Jamaica Day Activities now set for March 4

The Ministry of Education is advising School Administrators that Jamaica Day activities have been postponed from Friday, February 26 to Friday, March 4.

According to Chief Education Officer at the Ministry, Dr. Grace McLean, “the day’s celebration is rescheduled, given the recent announcement of the General Election that has been scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2016.”

Jamaica Day 2016 will be celebrated under the theme: ‘Celebrating Jamaica, Promoting the Arts’. All schools are required to plan and showcase activities highlighting the Creative Industries, but not limited to the Performing Arts.

“Students should be encouraged to focus on the Creative Industries associated with the Arts this year, as students should understand that there are many benefits to be derived from our nation’s involvement in the Creative Industries, as they are being prepared for the world of work,” Dr. McLean said.

The creative industries include Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Theatre/Film, Designing, Literary Arts and Culinary Arts, among others.

“The aim of the activities is to educate while we celebrate and promote Jamaica’s creative industries,” she explained.

Education Officers from the Core Curriculum Unit of the Ministry and the various Regions will be making contact with a sample of schools to get an update on the status of plans, as schools prepare for the Jamaica Day celebrations.

The official Jamaica Day celebration will take place at the St. Mary’s Technical High School, in Richmond, St. Mary.