New York Politico Calls for unified approach to diaspora philanthropy
Yvonne Graham has called on overseas Jamaicans to consider a more coordinated approach to helping their home country meet its internal challenges and global influences.
Addressing scores of Jamaicans at the annual City Hall celebrations marking Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of Independence at City Hall, Manhattan on Thursday, August 21, 2008, Yvonne J. Graham, now a special assistant to Brooklyn’s Borough President Marty Markowitz, challenged the audience to explore the concept of Diaspora Philanthropy.
Noting that the government alone cannot bear the burden of the national development agenda, Ms. Graham said that such a commitment would help to raise a new generation of citizens who will gain the skills necessary to meet the country’s many challenges.
“I encourage the many individuals and organizations present to explore the concept of Diaspora philanthropy, engaging donors and investors directly in the development of towns and parishes and building beneficial relationships between home and Diaspora communities,” Ms. Graham said.
Ms. Graham, who is challenging for the Brooklyn Borough President’s job later this year, further noted that such partnerships can provide opportunities for Jamaicans in the Diaspora to contribute financially to a worthwhile effort or to return home to perform short or long term public service, bringing specialized knowledge and resources to the tasks of economic and social development.
In thanking the many individuals, organizations and associations for their extraordinary work, spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership and activism, Ms. Graham invited the audience to, “think about how you or your organization can help Jamaica deal with the challenges of today and pursue the possibilities of tomorrow, rising to the moment and the greatness we were destined for”.
She paid tribute to the national heroes who started the march for freedom and Independence as well as the heroics of the athletes at the Games of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.
“I know that wherever Jamaicans are they are filled with national pride and celebrating big time,” she said.
Consul General Geneive Brown Metzger who accepted a proclamation from the New York City Council, recognizing Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of Independence and the contribution of Jamaicans to the social and economic life of the city, encouraged the audience to, “seize the moment as there is no time like the present, to harness and channel this potential into our every day deliberations and endeavours”.
“We must act now to draw on the tremendous sense of nationalism that will stretch from Beijing to Buff Bay,” she said.
The annual ceremony also paid tribute to eight outstanding Jamaicans whose work continue to have a positive impact on the city. They are; Evangelist Eleanor Riley (Gospel Ministry), wife of Bishop Cecil G. Riley of the Freedom Hall Church of God, Brooklyn; Chandra Maria Young – Education; Rev. G. Earl Knight – Religion; George Pitter – Entrepreneurship/Insurance Brokerage; Ruschelle Boone – TV Journalism; Mr. Millicent A. Comrie – Medicine; Mary Ann Reid – Entertainment; Xamayla Rose – Youth Leadership/Mentorship.
This year’s recognition to a non-Jamaican (honourary Jamaican) working in the community went radio host (WTNY, KISS-FM, WBLS), Dr. Bob Lee for 25 years of contribution in the Media Arts. He was presented with a certificate of merit and a lapel pin of the Jamaica Flag by Consul General Brown Metzger.
Prayers were said and a moment of silence observed for the families of the dearly departed this year including, Esmin Green, Brian HoSang and Inez Veronica St. John.
This year’s celebration was presented with the help of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus of the New York City Council.
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Contact:
Aubrey L. Campbell
JIS/NY.
T: 212-935-7506
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