Old Harbour diaspora annual Spring Ball in New York returns

The annual showpiece makes its highly anticipated return after a three-year hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Each Spring Ball edition, with the first starting in 1993, brings together many friends and associates from Jamaica, Canada, England and the USA, among other regions – all connected by the town of Old Harbour, the third largest in the parish of St Catherine and currently the fastest growing township on the island.

“In addition to being our main showpiece and fundraiser, this ball provides the stage for a grand re-union of comrades, friends and families who yearn to see one another each year. And of course, proceeds will go towards the furtherance of our efforts to maintain grants and scholarship; as well as assistance for healthcare needs, predominantly within the Old Harbour communities,” said the organisation through its public relations officer (PRO) Learoy Thompson.

“At this event the association will be recognizing one of our own – a distinguished Olympian – Dorothy Scott-Genias."

Scott-Genias, 65, is a native of Old Harbour and has the distinct honour of being the first woman from the community to represent Jamaica at the Olympics. She competed in the women's long jump at the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics.

“We will also highlight our grants and scholarship recipients, some of whom we expect to be in attendance.

“To date we have offered over 70 grants and 10 scholarships. And although OHFA may not be able to keep track of all grants recipients, we are happy to report that the ones we do hear from are doing well and have already made us proud.

Keynote speaker will be Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Mrs Alsion Wilson.

The function begins at 9:00 pm with pre-sold tickets going at US$130 per person and US$140 on the night.

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, university professor Dr Dexter B Gordon, educators Mavis Cohen, Valda Green, Mable Grandison (deceased), medical doctor Dr Alfred Wainwright (deceased), late Justice of the Peace Gloria Robinson, Enid Campbell, businesswoman and Custos of St Catherine Icylin Golding are among some of the prominent personalities honoured by the association in the past.