$150 Million for Emancipation and Independence Celebrations

The budget for Emancipation and Independence activities this year is $150 million.

This was disclosed by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange during a post-Cabinet press briefing held today, July 27 at the Office of the Prime Minister.

She noted that the amount comprises government subvention, as well as private-sector sponsorship.

In addition, Ms Grange informed that the Independence Day Parade, usually held at King’s House will not be staged this year.

“It is being revamped to be reintroduced next year for ‘Jamaica 55’ in a different format. With the discontinuation of the Independence Parade at King’s House, it will enable the Jamaica Defence Force to mount the grand ceremonial observation at the grand gala next year,” the Culture Minister said.

Meanwhile, the 2016 celebrations will kick off with Emancipation Jubilee, which will be held on the lawns of the Seville Great House and Heritage Park in St. Ann on July 31 into Emancipation Day, August 1.

The annual celebration, which commemorates Jamaica’s Emancipation in 1834, showcases the island’s culture through song, dance, drumming, drama, food and fashion.

Other activities include the opening of Independence Village from August 1 to 6 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St. Andrew.

The venue will feature six days and nights of family entertainment with a focus on traditional folk forms.  There will be stalls and vendors’ booths offering traditional and contemporary foods, art and craft, information and promotional items.

Emancipation and Independence activities are being held under the theme ‘Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright’.