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Online celebrations for Jamaica 59

'Emancipendence' events to end with virtual party

Published:Saturday | July 24, 2021 | 4:57 PM
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to join the celebrations by decorating their spaces.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to join the celebrations by decorating their spaces.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said celebrations for Jamaica 59 will be held online owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the theme for this year says just that, 'Jamaica 59: Come Mek We Celebrate Online'.

As the nation continues to face the impact of the global pandemic, Grange said this was done to give Jamaicans a chance to celebrate while keeping safe.

"The restrictions of COVID-19 limit what we can do and limit our gatherings, but we can stay home and celebrate with our families, and we can enjoy the offerings that are being produced by the JCDC and my ministry to ensure that we all can still celebrate while we keep safe," said Grange.

The celebrations will last some 10 days and culminate with A Jamaica Independence Story, a made-for-television event which will air on Independence Day, August 6.

Jamaica 59 celebrations will include "our Festival Queen finals, our Fine Arts finals, the governor general will host an evening of fine entertainment offerings, and a number of activities", said Grange.

Emancipation Day will also get the online treatment with a virtual ceremony on July 31.

All events will be simulcast on television and online. Grange is urging Jamaicans at home and abroad to join the celebrations by decorating their spaces. "Put your flag outside your door. Put it in your yard. Decorate your building. Decorate your storefront. Use the Jamaican colours and just create that spirit of Independence, especially since we can't go out there and have fun and celebrate in large gatherings. So I'm saying to all of you out there: be bold with the black, green and gold," said Grange.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

- Jamaica Gospel Star semi-final – Sunday, July 25 at 6 p.m.

- National Emancipation and Independence Church Service – Sunday, August 1 at 9 a.m.

- Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Grand Coronation – Sunday, August 1 at 4 p.m.

- Jamaica Gospel Star final – Sunday, August 1 at 6 p.m.

- An Evening at King's House – Thursday, August 5 at 6 p.m.

- National Independence Flag-Raising Ceremony – Friday, August 6 at 9 a.m.

- A Jamaica Independence Story – Friday, August 6 at 5 p.m.

- Independence Online Party – Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7 at 9 p.m.