• Jamaicans participated in daily and nightly activities from August 1-6, to mark the country’s 61st year of Independence under the theme: ‘Jamaica 61…Proud and Strong’.
• These activities included: the ‘Augus Mawning’ market, National Festival Queen Coronation, the popular ‘Mello-go-Roun’ showcase, ‘Reel and Come Again’ film night, Old Skool Party, and the Independence Day Grand Gala at the National Stadium.
National Labour Day Project
• The planting of 10,000 trees along Highway 2000 was the National Labour Day project under the theme – ‘Plant a Tree for Life: Promoting Climate Change Mitigation, Food Security and Road Safety’.
• Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness led the exercise, with the support of the Forestry Department and Jamaica Defence Force.
Live Reggae Events Return
• Live events marking Reggae Month during February were staged islandwide.
• These included tributes to Dennis Brown and Bob Marley on February 6, the weekly JARIA (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) Wednesdays, the Children of the Icons, the Emerging Artistes and the Reggae University Series.
Insurance programme for creative practitioners
• The Ministry and the principals of Eckler Jamaica signed a contract to establish group health and life insurance schemes for entertainment, culture and creative industries practitioners in Jamaica.
• Jamaica nominated Port Royal to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Gender Affairs
• The Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) staged ‘No Excuse for Abuse’ community chats and walk-throughs in several areas under the agency’s programme to end gender-based violence.
• A male Empowerment Unit, which will operate under the BGA, was opened.
• The Bureau hosted several International Men’s Day activities, focusing on health and well-being.