JAMAICA'S Ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie, has urged his fellow countrymen to "stay on the right side of the law", saying that he is deeply concerned about the number of Jamaicans being deported from that country each month.

According to Vasciannie, the 75 Jamaicans being booted from the US on a monthly basis "is not good for the" country.

Ambassador Vasciannie gave the warning as he delivered the keynote address at an awards ceremony last Saturday to culminate a year-long series of activities in Atlanta, Georgia, to mark the island nation's 50th independence anniversary at the Atlanta City Hall Atrium. It was organised by Jamaica 50th Atlanta Planning Committee.

Ambassador Vasciannie reminded the more than 300 attendees that they had an important role to play in mentoring those Jamaicans who will fall beneath the cracks.

"In the spirit of community building, we all need to continue encouraging our people to stay on the right side of the law, to banish the drug trade from our midst, and to embrace the discipline, hard work and drive for success that is characteristic of the vast majority of Jamaicans living in the USA," he said.

Celebrating the hard work for which Jamaicans in the diaspora are renowned, Ambassador Vasciannie saluted the more than 30 honourees drawn from various fields such as education, health, law, media, social services, sports, business and religion. They have made outstanding contributions in continuing to keep the Jamaican flag flying high in their various communities throughout metro Atlanta, the ambassador said.

"The honorees are distinguished women and men who have in many instances based community and collective spirit at the forefront of their thoughts and actions. They have resolved to offer contributions to the lives and welfare of others," the ambassador said.