Decorate Shop Windows and Business Places for Independence

Store owners and operators of public and private sector entities, are being encouraged to decorate shop windows, business places and town centres in the national colours for the period of Emancipation and Independence celebrations from July 30 to August 6.
At a Think Thank at the JIS’ Half Way Tree Road headquarters on Wednesday (July 15), Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Delroy Gordon, said the main aim was to create a festive atmosphere during the period and to enhance patriotism and national consciousness.
“We want businesses, particularly Government institutions, to have the flag flown throughout the entire week of celebrations, and I am hoping that even after Independence Day, it will become a habit that we will have all of these national symbols given the due recognition that they deserve,” he said.
Mr. Gordon encouraged local designers to create fashion for the Independence season using the colours, green, black and gold with a trim of bandana. At the same time, he called on citizens to wear outfits and accessories with these colours.
“So, we want everybody to get out there, get in your colours and let us celebrate Festival 2009 and Jamaica Independence in fine style,” he urged.
In the meantime, the JCDC is inviting entries for its Business Place/Shop Window Display competition. Judging will be done in each parish between July 27 and 29.
“Entries so far have been slow in coming but we are hoping that by Friday (July 17) we will have a lot of entries so that we could start the judging,” said Chairperson of the Visual Impact Committee, Rhena Williams.
Persons wishing to take part in the competition must submit an entry form to the JCDC’s parish office or the head office located at 3-5 Phoenix Avenue in Kingston. Persons may also visit the JCDC and JIS websites for information on the competition.
Emancipation and Independence activities are being observed under the theme: ‘I believe in Jamaica’.