New Jersey’s recognition of Caribbean excellence and diaspora engagement

EAST HANOVER, New Jersey:

Four distinguished Jamaican-Americans received dual recognition for their outstanding contributions as Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster partnered with the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) to celebrate excellence within the diaspora community.

The joint recognition ceremony, held during JON-J’s annual Awards of Excellence and Independence Gala on July 19 at Hanover Manor in East Hanover, New Jersey, saw Mayor Foster present citations to four honourees whose work exemplifies the bridge-building spirit between Jamaican heritage and American community service. The celebration marks Jamaica’s 63rd year of Independence, which will be observed on August 6.

The handshake between Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster and Dr Karren Dunkley at Hanover Manor in East Hanover, on July 19, represented more than ceremonial politeness – it marked a quiet revolution in how American municipalities engage with their Caribbean diaspora communities.

As Mayor Foster, who hails from Trelawny, presented official citations alongside the JON-J’s traditional awards, she validated a model of integration that transcends the usual cultural celebration framework.

The four honourees: Dr Dunkley, Lynval James, Jacqueline Lewis, and Elaine Matthews – received recognition that bore both organisational awards and municipal seals, creating institutional acknowledgement of diaspora excellence that flows seamlessly between heritage preservation and American civic contribution.

Municipal governments increasingly recognise that Caribbean diaspora communities bring measurable assets: entrepreneurship rates exceeding national averages, healthcare advocacy addressing systemic gaps, and civic engagement traditions that strengthen local democratic participation.

This partnership model challenges traditional assumptions about immigrant integration. Rather than requiring cultural assimilation, East Hanover’s approach validates the bridge-building capacity that emerges when cultural identity strengthens rather than weakens civic contribution.

The result is institutional recognition that diaspora communities offer unique problem-solving perspectives precisely because they maintain homeland connections.

HONEST HERITAGE, STRONGER BONDS

The honourees embody different pathways to successful diaspora leadership that municipal recognition now validates: Dr Dunkley’s dual role as honouree and keynote speaker positioned her to demonstrate the sophisticated perspective that characterises mature diaspora leadership.

Her frank assessment of Jamaica’s challenges – from healthcare system strain to literacy concerns – exemplified how honest engagement strengthens rather than weakens heritage connections.

Lynval James, as JON-J co-founder, represents civic engagement traditions that translate Caribbean community responsibility into American political participation. His recognition validates leaders who understand both systems and create institutional bridges.

Jacqueline Lewis’s healthcare advocacy demonstrates how culturally competent community leadership addresses systemic barriers that mainstream institutions often miss. Her award acknowledges the vital role that immigrant community leaders play in building trust between diverse populations and institutional structures.

Elaine Matthews represents grassroots activism that forms the backbone of sustainable diaspora organisations. Her dedication illustrates how individual service commitment creates foundations for broader organisational impact and community development.

“Their dedication to service, both here in the USA and in Jamaica, reminds us that, wherever we are in the world, we carry the heart of our homeland with us and can make a difference,” noted Valerie Bailey, Esq, JON-J’s board president, articulating the dual citizenship model that municipal recognition now validates.