1,000 drones to light up the sky at Grand Gala

ONE THOUSAND drones will light up the evening sky at the Independence Grand Gala, to be held at the National Stadium in Kingston today.

That number of drones is up from a mere 300 displayed at last year’s event.

This was announced at a recent Independence Celebrations Committee meeting by Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Lenford Salmon.

He said that the drone display will showcase Jamaica’s culture, music, and athletes in France for the Olympics.

The Gala, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will culminate activities celebrating Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary under the theme ‘Jamaica 62 … One Love to the World’.

The event will feature a ceremonial arrival of officials of State, including the governor general, the prime minister, the opposition leader, and the minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport.

This will be followed by the march of uniformed groups and the Massed Bands of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force, inspection of the Guard of Honour, and the Flag-Raising Ceremony.

Special presentation to the women

A main highlight of this year’s Grand Gala is a special presentation to the women in the JCF to mark the 75th anniversary of women being able to serve in the organisation.

The JCF will showcase an all-female drill to highlight the many milestones of women in the organisation.

There will also be a Reggae Icon Award presentation during the ceremony.

The annual event is free to the public; however, persons must have a ticket to enter the National Stadium.

A big screen will be set up at the Independence Village next to the stadium for persons who do not have tickets to view the Gala.

The show will also be live on television and streamed on social media platforms across the island and around the world.