Rita Marley receives ICS Garvey Award in Washington

The Washington based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), has conferred the prestigious 2010 Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award on Rita Marley, widow of Reggae superstar, Bob Marley.
The award was presented to Mrs. Marley by Founder and President of the ICS, Dr. Claire Nelson, at the 17th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala on Friday, November 12, at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C.
Presenting the award, the ICS president said the Institute was more than honoured to present its premier recognition on behalf of the Caribbean community to Mrs. Marley. She explained that Mrs. Marley demonstrated, through her music and actions, an unconditional will to lift the image of Africans on the global stage, while assisting her brothers and sisters in Jamaica.
Dr. Nelson added that the Marcus Garvey award recognises persons who, unselfishly, advocate the empowerment and upliftment of people of Caribbean and African descent.

Jamaican-born atttorney practicing in California, Joy Young Stephenson, displays the Trail Blazer Award she received at the 17th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala on Friday (November 12), at the JW Marriott in downtown Washington D.C.

In accepting the award, Mrs. Marley said she was humbled by the honour bestowed on her, and paid tribute to the ICS for its outstanding role in recognising the great contributions of people of Caribbean heritage.
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, said the ICS provided a unique platform to extoll the Caribbean contribution to the building of America. The ICS, she said, is rightfully celebrated among the great Caribbean organisations, for its accomplishments in promoting Caribbean culture and interests in the USA over the last 17 years.
Ambassador Marks extended congratulations to the awardees, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, for their outstanding contributions in various fields of endeavour.
She praised Mrs. Marley for being an international cultural icon and artiste whose contribution is legendary. She also paid tribute to Jamaica born Attorney, Joy Young Stephenson, who received the 2010 Trail Blazer Award.

Deputy Chief of Missions at the Embassy of Jamaica, Cheryl Gordon (right), pictured with the 2010 Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Awardee, Rita Marley, widow of Reggae superstar Bob Marley, at the 17th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala held on Friday (November 12), at the J.W. Marriott in downtown Washington D.C. Mrs. Gordon represented Jamaica’s Ambassador, Audrey Marks at the event.

Newly appointed Deputy Chief of Missions at the Embassy of Jamaica, Cheryl Gordon, represented Ambassador Marks at the event.
Also recognised were: Joseph Baptiste, who received the Social Entrepreneur Award; David Boyer, for his outstanding contribution to Corporate America; Sir Edward Cheung, the Excellence in Science and Technology Award; Dr. Wayne Frederick, the Vanguard Award; Dr. Roy Sastick, Outstanding Community Service; and Marie Fleuer, the Outstanding Political Leadership Award.
The Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually. Since its inception, recipients have included Reggae superstar, Jimmy Cliff; Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypsonian, Slinger Francisco, otherwise known as “The Mighty Sparrow”; and Frederick “Toots” Hibberts of Toots and the Maytals, as well as Maryland House of Delegates representative, Jamaican-born Shirley Natham-Pulliam.
Last year, the ICS conferred the Vanguard Award on World and Olympic Champion Sprinter, Usain Bolt.