Jamaicans in New York Celebrate Independence 51

By JIS

Jamaica Independence activities in the United States have moved into high gear, with nationals in Rochester, New York staging a number of events over the weekend to mark the 51st anniversary of the country’s nationhood.

Jamaican Ambassador, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, took part in the activities held from July 26 to 28, which were organised by the Rochester Jamaica Organization Inc.

These include the organisation’s annual Independence Awards Banquet held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, downtown Rochester, on July 26, where he highlighted the strides made by the country to improve the conditions for nationals.

On Saturday, July 27, Ambassador Vasciannie also took part in a Town Hall meeting at City Hall, Rochester, as a guest of the City Council President, Lovely Warren and of President of the Rochester Jamaica Organization, Dr. Joel Frater.

Among the issues discussed were: the Logistics Hub Initiative, the performance of Jamaican children in school, deportation, and methods of facilitating contributions from the Diaspora to Jamaica.

This was followed on Sunday, July 28, by a special ‘Jamaica Day’ Independence Service at the Genesee Baptist Church.

The church, which has a substantial number of Jamaican members, received a Jamaican Independence message from Ambassador Vasciannie, while Rev. Pastor Allan Grant, a Jamaican national, delivered the sermon, which was based on the National Anthem.

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Independence Day of Jamaica

From Maps of the World

Jamaica, in the Caribbean Sea, celebrates its Independence Day on August 6 each year to commemorate its freedom from British colonial occupation.

Jamaica gained independence in 1962.

How is Independence Day celebrated in Jamaica?

Fifty years ago at midnight on August 5, 1962, the Union Jack was lowered and the flag of Jamaica was unfurled for the first time. The birth of an independent Jamaica was, perhaps, the most significant event in the nation’s history. Today, Jamaicans celebrate the day to commemorate that historic movement, and to reflect on the struggle undertaken to gain autonomy. It is a day of national pride and commemorates the country’s achievements.

Independence Day is a day of grand celebrations in Jamaica; from paying homage to the fallen heroes who fought for the independence of the country to indulging in entertainment, music, dance, and parades with people attired in ethnic costumes, Jamaicans hold many laudatory events.

What is the historic significance of Independence Day of Jamaica?

Christopher Columbus first sighted Jamaica in 1494, and by 1509 Spanish colonists occupied the country. Britain established its control on Jamaica in 1655, but it was not until 1670 that the Spaniards gave up their control and recognized British dominance. The 1700s saw an economic boom with Jamaica becoming largest producer of sugar across the world. The economic boom, however, led to the growth of slavery and other evils. Slavery was later abolished in 1834 after the British colonists enacted the Emancipation Law in wake of growing slave revolts and uprisings.

At about this time nationalistic sentiments were on the rise and a movement towards independence started to take shape. In the1930s and early 1940s, Jamaica saw the birth of two political parties People’s National Party (PNP), and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). In 1944, Jamaica held its first elections which were won by JLP. JLP was replaced by PNP in 1955, and in 1958 Jamaica joined the Federation of West Indies, but withdrew in 1961. Finally, on August 6, 1962, Jamaica achieved freedom from British colonial rule.

What does the national flag of Jamaica represents?

Jamaica adopted its flag on August 6, 1962, the day it won its independence from the British. It consists of diagonal lines, dividing the flag into four triangles. While the top and bottom are equal green triangles, the left and the right triangles are black in color.

The flag has Pan-African colors, each of which venerates Jamaica’s African legacy. While green is the symbol of hope and agricultural abundance, the yellow is representative of natural resources and sunshine, and Black stands for creativity and courage of the people.

Who wrote the national anthem of Jamaica?

Jamaica, Land We Love, is the national anthem of Jamaica. It was winning entrant of a completion that was held in 1961. It was set to music by Robert Lightbourne (arranged by Mapletoft Poulle) and its lyrics were written by Hugh Sherlock.

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Jamaican Independence Day celebrations In Cayman:

Friday, 2 August FREE

Day activities

7am to 4pm

Cardinall Ave, George Town

Food stalls featuring traditional Jamaican dishes will be set up along Cardinall Ave Jamaican will be on the menu including roast yam and salt fish, rundown, jerk chicken and pork, mannish water, ackee and saltfish, chocolate tea, saltfish fritters, rice and peas, blue drawers and potato and cornmeal pudding.

The food stalls will be given names of places in Jamaica famous for their food such as Faith’s Pen, Little Ochi, Devon House, Hellshire etc

Along with the food there will be a lunch hour cultural presentation, a performing artist meet, greet and autograph signing, and an artist showcase.

All personnel involved in the activities will be dressed in the official Jamaican costume.

Night activities

6pm until late

Reflections parking lot, Godfrey Nixon Way

The evening’s activities will begin with gospel music followed by the Prime Minister of Jamaica’s Independence Message, presented by the Honorary Jamaican Consul.

There will a number of food stalls set up selling a variety of jerk meats with accompaniments bammy and roast corn.

The entertainment schedule will feature something for everyone including a video presentation of Jamaican scenes and people, dance performances by March Out Dancers, poetry readings, local cultural groups, contests and sponsor giveaways.

Sunday 4 August

Special Independence Day Service with Holy Communion at St. George’s Anglican Episcopal Church, Courts Road (Cox Lumber) off Eastern Avenue, George Town at 8am, followed by breakfast in Church Hall.