The Consulate General of Jamaica in New York and Jamaica’s Promise Foundation are delighted to welcome guests to this year’s Jamaica Independence Gala, taking place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Grand Ballroom at the New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square. Themed “Party With a Purpose,” the evening continues the beloved tradition of honouring individuals who uplift the name of Jamaica through their exceptional work at home and abroad.

This year, eight remarkable honourees will receive awards in recognition of their significant contributions across music, business, education, finance, and community service: reggae icon Rita Marley, tourism and hospitality visionary Adam Stewart, community champion James Alston, music industry pioneer Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin, entrepreneurial leader Henry “Larry” Duffus, investment strategist Gregory Fisher, higher education trailblazer Dr. Anthony Munroe, and banking executive Audrey Tugwell Henry. Their achievements reflect a commitment to excellence and a bond between cultural heritage and global influence.

This year’s lineup builds on the legacy established in past editions of the Gala: in 2022, guests celebrated icons like jazz master Monty Alexander, whose artistry and philanthropy personified Jamaican pride; in 2023, legends such as Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Marlon Lindsay, and Ruel Stephenson carried forward the mission with service, music, and leadership that inspired the worldwide Jamaican community.

The “Party With a Purpose” theme brings cultural celebration into direct collaboration with social impact. The 2025 edition aims to raise USD 500,000 to support Jamaican-based programs in four key pillars:

  • Tertiary scholarships for Jamaican students entering their final year,
  • Community revitalization through initiatives by the Rose Town Foundation.
  • Breast cancer education and mammogram access through the Jamaica Cancer Society,
  • The Rita Marley Foundation Centre for Girls in Trench Town, providing mentorship and empowerment,

By aligning elegance and entertainment with philanthropic purpose, the Gala transforms the act of celebration into a catalyst for change, echoing Jamaica’s Promise Foundation’s ethos that “every celebration can be a catalyst for transformation.” Guests are invited to don cultural evening attire or black‑tie and prepare for an evening filled with performances, awards presentations, fine dining, and moments of shared pride.

Honourees:

  • Rita Marley, OJ OD, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of musical artistry, cultural representation, and humanitarian work spanning the I-Threes, the Rita Marley Foundation, and global advocacy.
  • Adam Stewart, celebrated for Business Leadership in hospitality, having driven economic development through Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group.
  • James Alston, recipient of the Community Development & Philanthropy Award, recognized for building one of the first Caribbean‑owned funeral homes in the Bronx and strengthening diaspora community skills.
  • Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in music entrepreneurship, as co‑founder of VP Records and cultural ambassador for Jamaican music worldwide.
  • Henry “Larry” Duffus, awarded the Entrepreneurship Award for decades of youth mentorship and success as a pioneer in New York’s cycling industry.
  • Gregory Fisher, honored for National Development, for his role mobilizing resources into Jamaica and advocating on behalf of Caribbean financial inclusion.
  • Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, awarded for Educational Leadership, as President of BMCC and leader in equity-driven student access programs.
  • Audrey Tugwell Henry, recognized for Business Leadership for steering Scotia Group Jamaica through strategic growth in banking and national transformation.

Each recipient exemplifies the intersection of purpose and purposefulness, the kind of leadership that Jamaica’s diaspora and friends of Jamaica are known for.

Through this Gala, culture becomes community investment, and celebrating independence becomes a chance to fund independence of purpose, health, and opportunity for Jamaica’s youth and underserved citizens. As Monty Alexander once represented Jamaican artistry across continents, and as Shaggy, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and others have shown how music and service can uplift entire communities, our 2025 honourees embody the vision behind Jamaica’s Independence Gala, that excellence deserves both applause and action.

We invite the Jamaican diaspora, friends of Jamaica, business leaders, philanthropists, and all who believe that days of celebration can build futures worthy of the flag to join us.

As the Gala draws closer, we invite you to turn inspiration into impact: secure your spot and make a real difference. For tickets, tables, journal ads, or to explore sponsorship opportunities under our “Party With a Purpose” mission, please visit www.jamaicaindependencegalany.com or call our toll‑free Gala Hotline at 888‑817‑9050. Your support, whether joining us in person or contributing remotely through the online portal, ensures that this evening of culture, recognition, and celebration becomes a catalyst for education, health, and uplift in Jamaica. We look forward to welcoming you alongside Jamaica’s Promise Foundation and the Consulate General of Jamaica, as together we transform this Independence Gala into lasting change

About the Jamaica Independence Gala

The Jamaica Independence Gala is hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica in partnership with Jamaica’s Promise. The gala is an opportunity of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to come together in celebration of Jamaica’s independence with representatives of the Jamaican Government, members of the diplomatic corps and elected members of government here.

  • Date & Time: Saturday, August 23 | 6:30 PM
  • Venue: New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square
  • Attire: Black-tie or Cultural Elegance
  • Tickets & Sponsorships: Available at www.jamaicaindependencegalany.com, or through the Gala Hotline: 888‑817‑9050
  • Contact: Jamaica’s Promise  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Jamaica’s Promise Foundation
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to advance education, health, and infrastructure projects in Jamaica and among the Jamaican diaspora. Through the Independence Gala and signature philanthropic events, Jamaica’s Promise partners with sponsors and community leaders to amplify impact and sustain national progress.

About the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York
The official diplomatic mission of Jamaica to the Northeastern United States. The Consulate strengthens Jamaica’s global presence, delivers consular services, and promotes cultural exchange and economic ties through engagements such as the Jamaica Independence Gala.

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For More information contact:

Chris Benjamin

Community Relations Officer

Consulate General of Jamaica

Tel: 347-421-4224