Jamaicans in Washington D.C. to Celebrate 45th Year of Independence

Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica residing in Washington, D.C. will celebrate Jamaica’s 45th year of Independence with several events, to be hosted by Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley and the Jamaican embassy in Washington, D.C.
The events will begin with a Jamaica Night at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, downtown Washington, D.C., featuring the Bare Essentials Band and Sprang International on Friday, August 3, at 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, August 4 the Jamaican Association of Maryland and Baltimore Cricket and Social Club will stage their Independence Ball at Martins West, Baltimore, Maryland commencing at 7:00 p.m., featuring Image Band and DJ Danny P International.
On the same evening the Jamaican Nationals Association will hold its Independence Gala at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, downtown Washington, DC. Guest speaker will be, Senator Anthony Hylton, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. Among the special guests will be Michelle Fenty, First Lady, Washington, D.C., and Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley. Patrons will dance to the Bobby’s Music Machine. This event begins at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, August 5 a service of Thanksgiving will be held at the Dunbarton Chapel, Howard University School of Law, commencing at 11:00 a.m. Chief celebrant will be Rt. Rev. Dr. Howard Gregory, Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay.
The service will be attended by members of the Diplomatic corps, Washington D.C.’s Mayor Adrian Fenty, and federal officials including members and representatives of Congress. Jamaica’s song bird Dawn Marie will render special musical selections. The Independence celebrations will climax with the annual Independence Sunday Market an all-day Jamaican festival on the lawns of the Organization of American States (OAS) beginning at 1:00 p.m.
The grand market atmosphere featuring stalls, booths, and other elements depicting Jamaica’s cultural heritage, art and music will be on display. Jamaica’s Grammy award winner, Shaggy will headline the entertainment, which will also feature Bob Andy, the Bare Essentials Band, DJ Sprang International, Image Band, and MC, Jerry D. Commenting on the Independence activities, Ambassador Gordon Shirley said, “On behalf of all Jamaicans, we are looking forward to the opportunity to stage these events, along with our partners and friends who have helped to make Jamaica the wonderful country that it is, and worthy of such grand celebration we look forward to continuing the tradition of sharing the Jamaican spirit in the years to come, and encourage all of our friends to join us in the upcoming celebrations.”