Jamaicans in Philly Celebrate Independence

Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Pennsylvania, Dr. Alston Meade, has said that the celebration of the country’s 48th anniversary of Independence was a fitting occasion to reflect on its sterling achievements.
“Independence, perhaps more so than any other occasion, is a time for reflection on where we are as a nation, where we have been and where we are going,” he told an Independence Dinner and Dance organised by “Team Jamaica Bickle” of Philadelphia, at the Penn’s Landing Center, downtown Philadelphia, on Saturday August 7.

Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Pennsylvania, Dr. Alston Meade, addressing the audience at the dinner/ dance staged by ‘Team Jamaica Bickle’ in Philadelphia on Saturday, August 7, at Penn’s Landing Center in Philadelphia, in commemoration of Jamaica’s 48th independence anniversary.

“We must remember that the freedom we celebrate was bought with the blood, sweat and tears of our foreparents, and we should always cherish this freedom,” he added.
Dr. Meade told the large gathering that 48 years is “but a heartbeat in the life of a nation”, yet the country has extended its reach far beyond its 4,243 square miles.
“We are known, worldwide, for our culture and athletic prowess and are today one of the most recognizable names on the planet, which thoroughly proves that size is not a deterrent for strength or excellence,” he said.
The Honorary Consul lauded “Team Jamaica Bickle” for its outstanding work over the past 16 years, in supporting the Jamaican athletes participating in the annual Penn Relays. He congratulated the founder of “Team Jamaica Bickle”, Irwine Claire, for conceptualising the idea.
Delivering the keynote address, General Manager of Grace Food International, Derrick Reckord, noted that “Team Jamaica Bickle” represented an extraordinary group of Jamaicans residing overseas, who are making a valuable contribution to supporting Jamaican athletes.

General Manager of Grace Foods International, Derrick Reckord, delivering the keynote address at the dinner/dance staged by ‘Team Jamaica Bickle’ on Saturday, August 7, at Penn’s Landing Center in Philadelphia, in commemoration of Jamaica’s 48th independence anniversary.

“Your contribution to our athletes on a yearly basis will go a long way to help nurture them, in order for them to become great ambassadors on the world stage,” he said.
Highlight of the dinner was the honoring of CEO and President of the Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Food Delights, Vincent HoSang, former Air Jamaica Sales Manager for North East USA, Joy Cain, and founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, Irwine Claire.
They were honoured for the outstanding contribution they have made to “Team Jamaica Bickle” over the years.