Celebrating Our Culture – Jamaica Year In Review

Culture

Minister Grange (left) congratulates Reggae legend, Rita Marley after she received the Special Emperor of Reggae and World Music Award, which was posthumously bestowed on late husband and globally acknowledged King of Reggae, Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley. The award was presented during the 37th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRWMA) ceremony in Kingston.

• The hip strip in Montego Bay, St James, was renamed Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in honour of Reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff.

• Gordon Town Square was renamed in honour of Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately called “Miss Lou,” as part of activities to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the birth of the late cultural icon.

• As part of the centenary, the Ministry declared 100 days of celebration in

Jamaica and the Diaspora commencing September 1.

• The 25th film in the James Bond series was shot in Jamaica.

• Ms. Grange led a large delegation of performers, fashion designers and theatre groups to CARIFESTA XIV in Trinidad and Tobago.

• Jamaica elected as a Vice-President of the 40^th Session of the UNESCO General Conference.

Entertainment

• Work commenced to build out Fort Rocky, outside Port Royal, as Jamaica’s first designated Entertainment Zone.

• Other locations were identified in Negril, Trelawny and Portmore where facilities will be built to host entertainment.

Labour Day

• Thousands of Jamaicans repaired and beautified schools and community facilities for Labour Day.

• Signage and pedestrian crossings were installed at Holland Primary School in St. Elizabeth; Fair Prospect Primary in Portland; and Barrett Town All-Age and John Rollins Primary in St. James, which were the national projects.