Jamaica 58th Independence Celebrations

Kingston, Jamaica: Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, is inviting Jamaicans at home and abroad to celebrate the Spirit of Independence with vibrant and creative displays of the national colors: black, green, and gold.

“The theme for the Independence celebration this year is ‘Resilient and Strong… Let’s Celebrate Jamaica 58’, because despite all that we are facing as a people, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the world, we still have our indomitable, ‘likkle but talawah’ Spirit. ” Minister Grange said.

​“The Spirit of Independence Competition is a special focus for us this year as it is an excellent way to get all Jamaicans involved in our Independence Celebrations even amidst the Pandemic. We are encouraging all town centres, business places, government offices, and private residences, both here and in the diaspora, to show their Jamaican Spirit of Independence by decorating their surroundings in the national colors in elaborate and eye catching designs,” Minister Grange said.

Grange further stated that Spirit of Independence competition is open to all public and private sector entities- including stores, business offices, town squares and plazas. Diaspora communities may also participate in the celebrations by submitting details of their events, along with photos and videos for the Best Diaspora Community Celebration.

“The Spirit of Independence entries will be judged on creativity/content, neatness, appeal and use of national colors. Competitors will be able to earn gold, silver and bronze awards as well as other special prizes,” Said Minister Grange.

Entities interested in entering the Spirit of Independence competition should submit six photographs, three of the outside and three of the inside for the building or display. The photographs are to be submitted via email by August 3, 2020 to jamaicafestival@jcdc.gov.jm. 

Festival Song 2020

This year's Jamaica Festival Song is titled, ‘I Am A Jamaican’ by Reggae star Buju Banton to commemorate Jamaica's 58th year of Independence.

Independence Celebrations 

With setbacks by Covid-19, many Jamaicans will be celebrating Jamaica’s 58th year of Independence virtually on various media platforms.  Here are some of the events planned for the week ahead here in the United States:

Happy Independence Jamaica! Be resilient and strong.  May Jamaicans at home and abroad stay safe, wear a mask, and walk good!