Trelawny celebrates Independence with call for unity, resilience FALMOUTH, Trelawny: The historic Water Square in Falmouth provided a fitting backdrop on Thursday as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), in partnership with the Trelawny Municipal Corporation, hosted the parish’s Independence Civic Ceremony. The ceremony, commemorating Jamaica’s 64th Anniversary of Independence under the theme ‘United in Celebrating Resilience’. brought together government officials, civic leaders, members of the uniformed services, students, and residents in a patriotic observance celebrating Jamaica’s achievements.
J’cans in US, Canada secure multiple nat’l awards NEW YORK: Jamaicans across the United States and Canada have been well represented among the 140 people in this year’s list for national honours and awards list. At least 12 diasporans are set to be among those honoured on National Heroes Day in October. Heading the list is Donette Chin-Loy, who has been awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the nation’s fourth highest national honour. She has been honoured for her contribution to nation building in Jamaica and Canada.
NEVER FORGET - Low turnout for Independence ceremony disappoints Black River mayor WESTERN BUREAU: Disappointment over low public turnout overshadowed St Elizabeth’s Independence Day observance on Thursday, as civic and municipal leaders gathered with only a handful of residents to mark Jamaica’s 64th year of Independence. The flag-raising ceremony, a symbolic display of resilience and national pride, was held against the backdrop of the parish’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed homes, public facilities and the municipal offices.
‘It never dawned on me until afterward’ WESTERN BUREAU: Montego Bay-based reggae artiste Hezron Clarke never expected to be publicly honoured on Independence Day for his musical contributions to St James and the wider Jamaica.
Vernon: Jamaica’s roots remain intertwined with Africa WESTERN BUREAU: As Jamaica celebrates its 64th year of independence this year, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says that the nation’s growth over the decades is connected to the history of the African continent, with the Caribbean and African regions’ collaboration being indicative of strength across borders.
140 for national honours Outgoing Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles is among seven Jamaicans who have been appointed to the Order of Jamaica (OJ) and will join 139 other nationals journeying to King’s House in October for recognition at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony. Joining Byles in the OJ are philanthropist Donette Chin-Loy Chang; Cabinet minister Daryl Vaz; former parliamentarians Maxine Henry-Wilson and Derrick Smith; leader and philanthropist Diana Stewart; and private sector leader Christopher Zacca.
Swing too far - Illegal St James attraction demolished as officials declare it a tragedy waiting to happen WESTERN BUREAU: The giant swing tourist attraction demolished in Norwood Pen, St James, yesterday was “very, very dangerous” and posed the risk of a major tragedy, according to St James Municipal Corporation Acting Chief Engineer Pete Jackson. The municipality ordered the demolition after discovering that the attraction had been erected without the required building and planning approvals. Officials said cease notices served earlier in the day had been removed before enforcement officers returned to the site.
Public-sector wage deal sealed After tough and sometimes stalled negotiations between the Government and unions representing public-sector workers, an agreement has been reached on wages for the three-year period from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028. St Patrice Ennis, president of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), told The Gleaner yesterday that the unions have agreed to a one-off payment of $80,000 for the period April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Additionally, the Government has improved its wage offer from seven per cent over the three-year period to 10 per cent.
Churches plead for Haitians WESTERN BUREAU: The Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches (JUGC) is calling on the Government to treat Haitians who risk their lives to reach Jamaica by sea, to seek asylum, with more dignity and compassion. The JUGC’s call comes against the background of the issuing of deportation orders for eight Haitians who landed in Jamaica on July 17. The orders would see them meeting the same fate as other Haitians who were sent back to their violence-torn homeland without being allowed to present their cases for asylum.
Jamaica to take spotlight at NYPD headquarters The doors of One Police Plaza, the headquarters of the New York Police Department (NYPD), will be thrown open on August 11 to Jamaicans and friends when the Jamaican American Law Enforcement Organization (JAMLEO) hosts its third annual Heritage Night. The event will be held in commemoration of Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of Independence. Lt Danae McFarlane, president of JAMLEO, said Heritage Night serves as a powerful bridge between the Jamaican diaspora and the law-enforcement community.