Jamaica celebrates Independence
with grand gala!!

Jamaica’s minister of Culture, Olivia “Babsy’ Grange congratulates members of the Jamaica Boy Scouts after their immaculate performance. Nikki’s photo.

By Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

FLOAT: “Coronation Market” team members dance through Half-Way-Tree Square on its way to the National Stadium for the grand gala. Anthea McGibbon photo.

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE!


FROM AS EARLY as 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, Jamaicans converged at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road anxious to get the first peek at the 10 floats being prepared to start the celebrations of Jamaica’s 46 years of Independence.

FLOAT: “The Olympic Dream” . Anthea McGibbon photo.

No disappointment as at approximately 10:00 a.m. the procession began on the eve of the long anticipated World Olympics, Beijing, at which Jamaica is being fully represented. In all the glory of the country’s colours - black, green and gold- Jamaicans gleaned with nothing less than pomp and pride, fully clothed in respect and awe joined the procession.

Two floats on parade through the streets of Kingston and Saint Andrew. Nikki’s photos.

As if time stood still, all eyes were set on the parade of 10 floats slowly drifting through the streets of Kingston and Saint Andrew towards the National Arena where the Grand Gala was slated to be held as the finale of Jamaica’s Independence Celebrations 2008.

FLOAT: “Pickney Stories” designed by Garth Sanguinetti. Nikki’s photo.

FLOAT: ‘Word, Power and Sound’ . Nikki’s photo.

For a large percentage of onlookers, it was their first time witnessing a grand gala. For other older Jamaicans, it was a welcomed return of a once popular Independence event.

FLOAT: “Birds of Paradise”. Nikki’s photo.

Effigies of our national heroes and popular figure Ms Lou (red and white Bandanna). Nikki’s photo.

The combined event was as a result of the collaborative effort of Minister of culture, youth and information Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange and the Jamaica Cultural Development Centre (JCDC).

There wasn’t any hint of the National Poem, Song, or Pledge, but Jamaicans were well enough reminded of their culture.. reasons to be proud as Jamaicans by the day’s performance. Thanks to Amino Blackwood Meeks who wrote the script, the day was nothing less than colourful to say the least.

Few hiccups such as the execution of some of the performances, where the costumes could have been perfected, and yes it was a tad dissapointing that some persons seemingly knew the modern dancehall dance steps much better than the traditional ones. However, the attempt at including a great representation from each era of Jamaica’s cultural life was appealing.

The traditional Maypole dance being done in the National Stadium. Nikki’s photo.

Freddie McGregor, one of Jamaica’s reggae performers, adds his touch to the gala celebrations at the National Stadium. Nikki’s photo.

Appreciation by the mass crowd was particularly expressed in the Reggae and dancehall segments were the likes of D’Angel, Mavado, Freddie McGregor performed. There was some concern over an entire segment dedicated towards Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires, when there was almost no mention or focus on Ms Lou except an effigy, poorly made.

D’Angel, one of Jamaica’s dancehall performers, adds her touch to the gala celebrations at the National Stadium. Nikki’s photo.

This young one could not be left out of the celebrations. Anthea McGibbon photo.