As the August sun blazed down on the much smaller than usual, mask-wearing crowd gathered in all their regalia of the black, green and gold at the Renaissance Plaza on August 1, 2020, Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nations, the Honorable Courtenay Rattray, jokingly lamented that he did not get the memo for the casual attire, as he was dapper in suit and tie for the Jamaica Emancipendence Flag Raising in the City of White Plains. He had company in the as formally dressed mayor of the city, the Honorable Thomas Roach. Ambassador Rattray was the keynote speaker for the more subdued second annual Flag Raising, due to the pandemic and social distancing. He greeted the crowd with "Wha a gwan." His message was far from subdued as he talked passionately about Jamaica, its history and accomplishments. He called on the names of our ancestors and those who led the way. He educated us on the slave trade and reverse reparations, where the United Kingdom admitted that the UK Treasury had borrowed money to compensate slave owners after Emancipation and were still paying back on that loan. Reparations were paid to slave owners, not the other way around! This means that hundreds of thousands of descendants of the enslaved, including Jamaicans, who migrated to the UK, have paid and are still paying back this loan through their taxes. Descendants of the enslaved paid reparations! What a travesty!! And what an education that was for many of us!!
The mayor proclaimed August 1st, 2020 Jamaican Heritage Day in the City of White Plains. The Deputy County Executive proclaimed that August 6th will be Jamaican Heritage Day in the County of Westchester and it will be so declared on the Jumbo Tron at the Westchester County Center on August 6th, the date of Jamaica’s Independence.
The Honorable Nadine Hunt-Robinson was introduced as this year's honoree by committee member, Donnovan Beckford. Because of the pandemic and the small crowd witnessing her recognition, Nadine will also be the 2021 honoree. Nadine talked about the pride of being a Maroon, standing up and not backing down, the "We can tek dem" traits of her Jamaican and maroon heritage. Nadine was chosen as the honoree because she is a daughter of Jamaica, with many accomplishments in her professional, political, civic and personal life.
Heather Miller read her three original poems, Oh My Jamaica, which gave 2500 years of history of Jamaica, Ode to Saltfish and Wedded Bliss. Poems can be found on the blog www.heathersdawning.com, dated July 11th.
The flag was raised to the melodious voice of Christine Chanel as she sang the Jamaican National Anthem. Prior to that she sang the American National Anthem, rivaling any famous singer at U.S. sporting events.
In addition to the ambassador, mayor and honoree, dignitaries in attendance were: Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins and, City of Mount Vernon Councilwoman Delia Farquharson and City of Yonkers Councilwoman Shanae Williams (both of Jamaican heritage).
The event was organized by the Jamaica Emancipendence Committee: Donnovan Beckford, Wayne Chin, Maxine Chuck, Heather Miller and Rev. Leroy Richards. Wayne Chin served at the emcee. Pastor Richards delivered the opening prayer and Maxine Chuck gave the welcome address.
Photography by Christopher Richards @im914Photography.
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