SAGICOR Group Jamaica hosted its annual Independence Village on July 31, turning the terrace at the R Danny Williams Building into a one-day marketplace celebrating Jamaican craft, food, and farming, as the company joined the nation in marking 64 years of Independence.

The event brought together local artisans, farmers, and small business owners, who set up tables of handmade crafts, Jamaican-themed gift and décor items, and fresh produce and cultural foods.

MC Otis Hamilton and Abigail Davis, manager of corporate strategy and financial analysis at Sagicor Group Jamaica, bring their fashion A-game to Sagicor’s Independence Village.

The terrace was decorated in Jamaica’s national colours, with MC Otis Hamilton keeping the energy high throughout the afternoon.

Farmers selling fresh produce, vegetables, and fruits drew some of the day’s largest crowds, giving visitors direct access to locally grown goods they would otherwise have to travel to source.

Camille Watson, Sagicor marketing officer, and her daughter Zahara Richards match in Jamaica’s national colours at Sagicor’s Independence Village.

“A lot of the people within this business area don’t really get the chance to go up to the farm or the market downtown. So, bringing the produce to them is much easier for them to access,” said Brian Barrett, who spent the afternoon selling with his mother, a farmer from St Andrew.

Visitors also lined up to purchase from various food vendors, such as Aunt Merl’s Fish Place, the Hellshire Beach seafood spot known for its escoveitch fish and lobster with a tangy, pickled pepper and vegetable sauce.

Bad Dawg, a local favourite, was also a hit among passers-by, along with a snow-cone stand courtesy of the Sagicor team.

Tamar Palmer of Tami Resin and Beauty and her daughter Britannique flash bright smiles while seated at a table with their handcrafted accessories.

“This is something I look forward to every year,” said Marcia Adams, owner of Beauty Lies Within, who was attending her third staging of the event.

Adams said her Jamaican-themed handmade jewellery and accessories were well-suited for people looking to celebrate the Independence holiday by wearing a piece that carries the island’s pride with them.

Fresh vegetables draw a crowd at this farmer’s market stall at Sagicor’s Independence Village.

“It’s always important to use local and natural products, because a lot of persons these days want authentic, natural, and long-lasting things. That’s what I do, and I’m happy that Sagicor holds this event every year to help me attract new interest,” Adams said.

As gold sponsors of the Jamaica 64 celebrations, Sagicor also gave away tickets to attendees for flagship events, including the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Coronation Show and the Independence Grand Gala.