DIASPORA |Trelawny-ites to Unite in Brooklyn on Saturday for the 44th Annual Friends of Falmouth Reunion

BROOKLYN, New York, May 25, 2024 - Thousands of Trelawnyites  are expected to gather over Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the historic 44th annual Friends of Falmouth reunion.

The event which will be headlined by New York State Assemblyman Brian Cunningham will take the form of a symposium and brunch, a highlight of the weekend, and will take place on Saturday, May 25, from 12-4 PM in Brooklyn.

Assemblyman Cunningham, who has deep Jamaican roots and was raised in Flatbush by Jamaican immigrant parents, will open the event. His mother hails from Falmouth, underscoring his connection to the community and the significance of the gathering. “His deep connections to the Jamaican community in Brooklyn highlight the significance of this event and its focus on strengthening the bonds within the Jamaican diaspora,” said Michael A. Wattkis, president of Friends of Falmouth.

The Symposium & Brunch aims to unite residents of Falmouth living in the tri-state area and beyond, providing updates on the myriad business, economic, and cultural developments in the parish. “Participants will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with key government agencies from the parish, unlocking access to the latest emerging opportunities and innovations,” Wattkis said.

Event Details

The event will be held at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, located at 1561 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Tickets for the brunch are priced at $50, offering attendees a unique opportunity to connect and engage with their community while enjoying a delicious gastronomical treat.

Wattkis emphasized the importance of the event within the broader context of the Trelawny Memorial Day Weekend celebrations, now in its 44th year. “This weekend is a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of the Jamaican diaspora. The events, including the Friends of Falmouth fundraiser, the vibrant dances, mega-family picnic, and high school reunions, all serve to strengthen our resilient bonds and collective aspirations. These gatherings reflect the deep connection we maintain with our heritage and the ongoing commitment to uplift our community, both here and back home,” Wattkis said.

Friends of Falmouth Organization

Friends of Falmouth is a New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to championing the rich cultural heritage of the historic town and advocating for sustainable economic and social development. One of the organization’s goals is to keep members and supporters updated on historic Falmouth and how the town is evolving as one of the fastest-growing areas in Jamaica. Over the past decade, Falmouth has seen numerous changes and developments, including becoming a port of call for some of the world’s largest cruise liners.

Special Guests and Presentations

“I am thrilled to announce that Falmouth Mayor Colin Gager will headline our event as one of the main presenters, leading a distinguished delegation that includes two esteemed former mayors, Councilors Garth Wilkinson and Fred Bartley,” Wattkis announced. This impressive lineup underscores the event’s significance and the high level of engagement expected.

Another notable guest presenter will be Patrice Beharie, acting Principal of Falmouth Infant School, which Friends of Falmouth adopted in 2023 as part of its portfolio of projects in the town. “Countless members of the Trelawny Diaspora fondly remember their formative years at ‘Pond School.’ This cherished institution has played a pivotal role in shaping who we are today, and now, it’s our turn to give back and ensure its legacy continues,” Wattkis said.

Falmouth Infant School Initiative

Falmouth Infant School, a cornerstone of the community for 62 years, urgently needs repairs, educational materials, and technology for its students. “Last year, Friends of Falmouth selected this school as the primary beneficiary of our fundraising efforts within the Jamaican Diaspora. Our initiatives allowed us to provide book vouchers to 81 graduates, supply 100 school bags to students, and sponsor a Teachers Appreciation Day lunch for the dedicated staff,” Wattkis shared. “In 2024, we are committed to expanding our support by donating additional book bags and focusing on essential improvements, such as acquiring cooling fans and constructing a sick bay at the school.”

Detailed Event Schedule

The 44th annual week of celebrations will bring thousands of Trelawnyites from around the world, including the UK, Canada, Europe, Jamaica, and North America, to the Big Apple to honor their beloved parish. The Memorial Weekend festivities will kick off on Friday, May 24, with a Trelawny Meet & Greet on Long Island and the Friends of Trelawny Association (FOTA) Annual Award Banquet & Dance in Queens.

Saturday begins with Friends of Falmouth’s 2nd Annual Water-Square Symposium & Brunch. The day continues with Lance & Friends hosting a “Water-Square Link-Up” and “Country Saturday Lime,” culminating in the annual All-White “Trelawny We Come From” party. Sunday features the 44th Annual Trelawny Reunion Picnic at Rockland Lake State Park in Rockland County, offering a day of family-friendly activities and community bonding.

The festivities conclude on Monday with the William Knibb High School Alumni Annual Memorial Day Barbecue in the Bronx and Scarlett’s Backyard Falmouth Barbecue in Queens, providing a perfect end to a weekend filled with joy, nostalgia, and unity.

Conclusion

The Friends of Falmouth Symposium & Brunch is more than just an event; it is a celebration of heritage, community, and the enduring spirit of the Jamaican diaspora. This gathering not only strengthens the bonds among Trelawnyites but also contributes significantly to the development and well-being of their beloved hometown. As the community comes together to celebrate and support one another, the event promises to be a memorable and impactful occasion. Join us in Brooklyn to be part of this remarkable journey and to contribute to the positive change and growth of Falmouth.

PHOTO CAPTION:  A section of the large crowd at the annual Trelawny Picnic on Sunday May 29 2023 at the Rockland County State Park in Nyack, New York | Derrick Scott Photo.

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