New York: Cruising into History was the theme at a luncheon last Wednesday, hosted by editorial director of Essence Magazine, Susan Taylor onboard the Serenade of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean luxury liner. To commemorate Haiti's bi-centennial anniversary of independence, Ron Daniels, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, developed the concept of Cruising into history. On August 12-21, 2004, `Cruising into History' will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Haitian Independence.
"It is with pride and humility that I accept the Prime Minister's Award for Service to Jamaican Nationals abroad. I am very proud of my Jamaican heritage and over the past thirty years I have worked to maintain ties at home and abroad. My goal was always to support and help to foster cultural, educational and economic stability for Jamaican Nationals within the Greater Hartford area. I have a great sense of pride and fulfillment as I see first, second and third generations of Jamaicans excel educationally and economically. As one of the founding members of NAJASO, the National Organization of Jamaicans and Supportive Organizations, I have reached out on the national level to bring Jamaicans together to support Jamaica and to maintain their Jamaican pride and heritage."
Leith earned inclusions in Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in America, Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in the East, Who's Who in Universal Publication, Who's Who of the Year, (American Biographical Institute), International Woman of the Year (International Biographical Center), and received the Outstanding Achievement Award at Baruch College Alumni Association. From a very early age, Leith had vowed that she must be "a shining star." She wanted to make a difference in society by being a friend and help to mankind. Her childhood dream has metamorphosed into a successful business enterprise. As the Prime Minister of Jamaica extends this latest award, Leith Yetman's star is shining even brighter.
We have been blessed because they are a part of our mosaic." The evening festivities featured remarks from Haitian Consul General of New York Harry J. Fouche and Haiti's Ambassador to the United Nations Jean C. Alexandre. Entertainment was provided the Haitian American Association of Jersey City Inc., gospel singer [Felina Backer] and rap group Euneek Aroma Haiti. Additionally, the work of Haitian artist Lucien Bourdeau was displayed. The master of ceremonies was Yves Richar Blanc.
In addressing some of the issue facing Caribbean migrants, Dr. Manley implored everyone to take responsibilities for themselves and their respective islands. "Maybe we have been depending too much on the people we elect. A democracy works best when it has citizens who are willing to be accountable," she said. While empathizing with the terrorism issues, currently affecting the United States, Dr. Manley pointed out that the Caribbean was also experiencing terrorism in its own form. "For us poverty is terrorism. The amount of guns that come into Jamaica from this country is terrorism. Jamaica is way ahead of the other islands with their homicide rate. "Guyana is right behind us and some other islands are beginning to see the same thing happening."
Charging that hotel and tour operators sometimes "insult the intelligence" of foreign visitors with romantic tales of Jamaica's past, Professor [Verene Shepherd] insisted that while we enjoy the ambience of surviving great houses, we must acknowledge that, "they used to be the site of exploitation and sexploitation of our ancestors".
Just when patrons may have thought the party was coming to a close, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires returned to the stage at 2 a.m., and gave the St. Bess patrons a blast from the past. The band did old soca/calypso favourites like, 'Butterfly', 'It's Carnival' and 'Dolla Wine'. When the band, however did another of their popular songs, 'Soca Train', patrons needed no instructions for this one, as they immediately assumed the position and formed a soca train around the venue. With women in front and men behind, the train went around the venue, but soon broke up when [Keisha] changed gears and did 'Passe', another popular soca song. After the band did their slate of songs, they showed the crowd just how versatile they were, as they did a few renditions from a Jamaican collection of reggae songs.
