ST ANDREW, Jamaica —The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, has announced that former Prime Minister Edward Seaga will receive a special honour at this year’s Jamaica 55 Independence Grand Gala on Independence Day.

In release from the Ministry of Culture today, Grange said the celebration of Jamaica 55, which focuses on institutions, infrastructure and icons, is an ideal time for the nation to honour Seaga “for his indisputable legacy in creating this cultural milestone anniversary year.”

Grange said Seaga, who served as Jamaica’s fifth prime minister, will be “recognised as the only living member of the committee that established the constitution of Independent Jamaica and the Jamaica Festival 1963, which the Grand Gala was the closing activity.”

The minister described Seaga as “the father of the Jamaica Festival” noting that he designed the Festival programme “to bring us closer to our roots.

“As a nation, we will say thank you again to former Prime Minister Seaga, the father of the Jamaica Festival, for this commemorative activity, which continues to assist the growth and development of our country.”

The Jamaica 55 Independence Grand Gala will take place at the National Stadium on Sunday. Gates open at 3:00 pm.