Independence Day Parade Promises Usual Pomp and Pageantry

The 2015 Independence Day ceremony will be held on the west lawns of King’s House on Thursday, August 6.

Presented by Their Excellencies, Governor-General, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen, the traditional celebration promises the usual pomp and pageantry, which has been associated with it throughout the years.

The ceremony gets underway at 9:00 a.m. with a parade by uniformed groups, and guests are asked to be seated by 8:30 a.m.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, heads the lists of dignitaries slated to attend.

Other specially invited guests include: Mayor of Kingston, Senator Dr. Angela Brown Burke; Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Michael Peart; President of the Senate, Senator Floyd Morris; Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson; Commissioner of Police, Dr. Carl Williams; and members of the Government and the diplomatic corps.

Members of the public are invited to the ceremony, which will include Independence Day messages to be delivered by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Entertainment will be provided by the Massed Bands of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).  There will also be performances by the 2015 Festival Song Winner, Lee-Roy “Ancient Priest” Johnson; the Islington Dinki Mini Group and URIM 7.

The dress code for the national Independence Day ceremony is business suit (jacket and tie) for men, and for women, elegant skirt, dress or pantsuit.

Persons attending the ceremony may enter from West Kings House Road for parking on the west lawn, and those who enter from the east gate after 8:00 a.m. will be directed to park on the east pasture lawn.