MAYOR of New York City Eric Adams issued a proclamation declaring May 11 as the Issa Trust Foundation’s Day in the Big Apple — a fitting prelude to another successful charity event.

Dubbed ‘For the Children Gala’, the event was held to raise funds to assist in the construction of the Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre in Runaway Bay, St Ann.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness, and wife of the Governor General, Lady Allen, were specially invited guests at the event.

In her address, Holness emphasised the importance of the foundation’s quest to establish a health-care centre for children in Runaway Bay, St Ann, describing the initiative as a profoundly worthy cause that will undoubtedly save lives, particularly those of young children in need of medical care.

“I throw my full support behind the work of the Issa Trust Foundation, as they play their part in helping Jamaica provide world-class health care to young Jamaicans,” Holness said.

“We were here last year, and I am just happy we are able to do this again for this very worthy cause,” she added.

Holness, in addition to addressing the gala, surprised guests by joining reggae band Third World and singer Luciano on stage to perform a rendition of the Bob Marley classic, One Love.

Issa Foundation’s President and CEO Diane Pollard, Holness, and organiser Sean “Contractor” Edwards were among the individuals whose names were highlighted in the proclamation.

“This recognition served as a testament to the “exceptional contributions” and dedication of these individuals towards the foundation’s humanitarian endeavours,“ the proclamation noted.

Foundation Chairman Paul Issa said the proclamation by the mayor and the subsequent successful staging of the event moves the Issa Trust one step closer to fulfilling its dream of completing the health centre.

He thanked Edwards and Pollard for their tireless work behind the scenes, in ensuring that the event came off without any major glitches.

Pollard, at the same time, said that the organisation was deeply honoured by Mayor Eric Adams’ declaration of May 11 as Issa Trust Foundation Day in New York City, adding that the “special recognition” underscores the importance of “our ongoing efforts” to raise funds for the construction of the Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre.

“We remain committed to our mission of improving paediatric health care in Jamaica and are grateful for the support of Mayor Adams and the people of New York City,” she said.

“This declaration is not just an honour for us but a testament to how important this work is for the children in Jamaica,” Pollard added.

– JIS