on my calendar. The Let's Talk forum is in August and this is where the Caribbean community in South Florida come together and have a discussion about the progress we are making as a community. All the media houses will be present including the Caribbean print and radio and television media as well as some of the larger newspapers: the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel. Well, these organizations were represented last time round and I believe they will be again this year. I attended last year and will be curious to see what they dialogue will be like this time round. More and that in the coming weeks.

Before that event will be a litany of activities marking Jamaica' independence. There is already a schedule out with all the activities that I will post here at a later date. I believe T&T also has independence celebrations this year all well. August will be busy and significant. I am looking forward to it.