The Jamaican High Commission in collaboration with the Jamaican Canadian Associations across Canada will be hosting a virtual celebration of Jamaica’s 59th year of independence from August 6 – 8, 2021. The organizers have partnered with BIA Media to provide live streamed coverage of the event on Facebook and YouTube with the hope of reaching the thousands of Jamaicans living across Canada as well as the Diaspora across the globe.
The programme will run for three days and will feature the following events:
- August 6, 2021 – Flag Raising Ceremony
- August 7, 2021 – National Concert
- August 8, 2021 – Independence Church Service
The National Concert will feature, in addition to messages from Jamaican and Canadian officials, a brief address from the High Commissioner for Jamaica to Canada, a virtual tour of world-class attractions hosted by the Jamaica Tourist Board, as well as demonstrations of Jamaica’s culinary, artistic, musical and other cultural talents by performers across Canada and the Diaspora.
“There are over 300,000 Jamaicans living and working in Canada that have not been able to enjoy a taste of home for over 15 months; people of Jamaican descent that are longing to learn more about their background; and Canadians who have never had an opportunity to engage with our culture,” explained Her Excellency Sharon Miller. “The High Commission is proud to stand behind an initiative that brings our people together and showcases some of the best our island has to offer.” The theme for Independence 2021 is ‘Stronger Together”, and perfectly encapsulates the foundation for this year’s celebration, as well as the result of Jamaicans uniting in difficult times, such as with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This collaboration is a true reflection of the resilience and creativity of Jamaican people,” explained Michael Smith, President of the Jamaica Association of Montreal Foundation inc. “The initiative, now in its second year, was birthed out of the pandemic to ensure that Jamaicans living in Canada, and lovers of all things Jamaican, would still have an opportunity to relish in the vibrancy and authenticity of our culture. For those who have never been to the island or are missing their homeland, prepare to experience Jamaica!”
The Jamaican organizations involved in this event are:
- Jamaican Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (JCANS)
- Jamaica Association of Montreal Foundation Inc. (JAF)
- Jamaica Association of Montreal Inc.
- Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. (JOCA)
- Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA)
- Windsor West Indian Association (Caribbean Centre)
- Jamaican Association of Manitoba (JAM)
- The Jamaican Canadian Cultural Association of British Columbia (JCCABC)
- Jamaican Canadian Association Alberta (JCAA)
Information requests can be directed to jcccindependence2020@gmail.com or executiveassistant@jhcottawa.ca.
