DIASPORA | Jamaica’s US Ambassador Cops Visionary Leadership Award, Pitches Youth Mentorship to Jamaicans in New Jersey.

WASHINGTON DC,  August 30, 2023 - The Jamaican Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) has awarded Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Audrey Marks for her visionary leadership as well as her pioneering diplomatic and entrepreneurial accomplishments.

The New Jersey based Jamaican Diaspora organization was at the time conferring on the Jamaican ambassador, Its Distinguished Award of Excellence for Leadership and Diplomacy, hailing Ambassador Marks for her outstanding investment in Jamaica’s advancement, both nationally and internationally.

The award was presented at the organization’s 25th anniversary gala and Jamaica’s 61st anniversary celebrations at the Newark Airport Marriott Hotel in New Jersey last Saturday.

In accepting the award, Ambassador Marks  commended the Organization, for capturing the hearts of the people in the  communities it serves, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many and has contributed significantly to nation-building. 

She said “Of note is its work towards improving the educational opportunities for many of our youth through the award of scholarships and educational resources, particularly in times of greatest need.”

“Its social assistance programme, including financial support for funeral costs to grieving families, providing food-related items to those in need and contributing vital equipment to Jamaica's health system, is to be commended,” Ambassador Marks said.

She commended  the organization’s  “unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in empowering Jamaicans within your community, promoting our rich cultural heritage, and fostering a strong sense of identity and unity.”

Since inception in 1998, JON-J has become a beacon of inspiration and a vital resource for Jamaicans residing in New Jersey and its environs.

“This significant milestone aligns with Jamaica's 61st year of Independence, adding a profound sense of national pride to your anniversary celebrations.”

She said the organization’s theme, "The Strength of a People, The Power of Community," captures the essence of JON-J's mission and underscores the strength of your collective achievements, realized through the unity and determination of Jamaicans in New Jersey.”

Ambassador Marks proposed that the Association consider implementing a youth travel and mentorship programme – Upliftment, Learning, and Intervention through Foreign Travel (UPLIFT).  

She explained that this programme aims to expose young Jamaican boys, aged seven to 18, by hosting them and their parents with families in the United States who will introduce them to different experiences over a two- to three-week period.

Ambassador Marks emphasised that the genesis of UPLIFT was rooted in the need to intervene and cauterise what is happening in the society as it relates to young boys.  

The programme is intended to give them an opportunity to change their environment by affording them a different experience.  

Quoting Oliver Wendell Holmes, Ambassador Marks stated that “once the mind has expanded by a new experience, it can never regain its original dimensions”.

“This is one area that I know this organisation can assist with that will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our young boys. I am asking the JON-J president and its members to join me in launching this pilot project in New Jersey.  

“The organisation will need to form a committee to assist with the recruiting, vetting and monitoring of suitable families for the programme. The participants will spend at least two weeks with a host family that has been qualified as a safe, nurturing environment, and I know that will start a transformation,” Ambassador Marks advised.

Also awarded were: Congresswoman Yvette Clarke who was given the organization’s Public Service  Award; Attorney-at-law  Irwine Clare who was given the organization’s Community Service  award; and Jamaican actor and Comedian Oliver Samuels who was given the award for Arts and Culture; Dr, Robert Clarke was awarded for Health Care, Cecil Wright for Business, Musician Ritchie Stephens for Music and Culture and  Debra Simms for Law/Criminal Justice.

President of JON-J Owen Eccles said it would be expanding its chapters to cover the entire State. 

He said  at present, the organization boasted six chapters in Eastern New Jersey and with the growth of Jamaican communities in the Garden State, the organization would be spreading its wings to capture younger and more community oriented Jamaicans.

Lead Photo Caption : Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Audrey Marks (second right) receives the Jamaican Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) Distinguished Award for  Excellence in Leadership and Diplomacy from President Mr.  Owen Eccles. Featured (from left to right) are Dr Abigail Johnson and Northeast Diaspora Representative Michelle Tulloch-Neil. The award was presented at the organization’s 25th anniversary gala and Jamaica’s 61st anniversary celebrations at the Newark Airport Marriott Hotel in New Jersey on Saturday August 26, 2023.

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