New Yorkers to Receive Independence Awards

The 2008 Jamaica Independence Awards will be presented to three New Yorkers, who best exemplify the Jamaican spirit.
The presentations will be made at the grand Independence Ball on Saturday, August 16, at the New York Hilton Hotel and Towers, 1335 6th Avenue, Manhattan, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Student, Donnette Annmarie Lee, a graduating senior at Erasmus High School, Brooklyn; community advocate and social worker, Evelyn Ruth Dyer; and Major (Retired) Victor W. Terrelonge, a surviving member of the Tuskegee airmen squadron, will be recognised by the Jamaica Independence Anniversary Committee (JIAC), for their leadership and outstanding commitment and contribution to the Jamaican spirit overseas.
“The Jamaica Independence Awards Committee did a fine job in selecting from the nominations made by the community. These three outstanding human beings have demonstrated what we are capable of as a people. I hope that the community will come out to acknowledge them,” Consul-General, Geneive Brown Metzger, told JIS News.
Miss Lee has struggled against personal odds, and has contributed to the academic life of her school. Her work ethic and discipline are exemplary.
Moving to the United States from Jamaica at 15 years of age in 1937, young Terrelonge graduated from the Tuskegee University (Army Air Corps), and saw action in the Second World War.
Miss Dyer, who works at Time Inc., has helped members of churches and new families to complete their citizenship applications; has assisted senior citizens with their paperwork to access benefits; and has helped to organize community health fairs.
The Ball climaxes two weeks of activities and events across the Tri-State area to celebrate Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of Independence. Events included an art exhibition at the Consulate on Friday, August 1; a flag-raising ceremony at the Brooklyn Borough Hall, Brooklyn, on Thursday, August 7, and a Thanksgiving Service at the North Bronx SDA Church, Bronx, on Sunday, August 10.