Honorees on the Jamaica Independence Folks’s Ball: Clive Blackwood, left, and reggae saxophonist Dean Fraser
Picture credit score: Dave Rodney
Clive W, Blackwood, government vice chairman and normal auditor of the Federal Reserve Financial institution of New York was amongst numerous luminaries who had been honored Saturday evening on the Third Annual Jamaica Folks’s Independence Ball at Terrace On The Park in Queens.
The glitzy, sold-out, Black-tie gala, organized by the New York-based Jamaica Independence Basis, Inc., headed by Julie L. Brook, celebrated Jamaica’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.
Different honorees included Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser for his contribution to reggae music; Veronica Campbell Brown for her excellent accomplishments in observe and area; Hyacinth Bloomfield for Group Service; and Lamona Worrell, assistant commissioner within the Mayor’s Workplace in New York for her work within the improvement and engagement with the Caribbean group in New York.
Blackwood, who was born in Kingston, the Jamaican capital, and attended the Chetolah Park Main College and Ardenne Excessive College in Kingston, was hailed for his excellent accomplishments within the monetary providers business.
Blackwood, who was additionally the night’s keynote speaker, has background in threat and auditing spanning over 25 years. Previous to becoming a member of the Federal Reserve Financial institution, he was an government at American Categorical Firm and at KPMG Assurance Providers.
Blackwood, acquired the Pinnacle Award for excellent accomplishments. He was additionally the recipient of US Home of Representatives New York State Senate proclamations. The awards had been offered by Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, consultant for the predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.
Mayor Eric Adams additionally declared Saturday, August 10 Dean Fraser Day in New York Metropolis.
In his deal with, Blackwood mentioned there was, certainly, so much to have fun in reflecting on Jamaica’s historical past and resilience, however added that there was nonetheless extra work to be performed.
“We have fun and march in direction of the Promised Land, however there may be way more success to return, primarily based on all the things we have now seen our folks overcome throughout the course of historical past”, he mentioned.
Social media sensation Julie Mango thrilled the viewers as emcee. The night’s leisure was supplied by True Tribute Band, led by LeRoy Graham, Jr. Each Fraser and native artist Maricia Ramed made visitor appearances with the band.
The ceremony closed with full of life dancing to the music of DJ Bandit, who spat out countless barrage of reggae classics, from “Land of My Delivery” to “I Man Born Ya”, “Ram Goat Liver” and “Three Little Birds.”
“My workforce and I labored very laborious to make the Folks’s Ball a powerful success, and we’re completely satisfied that that evening exceeded expectations and that our friends left with their spirits lifted, satisfaction of their hearts and a smile on their faces”, Julie Brooks, president of Jamaica Independence Basis, Inc., instructed Caribbean Life.
Amongst patrons had been Victoria Harper, sponsor and government with the Jamaica Vacationer Board; Karl and Fay Rodney, homeowners of New York Carib Information; Sabrina Ho-Sang Jordan, CEO of Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Meals Delights; government, Ann Marie Grant, American Basis for the College of the West Indies; Patrick Maitland, of Avenue Hype; Marcia James, government on the Kimberly Resort; Mike Williams, of the Exterior Lounge/Eye Assortment; media advertising and marketing specialist Dave Rodney; and school lecturer Dr. Sophia Manning.
