Religion Important Element of Festival 2016

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, has highlighted the importance of religion and the participation of religious bodies in activities marking the 2016 Independence celebrations.

Addressing a JIS Think Tank on Friday (July 22), Minister Grange said a range of activities will be staged that embrace the various religious beliefs held by Jamaicans.

“What has happened over the years is we’ve embraced all religions.  That relationship has grown from strength to strength and so at this time all activities relating to (our Independence) is a reflection of all the groups,” she noted.

Minister Grange said that religion has played a major role in the development of culture in Jamaica.  She noted that the island gave the world one of the newest religious faiths, Rastafari, which has gained followers internationally.

Ms. Grange informed that strong emphasis is being placed on the Rastafarian culture this year, with a special segment of the Grand Gala dedicated to the movement.

This, she said, is in recognition of the significant influence of Rastafari on the evolution of modern Jamaican culture.

“What has happened to Rastafarians and what they have done for Jamaica is to bring Jamaica centre stage in terms of colours, the religion and the music.  Just to create that brand is important and should be recognised,” she said.

Government has established a committee comprising all religious faiths, which sees to the planning of all ecumenical activities for national celebrations.

The Committee for the Promotion of National Religious Services operates under the aegis of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

It is responsible for the planning and promotion of the Independence Thanksgiving Service.