Reggae matriarch Rita Marley and tourism government Adam Stewart might be amongst eight distinguished people honoured at this 12 months’s Jamaica Independence Gala, scheduled for August 23 on the New York Marriott Marquis.
The gala, organised by the Jamaican Consulate in New York in collaboration with non-profit organisation Jamaica Promise, celebrates Jamaica’s independence, tradition, and diaspora contributions.
Rita Marley, born Alfarita Constantia Marley, will obtain the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her pioneering work in reggae, her cultural advocacy, and her humanitarian efforts. As a founding member of the I-Threes and the matriarch of the Marley household, she has performed a key position in bringing Jamaican music and philanthropic values to a worldwide viewers.
Adam Stewart, government chairman of Sandals Resorts Worldwide, might be recognised for Enterprise Management. Stewart is being honoured for his contributions to Caribbean tourism and financial growth via entrepreneurship and innovation within the hospitality sector.
After a one-year hiatus in 2024 as a result of scheduling conflicts, the Jamaica Independence Gala returns as a significant occasion for Jamaicans and mates of Jamaica throughout the diaspora. In a press release final 12 months, the Consulate expressed remorse over the gala’s cancellation, citing “competing priorities.”
– Commercial –
The gala not solely celebrates excellence but in addition helps charitable initiatives in Jamaica. Proceeds from the 2025 occasion will profit training, healthcare, and neighborhood growth tasks, together with scholarships for tertiary college students, the Jamaica Most cancers Society, and the Rita Marley Lady’s Heart.
In 2023, the gala raised US$40,000 in scholarship funds distributed to 16 college students throughout Jamaica and the USA. Of these, eight scholarships went to college students at The College of the West Indies, six to the School of Agriculture, Science and Schooling (CASE), two to the College of Know-how, and one to a pupil within the U.S.
Further honorees
Alongside Marley and Stewart, six others will even be recognised:
-
James Alston – Neighborhood Improvement & Philanthropy Award
-
Patricia Chin – Lifetime Achievement Award for her work as a reggae music pioneer and co-founder of VP Data
-
Henry “Larry” Duffus – Entrepreneurship Award for his profitable New York-based bicycle enterprise and youth mentorship
-
Gregory Fisher – Nationwide Improvement Award for his continued help of Jamaica’s monetary and philanthropic sectors
-
Dr. Anthony Munroe – Academic Management Award, president of Munroe College
-
Audrey Tugwell Henry – Enterprise Management Award, president and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica, honoured for her management in banking and contributions to financial progress
Consul Common Alsion Wilson expressed satisfaction within the 2025 honourees.
“Every honouree has made a profound influence of their discipline and within the lives of others, exemplifying the easiest of Jamaica and the very best of mates of Jamaica,” Wilson stated. “Their achievements – from pioneering Jamaican music on the world stage to reworking academic establishments and empowering communities – encourage Jamaicans all over the place. It is going to be a privilege to recognise their contributions as we have fun our nation’s independence.”
Wilson added that the collective accomplishments of this 12 months’s honorees replicate the power, vibrancy, and resilience of Jamaica’s heritage throughout the humanities, enterprise, training, and neighborhood service.
