Mrs. Holness in Atlanta for Jamaica Independence Celebrations

The Most Hon. Juliet Holness, wife of Prime Minister, the Hon. Andrew Holness arrived in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday (August 10), for a five-day official visit.

She was met at the Hartfield Jackson International Airport by a welcome party headed by Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Jewell Scott, and included President of the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA), Alan Stewart; and Director of International Business at the Hartfield Jackson International Airport, Alrine Barr.

Mrs. Holness, who is being hosted by the Atlanta Jamaica Association (AJA), will participate in a number of activities to commemorate Jamaica’s 54^th year of Independence.

Her first engagement was a courtesy call on Georgia’s First Lady, Sandra Deal, wife of the Governor of Georgia, Nathan Deal, at the Governor’s Mansion. After discussions, Mrs. Holness was given a tour of the 178-year-old mansion.

Mrs. Holness, who is also Member of Parliament for the constituency of St. Andrew East Rural, will be interviewed by host of the Caribbean show on Future Movement Radio, Pat Baccas.

On Friday (Aug. 12), she will pay a courtesy call on Atlanta’s Mayor, Kasim Reed at his City Hall office.  Later that evening, she will attend a special reception in her honour hosted by Mrs. Scott.

The reception is expected to be attended by a wide cross-section of the Jamaican and Caribbean communities as well as members from local and state governments.

On Saturday, August 13, Mrs. Holness will be interviewed by the host of ‘Rockers International’ on Atlanta’s radio 89.3, Paul Abrahams.

Later in the day, she will deliver the keynote address at the AJA’s Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Atlanta Marriott Gateway hotel.

The ball, considered a premier event to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence, will see over 600 patrons in attendance.

Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Franz Hall; Honorary Consul Scott; Governor Deal and Mrs. Deal; Atlanta’s Mayor, Kasim Reed, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, are expected to be in attendance.

AJA President, Alan Stewart, said his organisation is very honoured to have Mrs. Holness deliver the keynote address at the ball.

“We are pleased that Atlanta is her first overseas visit in her official capacity, and the Jamaican community welcomes her.  This is a special occasion for us,” he said.

On Sunday, August 14, Mrs Holness will be hosted at a special breakfast in her honour by the Benevolent Mission of Atlanta before returning to the island later that afternoon.