The colours black, inexperienced, and gold adorned the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, as scores of Jamaicans and associates of Jamaica gathered in thanksgiving for Jamaica’s 63rd 12 months of Independence.
Jamaica’s newly minted Ambassador to the USA, His Excellency Main Basic (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, headed the listing of dignitaries, together with representatives from the diplomatic corps, and native, state, and federal authorities officers, together with heads of varied diaspora organizations who joined over 4 hundred worshippers in attendance.
In his first official handle following the completion of his presentation of credentials to the President of the USA, Donald Trump, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Ambassador Anderson, in a reflective handle, emphasised that this 12 months’s theme—“Be Proud. Be Daring. Within the Black, Inexperienced, and Gold”—represents the deep that means of Jamaica’s cultural id and its model.
“I really feel blessed that I can name myself a Jamaican. The Jamaican model is a robust model on the planet. It’s robust due to our international diaspora and, considerably, the affect and motion of the diaspora in the USA; they promote the model overseas and assist to outline what individuals see and know as model Jamaica.”
In his speech to the patriotic attendees, lots of whom have been donned within the colors of the Jamaican flag, Ambassador Anderson reminded the gathering of the importance of the event.
“We’re right here to have fun a big milestone—63 years since Jamaica gained its Independence. The black speaks to the energy and creativity which have sustained us via each triumphs and adversity; the inexperienced displays the hope and abundance of our lovely land; and the gold captures the heat of our sunshine and the richness of our spirit as a nation.”
“As we collect on this place of worship, whether or not Jamaican or buddy of Jamaica, we’re reminded that these colors don’t simply fly on Independence Day—they stay in us, every single day. They present up in our onerous work, in our religion, in our laughter, and in the best way we help each other—whether or not in Kingston, Clarendon, or proper right here in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia,” he continued.
Talking on to the diaspora group, the highest diplomat lauded their work.
“I lengthen my gratitude. Thanks for persevering with to uplift Jamaica’s good identify throughout the globe. You serve in lecture rooms and boardrooms, in hospitals and halls of presidency. You carry our tradition via music, meals, trend, and household values. You give again—whether or not via remittances, charitable work, or just by being shining examples of what it means to be Jamaican.”
The Ambassador provided a heat reassurance to members of the diaspora.
“You may have a house right here in the USA and a house in Jamaica. Jamaica welcomes our individuals again… Jamaica is residence for all Jamaicans, and a paradise for people who find themselves not Jamaicans.”
In referencing the completion of his credentialing course of, Ambassador Anderson reiterated his dedication to constructing robust ties between the U.S. and Jamaica.
“I had the respect simply this week to current my credentials to the U.S. President, which locations me able to higher serve the pursuits of Jamaica and the diaspora. On this function, I’ll search to construct stronger bonds with the USA of America.”
The Ambassador alluded to a really buoyant funding local weather, pointing to myriad funding alternatives, and urged the diaspora to know these alternatives.
“I imagine that the alternatives are there. Jamaica is experiencing good issues in lots of sectors. We’re in a superb place to obtain investments and a superb place to be a pillar of help to attain nice issues collectively right here as Jamaicans in the USA. I’m actually trying ahead to participating and getting these bonds as robust as potential.”
The Independence message of Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Andrew Holness, was delivered by Ambassador Anderson.
Affiliate Minister of the Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ, Rev. Sylvia McDonald Kaufman, delivered the sermon, whereas the service was moderated by Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne, a Jamaica-born professor of New Testomony research and a former affiliate and interim dean of Howard College College of Divinity.
A major function of the church service was the presentation of the DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awards. Award winners included Hopkins College Professor Emeritus Dr. Franklyn W. Knight, who obtained the Lifetime Achievement Award; Esther Sanderson, recipient of the Particular person Award; Marguerite Chinn/Negril Eatery – Establishment/Organisation Award; and Elda Devarie/EMD Gross sales – Buddy of Jamaica Award.
In the meantime, the choices collected this 12 months will likely be donated to help the Hanover Infirmary in Jamaica.
Through the years, varied diaspora organizations and Jamaican clergy within the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) space have partnered with the Jamaican Embassy in Washington to prepare this grand celebration.
