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National Stadium Filled to Capacity for Spectacular Grand Gala

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Kingston, Jamaica, August 7, 2024 – The National Stadium in Kingston was filled to capacity as tens of thousands of Jamaicans turned out for the annual Grand Gala celebrating Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of Independence on August 6.

The Grand Gala was the culmination of the 2024 Independence celebrations under the theme ‘Jamaica 62’ One Love… to the World’.

Speaking to journalists, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the celebrations are a symbol of Jamaica’s resilience and rebuilding from the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl.

“Right now, the focus must be on resilience. However, there is a longer-term goal, which is to increase our productivity and increase the peace. Let’s all focus on that and that will build not just our political independence but also our economic independence,” he said.

Expressing delight at the number of persons in attendance, Prime Minister Holness said the turnout is indicative of the national pride of Jamaicans.

“This event brings people together and creates the spirit where we can reflect on what it truly means to be Jamaican. There are so many good things about being Jamaican… .  The world sees us as a small island that has accomplished huge things in the world. If you say which country as a small country is most known in the world, that would be Jamaica,” he noted.

Patrons were entertained by a diverse mix of gospel, dancehall, mento, reggae and African-inspired acts.

The 2024 Festival Song winner Kimiela “Candy” Isaacs, and gospel singers, Rhoda Isabella and Kevin Downswell brought the crowd to its feet with electrifying performances.

Other highlights were the demonstration of the Lion Dance by the Guangdong Association showcasing the long history of the Chinese community in Jamaica, while the  Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) showcased an all-woman drill display to mark the 75th  anniversary of women being able to serve in the Force.

Several stalwarts of Jamaican music and culture were honoured for their work and contributions to the development of Reggae music and its growth and popularity in Jamaica and globally.

The Reggae Icon Tribute award was presented to world-renowned band, Third World for 51 years as ambassadors of Jamaican music.

Co-founder of largest Indie Reggae label in the world, Patricia Chin, was also honoured for her five decades of contributions to the promotion and development of Caribbean music and culture.

Dancehall artistes Moses “Beenie Man” Davis and Rodney “Bounty Killer” Price were recognised for their contributions to the promotion of Jamaican music.

Patron, Kavena Williams, who is present in the stands every year to witness the celebrations, told JIS News that she enjoys the positive atmosphere and spirit of unity that the Grand Gala promotes.

“I feel great. It was wonderful to come out to see the wonderful Independence Day celebrations. I enjoy these every year. It is great for all of the people to come out and enjoy themselves… .  I thank God for his blessings on the country for us to see another year,” she said.

The event culminated with a spectacular 1,000-drone display, which lit up the night sky. Depicted were cultural icons such as Robert “Bob” Marley; Hon. Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett Coverley; and track and field sensation Usain Bolt.

The Jamaica Red Cross partnered with the Ministry of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to solicit donations for those persons who were negatively impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

 

Contact: Rochelle Williams

Release: JIS

 

CAPTIONS

 

Header: The ‘Jamaica 62 One Love…to the World’ theme lights up the night sky during the spectacular drone display that culminated the Grand Gala Independence celebrations on August 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

1st insert: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, greets patrons at the grand gala on August 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston. The Independence Day celebrations were held under the theme ‘Jamaica 62 One Love… to the World’.

2nd insert: Performers in lighting suits gave an electrifying performance during the grand gala on August 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

3rd insert: Dancehall artistes, Rodney “Bounty Killer” Price,  (left) and Moses “Beenie Man” Davis perform together during the grand gala on August 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

 

Donald De La Haye Photos

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Caribbean News

Widow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed

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MIAMI, Florida — Emotional testimony from Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has given jurors in a U.S. federal courtroom a chilling account of the night gunmen stormed the presidential residence and killed the country’s leader.

Martine Moïse took the stand this week in Miami as part of the ongoing trial of several men accused of helping plan and finance the July 7, 2021 assassination, a crime that plunged Haiti into political crisis and remains only partially solved.

She told the court that armed men forced their way into the president’s private home in the hills above Port-au-Prince during the early morning hours, firing multiple shots at her husband while she lay beside him. She testified that she was also wounded in the attack and survived by pretending to be dead until the gunmen left the room.

According to prosecutors, the plot involved a group of foreign mercenaries, including former Colombian soldiers, along with Haitian and Haitian-American suspects. Investigators say some of the men believed the mission was to detain the president, but the operation turned into an assassination.

The Miami trial is focusing on the alleged role of South Florida businessmen and others accused of organizing or financing the plan, part of a wider international investigation that has stretched across several countries.

More than four years after the killing, the question of who ultimately ordered the assassination remains unanswered, with suspects still in custody in both Haiti and the United States as the case continues to unfold.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Jamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership

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CARIBBEAN — Jamaica has become the 13th CARICOM member state to accede to the African Export-Import Bank Establishment Agreement, further strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The development was confirmed during the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, where an Afreximbank delegation led by George Elombi and Kanayo Awani met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to advance cooperation.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the bank for its support following Jamaica’s recent hurricane, noting that Afreximbank financing helped restore critical infrastructure including water, electricity, sewage systems and roads, while also assisting reconstruction efforts aimed at building stronger resilience to future disasters.

The meeting also focused on broader development opportunities tied to Jamaica’s membership in the agreement. Discussions included rebuilding and modernising infrastructure such as railways, hospitals and other public facilities, while strengthening regional transportation and trade networks to improve the movement of people and goods across the Caribbean.

Afreximbank has been expanding its presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to connect Africa with the region often referred to as “Global Africa.” The bank has already committed billions of dollars in financing and trade support to Caribbean economies in recent years, including funding for infrastructure, trade facilitation and private sector investment.

By joining the agreement, Jamaica gains expanded access to Afreximbank’s financial instruments, technical support and trade networks designed to promote commerce between Africa and CARICOM states.

Regional leaders say the growing partnership could unlock new opportunities in areas such as trade, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and cultural exchange, strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions with deep historical and diaspora ties.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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