Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam (left) celebrates the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence with Miami Consul General Oliver Mair and Jamaican-American attorney Alison Smith, the first black woman to make history in lead the Broward County Bar Association, a century ago.
south florida, USA — Jamaica’s 60th birthday is celebrated on August 6 iindependence since the former colony gained independence from Great Britain in 1962.
In South Florida, Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, Oliver Mair, kicked off the celebrations on May 5 at the Miramar Cultural Center along with US Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz and Jamaica’s Minister of Finance Olivia Grange, who he praised the contribution of Florida Jamaicans to Jamaica.
Much more is planned this weekend.
“It’s an opportunity for Jamaicans at home and around the world to thank God for guiding us for 60 years,” Mair told the Miami Herald. “I think it’s key to really celebrate it. It helps us come together as a people and reflect on what continues to make us a great nation.”
With 311,589 people reporting Jamaican ancestry, Florida is home to the second largest Jamaican community in the US, after New York City, which has more than 313,854 residents of Jamaican ancestry, according to the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau.
South Florida Jamaicans refer to Broward County, where most of them live, as Kingston 21.
Many Jamaican-Americans say the celebration’s official theme, “Reignite a Nation for Greatness,” resonates deeply.
“We are strongly connected to the motherland,” said Norman Whyte, a Jamaican-American resident of Miami Gardens. “We still come home. I think rekindling, resetting, in a strong way, in a passionate way, somehow really sends me a message of upliftment.”
Here’s a list of key events taking place this weekend in South Florida to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence. There will be live entertainment from Jamaican artists and Jamaican food during all events:
Friday:
Jamaica’s 60th Independence Day Celebration – Presented by Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis will begin at 6:00 pm at the Miramar Multi-Service Complex located at 6700 Miramar Parkway. Entry is free.
Jamaican Independence 60th Anniversary Awards Reception: Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and Victoria Mutual President Courtney Campbell will host this awards reception from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Miramar Cultural Centre, located at 2400 Civic Center Place, to recognize and honor Jamaicans. community leaders. Entry is free.
Saturday:
Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair – A free, family-friendly event at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, located at 16801 Miramar Parkway. There will be a Children’s Zone with water activities, bounce houses, face painting and a farmer’s market with gardening and composting classes.
Jamaica’s Diamond Independence Jubilee Gala: The Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami and the Jamaica United Relief Association are hosting this premier event honoring Jamaican musician Dr. Jimmy Cliff at 7:00 PM at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center. Attendees are required to wear formal attire and the entry fee is US$125.
“Even though money is tight, we still want the ball,” said Josette Crosdale, a Jamaican-American woman from Miami Gardens who plans to attend. “Jamaica is my home, and I did not forget it.”
On Saturday night, Miami-Dade’s Freedom Center will be lit up in Jamaican colors.
Sunday:
Jamaica’s 60th Independence Celebration: Lauderhill Commissioner Denise D Grant will host this event at 6pm at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. Admission ranges from $49 to $150.
Jamaica’s 60th Independence Motorcade: The Unity in the Community Motorcade will start at The Gardens (Lauderdale Lakes) at 4:30pm and end at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
“We expect over 300 vehicles to join us as we celebrate Jamaica in the community, followed by an evening concert as well as a flag-raising session,” said Consul Mair.
Jamaica 60th Independence Brunch: Jamaican food awaits at Creek & Caribbean Seafood Restaurant from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
There will be live entertainment from Jamaican artists and Jamaican food during all events. Those planning to attend are hoping the celebrations will be as vibrant as those taking place in Jamaica.
Alison Smith, a Jamaican-American attorney who was the first black woman to be elected president of the Broward County Bar Association in Florida, plans to attend many events.
“You can forget your roots and your culture and your heritage and having these events is a way to keep that alive, but also to pass on these very important facts about the culture to the younger generation,” he said.
Smith said at the Ole Time fair, kids will have a chance to see what their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were doing in Jamaica.
“The diaspora here is very engaged,” Smith said. “I think people here are even more passionate or connected to the Jamaican community than people in Jamaica, because when you’re away from your homeland you tend to be even more passionate.”
