HAPPY 64th ANNIVERSARY JAMAICA | Resilient and Strong!
For Immediate Release: New York City | Monday, June 15, 2026
Hear ye, Hear ye!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York City | Monday, June 15, 2026
JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE FOUNDATION, INC.™ (JIFI~NYC)
Proudly Presents: The Official People’s Ball - In Celebration of Jamaica’s 64th Anniversary of Independence
The Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc.™ (JIFI~NYC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and recognized NGO, proudly invites you to its premier annual BALL, The Official People’s Ball, a grand celebration of culture, heritage, and humanitarian impact honoring Jamaica’s 64th year of independence. This distinguished grand black-tie affair brings together members of the Jamaican diaspora, community leaders, pioneers, and friends of Jamaica for an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and national pride.
SEE YOU AT THE BALL
✦ EVENT DETAILS ✦
Event: The Official People’s Ball – Celebrating Jamaica’s 64th Independence Anniversary
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Venue: Terrace on the Park
52-11 111th Street, Queens, New York 11368
Time: 7:00 PM – Midnight
Attire: Formal Grand Black-Tie
About the evening: Cocktail * Dinner * Awards * Silent Auction * Entertainment * Dancing
Theme: The Emerald Masquerade — Inspired by the cultural tradition of Jonkonnu
TICKETS | TABLES | SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES | JOURNAL AD BUY
✦ TICKETS & INFORMATION ✦
Tickets: www.Jifinyc.org
Sponsorship, media, and Journal advertising | Info@Jifinyc.org
THE INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR
✦ A NIGHT OF CULTURE & CELEBRATION ✦
Hosted by Master of Ceremonies Lyndon Taylor and Co-Host Stacy Mac, the evening will feature a special live performance by LeRoy Graham Jr. & Allstar “The True Tribute Band”, with music by legendary DJ Roy of Road International.
COME MEET OUR HONOREES
✦ 2026 DISTINGUISHED HONOREES ✦
- Kaitlyn Smith — The Voice of a Generation Award
- Reanno Gordon - (Busy Signal) — Reggae Ambassador Iconic Award
- Canute Sadler — Lifetime Achievement in Entrepreneurship, Agriculture & Nation Building Award
- Icahn Charter School #4 (Bronx, NY) — Excellence in Education, Equity & Humanitarian Philanthropy Award
- Patrick Barrett, O.D., J.P. (Tony Rebel) — International Cultural Luminary Award
- George E. Crooks — The Vanguard Award – Distinguished Service, Cultural Excellence & Humanitarian Leadership.
CELEBRATE FOR A CAUSE
✦ PURPOSE BEYOND CELEBRATION ✦
Proceeds from this event support JIFI~NYC’s ongoing humanitarian initiatives, including assistance for:
- Women in crisis
- Amateur Jamaican youth athletes competing internationally
- Underserved communities in Jamaica and the United States
- Families impacted by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025
A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
✦ MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CHAIR ✦
As we celebrate Jamaica's 64th Anniversary of Independence, we proudly honor the journey that began in 1962 and the resilient spirit that defines our nation. From our world-class athletes and gifted musicians to our pioneering leaders and vibrant diaspora, Jamaicans continue to make an extraordinary impact around the world. As we celebrate the beauty of our island, rich culture, and remarkable achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to uplifting communities and building a brighter future for generations to come.
CHARITIES
✦ COMMUNITY IMPACT ✦
JIFI~NYC proudly acknowledges its continued partnerships with:
Mustard Seed Communities • Safe Horizon • Team Jamaica Bickle • Women In Need (WIN-NYC) • Lions Clubs International • Karen’s Club • UJAA USA • Rose Town Foundation (Jamaica)
✦ A WORLD OF THANKS TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS✦
Caribbean Food Delights • Royal Caribbean Bakery • Genesis #1 Restaurant • Jamaica Tourist Board • Amazura • VP Records • Busy Foundation, The Door Restaurant, Roadblockradio.com, and many more.
IN MEMORIAM
✦ SPECIAL TRIBUTE ✦
JIFI~NYC will present a special tribute to one of our past honorees and we will be honoring the late reggae and ska pioneer Stranger Cole.
As one of the pioneering voices of Jamaica’s early ska era, Stranger Cole helped shape the soundtrack of a newly independent Jamaica. His music captured the spirit of the era, youthful optimism, street culture, and a growing national identity expressed through ska, reflecting the energy and cultural awakening of Jamaica in and around 1962.
All Are Invited, Come One , Come All To The People's Ball
We invite you to join us dressed in your emerald or dress patriotic in your Black, Gold, and Green as we celebrate Jamaica’s legacy, honor excellence, and invest in the future.
All contributions to Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc., are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by New York State and Federal laws.
A World Of Thanks To Our Media Partners And Supporters
Jamaicans.com
A Celebration of Music and Culture
At the People’s Ball, Chris Martin received multiple honors, including the "Ambassador and Innovator of Reggae Music Award"
The honor was presented during the annual People’s Ball, hosted by the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc.™ (JIFINYC) at Terrace on the Park in Queens, NY. The event coincided with Jamaica’s 63rd Independence anniversary and included tributes to other cultural leaders.
Photo: Chris Martin
Caribbeannationalweekly.com
CNW - By Toni-Ann Latty: **Reggae singer Christopher Martin has received his own day! August 9 is now officially Christopher Martin Day in New York City. The honor was bestowed at the prestigious People’s Ball, hosted by the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc. (JIFINYC) on Saturday, August 9, at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York. In a special citation from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Martin was recognized for his outstanding contributions to reggae music and Caribbean culture. The event, which marked Jamaica’s 63rd Independence anniversary, also honored ska ambassador Alphanso Castro and James Haynes as the 2025 honorees.
Martin’s accolades on the night included the Ambassador and Innovator of Reggae Music Award and formal proclamations from both the U.S. House of Representatives and the New York State Senate, signed by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and State Senator Kevin Parker. Taking the stage, Martin treated the audience to a performance of several of his biggest hits.
Photo by: JIFINYC.org
CaribbeanLife.com
Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc., (JIFINYC)
Story by Nelson A. King: Luminaries honored at Jamaica People’s Independence Ball
Clive W, Blackwood, executive vice president and general auditor of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was among a number of luminaries who were honored Saturday night at the Third Annual Jamaica People’s Independence Ball at Terrace On The Park in Queens.
The glitzy, sold-out, Black-tie gala, organized by the New York-based Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc., (JIFNYC) headed by JLexy Brooks, celebrated Jamaica’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.
Other honorees included Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser for his contribution to reggae music; Veronica Campbell Brown for her outstanding accomplishments in track and field; Hyacinth Bloomfield for Community Service; and Lamona Worrell, assistant commissioner in the Mayor’s Office in New York for her work in the development and engagement with the Caribbean community in New York.
In his address, Blackwood said there was, indeed, a lot to celebrate in reflecting on Jamaica’s history and resilience, but added that there was still more work to be done.
Photo by: Dave Rodney / Read more
Jamaica-gleaner.com
The Official People’s Ball in New York City was created to celebrate Jamaica’s independence. This year the event commemorates Jamaica’s 63rd anniversary with a grand black-tie gala at the elegant Terrace On The Park in Queens on Saturday August 9 at 7 p.m. In celebration of excellence, the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc. (JIFI), organisers of the gala, will this year posthumously shower with awards the late, great Kingston-born Alphonso Machado Castro, a former member of the legendary Skatalites band.
The event is always a culturally immersive experience to kiss and embrace elements of our performing arts, but it is also an opportunity to honour luminaries from our communities that have proudly helped to shaped the legacy of our people.
Jamaicaobserver.com
Reggae artiste Christopher Martin was honoured at the official People’s Ball on Saturday, August 9, 2025 hosted by Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc (JIFINYC) at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York.
In a special citation from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, August 9 was officially declared Christopher Martin Day in New York City. The event, celebrating Jamaica’s 63rd Independence, also recognised ska ambassador Alphanso Castro and...Read more at Jamaicaobserver.com
MariaJackson27magazine.com
The Jamaica Independence Foundation Inc. (JIFINYC) will be celebrating sixty years of Jamaica’s independence with an event dubbed The People’s Ball. It will be held on Saturday, August 13 at the Crest Hollow Country Club – 8325 Jericho Turnpike – in Woodbury (Long Island), New York.
The affair, which is strict formal attire, will see one of Jamaica’s classiest performers – Richie Stephens – doing a set.
He will be supported by DJ Norie (from Power 105.1) and DJ Roy (from Road International). The master of ceremony for the evening is Andrew Clarke. Get tickets here.
Stephens is currently promoting two singles: Reverse The Curse, a recently released track that will be featured on his upcoming album with BoomRich Productions; and Defend Jamaica, a festival tune that he wrote for Nitty Kutchie to compete in this year’s Festival Song Competition.
Photo video credit: Richie Stephenson
Past JIFINYC -Jamaica Independence Events
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