“Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to be upstanding and join me in a toast to our beloved nation – Jamaica – as we prepare to celebrate 61 years of Independence,” were the words of Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen as he welcomed guests to the Independence Reception held on the lawns of King’s House last Thursday.

Raising their glasses, guests, who included members of the diplomatic corps, their spouses, members of Government, and business leaders, responded in chorus, toasting the nation’s journey.

Against the soundscape from the Jamaica Military Band there were addresses from Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Member of Parliament Anthony Hylton representing the Leader of Opposition Mark Golding.

Among the evening’s entertainment was Eric Donaldson’s Land of My Birth performed by the Charlemont High School Rumbakah The Mento Band, who thrilled guests with a suite of local arrangements.

Guests were invited to tour an exhibition mounted by the Natural History Museum of the Institute of Jamaica inside the King’s House Ballroom.

In-between formalities, attendees were treated to a sample of local cuisine and other cultural offerings. The evening culminated in stellar musical performances from Della Manley, Jamila Falak and Dwight Richards.