proud people, a strong people in what we have faced. Hardships there may be, but the land is great, and definitely today, the sun shineth,” Holness said. This was followed by the release of “peace doves” by several members of government, the clergy and civil society. The resounding message and mood in the streets of Kingston was that the selected theme for this year’s diamond jubilee celebration –‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’ – is the most appropriate. Having seen the turnout and camaraderie of the people, Jo-Anne Archibald, principal director at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, only had one thing to say, “We’re reignited!” Several of the floats demonstrated authentic Jamaican flora, fauna and food and shared the rich culture with the members of the public who gathered in numbers to witness the event. Among the floats were the Diamond Heroes; Crime Stop For Paradise; Sounds of Jamaica, including Fab 5 band, Renaissance Disco and Stone Love; Reap What You Sow; Bridge to Progress; God is Love, and Sweet Jamaica. The balloon float was a favourite of children, who were most fascinated with the spectacle of creativity. There was much to see with over 1,000 persons in costume, from carnival wear to dramatic Jonkunnu pieces. The Hah-R-Mony Entertainment group out of Montego Bay comprised of talented dancers, singers and musicians from Jamaica, Cuba, Guyana and Dominica were fully costumed and excited with their routines. “We are happy to travel the distance to be part of the Jamaica 60 celebrations and helping to reignite that coming together of different nations and THE MONTHLY GLEANER | AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 One of the colourful floats featured in the Emancipation Day parade in Kingston on August 1. PHOTOS BY KENYON HEMANS/ PHOTOGRAPHER Junior artist and assistant to Larry Watson, Jerome Marshall, applies finishing touches to one of the floats featuring the national birds at the National Arena on Sunday, July 31. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER A float featuring Jamaican produce and treasures makes its way along parade from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre to the National Stadium car park in Kingston. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER SPIRIT CONTINUED FROM 5 Emancipation Day was all about father and son bonding time for Ricardo and Zev Clarke, who walked along the streets of Kingston to follow the parade. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LYEW Miss Jamaica World 2021 Khalia Hall (left) and Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2021 Dominic Reid proudly wave Jamaican flags as they make their way down Half-Way Tree Road. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER The Diamond Heroes float featured Jamaica’s seven national heroes and heroine. KENYON HEMANS/PHOTOGRAPHER
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