Members of the Atlanta chapter kicked off celebrations for Jamaica’s 60 th anniversary of independence with the Old Boy founded and
produced Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition
(JIIFSC) on July 30th, 2022.
Seven finalists vied for the top prize at the event gala held at the Shiloh
High School auditorium in Snellville, GA.
Next on the calendar was the Annual Kool Runnings restaurant independence
Street dance on August 6th.
The annual thanksgiving service was held on Sunday, August 14th
at the world-famous Ebenezer Baptist Church of civil rights fame. Atlanta’s
chapter president Alvin Binns was joined by Sedley Morris, Seymour Edwards,
Everett McNish and Davian Tyrell at the service which featured Old Boy Rev.
Canon Serrano Kitson, Rector of the St Andrew Parish Church as main speaker
and special guest Sen. The Hon. Leslie Campbell, State Minister, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
The highlight of 60th Anniversary celebrations was the Atlanta
Jamaican Association’s (AJA) Annual Independence Ball and Scholarship
Awards Gala held at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway hotel on Saturday
August 13th.
The ball featured Member of Parliament for southeast St. Ann and former
Miss World and Miss Jamaica, Lisa Hanna as guest speaker. Oliver Mair the
Miami Consul General was a special guest at the gala which provided music
by the Fab 5 band.
AJA President Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne Foster provided the president’s
remarks while Dr. Terrence Foster presented the MP with a copy of his
award-winning book, The Stress Book. Commissioner Maxwell Chambers
presented a proclamation on behalf of the city of Miramar.
Several KC Old boys including world renown sculptor Basil Watson, former
chapter president Dr. Glen Laman, Founder of the Jamaica International
Independence Foreign Song Competition Garfield McCook and chapter member
Alwyn Morrison were in attendance.
The event was emceed by local TV personality Sharon Lawson and Dr. Chris
Parker with Mickey Sparkle serving as DJ.