Come August 1, Jamaicans from all across the island will be celebrating Emancipation Day. Some activities begin on the evening of July 31, as the nation pause to honour those ancestors who fought for freedom from enslavement, and reflect on the nation's journey from Emancipation to Independence. One of the biggest celebrations will be the national event at Seville Heritage...

My Jamaican brothers and sisters This year we celebrate Emancipation Day amidst the challenges and hardships that we continue to face as a nation. Every year at this time I can imagine and feel the excitement of our ancestors as they prepared for the August Morning, referred by our ancestors as "Augus Mawnin", that promised them freedom. I can imagine...

With 176 years since slavery was officially abolished in Jamaica, the celebratory atmosphere that existed, in the hours leading up to Emancipation Day (August 1) is still kept alive through the yearly staging of Emancipation anniversary vigils island-wide. Normally held on the 31st of July, starting at approximately 9:00 p.m. in major town capitals throughout the island, these all-night vigils,...

Over the years, thousands of Jamaicans have been flocking to the Emancipation Jubilee, a national heritage festival, to pay tribute to their African ancestors. The event is celebrated each year on July 31 at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann's Bay. This year it should be no different. Thousands are expected to attend the event scheduled to begin at...

Despite the economic and social challenges many Jamaicans are looking forward to the Emancipation and Independence festivities, where the nation pays homage to the ancestors and pioneers and celebrates the country's rich heritage and culture. Among them is young Jhenelle Clarke from Montego Bay, St. James, who says that she is looking forward to the spirit of togetherness that the...

Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange, has emphasised that the Government is committed to returning Emancipation and Independence celebrations to the glory, meaningfulness and fanfare of yester year. "As a new government, we are committed to a revitalized emancipation and independence celebration and so we have embarked on ensuring that we mobilize the nation and reintroduce some...

Thousands of Jamaicans and visitors to the island turned out for the staging of the National Emancipation Vigil and Jubilee Celebrations, which was recently held on the grounds of the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann's Bay. The event, which was a collaborative effort of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), saw the...

Plans are well advanced for the staging of the National Emancipation Vigil and Jubilee Celebrations 2007, to be held at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann on July 31. The event, which is expected to attract thousands of Jamaicans as well as foreigners, is being staged by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural...

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is providing free Wi-Fi connectivity to persons attending the various “Emancipendence” celebratory activities. Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Oraine Wallace, indicated in a release that connection points have been established at the Independence Village at the National Arena. Access to Wi-Fi connectivity will also be granted during the Grand Gala at the National Stadium on...

Jamaicans are being urged to join the movement for reparations for the injustices suffered by the ancestors. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Oliva Grange, who made the call while addressing the Emancipation Jubilee at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann, said that reparations are not only about monetary compensation but also the restoration of dignity and righting...

Jamaicans at home and abroad are being invited to participate in activities to mark the country’s 61st year of Independence, under the theme: ‘Jamaica 61… Proud and Strong’. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange said a range of activities are slated to be held from August 1 to 5 at the National Arena. “The invaluable contributions...

The 2023 Jamaica Festival Song album, featuring this year’s 11 finalists, is now live on the major streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, and many others. This was disclosed by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, during a statement to the House of Representatives on July 19. “This year, we have again targeted...

The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund continues to provide strong financial support for many cultural projects and events to highlight the nation’s heritage. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CHASE Fund, W. Billy Heaven, said the Fund has already provided approximately $49.5 million toward expenses for Jamaica’s 60th Independence celebratory events and legacy projects, and continues to...

On the eve of Emancipation Day, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange is imploring Jamaicans to never take their freedom for granted. She made the call during the National Independence and Emancipation Day Church Service held at the Boulevard Baptist Church in Kingston on July 31. “Our ancestors, against all odds, were able to successfully upend...

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has organised a series of events to mark Jamaica’s 60th year of independence under the theme: ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness.’ Listed below are some of the scheduled activities. July • Thursday, July 28 1. The Jamaica 60 Independence Village Venue: National Indoor Sports Centre Opens daily from 12:00 p.m. to midnight and will feature...

Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage will be on show from July 30 to August 6, as the country celebrates 60 years of Independence. Activities include the Jamaica 60 Independence Village, which will be staged at the National Indoor Sports Centre. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, in her contribution to the 2022/23 Sectoral Debate in the...

Bilateral relations between Jamaica and Nigeria could be further strengthened in the areas of banking and agriculture. This was noted by outgoing Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency, Janet Omoleegho Olisa, during an interview with JIS News. “We are interested in having a Nigerian Bank here in Jamaica. Another area is agriculture. So, apart from the usual science, education...

One nation, one people; that’s the theme for our 57th year of independence. The festival calendar got underway on July 27 with the finals of the Festival Song competition. Other activities already staged include: the National Independence Church service, the Governor General’s Independence reception and emancipation jubilee activities.

The 2019 Independence Festival Village, which showcases Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage, will be staged at the National Arena in Kingston from August 1 to 6. The village forms part of activities to mark Jamaica’s 57th year of Independence under the theme ‘Jamaica 57 – One Nation...One People’. It opens daily to the public and will feature a number of...

Over twelve hundred cub scouts and their leaders will be attending the 15th Caribbean Cuboree in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, from July 30 to August 5. The event will be held at the Ocho Rios High School, Ocho Rios Primary School, and St. John’s Preparatory School, where 600 locals, aged seven to 11, will be joined by 600 youngsters from...