NEW YORK, (CMC) – Jamaica’s multi-Grammy Award-winning recording artiste Orville “Shaggy” Burrell is among seven Jamaicans to be honoured at the 61st Independence Anniversary Gala to take place in New York next month.

Other honourees include Stephen Facey, chairman of the Pan Jamaica Group; Dr Rosemarie Ingleton, a dermatologist and entrepreneur; Marc Jerome, president of Monroe College; Marlon Lindsay, CEO of 21 Cent Ed; Sheryl Lee Ralph OJ, award-winning actress, and Ruel Stephenson, assistant chief of the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is scheduled to address the event, carded for August 19 commended the Consulate General of Jamaica and the Jamaica’s Promise Foundation for their consistency in putting on the gala, which this year is being held under theme “Proud and Strong”.

He said he is looking forward to personally congratulating each honoree for their “dedication, talent and unwavering commitment to their respective fields have not only brought pride to Jamaica but have also positively impacted the lives of countless individuals.

Jamaica Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson said Burrell will be honoured for “being an international cultural icon in reggae music and philanthropy.”

Facey will be presented with the award for “business leadership and the development of Jamaica”; Dr Ingleton will be honoured with the Jamaica Independence Award for “Woman of Excellence in Medicine and Business”; Jerome will be recognised for “education excellence and the development of Jamaica”; Lindsay will be honoured for “leadership in STEM education and entrepreneurship.; Ralph will be presented with the Jamaica Independence Award for “outstanding contribution to film and television”; and Stephenson will be honoured for “leadership in law enforcement and community development.”

Wilson said the event which is held in New York annually celebrates Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage.

“The goal of the event is to bring together Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in recognition of the nation’s independence, while supporting various causes at home through the generosity of the attendees,” Wilson said, adding that “the goal of the event is to bring together Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in recognition of the nation’s independence, while supporting various causes at home through the generosity of the attendees.