JA 62 Independence Celebration
Join Us for a Grand Celebration of Jamaica’s 63 Years of Independence & 187 Years of Emancipation

The Jamaican community across the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region invites you to a powerful morning of faith, culture, and honor as we give thanks for Jamaica’s 63rd year of Independence and commemorate the 187th anniversary of Emancipation from slavery.

Celebrate with Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in a spirit-filled gathering showcasing national pride, resilience, and unity.

JOIN LIVE EVENT

Special Guest Speakers & Dignitaries
His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson
This year’s celebration is extra special, featuring the first major address to the diaspora by:
His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson

Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States & Permanent Representative to the OAS

Plus messages from:
 
  • The Most Hon. Dr. Andrew Holiness, Prime Minister of Jamaica
  • Distinguished local, state, federal leaders & diplomats
Worship & Word
Worship program
Presided by:
Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne,
Professor of New Testament Studies Howard University School of Divinity

Sermon by:
Rev. Sylvia McDonald Kaufman,
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Joined by:
  • Canon Rev. Dr. Kortright Davis
  • Rev. Eron Henry
  • Bishop Stanley Murray

🎶 Music by Voices of Excellence, conducted by Dr. Garnett Mowatt
DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awards 2025
Now in its third year, the awards will honor four outstanding contributors to the Jamaican community:

Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Franklyn W. Knight, Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins University
Individual Award: Ms. Esther Sanderson, Richmond, VA
Institution/Organization Award: Ms. Marguerite Chinn, Negril Eatery
Friend of Jamaica Award: Ms. Elda Devarie, EMD Sales

“This year’s honourees are well-deserving,” says Ian Edwards, chair of the Awards Committee.

Diaspora Awards 2024

Our Annual Charity Focus
This year’s offering will support the Hanover Infirmary in Jamaica, extending the love and care beyond borders.
Thank you for your generous donations to this most worthy cause!
Please mail your cheques to;
The Embassy of Jamaica
On the memo line write Hanover Infirmary
1520 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
OR

DONATE ONLINE

Lead me beside still Jamaican waters and restore my soul

EVENT LOCATION

Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church

 7700 Carroll Ave,

Takoma Park, MD 20912