Dr. Nicole Bent Jones President Errol Anglin Vice President
A Message from
Dr. Nicole Bent Jones President of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston
Dear friends, esteemed guests, and members of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston,
As the President of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston, it is a privilege to be a part of this vibrant community that celebrates the rich culture, heritage, and spirit of Jamaica.
Special thanks to our Board of Directors for their time and effort. Without their tireless efforts, our organization would not have been able to achieve all that we have accomplished. I also extend our warmest wishes to all our supporters, volunteers, donors, and friends.
Tonight, we come together to pay tribute to the land of wood and water, a country that has given us so much. We celebrate the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors, who fought tirelessly for our freedom and self-determination. We celebrate the resilience and determination of our people, who have overcome countless challenges to build a nation that is proud and strong.
As we mark this significant milestone in Jamaica’s history, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. We are reminded of the need to pass on our traditions, values, and customs to future generations, so that they can continue to thrive and flourish.
That is why the Jamaica Foundation of Houston is committed to promoting and preserving Jamaican culture in this great city. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote culture, education, and volunteerism.
The new year got underway with a February general meeting, featuring a special guest from the Houston City Council. In March, we participated in the Sugarland International Art & Kite Festival with a booth, showcasing Jamaican culture to the community. In April, we demonstrated our commitment to supporting local initiatives by partnering with Lovebird Restaurant and Golden Krust to coordinate meals and meal delivery for the York Castle Robotics Team. The same month, we celebrated our shared heritage with students and guests at the Annual CSO Fest, a vibrant event that brought together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their cultural heritage. In May, we proudly presented ten scholarship awards to deserving college students at our Annual Scholarship Awards luncheon with the help of donors and sponsors. What a year it has been so far!
Tonight, we honor our country’s rich cultural heritage but beyond the festivities, I want to urge you all to recommit yourselves to preserving our cultural heritage, and to promoting unity and social cohesion among our community.
Tonight, in celebration of Jamaica’s 62nd year of independence, let us celebrate the land of wood and water – a country that has given us so much.
In the words of Robert Nesta Marley -- “One love, one heart, one destiny.”
Regards,
Dr. Nicole Bent Jones - President Jamaica Foundation of Houston www.jamaicafoundationofhouston.org jamaicafoundationhouston@gmail.com
A Message from THE
MOST
HON. ANDREW
HOLNESS, ON, PC, MP PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA
Jamaica Houston Foundation
The Jamaica Houston Foundation is a major stakeholder in diaspora relations over the years. The Foundation has been a critical partner in equipping community members and implementing Corporate Social Responsibility projects. Indeed, the Foundation has been unwavering in its commitment to philanthropy and steadfast in its support of educational initiatives in Jamaica. The projects have had a profound impact on our nation’s people and has improved many lives.
Education is the cornerstone of our country’s development, and our society is built on people who use education to progress and be empowered. The government is grateful to the Jamaica Houston Foundation for the investment in our education sector. This has been instrumental in creating countless opportunities for students who might otherwise have been unable to pursue their dreams. The scholarships, supplies and infrastructural improvements facilitated by the Foundation have made a tangible difference to hundreds of Jamaicans. Your acts of kindness and generosity have given a brighter future for many.
In addition, the mentorship programmes and partnerships you have fostered between Jamaican institutions and those in Houston, Texas have created invaluable learning experiences for our students and educators alike. The ex changes have enriched our education system, bringing new perspectives and knowledge that are crucial in an increasingly interconnected world. Your work exemplifies the spirit of community and shared responsibility that is essential for addressing challenges we face.
On behalf of the government and the people of Jamai ca, I express our gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in the potential of Jamaican students. Your dedication to enhancing education in Jamaica serves as an inspiration to us all. I look forward to continuing our partnership and witnessing the impact of your efforts in the years to come.
The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP Prime Minister
A Message from R. Oliver Mair, Consul General
CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAMAICA, MIAMI MESSAGE – ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE “JAMAICA 62 – ONE LOVE TO THE WORLD”
In everything give thanks for this is the will of the Lord. On behalf of the Consulate General of Jamaica, I extend Independence greetings to you all as we give thanks to God Almighty, for another year of blessings for our beloved homeland and celebrating 62 years as an independent and sovereign nation.
We have so much to be thankful for. We can celebrate the advancement in our nation’s economy, we have seen the significant strides in improving our infrastructure, we think of our rich cultural heritage, and our resilience as a people.
Our theme this year “Jamaica 62 – One Love to the World” speaks to our impact on the world. Transmitting the message of our close bonding especially to face events alike in the Diaspora and as a nation. The lyrics of our late international reggae icon, Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley, still resonates across the globe as all over we still hear the song “…..one love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright”. The recent Bob Marley Movie – One Love – has once again put the spotlight on Jamaica in a real positive way. Millions across the globe packed cinemas to see the impact of this our Jamaican reggae star on the world through his lyrics and his simple yet profound lifestyle. As we celebrate this Independence with family and friends across the Diaspora, let us strengthen those attributes that make us special as Jamaicans – loving, kind, joyful, creative – expressing our daily mantra “no problem”.
The recent Tenth (10th) Biennial National Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay was a resounding success. The four-day programme brought home over 1,000 nationals and friends around the globe.to a significant homecoming. This was the first time in-person since the global pandemic and this event certainly looked at key pathways to Jamaica’s promising future, with a packed agenda of engaging speakers, plenary sessions and workshops, and a Jamaican Marketplace ‘second to none.’
At this time, let us pray for God’s protection on us that we were spared the wrath of Hurricane Beryl which caused extensive damage to Jamaica’s southern coastal communities. We must also remember our Caribbean neighbours – Grenada, St. Vincent and Barbados – as these islands were devasted.
As Dean of the Caribbean Consular Corp in South Florida, I must extend our profound appreciation on behalf of the Consular Corp to all those individuals, corporations and charitable associations across the Diaspora who have gone beyond the call of duty responding as volunteers giving of their time and resources to help our brothers and sisters in the hard-hit areas. I am grateful for the overwhelming response to those charitable agencies like the Caribbean Resource Fund, the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) among others. Let us also remember our international charitable partners - the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and the Food for the Poor (FFP) who have also made several trips to the various Islands unloading pallets of emergency kits and supplies to those affected families.
The Government of Jamaica has established the Hurricane Beryl Relief Fund through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) https:// disasterfund.opm.gov.jm I urge you to continue making monetary contributions to assist in major relief efforts like home repairs; infrastructural repairs to water and electric supplies; and preparing educational institutions for re-opening after the summer recess.
On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, it is with sincere gratitude that I acknowledge the contributions made by our nationals within the area of jurisdiction of the Consulate General to supporting various initiatives in Jamaica. Through your actions, we are reminded of the generous spirit of Jamaicans. As we reflect on our past, assess the present, let us look to the future remaining committed in the spirit of partnership and strengthening our efforts for further Diaspora development, and also for nation building. As we celebrate our accomplishments, let us remain hopeful singing with one voice “One Love – let’s get together and feel alright.”
“JAMAICA 62 – ONE LOVE TO THE WORLD”
R. Oliver Mair Consul General, Southern USA
A Message from
Khalfani Omari Fullerton, Honorary Consul of Jamaica
Houston, Texas
CONSULATE OF JAMAICA
Khalfani Omari Fullerton
Honorary Consul
My Fellow Jamaicans and Friends:
6001 Savoy Drive, Suite 509
Houston, TX 77036 (713) 782-8494
It is my distinct pleasure to salute the distinguished officers, members, and guests at this spectacular 62nd year of Jamaica Independence Celebration event hosted by the Jamaican Foundation of Houston to celebrate Jamaica 62nd year of independence. Our theme is Jamaica 62: One Love to the World which captures our commitment to sharing our vibrant culture and rich heritage with the world.” I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Jamaica Foundation of Houston for more than 43years of outstanding service to the City of Houston, the State of Texas, the Texas Jamaican Communities, and our beloved Jamaica. Furthermore, I would like to pay tribute to the founders, former presidents, members, board members past and President Dr. Nicole Bent-Jones of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston.
Our Independence celebrations provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our nation and our people. It is a time to strengthen our resolve to work even harder for the advancement of Jamaica. As we celebrate Jamaica 62nd year of Independence, we must remember that it took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get where Jamaica is today. Jamaica is a great nation with great people all over the world. We have made tremendous progress despite being robbed by the countries who colonized us and enslaved our people. We should never forget where we come from. However, we must work to make sure that the Jamaica we leave to our children is better than the Jamaica we have today. There is always room for improvement and progress in every country. Jamaica is a great Nation, and we continue to share our vibrant culture and rich heritage with the world. Our people are ambassadors of our rich culture and heritage and will continue to spread one love to the world..
I encourage our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, the United States, and the rest of the world to invest their time and capital, and to encourage the developed nations to take a pro-active role in investing in Jamaica. Investing in Jamaica makes great business sense. Global prosperity is the greatest equalizer in reducing poverty, hunger, and underdevelopment. We must share the vision of Jamaica whose future is brighter than the sun that shines there, and together we can all work to assure our homeland that bright future.
I feel tremendously blessed and extremely honored to have recently completed my 16h year as the Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Houston, Texas. As I begin my 17th year in this office, I would like to thank the entire community for their support. I am equally appreciative of the support of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston and the entire Jamaican community.
Happy 62nd Independence Day Jamaica!
Khalfani Omari Fullerton, Attorney and Counselor at Law Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Houston
C ITY OF H OUSTON
July 27, 2024
Greetings,
John Whitmire Mayor
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, Texas 77251-1562
Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov
As Mayor of Houston, I welcome all attending the Jamaica Foundation of Houston’s 62 nd Independence Gala. This event, which celebrates the cultural contributions of Jamaica to our great city, is a testament to the rich diversity and unity of our community. We are proud to host this exciting celebration.
The Jamaica Foundation of Houston was founded in 1980 with a mission and mantra of “dedicated to strengthening the cultural ties between Caribbean people and the Houston community.” The City of Houston salutes and commends the Jamaica Foundation of Houston for giving the Caribbean communit y a strong voice and empowering younger members to participate in volunteerism while providing scholarships.
Thank you for participating in the Jamaica Foundation of Houston’s 62 nd Independence Gala in our culturally diverse and international city. We hope your experience is memorable and rewarding, and we look forward to celebrating your accomplishments in years to come.
Best wishes for a memorable celebration.
With warm regards,
John Whitmire Mayor
SHEILA JACKSON LEE 18TH DISTRICT, TEXAS
Council Members: Amy Peck Tarsha Jackson Abbie Kamin Carolyn Evans-Shabazz Fred Flickinger Tiffany D. Thomas Mary Nan Huffman
Mario Castillo Joaquin Martinez Edward Pollard Martha Castex-Tatum Julian Ramirez Willie Davis Twila Carter Letitia Plummer Sallie Alcorn
Controller: Chris Hollins
It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She was a blessing to our community, tirelessly working to bring about necessary changes that positively impacted countless lives. She took great pride in her Jamaican heritage and avidly supported our organization, attending our galas and honoring us with proclamations. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Donovan Wilson Keynote Speaker
Donovan Wilson President of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations USA Inc
Donovan Wilson is the President of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations USA Inc (UJAA) and the Immediate Past President of St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) Alumni Association USA Inc. He is also a corporate transportation professional and a tax professional who has been registered with the Internal Revenue Service and New York State for almost 20 years. He became a Director of UJAA in 2015, was elected as Vice President in 2018 and became President in September 2022.
Donovan graduated from Bernard M. Baruch College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications and a minor concentration in Industrial Psychology. Prior to migrating to the United States, he attended the College of Arts Science and Technology (C.A.S.T.) He has held various roles over the years including working as a teacher and a Track and Field and Football Coach before migrating to the United States. He has worked in the Travel and Transportation industry for over 20 years including roles at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Bank and is adept at Travel Supplier Relationship management.
Despite his various professional roles, Donovan has remained a strong advocate for helping teenagers to obtain a college education through sports, particularly track and field. His involvement with UJAA has led him to projects beyond sports. The Executive Board of UJAA and the member organizations, work to develop strategies to help schools back in Jamaica and this was a natural fit for him. Through various programs such as the Learnit Tablet program, Robotics program and the Water Tank program the organization remains a voice of hope for our children.
As UJAA moves forward, it is Donovan’s vision that the organization will continue to be a voice in the education space for the children of Jamaica and that the organization will work, in conjunction with various stakeholders, to create and deliver new and more creative ways of advancement in education for our children.
Master of Ceremony
LEIGHTON ALLEN aka DJ Fatta Carey of LEVELZ Sounds
Fatta Carey Godfather
of Toasting
Fatta Carey is Texas’s Godfather of Toasting, a Jamaican music art of talking or chanting in monotone melody over a rhythm or beat. Today the art is simply called deejay. He was born in Ocho Rios in the parish of St Ann, the greatest parish in Jamaica and the home to Jamaican greats: Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey, Burning Spear and Shabba Ranks. Fatta developed the passion for deejay at a very young age with his uncles, Silly and King Mellow, bringing his musical therapy in his yard and later to local clubs around Jamaica. He was never afraid to go too deep with his firing dancing musical selections.
Fatta took a much larger role upon his arrival in the United States performing in large clubs in Miami and New York to crowds hungry for his deejay art form. His prominence rose a hundredfold when he relocated to Houston. Fatta worked with the great Mikey Faith Sounds. In the 90s, he worked with DJ Marcus Love at KTSU 90.9 radio. Later, he brought his art to 97.9 The Box with GT on The Reggae Zone. Beginning in 1992, he teamed up with the turntable genius, DJ Goldfinga, and in 2015, they created DJ LEVELZ. The duo joined forces and now dominate the Houston dancehall scene.
For over twenty-five years, Fatta with DJ LEVELZ have been providing the Houston crowd with their reggae-based rhythms pulling from many of the Caribbean genres, including Afrobeat, R&B, Soca, Zouk, and even Latin sounds of Salsa and Merengue. Together, they have garnered a massive following to earn the most revered working duo to command the dance scene in Houston.
Describing his art, Fatta explained that his love for deejay goes beyond the spectrum of mixing tunes, but to the engagement of the crowds on stage as he brings to Texas the rhythms and vibes of his Caribbean culture. It’s ingrained in each and every performance.
He is a family man to his wife, Marsha with four daughters and five grandchildren.
The J-UNIT Band
THE HOMELAND
The Unbreakable Spirit of Houston and the Caribbean in the Wake of Hurricane Beryl
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl’s devastating impact on Houston and the Caribbean, it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of these communities that they have risen above the destruction to rebuild and recover. The storm’s powerful winds and torrential rains left a trail of devastation in its wake, but the resilience of the people has been nothing short of remarkable.
In Houston, Texas, residents banded together to support each other in the face of catastrophic flooding and damage to homes and businesses. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the city’s emergency responders, first responders, and volunteers worked tirelessly to evacuate those in need, provide aid, and restore essential services.
Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, island nations like St. Vincent and the Grenadines have faced a long and arduous road to recovery. The storm’s ferocity, with widespread power outages, damaged infrastructure, and displacement of families. Yet, despite these setbacks, the Caribbean’s vibrant cultures have persevered, with community-driven efforts to rebuild homes, restore businesses, and revitalize tourism.
Throughout this ordeal, it has been clear that the true heroes are not just those who responded with emergency services or supplies, but also those who have refused to give up in the face of adversity. The people of Houston and the Caribbean have shown an unwavering spirit of hope and determination, inspiring us all with their courage and resilience.
From the Jamaica Information Services Resiliency in Health
The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has launched a comprehensive response to address the urgent health needs of affected communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
The extensive health intervention began in St. Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 10, with a team of 120 health professionals, including public health inspectors, community health aides, health educators, and experts in food safety, vectorborne diseases and water quality.
Regional Public Health Specialist for Vector Control, Michael Miles, told JIS News the hurricane’s impact caused significant damage to health centers in Southfield, Junction, and Newell. He said this has severely limited residents’ access to essential health services as well as increased the risk of the spread of vector-borne diseases.
“So, we have galvanized the team, and we are going to assess the situation
by seeing the elderly and babies, assessing food establishments, water and more. There is no electricity, water and persons are displaced,” Mr. Miles noted.
“We are educating persons to sanitize and wash their hands. We also want to protect the water sources to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, and we have been doing larvicidal and adulticidal activities,” he added.
Additionally, the team inspected food establishments, checked rodent infestations and educated persons on proper solid waste disposal. The team also visited high-risk areas such as nursing homes and mortuaries to ensure proper health and safety protocols are being followed.
Education
Preliminary estimates indicate that Jamaica’s education sector has suffered close to $800 million in damage due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, said the Government is committed to addressing these challenges swiftly and ensuring that educational facilities are safe and functional.
“We are mobilizing all the necessary resources to mitigate further damage and safeguard our staff and students,” she said. The Ministry advised that technical officers conducted post-disaster assessments, which found that 100 schools in six of the seven Regions sustained damage amounting to $797 million.
Thirty-five schools in Region Four have been affected, with damage estimated at $246.6 million, while 34 institutions in Region Three sustained damage estimated at $240.8 million. Approximately $224 million will be required to effect repairs to 17 schools in Region Five and another $55.7 million for eight in Region Seven. The Ministry estimated damage amounting to $30.1 million for one school in Region Six, and $600,000 for five in Region One.
Roads
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has advised that some 500 municipal roads were affected during the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Addressing Wednesday’s (July 10) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, he shared that the parishes of St. Thomas, Portland, Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth experienced the greatest road infrastructure damage.
“Bridges that are under the direct control of local government were also affected and, in some cases, the National Works Agency and the local authorities worked to ensure restoration of a number of roads across the country,” he said. Mr. McKenzie estimated that 70 per cent of municipal roads have either been cleared or access has been made possible by way of single-lane traffic.
“There are still major challenges in St. Thomas and in sections of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon, and I know the efforts are being made to create more access to many of these community roads that are still impassable. It is important that the country recognizes that the reason why we have been able to respond in such an effective way is because of the collective response of government,” Mr. McKenzie noted.
The National Works Agency team using heavy equipment to clear the Sandy Gully in the vicinity of Spanish Town Road in Kingston on Tuesday (July 2), ahead of the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
CB PLUMBLING SYSTEMS
cbplumbingsystem@gmail.com
Above: Commissioner Leslie Briones of Harris County Precinct 4, acknowledging the effort of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston to support and provide financial assistance to local college students.
To the left: On behalf of Commissioner Leslie Briones, Mr. Brian Pendelton with Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office present a “Proclamation in Honor of Jamaica’s 61st Year of Independence” to the Jamaica Foundation of Houston. Errol Arglin accepted the proclamation.
Cerdric Buchanan
Cerdric B
S ALLIE A LCORN
Houston City Council Member At-Large, Position 5
July 9, 2024
The Jamaica Foundation of Houston P. O. Box 710824 Houston, TX 77271-0824
Dear Jamaica Foundation of Houston,
The City of Houston recognizes and joins the Jamaica Foundation of Houston in the celebration of Jamaica’s 62nd Year of Independence. This organization’s historical impact on the city can be seen through its transformative scholarships for local students, dyslexia intervention training, and extensive disaster relief. The Jamaican Foundation of Houston creates a space of belonging for all Caribbean history, languages, and religions. Each year’s celebration pays homage to those who fiercely sought freedom for their people.
Caribbean American Heritage Month and the Jamaica Independence Gala exemplify the significance of Caribbean people and their culture. August 6, 1962, became not only the day of new independence, but also new identity and strength. Caribbean American Heritage was later declared in 2006 by President George W. Bush through an annual proclamation that continues today. The vibrancy and beauty of Caribbean culture in our city is undeniable.
Congratulations,
Sallie Alcorn
JA-GA Reggae PROGRAM
Master of Ceremonies
DJ Fatta Carey of Levelz Sounds “Godfather of Toasting”
National Anthems
Jamaica & USA
Independence Gala
MENU
Cocktail Hour
Salad
Fresh field greens, sliced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing
Invocation
Andy Adams
Welcoming Remarks
Dr. Nicole Bent Jones President JFH
Dinner
Student Presenter
Cultural Presentation
Awards Presenter
Dr. Cameon McKenzie Reid
Keynote Speaker
Donovan Wilson
Warm Rolls with Butter
Entree
Jamaica Jerk Chicken or Brie stuffed Salmon with Shimp
Sides
Smashed Yukon Garlic and Parmesan Potatoes
Creole Corn and Vegetable Saute Spicy
Plantains
President of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations USA Inc
Auction
Closing Remarks
Errol Anglin
Vice President JFH
Entertainment by J-Unit Band
DJ Toney Campbell
Dessert
Cheesecake Drizzled with Mango sauce
Chocolate Triple Layer Cake
Drinks
Iced Tea
Water
Ska Music Takes of the World
Ska music is a unique sound and an important part of Jamaican music history. Its sultry rhythms and bright horns have been beloved by audiophiles since its inception in the 1950s. The sounds that accompanied Jamaica’s independence movement encapsulated the spirit of freedom for those living under oppressive regimes. And although this era had ended when ska evolved from mento into rocksteady and finally reggae, there was no denying how powerful the impact of these musical genres was still felt around the world.
Today, ska continues to be celebrated through festivals such as London’s annual “One Love” event held every summer – offering fans a chance to come together and experience first-hand what makes this genre so special. As we move forward into exploring dub music and its place within reggae culture, let us remember that without ska paving the way before it, none of this would have ever been possible.
Jamaica Competes at the FTC World Championship in Houston
The York Castle High School Robotics Team, with the support of Dwight Clarke, President of the York Castle Alumni Association NY Chapter, made significant strides in introducing robotics through UJAA to their alma mater and association members. Their journey began in 2019 when they joined FTC Jamaica as a willing alliance, and by their second year, they clinched the prestigious Inspire Award. This win earned them the honor of representing Jamaica at the FTC World Championship in Houston, Texas.
York Castle High School, situated in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, holds a remarkable achievement as the first rural school in Jamaica to secure the FIRST Inspire Award in 2022. Their legacy continued as they became the first rural institution with both senior and junior teams in the winning alliance at the FIRST Tech Challenge Jamaica 2024. Their dedication and success are a testament to the passion for STEM education and robotics at York Castle High School
2024 Scholarships Award
The mission of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston is to promote cultural understanding, education, and volunteerism.
We, at the Jamaica Foundation of Houston, are proud to present these yearly scholarships to deserving students. “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences to our communities which encompasses our students, donors, members, and friends of the Foundation,” said Dr. Nicole Bent Jones, President of the JFH. “This scholarship makes a significant contribution to the lifes of our students,” Dr. Jones said.
Scholarships give students the ability to explore areas in their field of study. And the Jamaica Foundation of Houston is at the forefront of this promise. Under the leadership of its Board of Directors, the foundation’s Scholarship Committee, a cadre of volunteers, works to build the relationship between donors and students. The Board of Directors extend their gratitude to those who continuously support education with their time, efforts and financial contributions. A special thanks and a high-five go to Ms. Darnette Hill, Chair of the Scholarship Committee and the Committee Members for their passion and commitment to the success of the program.
Keynote Speaker: Ryan Bennett, MBA, RT(T)
Ryan Bennett is originally from the Bronx, New York. He received his Bachelor of Science from Texas Southern University and his MBA from the University of Houston – Victoria. Ryan also received his Certificate in Radiation Therapy from UT MD Anderson.
Ryan has over 15 years of experience in Radiation Oncology as a radiation therapist and as a manager of radiation oncology. He has spent the last five and a half years as the Director of Oncology Services at Houston Methodist Hospital – Clear Lake. In his current role he oversees Radiation Oncology, Infusion Department, the Breast Care Center, Oncology Nurse Navigation and Oncology accreditation.
Top two professional accomplishments in Ryans career include the system implementation of the current radiation therapy electronic medical records platform that supports the radiation oncology departments in each of the Houston Methodist Hospitals and achieving the oncology accreditation for Houston Methodist Hospital – Clear Lake.
His life’s mission is to be a positive influence on all those that he interacts with through whatever platform he has at his disposal.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys traveling with his beautiful wife, spending time with his daughter, and just being there for his parents, mother-in-law, family, and friends.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• Marva Crawford
• Dr. Noel Clarke
• Dr. Camille Gibson
• Dr. Carl Gardiner
• Marjorie McLean
• Dr. Nicole Bent Jones
• Sonia McGrath
• Joan White
• Sherleen Williams
• Darnette Hill
Ryan Bennett Director of Oncology Services at Houston Methodist Hospital
Jamaica Foundation of Houston (JFH) held their 2024 Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Ashford United Methodist Church (2201 S Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77077).
Recipients, Speaker and Committee Members at the 2024 Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon
2024 Scholarships Award
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The students listed below have distinguished themselves in academics and other areas, earning the proud support of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston:
Mr. Evon and Mrs. Beverley Bent University of Houston, Victoria
Kolin-Dwight S. James
Prairie View A&M
Christian B. Abbott
Dr. Grace Grant Jennings & Mr. Rudolph Jennings
Texas Tech University
Jenyne M. Turner
Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Ina Foster
Houston Community College
Lianna S. Williams
Mr. Greg Escoffery
Sam Houston State University
Asahele L. Benford
Mr. Fabian Weinstein-Jones University of Pennsylvania
Precious O. Akujor
Samantha Hughes Legacy
Prairie View A&M
Crys-Ann A. Harrison
Mr. Everard Williams
Prairie View A&M
Raheem D. Murray
Dr. Everton and Mrs. Jean Edmondson
Prairie View A&M
Alesha D. Maxwell
Jamaica Foundation of Houston
Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Jordon D. Robinson
LIFESTYLE
A Creative Force Behind the Scene
Dr. Sylvanus Donaie’s Contributions to the Jamaican Community
By Dr. Nicole Bent Jones and Ms. Karlene Rose of the JFH
As we gather to celebrate Jamaica’s 62nd Year of Independence, we take a moment to acknowledge the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our community thrive. One such unsung hero is Dr. Sylvanus Donaie, a talented individual who has selflessly dedicated his skills to the Jamaican community and Jamaica Foundation of Houston.
Sylvanus began with his volunteer work to the Houston Caribbean Communities as the publisher for the One Love Caribbean News (2008-2016), and later as the designer for our JFH annual gala souvenir booklet. With his keen eye for detail and creativity, he brought our vision to life, crafting a stunning visual representation of our community’s vibrant culture and spirit. His dedication to capturing the essence of our heritage is evident in every page, as he skillfully combines colors, textures, and imagery to create a masterpiece that is both visually striking and meaningful.
But Sylvanus’ impact extends far beyond his design work on our gala booklet. As a member of the Jamaican community, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to giving back through his art. His talents have been used to support various local charities and events, spreading joy and inspiration to those around him.
But behind the quiet sceneries, Dr. Donaie is surprising. He is a highly educated professional in the fields of chemical and electrical engineering and business. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and holds advanced degrees in Chemical Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, Electrical Engineering, and Business Management.
His professional licenses include Professional Engineer (PE), Electrical, HVAC, and an Unrestricted Low Voltage in the State of Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida.
Here is one of Dr. Donaie work in the Jamaican community, In 2011, Donaie travelled to Jamaica to manage and build a two-bedroom home for a deserving Jamaican family. The family lived in a dilapidated home with little to no roofing; they slept with plastic coverings over their beds to avoid the Portland rains. Walking on the floor was like playing a game of checkers. With funding from the people of Houston to include groups such as the JFH and “Repair of the Bridge,” Donaie brought his engineering and project management skills to Port Antonio and rallied the local Jamaicans to demolish the house and build a new one in two weeks. His charitable work brought many local politicians and local religious leaders to visit the project on its speedy advancement.
In the late 2022, Virgin Islands Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen (decease) and Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. recruited Dr. Donaie to return home to the Virgin Islands to work and lend his expertise in the rebuilding of the islands’ telecommunication and electrical infrastructure after Hurricane Maria and Irma.
But that’s not all. He has engineered and managed many key projects around the world, including pioneer work in the design and implementation of the terrestrial repeaters system for XM Satellite Radio, fiber optic backbone system for Time Warner, Level 3 Communications, and BellSouth, and G4 systems for Sprint. He was the key electrical engineer on the governing board to redesign the entire City of Conyers, Georgia’s electrical and lighting distribution infrastructure. He has engineered major telecommunication projects in South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Dr. Donaie has served as a Technical Consultant and Optimization Engineer in refinery process operations, training operators in various refinery and chemical processes to include crude distillation, fluid catalytic cracking, reforming, alkylation, hydro-treating, gasoline blending, steam generation, industrial refrigeration and process modeling. He has provided engineering analyses and developed technical training, documentation, and procedures for refinery operators and maintenance technicians. His consultation services have included oil refineries such as BP, Exxon, Chevron, and Sunoco.
Sylvanus has earned many titles to include Professor lecturing at many colleges and universities, primarily in Georgia and Texas. He teaches courses in Electrical Engineering, Robotic Designs, Computer Science, Mathematics, Calculus, Statistics, Networking, and Business. Moreover, he was the brainchild providing a major service to his Houston community as the publisher of One Love Caribbean News, the only monthly newspaper completely dedicated to the Caribbean communities in Texas.
Sylvanus published many books to include “Race, Religion, and Capitalism,” “Pie Don’t Fall from The Sky,” and “Teaching Grown Folk the Digital Concepts”
In 2022, Dr. Donaie received the “2022 Innovator of the Year Award” from the Houston Community College for training over 1000 students in Houston to become certified electricians and HVAC technicians in a two-year period.
Dr. Donaie continues in service to the Houston Caribbean communities. Presently, He is the Vice President of the Houston Virgin Islands Association and a Rotarian of St. Croix Rotary Club West.
Donaie is a military veteran of the United States Army and the Virgin Islands Army National Guard.
We are honored to recognize Dr. Sylvanus Donaie for his outstanding contributions to our community. His dedication to preserving and celebrating Jamaican culture is a testament to the power of creativity and community spirit. As we celebrate Jamaica’s independence, we celebrate Sylvanus’ commitment to keeping the flame of cultural heritage burning bright.
Please join us in acknowledging Dr. Sylvanus Donaie’s outstanding service and artistic talents. His work is a shining example of what it means to give back to the community with passion and dedication. Cheers to many more years of creative expression and community building!
BUILDING, SAVINGS AND WEALTH INCREASING CASHFLOW; DEBT MANAGEMENT PREPARING WITH PROPER PROTECTION YOUR HEALTH; WEALTH UNDERSTANDING ASSET ACCUMULATION STRATEGIES FULFILLING LONG-TERM GOALS RSSA – OPTIMIZING SOCIAL SECURITY
13831 Northwest Freeway Suite 215 Houston, Texas 77040
Jamaica’s Ice Hockey team displayed their talent and determination as they emerged victorious in the final match of the Challenger Series. The team showcased their skills and resilience, defeating a strong Lebanon team with a final score of 12-8. The thrilling match took place at the College Ice Arena in Toronto, captivating the hundreds of cheering supporters in attendance. (purejamaicamedia.com)
JFH IN THE COMMUNITY - Sugarland Kite Festival
The foundation in Action
A glass of water
Something else I didn’t know...
I asked my Doctor why do people need to urinate so much at night time.
How many folks do you know who say they don’t want to drink anything before going to bed because they’ll have to get up during the night!!
Answer from my Cardiac Doctor: Gravity holds water in the lower part of your body when you are upright (legs swell). When you lie down and the lower body (legs, etc.) is level with the kidneys, it is then that the kidneys remove the water because it is easier. This then ties in with the last statement! I knew you need your minimum water to help flush the toxins out of your body, but this was news to me.
Correct time to drink water...
ONE NATION ONE PEOPLE
Very Important. From A Cardiac Specialist! Drinking water at a certain time maximizes its effectiveness on the body:
Please be early so we can all sit together
In Loving Memory Hazel May Douglas-Rose
Gone but not Forgotten From Daughters
Beverly Cadien, Marilyn Self, Pansy Crooks
Karlene Rose Karen Brown
2 glasses of water after waking up helps activate internal organs 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal helps digestion 1 glass of water before taking a bath helps lower blood pressure (who knew?) 1 glass of water before going to bed avoids stroke or heart attack (good to know!)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is a verse from the Bible, Philippians 4:13
Special Thanks
Scholarship Contributors
Mr. Evon and Mrs. Beverley Bent
Dr. Grace Grant Jennings
Mr. Rudolph Jennings
Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Ina Foster
Mr. Greg Escoffery
Mr. Fabian Weinstein-Jones
Samantha Hughes Legacy
Mr. Everard Williams
Mr. Everton Edmondson
Jamaica Foundation of Houston
Acknowledgement
Auction Item Contributor
Painting by Dr. Nicole Bent Jones of Nicole’s Art
Painting by Robert Matta
Music lessons by Just B Musical
Estate planning consultation by Dr. Marilyn Douglas-Jones
Gift basket by Jammin Canna, LLC
Cookbooks from Andy Adams
Five books by Sylvanus Donaie
Photograph from Andy Adams
The Jamaica Foundation of Houston Board wants to thank our sponsors, supporters and friends for standing with us in building our great future within the Foundation/Community.
We know it takes all of us and it can’t be done without you.
Our many advertisers and our new supporters who year after year make this booklet possible, we say thanks.
