Consul General announces Jamaica 50th Diaspora Honorees for Nation’s Golden Jubilee Year

Jamaica's Consul General, Sandra Grant Griffiths on July 11 announced the names of honorees of the Jamaica Diaspora Honours 2012, a salute to Jamaicans who have had a significant impact on the Florida and South USA Jamaica Diaspora community as well as to their homeland.

The honorees will be recognized at the official Jamaica 50th Gala, "The Journey" under the auspices of the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami on Saturday, August 18th. The Awards Ceremony and Benefit Gala will be held at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami.

In congratulating the distinguished honorees, Consul General Grant Griffiths spoke of the significant contribution of the individuals and organizations in the diverse fields such as sports, literary, cultural and entertainment arts, philanthropy, trade and investment, communications, faith and religious leadership, social and professional services, political and multilateral affairs. "Over the years, these community stalwarts selected in the categories of Changemakers, Luminaries and Vanguards, have been supportive of national development, and integral to the positive mission of the Diaspora in impacting wider local and international society” she added.

Among the honorees are several pioneering legends in the community who are being recognized posthumously.

Noticeable, were members of the Jamaica Nurses’ Association of Florida (JNAF), seven of whom received nominations and were selected among the honorees, and the Association categorized among the three corporations honored for outstanding community service.  The Consul Genera emphasized that that the commitment of our nurses to community service serves as inspiration and motivation to others.

The Consul General reminded of the genesis of the re-branded awards – the Consulate General’s Community Service Awards – which commenced in 2006, the proceeds of which supported local and Jamaican charities. This year, importantly, the proceeds from the Jamaican Diaspora Honours Gala Benefit will establish the “Jamaica Diaspora Community Legacy Fund” towards the goal of the ultimate and achievable creation of a socio-cultural center for the Jamaican Diaspora community.

According to the Consul General, this stellar honoring event forms part of the Jamaica 50th celebratory programme of activities for the Golden Jubilee Year of the Nation’s Independence in the Southern USA, and highlights the achievements of the Jamaican people of which the Diaspora is an integral part.

For more information on the Awards Ceremony and the Honorees, visit the www.jamaicacgmiami.org and www.jadiasporahonours.zohosites.com/ or the Jamaica 50 Gala Hotline – 305-957-0433.

Cheryl Wynter (954-559-3955)

info@jamaicacgmiami.org