On Monday, October 21, the Order of Distinction, Officer Class, will be conferred on Mr. Irwine Clare, Snr., by the government of Jamaica, at the annual National Awards Ceremony to be held on the Lawns of Kings House.

For many this is a fitting reward for his tireless and selfless service to Jamaicans in the Diaspora. Irwine is well known in the US Northeast community through his advocacy in immigration most notably through his Caribbean Immigration Services (CIS), his charitable work through the organization he founded, Team Jamaica Bickle and as a former host of Caribbean Lifestyle (CLM) TV. His efforts have helped to strengthen the connection between Jamaica’s citizens in the homeland and Diaspora. His contributions have yielded positive results and advanced the influence of that community In the US. The Diaspora community especially in the US Northeast has made significant strides in the areas of immigration, education, healthcare and a range of other issues germane to the quality of life in large part, due to his grassroots campaigns and activism.

As CEO and Founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, he has spearheaded the organization’s Hospitality Initiative which provides meals, transportation and a host of other services to hundreds of Jamaican and more recently Caribbean athletes at the annual Penn Relays Carnival in the US. His leadership service and experience include roles of president of the Jamaica Progressive League; vice president of the National Association of Jamaican & Supportive Organizations (NAJASO); and Board member of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA).

His civic service reflects membership in the Association of Caribbean Elected Officials & Community Leaders, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and several immigration policy groups. In 2010 Irwine was tapped as a Senior Partnership Specialist by the US Census Bureau to lead that organization’s 2010 census count for Brooklyn and the Caribbean Community-a testament to his strong grassroots credentials. A number of family members, friends and well wishers will accompany Clare to Jamaica to shear his special moment in the spotlight.