Jamaica Organization of New Jersey gala among activities to mark Ja’s 63rd year of independence

WASHINGTON, DC:

Jamaica Organization of New Jersey’s (JON-J) annual Awards of Excellence and Independence Gala is set to kick off activities marking Jamaica’s 63rd year of independence, which is observed August 6.

The gala, scheduled for Saturday, July 19 at Hanover Manor, East Hanover, New Jersey, will celebrate community champions who embody the spirit of service, leadership, and cultural pride.

This year’s honorees represent excellence across diverse fields and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. Dr Karren Dunkley, an educator and former Northeast USA diaspora representative will deliver the keynote address and receive the education and public service award.

Other honorees are Lynval James, one of the founders of the organisation, who has been an outstanding community leader in Falmouth, Jamaica and New Jersey where he now resides, receives the award for public and community service; Jacqueline Lewis, for health and community service; and Elaine Matthews, for community service. Each of the awardees has made a lasting impact through advocacy, mentorship, and humanitarian work.

“We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on these outstanding individuals, who exemplify the very best of our culture and our values as we raise funds for our charitable efforts,” said Valerie Bailey, Esq., president of the JON-J Board of Trustees.

“Their dedication to service, both here in the USA and in Jamaica, reminds us that wherever we are in the world, we carry the heart of our homeland with us and can make a difference.”

Founded in 1998, JON-J is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the bond between the Jamaican diaspora and the broader community.

More than just a celebration, the JON-J gala is a call to action. All proceeds support the organisation’s charitable initiatives, including disaster relief in the Caribbean and New Jersey, college scholarships for local young people, food pantries, and aid to underserved schools across Jamaica.

JON-J will stage the annual Independence thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 10 at the Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. The service will commence at 3:30.p.m. Guest speaker will be Pastor Jovan Whyte, while musical selection will come from Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene Chapel choir. Host pastor is Rev Dr Dale Caldwell.