JAMAICA CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

THE CONSUL GENERAL of JAMAICA-NEW YORK, HERMAN G. LaMONT PRESENTS JAMAICA’S 50th Anniversary of Independence Annual Service of Thanksgiving at the historic Riverside Church in New York

New York, NY (July 23, 2012) – The annual Service of Thanksgiving marking Jamaica’s 50^th Anniversary of Independence, is scheduled for Sunday, July 29, 2012, at the historic Riverside Church, located at 490 Riverside Drive (between 120^th and 122^nd Streets) Morningside Heights, New York City.

In the dedication of Jamaica’s 50^th year of Independence, the Right Reverend Howard Gregory, Anglican Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, will deliver the sermon and the Consul General of Jamaica, Herman G. LaMont, will present the Independence Message from the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller.

Recently assigned to New York, Consul General LaMont pledges to serve the Jamaican Diaspora and hopes to unify all Jamaicans at home and abroad.  On this significant milestone, he expressed his wish for all Jamaicans to unite:  “Jamaicans at home and abroad have a social responsibility to unite hands, hearts, talents, and resources for the betterment of the nation state of Jamaica.  At the dawn of Independence, August 6, 1962, Jamaicans were filled with optimism and high ideals as we earned the right to become a sovereign nation.  Full economic independence has eluded us thus far, but we remain indomitable and must vow to overcome these challenges. Having said that, we have made remarkable achievements in other important areas.  We stand to gain significantly, by coming together as we strive to continue the advancement of the human race.”

The extension of Jamaica’s mission requires the collaborative efforts and sacrifices of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica. To that end, the international, interdenominational, progressive Riverside Church has aptly partnered with the Consulate General of Jamaica, to honour Jamaica’s 50^th year of Independence  by hosting the church service of Thanksgiving and Celebrations.  

Reverend Robert B. Coleman, Programme Minister/Minister for Mission and Social Justice is the host. He will be joined by other members of the clergy, diplomats, politicians, the Jamaica Independence Choir, cultural and youth groups for the celebration.

The Clifton Boys’ Home in Darliston, Westomoreland, Jamaica, has been chosen as the recipient of the offering.

For further information on the 50^th Anniversary of Independence Church Service of Thanksgiving, contact the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, at 212-935-9000 Ext 121 or Ext. 123.