Several Events in Washington, D.C., to Celebrate 44 Years of Independence

Several events, to be hosted by Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley and the Jamaican embassy in Washington, D.C., will be held in that city to celebrate the country’s 44th anniversary of independence.
Beginning tomorrow (July 28), there will be a week of theatrical performances, art exhibition, musical performances and gala receptions, culminating in a Sunday market festival at the Gardens of the Organization of American States (OAS).
The festivities will kick off with an Independence Dance, presented by the St. Andrew High Alumni Association at 7:00 p.m. at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, featuring Merritone Disco. Hot Spot, the award winning play by Basil Dawkins will be performed on Tuesday, August 1 at 8:00 p.m. at the Warner Theatre on Pennsylvania Ave.
From Friday, August 4 to October 29, New Possessions, an exhibition of contemporary Jamaican art celebrating 44 years of Jamaica’s independence, will be on display at the Art Museum of the Americas. Following the opening of the exhibition, Jamaica Night will return to the Zanzibar on the Waterfront, and will feature one of the island’s most popular dance groups, the Bare Essentials Band.
On Saturday, August 5, the Jamaican Nationals Association will host an Independence Gala at the Renaissance Hotel from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Beverley Anderson-Manley will be the special guest along with Miss Jamaica World Terri-Karelle Griffiths. The Image Band & Jason Steele will provide entertainment.
The Jamaica Association of Maryland and Baltimore Cricket & Social Club will also host an Independence Ball at Martins West on August 5. On Sunday morning, August 6, an Independence Day Service of Celebration will be held at Dunbarton Chapel, Howard University, 2900 Van Ness St., N.W. at 11:00 a.m.
“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,” Professor Shirley told JIS News.
“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,” he added.