Jamaicans Encouraged to Participate in Heritage Week Celebrations

A series of events will be held across the island to celebrate National Heritage Week, from Saturday October 8 to Monday October 17.

The events, organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport will be held under the theme, “Our Heritage…Our Legacy…Our Strength.”

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange said that activities will be held in each parish and will include church services, library exhibitions, candle light vigils, heritage sites school tours and the National Heroes Day Salute and Awards ceremonies.

She encouraged Jamaicans to participate in the Paul Bogle Day march from Stony Gut to Morant Bay Square in St Thomas, on Tuesday, October 11, beginning at 6 p.m., as well as the annual Nanny Celebrations in Bump Grave in Moore Town, Portland, on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 17, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

“Brothers and sisters, I encourage all of you to participate and support the activities and events for the Heritage Week celebrations and where possible, to also create your own,” she said.

She was speaking at the annual National Heritage Week Thanksgiving Church Service held today (October 8) at the Andrew’s Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, 29 Hope Road, Kingston 10.

Minister Grange said that persons can visit the JCDC’s website at www.jcdc.gov.jm for more information on the celebrations.

Additionally, the Minister mentioned plans to honour the achievements of the Rio athletes with special celebratory activities over the Heroes weekend.

Commenting on the theme for Heritage Week, Ms. Grange reminded Jamaicans “to reflect on the strength and vigour of those who have come before us and their tireless impassioned works upon which we now build.”

“As we focus on our heritage and our past strengths. Let us take lessons from the past to chart our future and our legacy,” she said.