TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Hundreds of Trelawny, Jamaica natives from all across the globe are now gathering in New York for the 33rd annual Trelawny Reunion, organised by the Friends of Trelawny Association (FOTA).

The event, which ends on May 25, will allow Trelawny natives and friends to showcase the culture of the parish and to give a first-hand look at recent developments, and the exciting investment opportunities that are available.

This year’s celebration is under the distinguished patronage of Jamaica Consul General to New York, The Honourable Herman Lemont.

Activities for the week-long celebration began today Sunday May 18, with a Memorial and Thanksgiving Service, at the St David’s Episcopal Church in Cambria Heights, Queens.

On Friday, May 23, FOTA will honour three outstanding Trelawny citizens at the Award Banquet and Dance at the Radisson JFK Hotel in Queens, New York.

Activities will climax on Sunday, May 25 with the staging of the 33rd anniversary Picnic/Fun Day at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Park. The picnic will be declared open at 1:00 pm by Mayor of Falmouth Garth Wilkinson.

“The Trelawny Reunion is generally regarded as one of the largest gathering of Jamaicans in the Diaspora. Our aim is to keep our people connected by celebrating some of our cultural recreation that identify us. By keeping us connected and informed, we will be committed to various community projects in Trelawny,” said President of FOTA, Jennifer Noble.

The Trelawny reunion picnic grew out of a handful of families gathering on the Sunday of Memorial Weekend in Rockland County State Park in Nyack, New York. It has grown in popularity astronomically over the years, and more recently, it has been attracting well in excess of 7,000 patrons at its current location at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area in Bear Mountain, New York.

Mark Cummings