About Us
Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc (JIFI)
The Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc. was established in 2017 primarily to manage the annual celebratory activities for Jamaica’s independence in the NE region of the United States.
Proceeds raised from this year’s events will support the following charities:
- Jamaica 55 Legacy Project/Woman Inc.
- The Garvey School
JIFI is a non-profit corporation recognized by the State of New York. All directors and executives are volunteers and all net proceeds go to charity.
Jamaica Independence Gala Committee Members
Trudy Deans - Honorary Chair
Normadelle Rose - Gala Chair
Diane L. Samuels - Steering Committee
Joy Crichlow - Steering Committee
Aretha Blake - Steering Committee
Julie Brooks - Steering Committee
Irwine Clare, Sr. - Steering Committee
Ann-Marie Grant - Steering Committee
Richard Lue - Steering Committee
George Patsalos - Steering Committee
Marcia Skyers James - Steering Committee
Paulette Willoughby - Steering Committee
Marie Walker - Advisor
This is a presentation of the Jamaica Independence Foundation Inc. and produced by Turnstyle Marketing Inc., NY.
Grand Independence Gala
The Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc
& The Jamaica Tourist Board
Under the Distinguished Patronage
Of The Consul General of Jamaica
Honourable Trudy Deans
Request the pleasure of your company at the Grand Independence Gala
Commemorating
Jamaica’s Fifty-Fifth Anniversary of Independence
Guest of Honor
Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP
Prime Minister of Jamaica
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Hosted by Estelle, Artist & Leon, Actor/Singer
The Grand Ballroom
New York Hilton
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
Cocktail Reception: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Silent Auction: 6:30 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m.
Dinner, Awards & Dancing: 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Featuring: Romain Virgo and The Unit Band
Likkle Big Band & Road International
Black Tie Required
Our Charities
Jamaica 55 Legacy Project/Woman Inc.
The only crisis center for women in Jamaica who are victims of rape, incest, domestic violence and sexual harassment is operated by Woman Incorporated (Woman Inc.), a registered charitable organization offering counselling, referral services and a 24 hour hotline. The Crisis Centre also offers short-term shelter to battered women.
The Government of Jamaica is committed to the establishment of a minimum of three regional emergency shelters to provide a safe space and a comprehensive program of support for victims and survivors of gender-based violence for a longer period of time to facilitate their rehabilitation and self-sufficiency. The long-term goal is to establish at least one center for each of Jamaica’s fourteen parishes. www.mcges.gov.jm
The Garvey School
Named after Jamaica’s first national hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey to immortalize the philosophy of education and economic dependence, The Garvey School is a private co-educational institution which utilizes traditional and progressive teaching strategies. The school prides itself on its ability to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where students are encouraged to take intellectual risks. Instilled in each child is a sense of community and ethical duty. Students are encouraged to express excellence through academic achievement, but are also charged to use their specific attributes to create change. www.garveyschool.org
AFUWI is a 501 (c) (3) entity; all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws. Mail to: Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc. 767 Third Avenue – 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017