Annual Old Harbour & Friends Association Spring Ball cancelled

Organisers of the prestigious charitable fundraiser were forced to cancel this year’s event in light of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter to stakeholders the non-profit body stated: “We therefore wish to officially inform you that OHFA’s 27th Annual Spring Ball scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2020, is hereby cancelled. Regrettably, we had to make such a decision, but we remain confident that you will lend an ear of understanding in this matter.

“Surely we will miss the company of our ardent supporters, our out-of-state revelers, our dear brothers and sisters from across the northern border, and of course those ever-faithful travelers from Jamaica. Nevertheless, we hope to meet next year.”

The cancellation of its most famed gala event follows similar decision by the organisers to annul its July 8-16 summer cruise while indicating all “remaining events for this year will be on hold until further notice”. 

Launched in 1993 the Old Harbour and Friends Association is one of the most recognised civic societies among Jamaicans in the Diaspora in the state of New York, raising funds to support the educational and healthcare needs of its people back in Old Harbour, Jamaica, now regarded as the fastest growing community of approximately 60,000 residents on the island.

Each year the event attracts some of the most renowned Jamaicans and is a major staple on the calendars of many natives, among them former prime minister Bruce Golding and Dr Dexter B Gordon.