| Mon - Thur 8:30 am - 5:00pm, Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Government of Jamaica ja-flag

Latest

Custos Rotulorum for St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, reads a Proclamation at midnight on July 31 declaring Emancipation Day on August 1, during the annual Emancipation Vigil ceremony in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay.
Custos Rotulorum for St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, reads a Proclamation at midnight on July 31 declaring Emancipation Day on August 1, during the annual Emancipation Vigil ceremony in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay.

Emancipation Vigil Staged in St. James

The now customary Emancipation Vigil Ceremony formed part of this year’s observance of Emancipation Day by St. James on August 1. The event, staged Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, and was attended by several notable guests. Heading these were Deputy...
The beautiful St. Thomas Parish Church, located in the capital town of Morant Bay. The brick building was constructed in 1865 – the same year as the Morant Bay Rebellion – when the original Church situated at Church Corner was abandoned because of dilapidation. The east wall of the Church has a brick with the date 1865 baked into it.
The beautiful St. Thomas Parish Church, located in the capital town of Morant Bay. The brick building was constructed in 1865 – the same year as the Morant Bay Rebellion – when the original Church situated at Church Corner was abandoned because of dilapidation. The east wall of the Church has a brick with the date 1865 baked into it.

PHOTOS: St. Thomas Parish Church
Strategically located in the heart of Mandeville, the capital town of Manchester, is the St. Mark
Strategically located in the heart of Mandeville, the capital town of Manchester, is the St. Mark's Anglican Church. The majestic stone structure was completed and consecrated in 1820, with the chancel and timber clerestory added later and the tower raised. The building, which serves as the Manchester Parish Church, features classic gothic accents such as the pointed arch doors and window openings, which distinguishes it from other Jamaican churches built at the time. The graves in the churchyard, which include tombs of British soldiers who died from yellow fever, tell the tale of the mix of cultures that make up the Jamaican story. The beautiful and historic building is a national landmark.

PHOTOS: St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Mandeville
JCDC logo.
JCDC logo.

Mayor Encourages Residents of Westmoreland to Take Part in Festivities
National President of the Jamaica Red Cross (JRC), Allasandra Chung (centre) and JRC volunteers share a photo opportunity at the Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service held at the Grace Missionary Church in Kingston on Sunday (July 28). A special donation, collected at the church for Hurricane Beryl victims, was handed over to the JRC.
National President of the Jamaica Red Cross (JRC), Allasandra Chung (centre) and JRC volunteers share a photo opportunity at the Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service held at the Grace Missionary Church in Kingston on Sunday (July 28). A special donation, collected at the church for Hurricane Beryl victims, was handed over to the JRC.

Patrons Can Make Donations at Festival Events for Hurricane Recovery

More

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Logo.
CultureEmancipationIndependence

St. James Residents Urged to Come Out for Emancipendence Celebrations

Residents of St. James are being encouraged to actively participate in activities to celebrate the country’s Emancipation and Independence. In an interview with JIS News, St. James Parish Manager for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Collel Blake, said that residents should be proud of the significance of the Emancipendence period. “We need to embrace our freedom and understand the...
Read more
The Islington Culture Group performing Jonkonnu.
Culture

Emancipation Jubilee Slated for Seville Heritage Park from July 31 to August 1

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) will spearhead Emancipation Jubilee celebrations at the Seville Great House and Heritage Park in St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann, from Wednesday, July 31 to Emancipation Day, Thursday, August 1. The annual event, which honours the contributions of the African ancestors through song, dance, drumming, drama, food and fashion, will begin at 8:00 p.m. on...
Read more
JCDC Parish Administrator for St. Elizabeth, Kayla Watson.
CultureEntertainment

JCDC Announces Activities for Emancipation/Independence in St. Elizabeth

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has announced several activities in St. Elizabeth to celebrate Emancipation Day on August 1 and Independence Day on August 6. This year marks the 186th anniversary of Jamaica’s Emancipation and the 62nd year of its Independence. Parish Administrator, JCDC, in St. Elizabeth, Kayla Watson, told JIS News that the festivities promise to be both...
Read more
Students from Camperdown High School perform a dance called ‘Flokarama’ during Mello-Go-Round 2023, held at the Independence Village in Kingston.
CultureIndependence

Independence Village at National Indoor Sports Complex from August 3-5

The National Indoor Sports Complex in Kingston will come alive in celebration of Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage at the Independence Village from August 3-5. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, provided details at the National Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service held on Sunday (July 28) at Grace Missionary Church in Kingston. While this year’s...
Read more
Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness ON, PC, MP.
CultureHurricane Relief & RecoveryIndependence

Independence Activities Scaled Back in Wake of Hurricane Beryl

Activities for Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of independence will be scaled back this year as the country continues restoration and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. “Recognising the magnitude of Hurricane Beryl’s impact, the decision was taken to modify our plans while keeping the spirit of independence alive,” said Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange....
Read more
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange (second left), looks at the life-size replica of cultural icon, Hon. Louise Bennett Coverley at the grand opening of S Foods Supermarket on Worthington Avenue, St. Andrew on Saturday (July 27). Looking on are Chief Executive Officer of S Foods, Christopher Issa (left); and veteran Reggae artiste, Tony Rebel.
Culture

PHOTOS: Minister Grange Opens S Foods Supermarket

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange (second left), looks at the life-size replica of cultural icon, Hon. Louise Bennett Coverley at the grand opening of S Foods Supermarket on Worthington Avenue, St. Andrew on Saturday (July 27). Looking on are Chief Executive Officer of S Foods, Christopher Issa (left); and veteran Reggae artiste, Tony Rebel.
Read more
Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange (right), presents the Jamaica Festival Song trophy to 2024 winner, Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs , who walked away with the coveted trophy for her original entry ‘One Jamaica’. The finals of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competition took place on July 13, at the Jamaica College Auditorium in Kingston.
Culture

PHOTOS: ‘One Jamaica’ is 2024 Festival Song

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange (right), presents the Jamaica Festival Song trophy to 2024 winner, Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs , who walked away with the coveted trophy for her original entry ‘One Jamaica’. The finals of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competition took place on July 13, at the Jamaica College Auditorium in Kingston.
Read more