Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica around the world are celebrating the nation’s 52nd anniversary of independence. At home, the celebration will be at the National Stadium with a cast of over 2,500 performers.
Part of the event will focus on the 100th anniversary of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, founded by the National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey.
And several iconic Jamaican artists, including Marcia Griffiths, Freddy McGregor and the Skatalites will be recognized for 50 years of service to Jamaica’s music industry.
Griffiths and McGregor will headline the musical performances, which will include Etana, Agent Sasco and the Alpha Boys’ Band.
In her message to the nation, Prime Minister Portia Simpson said: (It’s) fifty two years since that hopeful and expectant generation passed on to us the vibrancy of a dream of a new Jamaica: a Jamaica of equal opportunity for all; a Jamaica where justice would roll down like a river, and a Jamaica for which all of us could be proud.”
“A Jamaica in which all of us could truly say, ‘This is Jamaica, my Jamaica.’A true ownership society. A Jamaica in which all of us would have a sense of place and belonging, not just a place of abode.
Focusing on the theme of this year’s celebration “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica,” Simpson reminded Jamaicans that: “It is only when we truly internalize the view that “this is Jamaica, my Jamaica” that we can give our all to this rock.
• We have to unite for a common purpose.
• We must have a sense that we are, indeed, stakeholders.
• We have to take responsibility and be accountable for our actions.
“This is true sovereignty and independence.
Jamaica gained its independence from Britain on Aug. 6, 1962
