BROOKLYN – Representative Yvette D. Clarke joined the community of nations in celebrating the
Fiftieth Anniversary of Jamaica’s independence on Monday.

With a delegation appointed by President Obama that included former Secretary of State, Colin Powell
and United States Ambassador, Pamela Bridgewater, Representative Clarke attended Independence Day
ceremonies in Jamaica.

“We have much to celebrate today as we honor the island of Jamaica and celebrate its fifty years as an
independent nation,” said Representative Yvette D. Clarke. “As we pause to reflect on the important
achievements and the invaluable contributions of Jamaicans and Jamaican-Americans to the United
States, let us also remember the many sacrifices Jamaican women and men made to claim their freedom
and gain their own identity as a sovereign nation.

“I was honored to have been invited to participate in this presidential delegation, and I look forward to
speaking with the people of Jamaica and their elected officials about the many opportunities we have to
work together,” concluded Representative Clarke.

Representative Clarke has worked with her colleagues in Congress to re-establish the Caribbean Caucus,
which will allow Members of Congress to collaborate with the United States Government, Diaspora
groups, CARICOM and other non-governmental organizations on cultural, historical, political and
economic issues involving the Caribbean region and the United States.

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