Jamaican Pioneers in Atlanta Honoured at 2024 Celebrations

Two Jamaicans in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA were honoured at the fourth staging of the Jamaican Pioneers 2024 celebrations.

The 2024 honorees, Attorneys Allan Alberga and Anthony Lee Hing, were recognised on Saturday (March 23) at the virtual event for their contribution to community development at home and abroad.

The event, dubbed ‘Our Stories, Jamaican Pioneers in Georgia’, was conceived and organised by Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Atlanta and Real Estate Broker, Dr Elaine Bryan.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, in his address, commended the honorees for their “generosity of spirit and commitment to country”.

“Your journey was not an easy one against the natural challenges you would have encountered as Jamaican immigrants in a foreign land. Your success must have come at a cost, and I applaud both of you for not only having paved the course, but for understanding the value and importance of giving back,” he said.

Mr. Terrelonge, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, also commended Dr. Bryan for her efforts in showcasing the accomplishments and recognising Jamaicans abroad.

“You have taken the initiative to celebrate our fellow Jamaicans in the community of Atlanta. I take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding contributions you have been making in your capacity as Honorary Consul for Jamaica over the past nearly five years,” he said.

“You do not only provide the usual consular services to our nationals but you have also sought to keep our flag flying high in the United States, and for that we are grateful,” he continued.

Mr. Terrelonge said that support for and partnering with the diaspora overseas remain a priority for the Government of Jamaica.

“We are both family and strategic partners in a journey towards a prosperous future. We continue to work to secure the growth and development of this country we all call home,” he added.

Fourteen Jamaicans in Atlanta have been honoured by the Jamaica Pioneers in Georgia programme.

These are Margaret Marshall, Dr. Noel Erskine, Lilieth Jones, Errol Ritchie, Joan Smith, Basil Smith, Elsada Miriam Duncan, Tele Holt, Denzil Dixon, Marie Brown, Marjorie Wilson, Dr. Paul McLeod, Cecelia Smith and Dr. Juan Reid.

The sponsors for the event are Victoria Mutual Group Limited, Jamaica National Group Limited, Elaine Bryan Realty, Layne Law Group, Elaine Bryan Foundation, Grace Foods, Westside Gastro, Couples Resorts, and Jamaicans & Partners of Georgia (JAPOG).