Jamaicans and associates of Jamaica throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) will come collectively on Sunday, July 27, to have fun 63 years of Independence from Britain and the 187th anniversary of Emancipation from slavery.
The 2025 Jamaica Independence Thanksgiving Service is ready to happen at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7600 Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland, starting at 10:45 a.m.
The occasion, themed “Be Proud, Be Daring: God Is Doing a New Factor,” guarantees a spirited show of cultural satisfaction and unity. It additionally marks the third consecutive 12 months that the DMV Jamaican group shall be acknowledged with awards for excellent contributions to Jamaica and its diaspora.
Ambassador Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s newly appointed envoy to the USA and Everlasting Consultant to the Group of American States, will ship his first main deal with to the Jamaican diaspora within the DMV area. Messages from Prime Minister Andrew Holness may also be featured.
“This 12 months’s theme reminds us of the deep which means held throughout the colors of our nationwide flag,” mentioned Ambassador Anderson. “The black speaks to the power and creativity which have sustained us… the inexperienced displays the hope and abundance of our stunning land, and the gold captures the heat of our sunshine and the richness of our spirit as a nation.”
The celebration will embody participation from members of Washington’s diplomatic corps, together with native, state, and federal officers. Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne, a Jamaican-born professor and former interim dean of Howard College Faculty of Divinity, will preside over the service. Aiding him shall be Canon Rev. Dr. Kortright Davis, Rev. Eron Henry, and Bishop Stanley Murray of Baltimore.
Rev. Sylvia McDonald Kaufman, affiliate minister at Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ in D.C., will ship this 12 months’s sermon. Music shall be supplied by the Voices of Excellence, beneath the route of Dr. Garnett Mowatt.
Among the many particular friends are Dr. Weymouth Spence, President of Washington Adventist College and a co-sponsor of the occasion, and Rev. Kimrose Goodall, a counseling psychologist.
The DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awards will honor 4 people and entities for his or her service and impression:
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Dr. Franklyn W. Knight, Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins College – Lifetime Achievement Award
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Ms. Esther Sanderson, Richmond, VA – Particular person Award
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Marguerite Chinn/Negril Eatery – Establishment/Group Award
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Ms. Elda Devarie/EMD Gross sales – Buddy of Jamaica Award
“That is the third 12 months the Committee is conferring these awards on DMV people who’ve made sterling contributions in direction of holding Jamaica’s flag flying excessive,” mentioned Ian Edwards, chair of the awards subcommittee. “This 12 months’s honourees are well-deserving.”
Choices collected on the service will go towards supporting the Hanover Infirmary in Jamaica.
The celebration continues a long-standing custom of collaboration between Jamaican clergy, group leaders, and the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., to honor the nation’s journey of freedom and independence.
