August 2004

Independence Day: A Public Fiesta

Jamaicans are industrious but even so everyone looks forward to the holidays where they can have a break from the daily routines. Jamaica’s Independence Day, a national holiday, provides a guilt free opportunity to relax at home or take the day off to enjoy the many natural and improved attractions that Jamaica offers to its citizenry and visitors. However, many persons choose to join the country’s Head of State, His Excellency the Governor General, at his residence at Kings House, Kingston, on Independence Day mornings where an Independence Day Parade is held each year.

Guard of Honour of 102 All Ranks from the 1^st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment.

This year was no different and, on August 6, 2004, when Jamaica celebrated its 42^nd anniversary of independence from Great Britain (August 6, 1962), hundreds of patrons gathered on the lawns of Kings House for the grand Independence Day Parade. The parade brought together the uniformed groups of Jamaica, indigenous talents, government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corp. It is from this festive setting that the Prime Minister of Jamaica and the Governor General presented their Independence Messages to the nation.

 Members of the public viewing the Parade

The Guard of Honour and the display of the Massed Bands of the Jamaica Defence Force provided a colourful spectacle to the occasion. The other uniformed groups included the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Combined Cadet Force, Boys’ Brigade, The Scouts Association of Jamaica and the Girls Guide Association of Jamaica.  The 102 all ranks strong Guard of Honour was comprised of troops of the 1^st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment, which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Derek Robinson, the son of a former Chief of Staff of the JDF.

Carifolk Singers performing a medley of Jamaican folk songs

 Other spectacular performances were presented: Nicole Crawford, Gospel Song Finalist for 2004 sang her piece “Take My Heart”; Beverley Dexter sang “I Saw My Land in the Morning”; Cleopatra Carr of Calabar Infant Junior High School presented “Parents – I Can’t Understand Them”; and stealing the display was the Maypole danced to the tune of the Festival Song “I Am Dreaming of a New Jamaica”, performed by students of Rollington Town Primary.

Other photo highlights from the Independence Day Parade

Commander Errol Taylor (right) in discussions with Mr Michael Nicholson of the Jamaica Cultural Development Foundation who also played an integral role in coordinating the Independence Day Parade Programme. 

Maypole dancers of Rollington Town primary School.

The Governor General, His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Howard Cooke (front) being escorted to his seat by the JDF Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin (next) after reviewing the Guard of Honour. Following closely is Lieutenant Colonel Derek Robinson, Commanding Officer of the 1^st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment (Commander of the troops on Parade), and Captain Mahatma Williams, Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General.