JAMAICANS celebrating the country’s 64th anniversary of Independence are in for a showcase of resilience, creativity, and achievements, with today’s Grand Gala slated to feature more than 1,800 participants, reggae icon tributes, and a dazzling drone and fireworks display to end the evening’s festivities.

According to Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange, the annual Grand Gala, to be hosted under the theme ‘United in Celebrating Resilience’, promises to highlight Jamaica’s history, its people’s triumph over tribulations, and to bring joy for those looking to enjoy an evening dedicated to Jamaican excellence.

Grange told a recent JIS think tank that the gala will feature a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Women in Service in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and will also place spotlight on Kingston’s 10th anniversary as a designated United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Creative City of Music.

“The Independence Grand Gala is going to be very exciting. The Jamaica Combined Cadet Corps will be mounting a guard of honour and the women of the JDF, in celebrating their 50th anniversary, will participate in the hoisting of the Jamaican flag in where it was hoisted in 1962,” detailed Grange.

The evening’s celebrations will also include the bestowal of the annual Reggae Icon award upon recording artistes Busy Signal and Wayne Wonder, who will be presented with the honour by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness.

Closing out Emancipendence celebrations with a high-energy finish, Grange further touted an expansive drone display, synchronised with a fireworks show as one the event’s star attractions.

“We will have the drone show as usual, and we will have 1,000 drones on display and it’s complemented with the spectacular fireworks display that always ends the evening’s excitement… I know everyone looks forward to the fireworks display,” said Grange.

She pointed out that given the limited capacity of the National Stadium, people who were unable to secure tickets are still invited to experience the jubilation through the official Grand Gala watch party in the Independence Village.

“Everyone looks forward to the Grand Gala [but] we never have enough seats in the stadium for everybody who wants to come. So, we have made special arrangements for persons to be hosted in the Independence Village, and we’re encouraging everyone to come and watch it on the big screen [and] enjoy the environment that has been created for your comfort,” Grange said.

She also noted that the National Stadium will start receiving attendees by 1:00 pm and encouraged patrons to come out early and to settle in ahead of the gala’s 6:00 pm start.

Patrons are advised that firearms, explosives, knives, igloos, scissors, or any item that can be used to cause serious harm or injury will not be allowed inside the venue.