PM Speaks At Jamaica 50 Launch

KINGSTON — Prime Minister, the Hon Bruce Golding, will make what is likely to be his last major public address as leader of the Government, when he launches Jamaica 50 at his office, Jamaica House, Thursday night (October 20).

The year-long celebrations, which will run from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, will highlight the achievements of Jamaica and Jamaicans over the 50 years since independence from Britain on August 6, 1962.

Mr. Golding, who will hand over Prime Ministerial responsibilities to current Minister of Education, Hon Andrew Holness, on Sunday, was fully committed to speaking at Thursday’s media launch, exhibiting his deep interest in promoting a memorable 50th independence celebration, setting the tone for a united effort to overcome persistent social and economic problems, Government spokesperson told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Wednesday.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who has portfolio responsibility for the celebrations and who heads the Jamaica 50th Committee planning the events, says that the programme “will reflect on the past, highlight what is happening and where we go, as a nation and a people, in the future”.

She said that while a small, core staff has been employed, the plan will be to rely “heavily” on volunteers. Miss Grange adds that the Jamaican Diaspora is also expected to play a major role in the celebrations.

“We want them to buy into what we are doing, while providing us with activities, so that we can have a structured programme right across the board,” she said.

Legacy projects are expected to include: an athletes’ wellness centre; a film documenting Jamaica’s sports legacy; creation of a music museum; restoration of the Ward Theatre; Jamaica 50 commemorative stamps; and a national shelter for abused women.

Thursday night’s media launch will feature the Jamaica Military Band, the Carifolk Singers, Touch of Elegance, Samantha Strachan, the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), the Glenmuir High School Choir and Xaymaca Dance Company, as well as speeches from Mr. Golding, Miss Grange, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and Private Sector of Jamaica (PSOJ) policy committee head, Earl Jarrett.

By Balford Henry, JIS Reporter & Editor