AWARD-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph will be presented with the Jamaica Independence Award for her outstanding contribution to film and television, at the Jamaica Independence Gala scheduled for New York Hilton Midtown on Saturday, August 19.

This is the second illustrious award offered to the American-born Jamaican who was among a group of entertainment professionals selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California recently. These honorees were chosen from a list of hundreds of nominees at a meeting on June 16, and ratified by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors on June 21.

Then last weekend the Jamaica Independence Award planning committee, which is based in New York City, confirmed that the selection committee had carefully hand-picked a group of honorees who represent various genres of entertainment, including Ralph.

Consul General Alsion Wilson, speaking on behalf of the committee, announced the decision “to unveil the remarkable honorees for this year’s highly anticipated event”.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who responded to the invitation for his presence at the function, extended heartfelt congratulations to this year’s “illustrious honorees” of the Jamaica Independence Gala.

This list also includes multi-Grammy awardee Orville “Shaggy” Burrell who will receive the Jamaica Independence Award for being an International Cultural Icon in Reggae Music and Philanthropy.

The other honorees are Stephen Facey, chairman of the Pan Jam Group, who will receive an award for business leadership; Dr Rosemarie Ingleton, entrepreneur/dermatologist who will be honoured as a woman of excellence in medicine and business; Marc Jerome, president of Monroe College, for Education and Development of Jamaica; Marlon Lindsay, CEO of 21 Cent Ed, for Leadership in STEM Education and Entrepreneurship; and assistant chief of the New York Police Department, Ruel Stephenson who will be honoured with the Jamaica Independence Award for Leadership in Law Enforcement and Community Development.

Prime Minister Holness said that as he prepared to deliver the Jamaica 61 independence message at the gala, he felt filled with anticipation to personally congratulate each honoree for their outstanding accomplishments.

“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,” he added.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to the organisers, sponsors, and likely guests at the Jamaica Independence Gala.

“I commend the Consulate General of Jamaica and the Jamaica’s Promise Foundation for their tireless efforts in bringing together this remarkable event. It is through their dedication and support that we are able to honour our outstanding achievers and contribute to the betterment of Jamaica through charitable causes,” he added.

Tickets for the gala can be purchased through Eventbrite or by visiting the event’s official website at https://www.jamaicaindependencegalany.com and calling 888-817-9050 for further enquiries.

The Jamaica Independence Gala is an annual event held in New York City to celebrate Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage. It is hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, in partnership with the Jamaica’s Promise Foundation. The goal 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.

The 2023 gala will serve as a platform to support charitable causes in Jamaica, focusing on education, health care and community development.