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International Reggae artiste, Junior Gong, gave an electrifying and unforgettable performance at the 51st Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Kingston, on August 6.
International Reggae artiste, Junior Gong, gave an electrifying and unforgettable performance at the 51st Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Kingston, on August 6.

Thousands Attend Independence Grand Gala

A sea of black, green and gold descended on the National Stadium in Kingston on Tuesday, August 6, as thousands of Jamaicans from near and far, gathered to celebrate the country’s 51st Anniversary at the Independence Grand Gala. Among those...
The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON., MP., Prime Minister
The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON., MP., Prime Minister

2013 Independence Message from the Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness, MP
Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Garth Wilkinson, addressing an Independence Day civic function at Water Square, Falmouth on Tuesday (August 6). The Mayor says the preservation of the Jamaican culture must be a duty for all.
Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Garth Wilkinson, addressing an Independence Day civic function at Water Square, Falmouth on Tuesday (August 6). The Mayor says the preservation of the Jamaican culture must be a duty for all.

Falmouth Mayor Urges Jamaicans to Preserve Culture
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie (centre); shares a light moment with Former Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Chief of Staff, General John Saunders (right), and wife Joan Saunders (second right); and former Ambassador to the United Nations, Curtis Ward (left) and Mrs. Ward; at the service of celebration in commemoration of Jamaica’s 51st anniversary of Independence at Dunbarton Chapel, Howard University in Washington DC, on August 4, 2013.
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie (centre); shares a light moment with Former Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Chief of Staff, General John Saunders (right), and wife Joan Saunders (second right); and former Ambassador to the United Nations, Curtis Ward (left) and Mrs. Ward; at the service of celebration in commemoration of Jamaica’s 51st anniversary of Independence at Dunbarton Chapel, Howard University in Washington DC, on August 4, 2013.

Jamaicans in Washington Celebrate Independence
Dub poet, Steppa (right), moderates a ‘Reasoning’ session, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston on August 2, as part of the schedule of activities for Emancipation and Independence celebrations. Panelists for the session (from left) are: Gospel artiste, Omari; Media and Entertainment Consultant, Clyde McKenzie; Musicologist, Dr. Dennis Howard; and reggae artiste, Ras Penco.
Dub poet, Steppa (right), moderates a ‘Reasoning’ session, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston on August 2, as part of the schedule of activities for Emancipation and Independence celebrations. Panelists for the session (from left) are: Gospel artiste, Omari; Media and Entertainment Consultant, Clyde McKenzie; Musicologist, Dr. Dennis Howard; and reggae artiste, Ras Penco.

Jamaican Diaspora Lauded for Spreading Culture

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Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Parish Council, Councillor Glendon Harris (right, front row) and his wife, Dr. Angela Harris (second right), lead the congregation in song at an Independence Thanksgiving Church Service at the St. John
Culture

Jamaicans Encouraged to Maintain Focus

Jamaicans have been encouraged to strengthen their bond as a people, and to maintain focus on the vision towards greater successes, as the country proudly celebrates 51 years of Independence. “As proud Jamaicans, we celebrate many aspects of our culture.  Our way of life has influenced many around the world, and as a promise to our children that they too...
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Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right) and Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (third right ), raise their voices in song at the National Independence Thanksgiving Church Service, held at the Bethel Baptist Church, on Hope Road, in Kingston, on August 4. They are joined by (from second right), Lady Allen; Opposition Senator, Alexander Williams, who represented the Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness; Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna and Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill.
CultureGovernor General

Governor-General Calls for Greater Unity Among Jamaicans

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is calling for greater unity among Jamaicans, so that the country can move forward. “What we need is unity, so that the best brains and the abundant creative genius of our people may be brought together to devise and implement appropriate strategies for our advancement,” the Governor-General said. He was bringing...
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Culture

Celebrations Will Help Jamaicans to Appreciate Their History – Culture Minister

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says Jamaicans will develop a deeper appreciation for their history, after experiencing the Emancipation and Independence celebrations. Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, held at the agency’s head office in Kingston, the Minister said that Jamaicans are committed to protect, preserve and invest in the country’s culture. She...
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Culture

Two Major Events in Atlanta to Mark Country’s Independence

Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in Atlanta, Georgia, will mark the country’s 51st Year of Independence with two major activities between August 4 and 10. The programme of activities, which are being planned by the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA), commences with a Thanksgiving Service at the Hillside Presbyterian Church in Decatur at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 4. The service...
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CultureEducation

Jamaicans Urged to Educate Themselves on Reparation

Chairperson of the National Commission on Reparations (NCR), Professor Verene Shepherd, is urging Jamaicans to educate themselves about reparation, as the country continues to suffer from the legacies of slavery. “Slavery is not too remote in the past for it to have contemporary relevance. The relationship between historical injustices, persistent poverty, and diminishing opportunities and development are poorly understood by...
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Lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Dr. Clinton Hutton (left), speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank held recently at the agency’s head office in Kingston. Listening is Chairperson, National Commission on Reparations, Professor Verene Shepherd.
CultureEducation

Course on Reparation to be Taught at UWI

A course on reparation, looking at the issue of compensation for slavery in the Caribbean, will shortly be offered at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. The course is being designed by Lecturer in the Department of Government in Political Philosophy and Culture, Dr. Clinton Hutton. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank recently, Dr. Hutton...
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Members of the Boscobel Dancers perform at the annual Emancipation Vigil, held on July 31 into the morning of August 1 (Emancipation Day), at the Seville Heritage Park, in St. Ann.
Culture

Culture Minister Impressed With Number of Young People at Vigil

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says with the number of children and young people who attended the annual Emancipation Vigil at the historic Seville Heritage Park, in St. Ann, on July 31, the event is set for continued growth. “This is exactly what we want to see - our parents bringing out our children to see the...
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