Brooklyn print edition (PDF) - Caribbean Life

Aug. 3–9, 2012 • Caribbean Life • Brooklyn/Staten Island • Page 24New York Thanksgiving Service for Jamaica’s 50thNew York, NY (July 29,2012) – Thousands gatheredinto the majestic naveof the Riverside Church inMorningside Heights, NewYork City, for the annualService of Thanksgivingcelebrating the nation ofJamaica’s 50th Anniversaryof Independence on SundayJuly 29, 2012.In the dedication ofJamaica’s 50th year of Independence,the Right ReverendHoward Gregory, AnglicanBishop of Jamaica andthe Cayman Islands, deliveredthe sermon with reflectionsfrom one of the lesserprophets, Haggai. Ironically,he spoke of the neglectof the lesser of these, thepoor and humble, and thegreat divide of the rich andpoor from 1962, the yearof Jamaica’s Independencefrom Britain.Bishop Gregory made thecorrelation of the corrosionof citizens’ social responsibilityto that of their neglectof God’s temple: “The God ofthe Judean Christian traditionshould be in the midstGuest Preacher, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Howard Gregory.Photo by Lin-Jay Harry-Voglezonof our lives as individualsand as a community. Wemust have a keen sense ofpriority, accountability, andstewardship accompaniedby justice, courage, whichreflects the very holisticnature of God.” He cited theexponential growth of murdercrimes from 1962 to thevery present time, whereinthe numbers speaks to theneglect and decay of thecommunity of God’s peopleThe Jamaican congregation at Riverside Church.Photo by Lin-Jay Harry-Voglezonand the temple of God asa direct correlation to themoral and social decadence.As a post-colonial nationhe rhetorically asked: “Whatis it that we are seekingto celebrate?” ‘Emancipendence’,a termed recentlycoined by the late Professorthe Honourable Rex Nettleford,as he quotes fromJamaica’s iconic singer,Robert (Bob) Nesta Marleywho used words from theRt. Excellent Marcus MosiahGarvey; “Emancipate yourselvesfrom mental slavery,none but ourselves can freeour minds.” He noted fromrecent international study,that racial discrimination ispersistent in the Caribbean,its existence is so covert andsubtle; that only astutenessand sensitivity to its subtletiesallow for consciousnessof its very existence.“Emancipate yourselvesfrom mental slavery, nonebut ourselves can free ourminds, “he quotes from BobMarley. The very good newsis that “God has enabled ourliberation.” He implores,that Jamaicans must keephope alive, and that “thefuture always contains thebest that is yet to come”although slavery in variedforms continues to loom.There was commonalitywith Bishop Gregory’sreflections to that of theIndependence Messageof the Prime Minister ofJamaica, the Most HonorablePortia Simpson Miller.Consul General of Jamaicain New York, Herman G.LaMont, quotes from theHon. Prime Minister: “Aswe celebrate the notableachievements and successeswe have made as a nationand a people, I also call oneveryone to make this timea time of renewal of commitment;a time to forgeand strengthen relationsand help build our belovedcountry into becoming theplace we all want it to be– the country to live, workraise families, do businessand retire.”The Prime Minister callson all Jamaicans “to buildon our great legacy so thatfuture generations can beproud of Jamaica.”Introducing OurCUPCAKE COLLECTIONNEWMake life a little sweeter. GRAND CONFETTI FRUIT CUPCAKE With cupcake-shaped pineapple dippedin gourmet chocolate with sprinkles1557 Ralph Ave.Brooklyn, New York 11236718-451-3344158-18 B Cross Bay Blvd.Howard Beach, Queens 11414718-848-3344*Offer valid at participating locations. Valid on arrangements and dipped fruit boxes. Cannot be combined with any other offers.Containers may vary. Arrangements available in a variety of sizes. Delivery not available in all areas. EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS &Design® and all other marks noted are trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2012 Edible Arrangements, LLC.All rights reserved. Franchises available; call 1-888-727-4258 or visit eafranchise.com