Former PM Golding praises diaspora, Team Jamaica Bickle at Independence Gala

Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding addressed the Jamaica 64th Independence Gala in Philadelphia, celebrating the nation's 64th anniversary and commending the enduring work of Team Jamaica Bickle. He spoke to a crowd of Jamaicans living abroad, acknowledging their resilience and significant contributions to both their host country and their homeland.

Golding lauded Team Jamaica Bickle for its more than three decades of service, recognizing its founders, Irwine Clare and Blane Stoddart. The organization initially focused on providing essential support for young Jamaican athletes competing in the Penn Relays, many of whom were experiencing international travel for the first time. Team Jamaica Bickle ensured they were acclimatized, had their dietary needs managed, and felt at home, enabling them to perform at their best.

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They’re doing well despite the challenges and the odds.

The organization's impact extends beyond hospitality. Team Jamaica Bickle has provided grants to schools to develop sports programs and infrastructure, nurturing future champions. A significant achievement has been the donation of over a hundred defibrillators to equip schools for medical emergencies. Their generosity has also benefited young athletes from other Caribbean nations, serving over 3,500 individuals.

Golding's address underscored the strong connection between the Jamaican diaspora and their home country. He noted that the challenges faced by Jamaicans abroad are often mirrored back home, but emphasized the inherent resilience and strength of the Jamaican people, encapsulated in the phrase "we're little but we tallawah; we are nice but we are tough."

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we back home are facing some of those same challenges and odds but, as Irwine said, we are resilient – we’re little but we tallawah; we are nice but we are tough.