The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland, Inc. (JAMCCAR) celebrated its 33rd Anniversary Gala and Scholarship Awards and commemoration of Jamaica’s 61st year of independence on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at GREENTREE Country Club, 538 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle.

The Distinguished Patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Alsion Wilson, Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks, Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States of America will joined the elegant black-tie event.

In support of this year’s theme, “Celebrating Community Excellence”, JAMCCAR saluted the following 2023 Honorees at the Independence Gala: Louis Grant and Robert “Bobby” Clark of Irie Jam Radio, Donna Duncan-Scott, CEO of Jamaica Money Market Bank (JMMB), Lorna Hawthorne, Owner of LLHOMD Beauty Care, Cynthia Ramos, CSO of Krasdale Foods Inc, and Karl & Faye Rodney, Owners Carib News.

Additionally, JAMCCAR awarded six (6) scholarships to college-bound students who have demonstrated academic excellence and community service. A special scholarship was presented by Sabrina HoSang-Jordan, Director of the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation to Shaniah Smith who is pursuing entrepreneurship. The remaining 2023 recipients are: Christian Brewster, Mekaeli Cox, Randie Davies, Sequan McLaren, Joshua Morgan. It is particularly noteworthy to highlight that over these past 33 years, JAMCCAR has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving students and we hope to continue to do so for many more years to come.

In the spotlight was esteemed Keynote Speaker, Jamaican Donna Duncan-Scott, CEO of Jamaica Money Market Bank (JMMB). Orchestrating the evening’s event was  Mistress of Ceremonies, Sharon Gordon, a multi-talented, acclaimed journalist, publicist, producer, and actress within the Jamaican Diaspora. JAMCCAR’s own Ekklipse Steelband wowed guests at the grand cocktail reception along with live entertainment throughout the night by the dynamic JAMORE BAND (popular festival & reggae songs) and dancing to the melodious tunes of Soul Tone Music by DJ Prentice & the Crew that provided a very memorable night.

Reflecting on JAMCCAR’s thirty-three years of service to the community, and the 2023 theme “Celebrating Community Excellence”, Sonia Tracey, one of the founding members of JAMCCAR and Gala co-chair said, “On this special occasion, let us note that it is not just our rich culture that defines us, but also the great collective and collaborative contributions of Jamaicans and Friends Working Together.” President Hope Wade also added “JAMCCAR is fulfilling its mission with our reach in the immediate community and extending our reach internationally by awarding a scholarship to a Jamaican student. We are inviting everyone to come out and support this gala as funds raised goes towards the scholarship program.”