Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports

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Prime Minister Bruce Golding will deliver a special Independence Day message to Jamaica's athletes taking part in the Olympics in Beijing, China, via live streaming.

They will watch the broadcast a day ahead of Jamaica on August 5 because of the time difference between the two countries.

This was disclosed by Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange in an interview with JIS News.

"I know the athletes are looking forward to the message from the Prime Minister when they celebrate Independence Day in Beijing," she said, adding that "the live streaming is something that I think will inspire them, the words of the Prime Minister, the charge that he will give to them to go out there and do their best and to represent Jamaica well."

The use of live streaming to keep the athletes in Beijing connected to Jamaica at an immensely important and proud time is geared towards letting them know that Jamaicans are with them all the way, even if separated by thousands of miles.

"We expect great things and we want to let them know that when they are out there running, they are not on their own; we are here cheering for them, we are here praying for them and that Jamaica as a nation is very proud of them," the Minister said.

Through the live streaming, the athletes will also have an opportunity to view the Independence Day Festival Grand Gala, which will include the Independence Street Parade, featuring some 10 floats and costumed groups.

Making its return, the parade will travel through Kingston and St. Andrew, culminating with the Grand Gala at the National Stadium.

Admission to the gala is free, but persons must have passes to enter. These passes can be collected at Tastee outlets in Kingston, Portmore and Spanish Town and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) office at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road in Kingston.

The gates open at 2:00 p.m. and patrons are to be seated by 4:40 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. start. There will be a Salute to the Nation on its 46th anniversary and the Gala Show itself will have an array of entertainment that every Jamaican can enjoy and appreciate.

These include performances from reggae to dancehall acts, a sports tribute to Jamaican sports men and women who have done the country proud and a pyrotechnic fireworks display.

Leading up to the Emancipation and Independence celebrations, there will be a National Emancipation Jubilee at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann, with parish jubilees taking place across the island.

Other activities will include the Augus' Fair and Mello-Go-Roun', which will feature the best of current and traditional Jamaican dance, drama, music and cuisine; a national thanksgiving service and a culinary exposition.

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