KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, on Wednesday launched Emancipation and Independence celebrations for 2016, under the theme ‘Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright’.

The launch was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) will celebrate the country’s 54th year of Independence with a series of activities slated to take place across the island from July 31 to August 6.

Speaking at the launch, Grange encouraged Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora to get involved in the activities planned.

“The JCDC will provide the opportunity for the registration of all appropriate events being organised by private individuals and organisations as well as other ministries, departments and agencies and the Diaspora communities as part of the celebrations,” she said.

These events will be accredited or endorsed as Independence celebrations and will be posted on the websites of the Culture Ministry, JCDC, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Information Service and other entities. 

Celebrations will kick off with the Emancipation Vigil which will be held on July 31, in Seville, St Ann. This is being organized by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT).

The annual JCDC Jamaica Festival Song Competition will be held on July 9 and the Gospel Song Competition will take place on July 31. The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Coronation Show will be held on August 1.

Other activities planned from August 2 to 4 include: Fashion Greets Music, the popular Mello Go Roun’ 2016, and the World Reggae Dance Championship Finale. These events will take place on the grounds of the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston, which will be transformed into the Independence Village for the national celebration. 

Continuing the tradition of previous years, the Independence Village will showcase food, arts and craft, promotional items and feature several stage shows and concerts.

The week of activities will also include a church service, window dressing, best media and best decorated office/business competitions to award displays that best capture the spirit of Independence. 

Competitions will also be held among the Parish Councils for the best decorated town and awards will also be given for the best Diaspora Independence celebration. 

The celebrations will culminate on August 6, with the Grand Gala to take place at the National Stadium.

A new feature of this year’s celebrations is the ‘Reggae to Rio’ concert celebrating the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Rio Brazil. 

The show will feature some of Reggae’s greatest performers and simulcasts of the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games on August 5 will be played on outdoor screens at the Independence Village.