Party for a cause with American Friends of Jamaica, prime minister at Miami charity gala
For over 40 years, it has been one of Jamaica's leading charities, investing in the Caribbean nation's healthcare, economic development and education.
And for 20 of those years, American Friends of Jamaica have celebrated its charitable works — and the philanthropists who make them possible through their generous giving, here in Miami after years of doing so only in New York.
On Saturday, the charity is back with its annual Jamaica Charity Gala where it will be honoring brothers Elias 'Lee' Issa with the International Achievement Award and Paul Issa with the International Humanitarian Award. The keynote address will be given by Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who recently issued an appeal to his nationals to come home and invest.
'We are incredibly excited to gather with our supporters to celebrate the achievements of those who have made a significant impact in the development of Jamaica,' executive director Caron Chung said.
Outside of New York, Florida has the second-highest concentration of Jamaicans with more than 311,000 residing primarily in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The group's interest in their homeland and its economic prowess is shown in its support for a number of events connected to their homeland with the annual charity ball, being one of them.
A U.S. based organization, American Friends of Jamaica is known not just for its charitable endeavors but also its diplomatic star power. Among those who have sat on its board have been former U.S. ambassadors to Jamaica.
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Both Issas are in the hotel business and have been instrumental in helping Jamaica be a leading destination for U.S. tourists with approximately 3. 5 million stopover and cruise visitors last year.
In the mid-80s, 'Lee' Issa became an owner of Couples Tower Isle Hotel and in 2002, he acquired majority ownership of the parent company, the House of Issa Ltd. Since then, he has led the expansion of Couples Resorts from a single property with 150 rooms to four properties with over 900 rooms and more than 1,600 employees. Couples today is the second largest locally-owned all-inclusive tourist venture in Jamaica and a key player in the Caribbean tourism market.
Paul is an equally prominent businessman in Jamaica and currently serves as a director of House of Issa, and its subsidiary Issa Hotels & Resorts Ltd. which owns and operates Couples Resorts. He serves as chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, a 501(c)3 U.S.-based non-profit and the philanthropic arm of Couples Resorts.
Through the foundation, Paul has made contributions to education and healthcare in Jamaica, partnering with nonprofits to contribute approximately $40 million in medical equipment, medication, training and supplies to the Jamaican public health sector. Though the 6 p.m. $550 gala is sold out, $150 tickets are still available for the popular 9 p.m. after party. Both event are at the Lowes Coral Gables Hotel, 2950 Coconut Grove Dr., Coral Gables
Chung noted that the event not only honors remarkable individuals who have contributed to the betterment of Jamaican society, but it's also an opportunity to raise funds necessary for the charity to continue its work after 42 years.
This is done through a silent auction that includes vacation getaways to a beaded purse in the green, yellow and black of the Jamaica flag to pledges and contributions individuals can make to support various initiatives that foster development. Two in particular the charity is seeking contributions for are, the Mary Issa Pediatric Healthcare Clinic in the Parish of St. Ann, named after the Issas' grandmother, and the AFJ Grant Fund, which provides funding for education, healthcare and economic development.
'With the support of our generous sponsors, partners, and attendees, we are able to create lasting change and provide opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities across the island,' Chung said.
If You Go
What: American Friends of Jamaica 2025 Jamaica Charity Gala
Time: Sold-out dinner starts at 6 p.m. and after party dinner is at 9 p.m. Saturday April 5, 2025
Where: Lowes Coral Gables Hotel, 2950 Coconut Grove Dr., Coral Gables
Tickets: Available for $150 for 9 p.m. after party
More information: Email info@theafj.org
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