2 The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) plans to expand the seating capacity at the Seville Great House and Heritage Park in St Ann’s Bay, St Ann, for this year’s staging of Emancipation Jubilee. THE ANNUAL event, which honours the contributions of African ancestors during and after enslavement, begins on the evening of Thursday, July 31, and continues into the morning of Emancipation Day, Friday, August 1. Executive Director of the JNHT, Leslie Harrow, said that following last year’s event, the need for more seats in both the VIP and general areas was recognised. “So what we have done is to expand and push back the area where we have the concession, and we got some space close to the general lawn that can accommodate another 2,500 persons,” he said In addition to seating, Harrow said that arrangements are being made for additional parking at the venue. He also said the popular artisan village will return for this year’s Jubilee celebration, featuring expanded facilities and a larger food court. “We have created a better space for them [and] we are getting a lot of requests for the food court. We had intended to look at 20… [and] have gotten 20 already, and persons are asking for more space,” he said. Harrow emphasised the significance of the event and the importance of honouring those who fought for freedom from enslavement. Admission to the Seville Emancipation Jubilee is free; however, patrons must present a ticket to enter the venue. Tickets will be available at the JNHT headquarters in downtown Kingston, Seville Heritage Park in St Ann’s Bay, and at the venue gate. Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: THE JAMAICAN Independence Gala set to take place in New York on August 23 is hoping to realise the goal of raising between $500,000 and $1,000,000 to fund scholarships for Jamaican students to tertiary institutions, as well as assist a number of charities. UNDER THE theme “Party with a Purpose” the Gala will be held at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Time Square. Hosted by the Jamaican Consulate in New York in conjunction with the nonprofit organization Jamaica’s Promise, the Gala will mark its return this year after skipping last year. Organizers of the gala, led by Consul General Alsion Wilson, are hoping that the gala will be the biggest fundraising event in the diaspora. Organizers emphasise that while the night will be filled with entertainment and pride in Jamaican heritage, its primary purpose is to generate substantial funds for vital charitable initiatives in Jamaica. According to the consul general “Party with a Purpose” is more than a tagline as it encapsulates the Gala’s mission to channel the festive Independence spirit into positive change. Proceeds from the 2025 Jamaica Independence gala will go to support four charitable initiatives that uplift communities in Jamaica. Each beneficiary addresses a vital need – from education and youth empowerment to healthcare and community development – ensuring that the Gala’s proceeds will make a meaningful, lasting impact Chief beneficiaries will be final year tertiary level students in Jamaica. “Our scholarship programme serves as a lifeline for Jamaican students entering their final year of college – a time when financial burdens often threaten to derail academic aspirations. With tuition, living expenses, and graduation costs piling up, many deserving students face the heart-wrenching possibility of leaving their studies unfinished. To date, we have contributed over $40,000 in scholarships, easing the stress for these future leaders who otherwise might not afford to complete their education. This investment empowers students at institutions like the University of Technology, The University of the West Indies (Mona), Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, and others to focus on their studies and build a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Consul General Wilson. She said that each scholarship represents not just a financial boost, but a message of hope – a reminder that every dream matters and that no student should be left behind due to hardship. “By supporting this initiative, you help shape a generation of empowered graduates ready to give back to Jamaica., she said The charities slated to benefit from the Gala’s proceeds include The Jamaica Cancer Society, The Rita Marley Foundation Centre for Girls and The Rose Town Foundation. Jamaicans unable to attend the Gala Emancipation Jubilee to seat 2,500 more patrons With the steady beat of the drum echoing through the night, a drummer from the Port Morant Kumina Group performs at Emancipation Jubilee in 2018. FILE In recognition of Jamaica’s 63rd Anniversary of Independence, the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami will hold the annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service on Sunday, August 3, starting at 3p.m. The service will be held at the Cooper City Church of God, located at 9191 Stirling Road, in Cooper City, Florida. This year’s sermon will be delivered by Dr. Clyde Bailey, senior pastor, The Faith Place Church in Miramar. The officiating minister will be Pastor Omar Williams, senior pastor of the Pentecostal Tabernacle in Miami Gardens. As is tradition, the service will feature the official message from the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. Andrew Holness. Miami consulate to host Independence service NY to host JA Independence ‘Party with a Purpose’ Skip Marley Nadine Sutherland. FILE - Jamaican Independence Gala sets US$500,000 target - Skip Marley, Sharon Marley, Big Youth, Nadine Sutherland to perform The service will also include several recitals from local performers including the South Florida Caribbean Chorale (SFCC), directed by Steve Higgins, the Bethlehem PreSchool and Junior Academy drumming group, and the Caribbean American Cultural Gospel Chorale, among others. Relating to this year’s theme “Jamaica 63 – Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green and Gold” Consul General Oliver Mair invites nationals and friends of the diaspora to join in worship “as we give thanks for the many achievements and strides Jamaica has made, despite the many global challenges” he said. He further appealed to the diaspora community and friends to unite “as we continue to work together to celebrate Jamaica as an independent nation”. Persons may contact the Consulate General at info@ jamaicacgmiami.org or register at independenceservice2025. eventbrite.com Please see PARTY, P3 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JULY 24 - AUGUSt 24, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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