Jamaica for DC Show

Washington, DC:

Jamaica will take centre stage at next year's Flower Mart, Washington, DC's premier annual festival of flowers, music, and entertainment.

The two-day signature event brings thousands of horticulture experts and exhibitors to the historic Washington National Cathedral in the United States capital. The announcement of Jamaica's selection was made on Tuesday in Washington, DC, by Vickie Longosz, chairman of the 2012 Flower Mart. The occasion was the annual general meeting of All Hallows Guild, organisers of the festival. The organisation serves as steward of the gardens and grounds of the iconic Washington National Cathedral.

The annual festival, which turns 73 next year, will run from May 4 to 5, and its spotlight on Jamaica makes it the first Caribbean nation to be so selected.

In her announcement, Longosz said, "I am happy to announce that the country of Jamaica will be the star of the two-day festival of flowers, music and entertainment in Washington, DC."

independence honour

She said that because Jamaica will celebrate its 50th year of Independence next year, the flower-show organisers decided it would be fitting to honour that outstanding country and its people. She indicated that plans are in high gear to spotlight the culture of the island's flora, music, art and dance.

Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, will serve as honorary chair of the show and graciously agreed to join in the festivities with assistance from the Embassy of Jamaica.

Custos of St Andrew and renowned horticulturist, Marigold Harding, who has represented Jamaica at this event for the past five years, said she was delighted that Jamaica was chosen.

"It has always been my desire to see Jamaica selected as the featured country, and it could not have happened at a more appropriate time," she said.

In her remarks, Ambassador Marks said, "For Jamaica to be the only Caribbean country selected to be featured at the 73rd staging of this important flower show gives us an opportunity to highlight Jamaica's creativity and to show the rest of the world that we can be competitive in an international flower exhibition. This also allows us to have an important presence."

Ambassador Marks noted that this selection is a reflection of the significant interest that individuals around the world have in our country and in what we do.