Wednesday, August 8 2012

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar joined Jamaica PM, Portia Simpson-Miller, at the National Stadium, Kingston on Monday night for the Jamaica 50 Grand Gala — the island’s main Independence event.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica stated that the Independence Gala featured military marching bands and a creative display of Jamaican culture.

It was also attended by President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma; PM of Guyana, Samuel Hinds; Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom, Kenneth Clarke; General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State of the United States of America, representing President Barack Obama; Yvette Clarke, United States Congresswoman; and Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, secretary general of the Caribbean Community. Jamaica’s Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, and Opposition Leader Andrew Holness.

According to the release, Persad-Bissessar said, “I was truly honoured to have the opportunity to unite with the people of Jamaica as they celebrated their 50th anniversary of Independence. Like Trinidad and Tobago, the Jamaican people are brimming with national pride. The country’s successes at the London Olympics have heightened their exuberance as the nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee Independence.”