NY Jamaican Independence Gala sets US$500,000 target

NEW YORK:

The Jamaican Independence Gala set to take place in New York on August 23 is hoping to realise the goal of raising between $500,000 and $1,000,000 to fund scholarships for Jamaican students to tertiary institutions, as well as assist a number of charities.

Under the theme “Party with a Purpose” the Gala will be held at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Time Square.

Hosted by the Jamaican Consulate in New York in conjunction with the non-profit organization Jamaica’s Promise, the Gala will mark its return this year after skipping last year.

Organizers of the gala, led by Consul General Alsion Wilson, are hoping that the gala will be the biggest fundraising event in the diaspora. Organizers emphasise that while the night will be filled with entertainment and pride in Jamaican heritage, its primary purpose is to generate substantial funds for vital charitable initiatives in Jamaica.

According to the consul general “Party with a Purpose” is more than a tagline as it encapsulates the Gala’s mission to channel the festive Independence spirit into positive change.

Proceeds from the 2025 Jamaica Independence gala will go to support four charitable initiatives that uplift communities in Jamaica. Each beneficiary addresses a vital need – from education and youth empowerment to healthcare and community development – ensuring that the Gala’s proceeds will make a meaningful, lasting impact

Chief beneficiaries will be final year tertiary level students in Jamaica.

“Our scholarship programme serves as a lifeline for Jamaican students entering their final year of college – a time when financial burdens often threaten to derail academic aspirations. With tuition, living expenses, and graduation costs piling up, many deserving students face the heart-wrenching possibility of leaving their studies unfinished. To date, we have contributed over $40,000 in scholarships, easing the stress for these future leaders who otherwise might not afford to complete their education. This investment empowers students at institutions like the University of Technology, The University of the West Indies (Mona), Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, and others to focus on their studies and build a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Consul General Wilson.

She said that each scholarship represents not just a financial boost, but a message of hope – a reminder that every dream matters and that no student should be left behind due to hardship.

“By supporting this initiative, you help shape a generation of empowered graduates ready to give back to Jamaica., she said

The charities slated to benefit from the Gala’s proceeds include The Jamaica Cancer Society The Rita Marley Foundation Centre for Girls and The Rose Town Foundation

Eight outstanding individuals will be honoured at this year’s gala. They include Alfarita “Rita” Marley, OJ, OD Adam Stewart – Business Leadership Award: Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group, Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin – Lifetime Achievement Award: Reggae music pioneer and co-founder of the legendary VP Records, James Alston – Community Development & Philanthropy Award • Henry “Larry” Duffus – Entrepreneurship Award: Gregory Fisher – National Development Award. Dr. Anthony E. Munroe – Educational Leadership Award and Audrey Tugwell Henry – President & CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica, who will receive the Business Leadership Award:

Jamaicans unable to attend the Gala can still donate. The Jamaica Independence Gala NY website has an online donation portal where persons may contribute directly to the cause, with the donations to be distributed among the four designated charities.