Jamaica Organization of New Jersey Celebrates Jamaica’s 64th Independence Anniversary with Excellence

Jamaica Organization of New Jersey Celebrates Jamaica's 64th Independence Anniversary with Awards of Excellence Gala

Honoring distinguished community leaders while raising funds for relief efforts in Jamaica and charitable initiatives in New Jersey

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NEW JERSEY — On August 29, 2026, The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) celebrated its 28th anniversary and Jamaica's 64th year of independence at its annual Awards of Excellence Gala, bringing together dignitaries, philanthropists, business leaders and longtime supporters. This year's gala was dedicated to Jamaica's strength and resilience following Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic basin and the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica.

This celebration highlighted the enduring strength of the Jamaican diaspora, while honoring leaders whose work reflects excellence and service.

The gala reflected Jamaica's 64th Independence theme, "United in Celebrating Resilience." Keynote speaker and honoree Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, JP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, received the Award of Distinction for her commitment to public service and community engagement. "The Jamaican diaspora remains a pillar of national development and an indispensable partner in building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Jamaica," Johnson Smith said. She added, "Across Independence celebrations worldwide, we stand united as One-Jamaica. Our motto, 'Out of Many, One People,' reminds us that our strength lies in unity and that we must never allow differences to divide us."

Attendees were poised to receive much anticipated remarks from Jamaica's newly appointed Consul General in New York, Roderick "Oliver" Mair, whose message emphasized the resilience of the Jamaican people and the importance of strengthening ties across the transnational community. Mair helped open the celebration with "Born Jamaican," the 1979 Jamaica Festival Song popularized by Stanley and the Astronauts. "As I spend time with Jamaicans within the diaspora, wherever we gather, the occasion tells me the same thing about people who carry Jamaica abroad," Mair said. "What I see, again and again, is resilience."

The evening also recognized additional honorees whose work reflects achievement, service and enduring commitment to community: Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, author and renowned sociologist, honored for philanthropy and community empowerment; Owen L. Eccles, recognized for his longstanding commitment to business and community service; and Dr. Valerie S. Miller, recognized for excellence in education and community service.

"Selected from an illustrious group of nominees, these honorees represent the very best of service, leadership, commitment to community, and humility," said Awards Committee Chair Dr. Abegail Douglas-Johnson. "Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence in their chosen fields, but also a deep dedication to uplifting others and advancing the values that guide JON-J."

Dr. Douglas-Johnson described the selection process as both gratifying and difficult, noting that the Committee was inspired by a deep field of deserving nominees whose impact and example continue to uplift others.

Other notable attendees included New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, who presented JON-J with a proclamation from the Governor's Office, recognizing the organization's service to the Jamaicans in New Jersey; Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Northeast United States representative to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council; Dr. Robert Clarke, MD, OD and Chief Medical Advisor for the Northeast Diaspora and Help Jamaica Medical Mission of New Jersey; and, Caribbean Medical Mission (CMM) Board Member Sharon Addison, who served as the evening's mistress of ceremonies.

Through its partnership with the National Education Trust (NET) and the Cornwall College Old Boys Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter, the organization aims to assist in the shipment of 8000 desks and chairs that will provide essential assistance to underserved schools and help strengthen educational infrastructure. Proceeds from JON-J's fundraisers will also support scholarships, emergency and disaster relief, cultural awareness, and community-based initiatives in Jamaica and in New Jersey. The 2026 Gala was produced by a team of dedicated JON-J members led by Secretary Janet Ximines.

About JON-J
The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building and strengthening ties among people of Jamaican heritage in communities across New Jersey while serving as a resource to give back to Jamaica. JON-J comprises of seven chapters in counties throughout the state.

JON-J's mission is to empower Jamaicans and their descendants to maintain a strong cultural identity by establishing relationships within business, civic, educational, religious and international arenas. Through these efforts, the organization promotes cultural and recreational activities and supports community-related projects in Jamaica and across New Jersey. ##

For more information, visit www.jonj.org.

Media Contact:

Claudia Nelson Woodard

State Board Vice-President / Interim Public Relations Officer

Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J)

Website: www.jonj.org | Email: jamaicaorg.nj@gmail.com

Phone: (848) 228-2976