Several Activities Planned for Independence Celebrations

Jamaicans residing in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia will celebrate the country’s 46th year of Independence with several events, to be hosted by the Jamaican Embassy.
The events will commence on Friday, August 1 with a live broadcast of the popular radio morning current affairs show, ‘Today with Beverley Anderson Manley,’ from the studios of the Organization of American States (OAS).
On Saturday, August 2 the Jamaican Association of Maryland and Baltimore 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 Sunday, August 3 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 Rev. Dr. Neville Callam, General Secretary, Baptist World Alliance.
The service will be attended by members of the U.S. Congress and Senate, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Washington D.C.’s Mayor, Adrian Fenty.
Following the church service, the celebration will move into high gear with the staging of the annual Independence Sunday Market, an all-day Jamaican festival on the lawns of the OAS, beginning at 1:00 p.m. This will feature art, craft, Jamaican food, and music by Bare Essentials, Image Band and Ritchie Stephens.
On Tuesday, August 5, Mrs. Anderson Manley will launch her book ‘Manley Memoirs’ at 6:00 p.m. at the Embassy of Jamaica, and on August 7, renowned Jamaican artist, Michael Escoffery will stage an art exhibition in The Chancery at the Jamaican Embassy, commencing at 6:00 p.m.
Jamaican Nationals Association will hold its Independence Gala at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, downtown Washington, D.C. on August 9, commencing at 6:30 p.m. Guest of honour is expected to be Governor-General, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, while President of the Senate, Dr. Oswald Harding has been invited to deliver the keynote address. The Jamaica Association of Richmond Virginia will stage its all-day Carib Fest in Brown’s Island, Richmond, commencing at 12:00 noon.
The Jamaica Association of Maryland will host an Independence Thanksgiving Service on August 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the Baltimore Central Church of God.
Commenting on the Independence activities, Ambassador Anthony Johnson 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.”