St Ann Homecoming and Heritage Foundation celebrates Jamaica 55
The St Ann Homecoming and Heritage Foundation is set to host an awards banquet in celebration of ‘Jamaica 55’ this weekend.
The banquet, scheduled for Saturday at Jewel Dunn’s River resort in the parish, forms part of a slew of activities planned for the week.
“It is a time when St Ann people come home to celebrate Independence. It is our annual celebration of the achievements and cultural diversity of our St Ann,” Lance Neita, chairman of the foundation, told the Jamaica Observer North & East.
Natives of the parish who have gone on to excel in areas of their respective professions will be recognised at the event.
Among those to be recognised is Dr Claire Nelson, a White House Champion of Change and founding convenor, National Caribbean American Heritage Month, based in Washington DC, USA.
Dr Nelson is also expected to be guest speaker at the event. Dr Cliff Riley, head of the Scientific Research Council, will also be recognised.
The foundation will also honour the Jamaica National Group.
The event, now in its 12th year, will be held under the patronage of Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and his wife Lady Allen.
“Undoubtedly a major social event in the parish, this black tie affair will coincide with the celebration of the 130th anniversary of the birth of St Ann’s most noble son and Jamaica’s first national hero, the Rt Excellent Marcus Garvey,” Neita said.
The St Ann Homecoming and Heritage Foundation hosts Marcus Garvey lectures annually at the parish library, where it has also established a Marcus Garvey Resource Centre.
