Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie, delivered the keynote address at the Atlanta Jamaica 50th awards ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, January 19, 2013.
The awards ceremony concludes a series of year-long series activities staged in that city to mark Jamaica's 50th Independence Anniversary.
The awards ceremony was held in the Atlanta City Hall Atrium and was hosted by Atlanta’s Honorary Consul, attorney Vin Martin and Heather Potter, President of the Jamaica 50th Atlanta Planning Committee.
Entertainment for the evening included performances by Jamaican singer Karen Smith, Jennifer Williams and Ulato Sam. Music was provided by DJ Extreme.
Ambassador Vasciannie made a presentation to each honoree. The list of honorees included:
Business – Howard Shirley, Owner of Vibes Night Club
Community – Glen Laman, Past President of KCOBA (Georgia)
Cultural – Dr. Chris Parker
Education – Dr. Karen Russell-Randall, Morehouse School of Medicine
Entertainment – Monty Montgomery
Faith/Religion – Dr. Noel Erskine. Professor of Theology and Ethics at Emory University
Healthcare – Mrs. Marjorie Wilson, Atlanta-Montego Bay Sister Cities Health Missions
Law/Justice – Allan Alberga, Attorney and former President of Atlanta Jamaica Association
Media – Dr. Paul Abrahams
Social Services – Copeland Comrie, Atlanta Jamaica Association Family Relations Committee
Sports – Frank Watson, original member of Atlanta’s cricket community
The following were also recognized by the Jamaica 50th Planning Committee and Office of the Honorary Consul for contributions to the Jamaican Community in Atlanta:
Business – Charles Lawson
Community – Karl Chambers / Valrie Sanders
Cultural – Mr. & Mrs. Astley Leslie
Entertainment- Errol Monroe
Faith/ Religion-Rev. Dr. Barry Davies
Healthcare- Dr. Marc Roberts
Law/Justice-Anthony Lee Hing
Media-Pat Baccas / Lou Brown/Caribbean Star
Social Services – Connie Witter
Sports- Wesley Graham