South Florida will host several events this weekend to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence.
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August 6 marks the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence, since the former colony gained independence from Great Britain in 1962.
In South Florida, Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, Oliver Mair, started the celebrations on May 5 at the Miramar Cultural Center alongside US Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz and Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, the Honorable Olivia Grange, who praised the contribution of Florida Jamaicans to Jamaica. Much more is planned this weekend.
“It’s an opportunity for us 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 unite 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 descent, according to the latest estimates from the US 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 the 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 Pre-Independence Day Party: Presented by Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis, it will begin at 6pm at the Miramar Multi-Service Complex located at 6700 Miramar Parkway. Entry is free. Jamaica’s 60th Independence Anniversary Awards Reception: Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and Victoria Mutual President Courtney Campbell will host this awards reception from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center, located at 2400 Civic Center Place, to recognize and honor Jamaican leaders of the community Entry is free.
Saturday
Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair: A free family event at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, located at 16801 Miramar Parkway. There will be a children’s area 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 premiere event, during which they will honor Jamaican musician Dr. Jimmy Cliff, 7pm at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center. Attendees are required to wear formal attire and admission is $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
60th Jamaican Independence Pageant: The “Unity in the Community” caravan will begin at The Gardens (Lauderdale Lakes) at 4:30 pm 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.
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 Old Time Fair, children will have the opportunity 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.
Alma Beauvais is a reporter intern at the Miami Herald’s Caribbean and Immigration desk.
