Trelawny Residents Celebrate

MONTEGO BAY — Hundreds of Trelawny residents turned out at Water Square, in Falmouth, on Saturday, August 6, to join in the nation’s celebration of its 49th anniversary of independence.

The celebration, which took the form of a civic ceremony, was hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and the Trelawny Parish Council.

“While we celebrate our independence, we should never become independent of each other, because no man is an island, no man stands alone,” Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor  Colin Gager said at the ceremony, held under the theme:  ‘The journey continues’.

Focusing on the theme, Mr. Gager said that as Jamaicans, “we should all seek to assess the journey on an individual basis and see how far we have come."

“As we focus on the journey, we will reflect on the fact that hardships there are, but the grass is green and the sun still shines. We have come a mighty long way; we have had many owners, but thanks to God for that August morning and now we can proudly say that we are masters of our fate and the guardians of our own destiny,” he said.

As the sound of music filled the air, residents showed their appreciation for the cultural performances by Miss Trelawny Festival Queen 2011, Dadere Ashman and the Trelawny Song and Dance Ensemble, among others.

Resident, Ricardo Rose told JIS News that he was happy to be a part of the celebration and that he was feeling proud to be Jamaican.

“I believe we have gone a great distance as a country and as a nation. There are countries that would want to be like Jamaica right now, so we have to celebrate and be happy for our independence. It is a good feeling to know that we are a free people,” he said, urging Jamaicans to learn to live in love and unity.

By ALDEEN CAMPBELL, JIS Reporter