Historic Jamaican-American lawyer holds the flag high during celebratory activities
Alvin M. Keeling
2 min read
Lawyer Alison Smith (left) and Judge Jackie Powell display the Jamaican colors of black, green and gold on the 60th anniversary of independence.
The Jamaican Diaspora in the United States pulled out all the stops to celebrate the island’s 60th anniversary of independence with a variety of activities that collectively showcase Jamaica.
In full approval of the Jubilee celebrations, Jamaican-American lawyer Alison Smith, the first black woman to lead the nearly century-old Broward County Bar Association, attended many activities in South Florida.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding was in town to mark the Jubilee occasion and had breakfast with Miramar leaders.
A small group of prominent local lawyers also met with Golding and his delegation to discuss ways in which the Jamaican legal system could benefit from innovations in place in the United States.
Smith was a special guest at a gala hosted by the Jamaica United Relief Association under the patronage of Consul General Oliver Mair at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale.
She culminated her tour of activities by attending the annual Independence Day celebration on Sunday at a church here.
Alison Smith gets a photo op with Consul General Oliver Mair.
Alison Smith is hosted by Jamaican opposition leader Mark Golding.
Poster advertising the Jamaican Grand Gala in Florida
Jamaican-American lawyers in Florida are celebrating the island’s 60th anniversary by moving from one activity to another in full approval of Jubilee events. From left, Alison Smith, first black woman president of the Centennial Bar Association of Broward County; Justice Jackie Powell, the first female Jamaican judge in Broward and a native of Franklin Town in East Kingston; and Charise Morgan-Joseph.
