Independence Activities Scaled Back in Wake of Hurricane Beryl
By: , July 28, 2024
Photo: JIS File
The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness ON, PC, MP
Photo: Mark Bell
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), is greeted by Host Pastor, Rev. Mark Dawes (left), during Sunday’s (July 28) National Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service held at Grace Missionary Church in Kingston. Sharing the moment is Chair of the Committee for the Promotion of National Religious Services, Bishop Christine Gooden Benguche.
Photo: Mark Bell
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness( right), applauds as Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, makes a presentation to Host Pastor, Rev. Mark Dawes (second left), during Sunday’s (July 28) National Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service held at Grace Missionary Church in Kingston. Sharing in the presentation is Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke.The Full Story
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.
“Traditionally, we celebrate from August 1-5 in the Independence Village, but this year, we have condensed the festivities to three days. These changes ensure that while we celebrate 62 proud years of independence, we remain mindful and supportive of those in the southern parts of the island who are in the process of recovery,” she noted.
Minister Grange was addressing the National Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service held on Sunday (July 28) at Grace Missionary Church in Kingston.
The Ministry and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) have partnered with Jamaica Red Cross to collect monetary donations to assist hurricane victims in southern Jamaica.
A special offering was collected at the church service.
Minister Grange advised that representatives of the Red Cross will be present at all national events at the Independence Village, which will be held at the National Indoor Sports Complex from August 3-5 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.
“We encourage everyone to contribute generously to the worthy cause, for your donations will enable the Red Cross, working in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), to purchase essential items in bulk, ensuring efficient and effective distribution to those affected by Hurricane Beryl,” she said.
The National Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Church Service included bible readings from Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, with Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, delivering greetings on behalf of Governor General, Hus Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.
Jamaica’s 62nd year of independence is being observed under the theme ‘Jamaica 62: One Love…To the World’.
