Thousands Celebrate Independence Anniversary in Washington

More than 10,000 Jamaicans and friends of the country converged on the gardens of the Organization of American States (OAS) in downtown Washington, D.C., to celebrate Jamaica’s 44th anniversary of Independence, on Sunday, August 6 at the Independence Sunday Market hosted by the Jamaican Embassy.
The entire grounds of the OAS was converted into a grand market with over 30 booths showcasing a variety of Jamaican products, ranging from art and craft to Jamaican cuisine. Several Jamaican companies were represented, including the Jamaica Tourist Board, Air Jamaica, Jamaica National Building Society, Victoria Mutual Building Society, Western Union, GraceKennedy, Red Stripe and Delta Airlines.
Red Stripe, one of Jamaica’s largest exporters to the United States, took the opportunity to launch its new 24-ounce bottle. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley was presented with the first 24-ounce bottle of the Red Stripe brew, which came off the assembly line in Jamaica.
The market, which brought the curtains down on the week of Independence activities in Washington, D.C., saw thousands of Jamaicans and friends dancing to the sounds of The Skatalites, Image Band, and the Bare Essentials. The crowd was also entertained by Kymani Marley, and Lovindeer.
In his comments, Ambassador Shirley said the Independence Market was designed to give Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica a taste of the island, “as we celebrate Jamaica’s 44th year of Independence”.
The Ambassador said that from all indications, the day’s activities were well received and commended the planning committee as well as the sponsors. The event was sponsored by GraceKennedy Financial Services Limited, National Investment Bank of Jamaica, GraceKennedy Remittance Services Limited/Western Union, Grace Foods International Limited, Jamaica National Group of Companies, Red Stripe, Jamaica Tourist Board, Victoria Mutual Building Society, Air Jamaica, Inter-American Culture & Development Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Centre, the Organization of American States, J. Wray & Nephew Limited, Delta Air Lines, and Chevy Chase Bank.