Jamaica takes a holiday to honor heroes

Crime never takes a holiday. However, Jamaicans will on Oct. 19 when the nation pauses in recognition of 140 worthy citizens who have distinguished themselves 2026 recipients of heroes' awards. Now a staple since adapted seven years after the establishment of self rule, National Heritage Day annually bestow honors to prominent and average citizens who, through civic duty, are recognized for enhancing the nation. It's actually a week-long observance fraught with reflections of sacrifices, contribution and community engagements. Beginning with a wreath-laying ceremony heralding seven national heroes, seven days acknowledge champions of the territory. Concerts, beach parties and festivals also command time out from the usual. However, on the third Monday in October, schools, government offices, and most businesses also close in order to celebrate athletes, nurses, police officers, soldiers, farmers, musicians, and everyday citizens. During a traditional ceremony, held on the lawns of a residency fit for royalty, Kings House flaunts opulence associated with military protocols. There is where Britain claimed possession of land suited to house their Governor General and highest emissary. Although much has shifted since the island obtained independence, a name change of the former colonial residence remains a permanent fixture. On a single day, pomp and ceremony will regale the contribution of seven individuals to receive the Order of Jamaica (OJ). Included with that number, 25 individuals will be conferred with the commander rank. Forty-one distinguished citizens will also receive officer rank, 67 badges of honor in all. One dozen worthy individuals from the diaspora were named to share order of distinction (OD) honors. Mostly comprised of journalists, radio broadcasters, entertainers, meteorologists, the category acknowledges contributors to loyalty and service. Thity-three badges of honor are expected to be conferred for "long and faithful service" with four awarded for gallantry. “Viva Panama” reverberates as Afro-Latinos revel After Quake rocks the isthmus A 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Panama Oct. 9 one day before diasporans paraded heritage and culture in Brooklyn. The ruckus created tsunami alerts and aftershocks that reverberated here. In the capital city of Panama City, panic forced citizens to the streets with shocks measuring unpredented numbers. In the South Central region of Pitaloza Arriba, a Richter scale measuring of 8.00 recorded the highest tremor. As the population of 4.5 million scrambled to evacuate homes, a warning of tsunami waves up to 10 feet high threatened. Apparently, earthquakes are rare to the isthmus, and when they occur they usually center in the Chiriqui province. Fortunately there are no reports of casualties, but photos of extensive destruction to buildings and high structures circulated on social media platorms. A day after the crisis, Panamanians here stood firm with belief 'that this too will pass.' Along a route from Little Panama Way at Franklin Ave. & Bergen St. ending at Classon Ave. near the Brooklyn Museum, thousands of people reflecting the diversity of the republic assembled at the festival which attracts the most citizens from the nation. Considered the largest of its kind held outside of the country, revelers paraded resilience and pride. Dignitaries and VIP speakers hailed the crowd, adding “Viva Panama” to their salutations. Hosts of the 31st annual Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York (DICPNY) expressed optimism for the future. "We have to find a bigger space," Maria McKenzie, the organization's trustee said. She lamented the loss of a park space nationals annually fraternized. "I don't know why the park is closed." The off-limit restriction forced revelers into an over-crowded Classon Ave. thoroughfare where space was reserved for vendors. At President St., where the parade ended, diasporans compensated by occupying benches there and along Eastern Parkway. About the homeland dilemma, many expressed solidarity, saying they were grateful that there were no reported casualties. "Thank God most of the shaking was in the interior, not in Panama (City). Anyway, we know soon we will have to send help to people who were affected. We are ready to help," McKenzie added. "Rock Me, Tonight" singer to be celebrated in Harlem Rhythm and blues singer Freddy Jackson died on Oct. 5 at age 70. Born in the Village of Harlem, he will be celebrated with a home-going ceremony there on Oct. 19. The Grammy-nominated crooner often boasted his Manhattan birthplace and will be praised for being one of the accomplished sons at Mount Neboh Baptist Church, 1883 Adam Clayton Jr. Blvd. at 10 a.m. Jackson is acclaimed for his renditions on "You are my lady," "Jam Tonight," Tasty Love," and "He'll Never Love You Like I Do." Catch you On the Inside!