KINGSTON, Jamaica - Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller will represent Jamaica at the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago on August 31.

Jamaica and Trinidad both celebrate their golden jubilee of Independence this month, having been the first two countries in the Caribbean to gain political independence from Britain in 1962.

The Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar was among several dignitaries who participated in the Jamaica 50 Independence celebrations on August 6.

While in Trinidad, Simpson Miller will participate in celebratory activities including the Independence Day Military Parade, the President's Toast to the Nation on the 50th anniversary of Independence, a private luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Persad Bissessar, a National Awards Ceremony, a Cultural Show and Extravaganza captioned "Journey to Jubilee", and the Prime Minister's Golden Jubilee Gala.

Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change will be in charge of the government in Simpson Miller's absence.

The Prime Minister returns to the island on Sunday, September 2.