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The Jamaicans National Association hosted their Annual 2018 Christmas Party and Fundraiser on December 8, 2018 at the Silver Spring Civic Center, Silver Spring, MD. It was truly an affair to recognize our lifetime members in attendance; Dr. Jacqueline Payne-Borden and Mr. Richard Wilson, Esq. and show our appreciation to our loyal members, supporters and volunteers.
Thanks also for the support from various organizations and associations in the community and their representatives that attended, namely:
- Mrs. Nicholette Williams, Minister-Counsellor, Trade and Economic Affairs/Diaspora Matters
- Ambassador Curtis Ward, Former Ambassador to the United Nations and Mrs. Sonia Ward
- Mr. Rick Nugent, President, Jamaican Association of Maryland
- Mr. Greg Hinds, Washington Hilton Hotel
- Ms. Joy DuFour, Founder, Partners of Good Shepherd , Jamaica
- Representatives from the Barbados Association of Washington, DC
- Jamaican Nationals Association Life time Members.
We also had eight (8) former presidents of the association in attendance, namely:
- Mr. Roxroy Anderson
- Ms. Jennifer Asher
- Mr. Franklyn Burke
- Dr. Jacqueline Payne-Borden
- Mr. Louis Hemans
- Ms. Elise Morse
- Ambassador Curtis Ward
- Mr. Richard Wilson
Our esteem Master of Ceremony was no other than the talented Michael Campbell, Commissioner, DC Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Caribbean Community Affairs. He led us through a seamless program.
We were honored to have two (2) speakers who delivered short but persuasive speeches. Ambassador Ward, Former Ambassador to the United Nations, stressed and encouraged the organization to partner and work with other Organizations in Jamaica. He was very encouraged that JNA is currently seeking partnership with The Jamaican Cancer Society – St. Ann and St. Mary’s branch. Our second speaker was Mrs. Nicholette Williams Minister-Counsellor, Trade and Economic Affairs/Diaspora. She delivered a message on behalf of Ambassador Audrey P. Marks.
Mrs. Nicholette Williams commended the Jamaican Nationals Association for the remarkable role that it played for almost five (5) decades in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in enhancing the welfare of Jamaicans both in the Diaspora and in Jamaica.
She alluded to the fact that the JNA has the distinction of being one of the oldest Jamaican Diaspora organizations here in the United States. Clearly, the Jamaican Nationals Association has withstood the test of time by providing scholarships for young persons, organizing community events for Jamaicans in DC and supporting various causes in Jamaica, it is evident that this organization has a passion for our beloved homeland and is dedicated to enhancing the welfare of your fellow citizens.
In closing, she conveyed appreciation, to the members and supporters of the Jamaican Nationals Association for their unwavering support to Jamaicans at home and abroad and that as we begin preparations to celebrate our golden anniversary next year, it is her sincere hope that the occasion will be one of renewal of commitment to the mission and goals of the Jamaican Nationals Association as we continue to serve Jamaicans at home and abroad.
Dr. Jaqueline Payne-Borden, Chair of the Jamaican Nationals Association 50th Anniversary Committee wetted our appetite with all the events that are scheduled to take place in 2019 leading up to the Grand Dinner Dance Gala on September 21, 2019.
Our event concluded with our patrons dancing to the pulsating sounds of DJ Diver.
Through the support of our committed members and supporters we will continue to support our various initiatives and for that we are forever grateful.
The Jamaican Nationals Association would like to wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season with enjoyable moments with your friends and family.
Jennifer Wilson, Executive Secretary
Elaine V. Knight, PhD, President
Jamaican Nationals Association, Inc.
Email: Info@jnaofdc.org
www.jnaofdc.org
P.O. Box 56453, Washington, DC 20040