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 a release yesterday, Minister 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”.

According to the minister, 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, [of] which the grand gala was the closing activity”.

She noted that Seaga 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,” Minister Grange said.

The Jamaica 55 Independence Grand Gala will take place at the National Stadium on Independence Day, August 6, 2017. Gates are expected to be opened at 3:00 pm.