Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. Clarifies Misinformation Regarding Event on June 15, 2024

The Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., has found itself at the center of a controversy as promotional videos for an event scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024, have been circulating on social media. However, the embassy has made it clear that it is not hosting any event on that day, as it remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

In a statement, the embassy expressed disappointment over the misuse of its name to promote an unsanctioned event, calling it “disingenuous” and “misleading.” This incident is especially troubling as it coincides with Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of Caribbean communities in the United States.

The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), which has also been linked to the event, confirmed that it is not involved. Dr. Claire Nelson, the founder and President of ICS, released a schedule of official Caribbean-American Heritage Month events that the embassy endorses.

The embassy emphasized that it works closely with registered Diaspora organizations that actively support Jamaicans both at home and abroad. It urged the public to ignore the unauthorized use of its name, which it described as “malicious and deceitful.”

Instead, the embassy invited Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to participate in its official annual Independence Celebrations, which are being held in partnership with active Diaspora organizations and members of the Jamaican Community in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. The Annual Independence Church Service is set for Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, MD, while JAMAICA Fest will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in downtown Silver Spring, MD.

For more information on official Diaspora activities, interested individuals can visit the Embassy’s website at www.embassyofJamaica.org.