Jamaica Foundation of Houston
"Building a Spirit of Volunteerism"

Articles of Incorporation (and By-laws) for the Jamaica Foundation of Houston were filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas on November 4, 1999. This filing was a precursor to consideration by the IRS for the granting of the 501(c)(3) exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. As a result of these actions, the Foundation was launched in the spring of 2001 as a non-profit corporation, and successor organization of the former Jamaican Association of Greater Houston.

Article four of the Articles of Incorporation states, “The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, including, but not limited to, awarding scholarships to deserving students, and educating the general population in Jamaican culture, music and cuisine.”

In addition to the statements of Article Four, the framework and guide for the functioning of the Corporation is amply set out in Article Seven, which states:

“No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Four hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.”

In fulfillment of its commitment to the Articles of Incorporation and its charter under the Internal Revenue Code for a 501 (c)(3) corporation, the following Mission Statement was adopted.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston is to promote cultural understanding, education and volunteerism.

HOW WE FUNCTION

The affairs and day-to-day functioning of the Foundation is vested in the Board of Directors.

Article Two, subsection 2.01 of the Bylaws reflect this by stating; “The business and affairs of the Corporation and all corporate powers shall be exercised by, or under authority of the Board of Directors, subject to the limitations imposed by law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws.”

The Board of Directors meets from time to time to discuss and set out programs for the Foundation. The membership is kept abreast of the Board’s planning and decisions through the following means:

- Monthly meetings held throughout the year, except for the month of August.
- A quarterly Newsletter
- Special mailings
- This website

Board of Directors

Mr. A. Andrew Adams	Mr. Sewitte (Bert) Hinckson	Mrs. Maxine Dennis
Mrs. Ina Foster	Mr. Edward C. Herron	Dr. Noel Clarke
	PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE Mr. Errol Anthony Wilks

Mr. A. Andrew Adams:
Mr. Adams was a founding member of the Jamaican Association of Greater Houston in 1980. Mr. Adams served as President of the Jamaican Association of Greater Houston from 1981 to 1988 and 2000-2001, and has been President of the Jamaica Foundation from 2001 to the present. Mr. Adams has also served on several Standing and Special Committees.

Dr. Noel Clarke:
Dr. Clarke has served in several cultural organizations, both here in Houston and New York. The organizations include the Jamaican Association of Greater Houston; the West Indian Association of which he is a Past President; and the Houston Caribbean Festival. Dr. Clarke was the first Treasurer of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston. Dr. Clarke has served on the Board of Directors of other non-profit companies and is the faculty/staff advisor to the Caribbean Student Organization at the University of Houston where he is Financial Administrator in the Division of Student Affairs.

Mrs Ina Foster:
Mrs. Foster is currently in her 21st year as a restaurateur in the Houston area. Affectionately called "Miss Ina", she has been active in the community for a long time and has served on everal committees and was also a member of the Board in the past.

Mr. Edward C. Herron:
Mr. Herron was a founding member of the Jamaican Association of Greater Houston in 1980 and is responsible for the development and continued publishing of the Annual Souvenir Brochure. Mr. Herron has performed this function since 1980 with the Jamaican Association of Greater Houston and currently with the Jamaica Foundation of Houston.

Mr. Sewitte (Bert) Hinckson:
Mr. Hinckson was the first President of the Jamaican Association of Greater Houston in 1980 and served as President on two other occasions. Mr. Hinckson was also Treasurer in 1991 & 1992. Mr. Hinckson is currently the Vice Predident of the Foundation and has also served on several Standing and Special Committees.

In addition to the Board of Directors, the Bylaws provide for the election of officers to carry on the affairs of the Foundation. Members of the Board of Directors are eligible to serve as officers of the Foundation.

Officers for 2007/2009

President - Mr. A. Andrew Adams
Vice President - Mr. Sewitte (Bert) Hinckson
Secretary - Mrs. Maxine Dennis
Treasurer - Ms. Conswaglo Hunter

GOALS

• Unite members through a bond of friendship, fellowship, and mutual understanding

• Provide a forum to discuss matters of interest to the Jamaican community-at-large
  
• Facilitate two-way communication between Foundation members and local and foreign governmental officials
  
• Enhance the respect for, and the appreciation of, the Jamaican community of Greater Houston

• Assist the needy through donations and other means at the disposal of the Foundation

• Foster a better understanding of the Jamaican culture through educational exchange

• Develop a Community Center to serve as the focal point for Jamaican and Caribbean activities
  

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