2 weeks ago
7
On Independence Day, August 6, there is only one place to be: Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Kingston. On Wednesday, a public holiday, Jamaicans from across the island made their way to the venue, wrapped in the black, green and gold colours of the Jamaican flag. They filled every seat inside the stadium, eager to experience all the elements that made the gala truly “grand”.
At 5:35 p.m., when the uniformed groups marched onto the grounds, it was a clear sign that the big show was about to begin — ceremonial activities first, followed by entertainment. The arrival of officials from government and civil society drew cheers from the crowd, with the loudest reserved for Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “Watch mi clean, nice prime minista inna him Jamaica Clarks,” a young female fan commented who then turned to her friend to confess, “Mi heart start fi beat when mi hear the big cheer wah Mark Golding [opposition leader] get.”
The arrival and raising of the flag, along with the singing of the national anthem, was a moment of reflection as the narrator pointed out that it was in that very space, 63 years ago, that the Jamaican flag was hoisted for the first time to mark the island’s independence from Britain.
Upon the exit of the guard of honour, the officials were escorted to their seats, and the festivities began in earnest. The 50-year milestone of the Department of Correctional Services was woven into the festivities, with the group having their own drum corps and an entertaining drill display. Connecting well with the crowd, the DCS team performed to popular songs – even Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us.
A new Jamaica Tourist Board ad was unveiled, and making an appearance – not a cameo – was the world’s fastest man, Olympian Usain Bolt.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force got their time to shine in a scripted drama that played out, with them using their intelligence, with the assistance of the hero German Shepherd, Tango, to apprehend two lottery scammers. The cops were seen in action kicking in doors and coming face-to-face with danger as the narrator emphasised that “not one shot was fired”. It was certainly good PR for the force, and the crowd loved it — especially when the “scamma” rode into the stadium on his bike and performed some amazing “wheelie” tricks.
The Grand Gala is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Culture Minister Olivia Grange, who was in her element this year after missing last year’s event owing to ill health, revealed that 2,500 participants, including several uniformed groups and dancers, would take the stage.
With grace and poise, the youngsters represented well in sections that paid homage to the children, the future of Jamaica. National hero Marcus Garvey was also highlighted and he was actually “seen” being chauffeured in a cool vintage car. Also showcased was a special highlight section on the inscription of Port Royal as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Live performances came from Abi-D, this year’s Festival Song Competition winner, Rondell Positive, Petra Kaye, Luciano, Chris Martin and the Reggae Icon awardees, Leroy Sibbles, Capleton, and Beres Hammond.
Mention must be made of Capleton’s Jamaica-themed outfit, which came with matching shoes. Beres Hammond summed it up well during a conversation with Capleton while they were waiting at The Jamaica Pegasus to be escorted to the National Stadium.
“The attire,” Beres said, pointing up and down. “Fire!”
A drone show and fireworks brought the celebrations to a close. Jamaica 63 was celebrated under the theme ‘Be Proud, Be Bold, in Black, Green and Gold’.
English (US) ·