A Message from the

Khalfani Omari Fullerton,

Houston, Texas

Honorary Consul of Jamaica

Attorney and Counsel-at-Law

6001 Savoy Drive, Suite 509

Houston, TX 77036

(713) 782-8494

My Fellow Jamaicans and Friends:

It is my distinct pleasure to salute the distinguished officers, members, and guests at this spectacular 61st year of Jamaica Independence Celebration event hosted by the Jamaican Foundation of Houston to celebrate Jamaica 61st year of independence. Our theme is “Proud and Strong.” I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Jamaica Foundation of Houston for more than 43 years 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, 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 61st 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 are coming 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 are destining for greatness. Our people will continue to ignite Jamaica for greatness.

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 15th year as the Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Houston, Texas. As I begin my 16th 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 61st Independence Day Jamaica!

Khalfani Omari Fullerton, Attorney and Counselor at Law Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Houston

Congress of the United States House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

VICE CHAIR CONGRESSIONAL PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS

SENIOR WHIP DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIR CONGRESSIONAL CHILDREN’S CAUCUS

July

Greetings:

On behalf of the Eighteenth Congressional District of Texas and its residents, I am pleased to extend my personal greetings to the Jamaica Foundation of Houston, and everyone gathered to celebrate the 61ST Year of Independence from Great Britain themed “Proud and Strong” Annual Gala on July 29, 2023. This event pays homage to the 43 years of service the Jamaica Foundation of Houston had in our community, as well as their numerous victories towards making Houston a better city for all.

I want to applaud the Jamaica Foundation of Houston, President Dr. Nicole Bent Jones, for your commitment to strengthening the cultural ties between the Caribbean community and the Greater Houston area. The City of Houston and the 18th Congressional District truly appreciate your efforts to promote cultural and social events among the members to improve the social quality of life for all. Your dedication to diversity and inclusivity is truly praiseworthy.

Thank you, Jamaica Foundation of Houston, for being an active voice in our community. Thank you for your dedication to excellence and your untiring efforts in reminding our community that unity is not just imperative, but a necessity. Your work and deeds are truly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the United States Congress.

Very truly yours,

Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress