Jamaica Organization of New Jersey gets new president, executive board

NEW YORK: Valerie Bailey, Esq took office this past January 12 as the new president of the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J), a long-standing philanthropic organisation of Jamaicans. She agreed to carry forward the torch Owen Eccles held as he led the organisation for the past two years.

Bailey was installed along with the slate of executive officers during the official JON-J Installation Church Service at Rehoboth Pentecostal Church in Trenton, NJ. The officers include vice-presidents Jazz Clayton-Hunt and Sharon Lewars; recording secretary Janet Ximines; treasurer Donovan Cameron; and public relations officer Claudia Nelson Woodard. Additional State Board members are Lynval James, president emeritus; Samual Cherrington, vice-president emeritus; and trustees Owen Eccles, Jacqueline Lewis, Patrick Reid, and Stephanie Robertson.

JON-J’s mission is to empower Jamaicans and their descendants to maintain a cultural identity within their New Jersey communities through relationships within the business, civic, educational, religious, and international arenas. This enables the organisation to promote recreational activities and assist in the development and improvement of community-related projects in Jamaica and across the state of New Jersey.

“Serving as president of JON-J over the past two years has been an absolute honour and a privilege,” said Eccles. “I am proud of the work I have done alongside an effective team of leaders and advocates for the organisation and the Jamaican community on a whole. I look forward to continuing my service as a member of the State Board and I am excited to pass the baton to Ms Bailey.

THOUGHTFUL LEADERSHIP

Bailey kick-started the year as president with an official all-members meeting that took place on January 25, 2025, at the Essex County Board Room in West Orange, NJ. At that meeting, she shared her goals and vision for the organization as well as for the 2025 programme year. In her remarks as incoming president, Bailey stated: “My goal is to provide thoughtful leadership that strengthens our foundation. This includes fortifying our infrastructure, enhancing our technological and communication systems, and refining our governing documents to make us more agile and adaptable. I also plan to streamline our processes, centralising and decentralising as needed, to expand our presence both here in New Jersey and in Jamaica.

“I am proud to be called upon to serve the Jamaican community and to collaborate with such talented individuals. All our new and returning executive board members are dynamic and bring fresh ideas and perspective to the table. We are extremely fortunate to have them by our side as we continue the work of strengthening the Jamaican constituency - both here in the United States and back on the island we call home,” Bailey said. Established in 1998, JON-J serves as a beacon of strength and support to Jamaicans across the States, boasting seven county chapters and growing. The organisation aims to preserve the rich heritage of the Jamaican culture as it continues to provide scholarships to students and assistance and relief to those in need.

The Jamaica Organisation of New Jersey is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Jamaican culture, heritage, and community development. Through advocacy, cultural initiatives, and community outreach, JON-J fosters unity and supports the Jamaican diaspora in New Jersey and beyond.