For almost 60 years, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has been preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage by unearthing, honing and showcasing the creative talents of Jamaicans. Through the staging of annual competitions and activities, the Commission is making a significant contribution to national development by providing opportunities to promote the talents and cultural expressions of the people as...

Undoubtedly, Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage is widely celebrated, with various artforms passed down throughout generations that demonstrate the essence of what it means to be truly Jamaican. Among these artforms is storytelling, one of the oldest forms of communication, which is defined as the social and cultural activity of sharing stories, sometimes with improvisation, theatrics, or embellishment. Storytelling has been...

Chief of the Moore Town Maroons in Portland, Colonel Wallace Sterling, is hoping his national award will help to further strengthen the heritage and culture of the maroons. Colonel Sterling was awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD), for the promotion and protection of maroon heritage in Jamaica. He was among some 221 outstanding Jamaicans who...

O’Connor Basil Dawkins’ illustrious career in theatre has made him one of the industry’s greats. His exploits will, this year, see him being awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) for his stellar contribution to the creative industry, in particular theatre. “I am elated. I feel like I am collecting it on behalf of so many...

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...

The Jamaican Legislature predates Independence and has, over time, progressed and achieved many milestones. “It has evolved in terms of location… it has been at different places. It has evolved with different types of persons who constitute the legislature in terms of race, sex, and religion. Even the name, at times we called it legislative council, local assembly and it...

The highlights of the Jamaica 60 Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium on Saturday, August 6, were literally grand and spectacular displays of lights high in the sky. Over a period of some 12 minutes, the lights from 300 glittering drones spelled out words (Jamaica 60 and the theme, ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness) and depicted a dozen icons...

Kingston, the seat of Government and the capital of Jamaica, is the centre of trade and commerce in the island, with many companies and organisations having a base there. The 330-year-old city, which includes the bustling downtown market district, has the seventh largest natural harbour in the world, is a cultural Mecca, bursting with important heritage sites and attractions and...

Jamaica has seen an increase in visitors as a result of the inscription of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List. Inscribed on July 3, 2015, the 26,000-hectare Park was the first to put Jamaica on the world heritage stage. One of 32 “mixed’ World Heritage...