JCDC Announces Activities for Emancipation/Independence in St. Elizabeth

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has announced several activities in St. Elizabeth to celebrate Emancipation Day on August 1 and Independence Day on August 6.

This year marks the 186th anniversary of Jamaica’s Emancipation and the 62nd year of its Independence.

Parish Administrator, JCDC, in St. Elizabeth, Kayla Watson, told JIS News that the festivities promise to be both meaningful and entertaining.

She indicated that an Emancipation vigil is set to take place at the historic St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, July 31, from 11:00 p.m. to midnight.

“It’s like a Watch Night leading up into Emancipation Day,” said Ms. Watson, who noted that this will be a closed-off ceremony due to the recent impact of Hurricane Beryl on the parish.

She noted that on Independence Day (August 6), there will be a flag-raising ceremony at Independence Park in Black River, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Ms. Watson said this event will last until noon and is expected to draw a large crowd of community members, local officials and visitors.

“In the afternoon, we’ll be having the Independence Fun Fair, which is a family activity. So, you can bring out all the children and the family,” she said.

The Emancipation and Independence Day Church Service was held at the Newell New Testament Church of God, on Sunday, July 28.