Jamaicans in South Florida were treated to a weekend of celebration, connection, and national pride as Prime Minister Andrew Holness made a special visit to engage with members of the diaspora and attend high-profile events honouring Jamaica’s ongoing development and cultural legacy.
The visit formed part of a three-day programme that brought together government officials, community leaders, and supporters of Jamaica for meaningful dialogue and fundraising efforts. From town hall-style discussions to black-tie galas, the weekend highlighted the strength of the Jamaican community abroad and its continued commitment to supporting the island’s progress.
An Evening with the Prime Minister – Diaspora Forum
The Diaspora Forum, aptly titled “An Evening with the Prime Minister”, was held at ChristWay Baptist Church in Miramar and hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami. The church was filled to capacity, offering a rare and meaningful opportunity for attendees to connect with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness, ON, PC, MP.
Judge Norman Hemming Esq. served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, with opening remarks delivered by Oliver Mair, Consul General of Jamaica to the Southern USA. Guests were also treated to a musical performance by singer, songwriter and entertainer Steve Higgins, who performed alongside the South Florida Caribbean Chorale, which he founded.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Holness delivered a powerful and wide-ranging message focused on Jamaica’s development, economic progress, and national resilience. Highlights of his address included:
- Jamaica’s Economic Turnaround: The Prime Minister urged members of the diaspora to continue supporting Jamaica not only through remittances but through advocacy, logistics, and community-level initiatives.
- A Nation at an Inflection Point: He pointed to the country’s improved sovereign credit rating—now three notches below investment grade—and noted that Jamaica is outperforming its regional peers in governance and economic discipline.
- Solidarity Programme for the Underserved: Acknowledging that economic growth has not reached everyone, Holness introduced the government’s forthcoming Solidarity Programme, aimed at extending support to Jamaicans who have not benefited from earlier initiatives.
- Crime and National Security: Addressing concerns around crime, he noted that approximately 70% of Jamaica’s homicides are gang-related. He added that the country has seen a 20% drop in the murder rate in 2024, followed by a further 35% decrease in 2025 so far.
- Spreading the Message: Holness encouraged attendees to share positive developments from the forum with their families and communities in Jamaica, reinforcing unity and national pride across borders.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Mayor Wayne Messam presented the Prime Minister with the Keys to the City of Miramar—a symbolic gesture recognising Holness’s leadership and the strength of the Jamaican community.
Charity Gala with the American Friends of Jamaica – 5 April
The festivities continued on Saturday with the American Friends of Jamaica’s annual Charity Gala, held at the prestigious Loews Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami. The sold-out event brought together dignitaries, philanthropists, and friends of Jamaica for a glamorous evening dedicated to raising funds for key sectors such as healthcare, education, and economic development.
In 2024 alone, the American Friends of Jamaica distributed over US$1.8 million in grants, aiding Jamaicans in rebuilding homes and accessing educational opportunities following the devastation of Hurricane Beryl.
This year’s gala also honoured hospitality pioneers Elias ‘Lee’ Issa and Paul Issa with the International Humanitarian Award for their longstanding contributions to Jamaica’s tourism industry and national development.
Prime Minister Holness delivered the evening’s keynote address, once again calling on the diaspora to invest in Jamaica’s future. He was joined on stage by Paul Elliot, CEO of Victoria Mutual Building Society, who also addressed the audience with a call to action.
Jamaica Lights Up the Guitar Hotel
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino—known for its iconic “Guitar Hotel” design—lit up in bold black, green, and gold on the night of 4 April, creating a dazzling tribute to Jamaica and its people. The illumination ran from 9 p.m. to midnight and marked a special occasion: a private cocktail reception in honour of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
The event, held shortly after the Diaspora Forum brought together members of the South Florida Jamaican community to celebrate their continued contributions abroad. Prime Minister Holness later took to social media to share his reflections on the evening, praising the achievements of Jamaicans living overseas and their role in carrying the country’s legacy forward.
The glowing tribute and warm reception capped off a weekend filled with celebration, connection, and national pride.
A Weekend to Remember
The weekend of 4–6 April was one of pride, purpose and celebration for the Jamaican diaspora in South Florida. With Florida hosting the second-largest Jamaican population in the United States—over 300,000 strong, primarily in Broward and Miami-Dade counties—the events served as a reminder of the enduring bond between Jamaicans at home and abroad.
Kudos to the organisers and community leaders who helped make the weekend such a powerful celebration of Jamaica’s culture, resilience, and global impact.
