Wednesday, August 28, 2025
The fourth staging of the Jamaica Independence Gala an initiative of Alsion Wilson, consul general of Jamaica, New York took place Saturday, August 23 at the New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square.
Wilson and her team pulled together yet another spectacular evening aptly dubbed #Jamaica63 that attracted 700-plus patrons.
“This 63rd anniversary of Independence is more than a date on the calendar. It is a testament to a people who continue to rise, to overcome, and to contribute with pride to every corner of the world we touch. We celebrate this year under the inspiring theme, ‘Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green and Gold’, a call to carry our identity with honour and to live each day with courage and purpose”, shared Wilson.
Indeed, this year’s honorees — Jamaican-American entrepreneur James Alston; legendary figure in reggae music Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin; pioneering Jamaican-American entrepreneur Henry “Larry” Duffus; finance expert and philanthropist Gregory Fisher; reggae music icon and cultural ambassador Rita Marley; nationally recognised higher education leader Dr Anthony Munroe; Sandals Resorts International, ATL Group, and Jamaica Observer Media Group Executive Chairman Adam Stewart; and president and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited Audrey Tugwell Henry — are certainly exemplars of excellence.
The buzz in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom was palpable and there was no disputing the swell of pride as Steve Higgins delivered the national anthem of Jamaica and newly appointed Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States of America, major general (Ret’d) Anthony Anderson, brought greetings.
Debbie Bissoon in from Jamaica and Rock-blooded actress Khadeen Ellis handled compere duties with aplomb.
Page 2 shares highlights.
Here For Audrey In the Big Apple to support recipient of the Independence Award for Business Leadership Audrey Tugwell Henry (centre) were Scotiabank senior executives (from left) Senior Vice President — Corporate and Commercial Banking Morris Nelson; Head of Marketing Tonya Russell; Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company President Debra Lopez-Spence; Head of Retail Banking Yvett Anderson; Scotia Investments Jamaica Ltd Chief Executive Officer Sabrina Cooper; and Scotiabank Jamaica Chair Vernon Douglas.Leo Hudson
All Smiles Scotia Group Jamaica President & CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry (second right) and her husband, engineer Peter Henry (right), shared lens time with Alsion Wilson, consul general of Jamaica, New York, and her husband auto technician Recardo Omar Wilson. Leo Hudson
#PartyWithAPurpose Jamaican Ambassador to the United States Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (second left) and Jamaica Independence Gala New York Honorary Patron Michele Rollins (centre) showcased a garland made by the Women’s Empowerment Group of the Rose Town Foundation, while sharing the frame with Calabash International Literary Festival co-founder and film-maker Justine Henzell; Rose Town Foundation director Pat Francis, carrying a bag also made by the Rose Town Foundation; and advisor to the board of Rose Town Foundation Paulton Gordon.Leo Hudson
Double Dose of Glam… …with co-hosts, multi-media presenter and producer Debbie Bissoon (left) in a top from Resortwear by Eroleen and ballgown skirt from Cochen Designs, and actress Khadeen Ellis in a metallic gown from The Ivy Showroom.Leo Hudson
Chef’s Kiss… For Miss Lily’s Culinary Director Brittney “Stikxz” Williams’ Retrofete number was the evening’s pièce de rèsistance.Leo Hudson
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Received, With Thanks Sandals and Beaches Resorts Regional Managing Director — Jamaica Jeremy Jones accepted the Jamaica Independence Award for Business Leadership on behalf of Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. Leo Hudson
