St. James Parish Manager for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Collel Blake, is calling on parents and guardians to make a deliberate effort to take children to the upcoming Emancipation and Independence celebrations. She noted that participating in the celebratory activities across the island, organised by the JCDC, provides meaningful opportunities for children to learn about Jamaica’s history, traditions,...

The St. James Municipal Corporation has completed beautification work in downtown Montego Bay in time for Jamaica’s Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6) events. Under the leadership of Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation and Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, the beautification efforts included a thorough washing and cleaning of Sam Sharpe Square, fresh...

Jamaicans in rural parishes are being encouraged to participate in the slate of events to be held in communities across the island for Jamaica 63 Independence celebrations. The activities are being organised by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), under the theme ‘Be Proud, Be Bold in Black, Green, and Gold’....

The national finals of the 2025 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition will be held on Saturday, August 2 at the Independence Village at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, starting at 8:30 p.m. Some 13 young women will be vying for the crown. The competition is held annually by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, through the...

Jamaicans are being encouraged to take part in this year’s vibrant lineup of national Emancipation and Independence events. Speaking during the National Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service at Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre in Kingston on Sunday (July 27), Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, said the events are designed to honour the past and celebrate...

‘Sweet JA’ by Abigail ‘Abi-D’ Dunstan has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Jamaica Festival Song Competition. The winner was announced during the results show at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew on Saturday (July 26). ‘Sweet JA’ was selected through a combination of votes from a panel of judges and the public. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport,...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says Jamaica’s Independence is not merely an anniversary to be commemorated, but a mission to be renewed by each generation. He emphasised that independence extends beyond the right to self-rule, underscoring the nation’s responsibility to ensure safety, security, and opportunities for its citizens. “[Also] the capacity…to uphold law and order… and ensure...