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My mom and dad would have been  a little boy and girl when Jamaica celebrated Independence from Britain on August 6, 1962. This year, Jamaica celebrates 48 years of independence; a remarkable landmark in the history of our country. Although there are challenges in Jamaica today, there are many areas where we can celebrate.

For this edition I called around to some members of my family for them to share their experiences when Jamaica celebrated Independence back on August 6, 1962.

Mom – “My mom recalled that her family went to their primary school to celebrate Independence. At the school they played traditional Jamaican games and other activities. The attendees were given flags and cups/shirts etc with the “Jamaica Independence” printed on it. According to her, it was a historic day and many people was happy for it.”

Last year I worked on the Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Kingston and it was a tremendous success. For a month we worked with several groups to produce an extravagant event showcasing Jamaican culture and our history. In an interview this morning on TVJ’s Smile Jamaica, the Sports and Culture Minister, Babsy Grange elaborated that the Grand Gala event was almost scrapped because of financial constraints in the government. I am happy they could have financed the staging of the Grand Gala. Not many young people today have experienced a Grand Gala and the continuation of the event is only advantageous. The young people involved in the Gala are excited about it and seeing them so interested in the culture was refreshing. The Jamaican culture is unique and whilst some may think its dull it’s quite the opposite.

Photos from the Grand Gala 2008. Photo Credit: Jamaica Page

Fireworks

From the 2009 celebrations. Photo Credit: The Jamaica Labour Party website

Roy Rayon perfoms at the Independence Grand Gala

I just called my aunt Lorna to ask her about her recollection of Jamaica’s Independence. It turns out she was too young as she was a little little girl.

Happy Birthday Jamaica – 48 Strong.

Usain Bolt

Jamaica National Anthem