Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade

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Consul General to Miami, Sandra Grant Griffiths, has paid tribute to Jamaican leaders in the Diaspora, who continue to serve with distinction.

"As we rise above our fractured history, we continue to excel, and to fashion new heroes," she stated at a 'Voices of Jamaica' reception organised by the Jamaica United States of America (USA) - Chamber of Commerce, recently, at the Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami, to mark Black History Month.

She saluted the many Jamaicans, who have made their mark in the island and overseas, in the fields of sports, arts, entertainment, diplomacy, public service, academics, among others, and commended the five nationals serving in elected office in Miami-Dade and Broward.

She also praised the many "unsung heroes", for their service and contributions to the development of their respective communities in South Florida and Jamaica, for "ensuring the continuity of leadership, even as they define their own personal vision for success, making sacrifices for the betterment of their families, individually."

Noting the work of the national heroes, she said that Marcus Garvey's influence had extended beyond the island, by contributing to the upliftment of Black achievement in America. "His (contribution) to the Black liberation struggles in the United States is increasingly being recognised as history absolves him," she pointed out.

Jamaican nationals serving in elected office in South Florida gave brief presentations of their service in their respective communities.

These included Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Hon. Barrington Russell; Commissioner of the City of Miramar, Winston Barnes; Council Member Aster Knight of the Town of Southwest Ranches; Florida State Representative, Hazelle Rogers; and Council Member Velma Palmer of the City of Miami-Dade.

Entertainment was provided by Jamaican author and folklorist, the Rev. Easton Lee, who read excerpts from his writings; and Jamaican tenor, Steve Higgins.

The Jamaica-USA Chamber of Commerce was formed in March 2003 and has grown to a membership of nearly 400 owners of small businesses and corporations.

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