August 6 is the 45th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence and, as it does every five years, the Jamaican Association (Bermuda) will be marking the anniversary with a special event — this time a black-tie Independence Ball at the Fairmont Southampton Resort on July 28.

“The guest speaker for the evening will be Senator Delano Franklyn, Minister of State in Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, who will incorporate into his message a focus on the Association’s theme for the event, ‘Mobilising the Diaspora’,” Association protocol officer Dr. Norma Hendrickson said.

Expanding upon the chosen theme, Dr. Hendrickson said: “Jamaicans have been travelling to different parts of the world for many years to seek their fortunes, but their ultimate aim is always, for the most part, to return to Jamaica ‘when conditions improve’. They are very adventurous, and can be found all over Europe, in North and South America, in the other West Indian islands, and Bermuda.

“Yet there is a fire of national pride that overtly or covertly burns deep within Jamaicans’ which cannot easily be extinguished, and which will make the individual rise up in protest if anything untoward is said about, or done to, the island of Jamaica. This pride also lives within the hearts of descendants of Jamaicans, who perhaps were not even born in Jamaica. Such is the passion of Jamaican nationals for their country.”

Dr. Hendrickson also proudly noted that her fellow countrymen had also been interwoven into the fabric of the Bermudian community for years.

“Jamaica has exchanged her best resources with Bermuda in the form of the visual and performing arts, culture, education, business and the professions through her artists, musicians, teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, hospitality and horticultural personnel, businessmen and others,” she said. “Jamaicans have also etched their way into the annals of Bermuda’s history as one of the first contingents of soldiers to be stationed here.”

She noted that George Augustus DaCosta of Mandeville, Jamaica became the first principal of Berkeley Institute in 1897, while Victor Scott was one of many who followed. He became principal of Central School, which is now renamed in his honour.

“We have many friends here, and there is a connection which is part of the diaspora,” Dr. Hendrickson said. “After Independence, Jamaicans can be found all over the place making contributions, so we hope that many of our friends, Bermudian and Jamaican, will find it possible to attend on July 28.”

In addition to a sit-down dinner and guest speaker Franklyn, guests will enjoy a programme of entertainment featuring United Dance Productions, as well as visiting Jamaican ‘singer extraordinaire’ A.J. Brown, who is ranked among Jamaica’s greatest singers. A local band will provide music for dancing.

Mr. Brown’s dynamic, international career includes the varied influences of Bob Marley, Shaka Khan, Frank Sinatra, Dennis Brown, Stevie Wonder and Andrea Bocelli. In addition, the Jamaica Tourist Board has twice enlisted his talents to help promote the island on tours of Europe, Canada and the United States, most recently in 2006.

“The programme will also include recognition of Jamaican heroes, past and present, involved in the struggle for Independence, and we will also give credit to current heroes in the diaspora who are making significant contributions to mankind,” Dr. Hendrickson said.

Referring to the commitment of all Jamaicans to contribute to making the world a better place, Association planning committee member Emancia Outerbridge said, “What we are about is advancing the welfare of the human race. Wherever Jamaicans go, that is part of our challenge. We do the best we can in whatever field because it is enshrined in our National Pledge. Wherever we are, we are Jamaican, and we are expected not to let the side down.”

The Jamaican Association (Bermuda) evolved over time. What began as a private support group for its nationals meeting in a home, is today a vibrant cultural organisation.

In addition to the major five-year Independence celebration, the Association also holds a free annual picnic during the first week of September at Shelly Bay field, which brings together large numbers of Jamaicans and Bermudians.

Tickets for the Independence Ball ($150 per person for patrons, and $110 per person for others) can be purchased at In Between Boutique , 53 Court Street 292-5528, and from members of the Association. The event will begin at 8 p.m. and continue through 1 a.m. There will be a special reception for patrons at 7 p.m. For further information e-mail Dr. Norma Hendrickson at hndrxn@northrock.bm.