It was the perfect New York City night out!
After consecutive days of pouring rain, some of it brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Debby, the New York City skies suddenly cleared and a shimmering Saturday evening sunset formed the backdrop for the third annual People’s Ball, celebrating Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of independence.
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The sold-out, black-tie gala was presented by the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc and the cocktail hour started out on the sprawling, outdoor penthouse of the Terrace Park in Queens with its jaw-dropping, 180-degree view of the New York City skyline. Attendees screamed about the amazing weather. And they whispered about the colourful fashion parade that was unfolding with perfectly accessorised designer gowns flowing like the Hudson River, making creative use of the Jamaican colours.
“What else would you expect when the Paris Olympics and Jamaica’s Independence are happening in the same week?” a guest chuckled, after having been complemented on her eye-popping black-and-gold embroidered gown as she showed off her freshly manicured emerald-green nails.
Shortly after 8 p.m., the hundreds of attendees were ushered inside to their tables from where a multi-course dinner and the evening’s riveting entertainment were served. Once the presentation of colours and the singing of the national anthems of the United States and Jamaica were out the way, belly-bottom, backyard Jamaican laughter filled the ballroom, thanks to the comedic style of social media sensation Julie Mango and public relations executive Lyndon Taylor, who both emceed the event.
Impeccable memory lane entertainment was provided by a live band, True Tribute, who delivered a greatly appreciated Skatalites set. They were later joined by reggae icon and award recipient Dean Fraser, and New York-based singer with a powerful voice, Maricia Ramed.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Clive W. Blackwood, executive vice-president and general auditor of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, who outlined the joys of Jamaica’s journey to his present status, but pointing out that as we quite rightly celebrate, one should bear in mind that the trip to our destination is not over yet and there is more work to be done.
“Our history is that of ordinary people making extraordinary contributions,” Blackwood stated. “We celebrate and march towards the Promised Land because there is much more to come, based on everything we have seen our people overcome during the course of history,” he added.
