Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 12, 1996

Release #382-96

Contact: Colleen Roche or Jack Deacy (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI PROCLAIMS JAMAICAN JAMBOREE WEEKS
Salutes 34 Years of Jamaican Independence

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today proclaimed August 4 through 18 as Jamaican Jamboree Weeks in New York City to celebrate the 34th anniversary of Jamaica's independence. Joining the Mayor at City Hall were Jamaican Ambassador Richard Bernal, Consul General Kay Baxter-Collins, Director of Tourism Fay Pickersgil and City Council member Una Clarke. Accepting the proclamation was world renowned entertainer Harry Belafonte who was accompanied by numerous other distinguished members of New York City's Jamaican community.

"With 700,000 Jamaicans living in New York, their contributions touch all aspects of the City," said Mayor Giuliani. "Jamaican New Yorkers share their cultural heritage with all us. Jamaican Jamboree Weeks will provide an opportunity for everyone to experience this wonderful culture."

The celebration will consist of a variety of activities, including an exhibition of Jamaican arts and crafts, an independence ball, a breakfast presentation by Jamaican designers, a Central Park Concert showcasing the distinctive music of Jamaica, seminars, food tastings, and performances by young Jamaicans.

The Caribbean island of Jamaica has served as a popular tourist destination for years. Like New York, Jamaica has welcomed immigrants from many countries, making its population a uniquely multicultural one.


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