KINGSTON, Jamaica— The activities that are the major highlight of the celebrations to mark the country’s Diamond Jubilee will continue on Monday, August 1 which is being observed as Emancipation Day.
The activities, which have been outlined by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, will conclude with the Grand Gala on Saturday, August 6 which will be observed as Independence Day.
See below the full list of Jamaica 60 activities for the week Monday, August 1 – Saturday, August 6.
-Monday, August 1, Emancipation Day (10:00am) Independence Float and Street Parade. The parade route will run from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road before moving to Half-Way Tree, on to Oxford Road, Tom Redcam Drive and ending at the National Stadium car park. A number of sound systems including Stone Love, Renaissance and Ruff Cut as well as eight floats and seven music trucks will take part in the float and street parade. Additionally, there will be seven costumed groups, youth groups, jonkonnu, effigies, and over 1,000 participants which will include members of the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
-Monday, August 1 – Crowning of Jamaica Festival Queen at Independence Village at the National Stadium. Independence Village opens at 3:00 pm daily.
-Tuesday, August 2 – Old School Dancehall at Independence Village in honour of veteran entertainers including Josey Wales, Admiral Bailey, Peter Metro, Burro Banton, Junior Clarke, Lone Ranger, Major Mackerel, Danny Dread and Ricky Trooper.
-Wednesday, August 3 – Mello Go Roun – ‘a pot-pourri of performances from the best of the Festival Performing Arts competition.
-Thursday, August 4 – Jamaica Praise – a major gospel concert featuring Rhoda Isabella, Grace Thrillers, Latoya Hamilton, Kukudoo, Kevin Downswell, Karlene Davis and others
-Friday, August 5 – Watch Night starting at 8:00 pm at Independence Village.
-Saturday, August 6 – Independence Day – Jamaica 60 Grand Gala at the National Stadium beginning at 6:00 pm. Two veteran entertainers – Derrick Morgan and Sanchez – will be honoured with the Music Icon Award for their contribution to the popularity of Jamaican music on the world stage. There will be over 2,500 performers and crew. Among the entertainers down to perform are Beenie Man, Barrington Levy, Toni-Ann Singh (Miss Jamaica World 2019), Glacia Robinson and Tessanne Chin.
According to Grange, Jamaica 60 “will be grand”.
The Grand Gala will feature the usual fireworks but there are some additions including a drone show and paratroopers from Guyana.
