Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, will miss this evening's Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium due to illness.

She has reportedly contracted the flu virus, with her doctor recommending that she not be in attendance at the event.

President of the Senate, Tom Tavares Finson, has been asked to do the ceremonial honours on Grange's behalf. 

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com [1] or editors@gleanerjm.com [2].