Kingston, Jamaica: The Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is inviting Jamaicans at home and abroad to celebrate the Spirit of Independence with vibrant and creative displays of the national colours as we celebrate Jamaica Festival 2020.

“The theme for the Independence celebration this year is ‘Resilient and Strong… Let’s Celebrate Jamaica 58’, because despite all that we are facing as a people, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the world, we still have our indomitable, ‘likkle but talawah’ Spirit. It is this same indomitable spirit that we celebrate during Jamaica Festival with the revival of the Spirit of Independence Competition” Minister Grange said.

“The Spirit of Independence Competition is a special focus for us this year as it is an excellent way to get all Jamaicans involved in our Independence Celebrations even amidst the Pandemic. We are encouraging all town centres, business places, government offices, and private residences, both here and in the diaspora, to show their Jamaican Spirit of Independence by decorating their surroundings in the national colours in elaborate and eye catching designs,” Minister Grange said.

Grange further stated that Spirit of Independence competition is open to all public and private sector entities- including stores, business offices, town squares and plazas. Interested entities may enter the competition under the categories: Best Decorated Town Centre, Best Decorated Business Place, Best Decorated Government Office, and Best Decorated Private Residence. All decorations and graphics should focus the national colours: Black, Green and Gold; and Jamaican design themes.

Media houses including Print, Online and Social Media, Television and Radio, that best celebrate the Spirit of Independence, will also be recognized in the category Best Media Celebration. Diaspora communities may also participate in the celebrations by submitting details of their events, along with photos and videos for the Best Diaspora Community Celebration.

“The Spirit of Independence entries will be judged on creativity/content, neatness, appeal and use of national colours. Competitors will be able to earn gold, silver and bronze awards as well as other special prizes,” Said Minister Grange.

Grange further advised that Municipal Councils who are vying for the Best Decorated Town Square Award should have their entire town square dressed up for the Independence period, while media houses are being encouraged to display ‘Spirit of Independence’ through their content – music, features, guests, topics, discussions during the period of Emancipation and Independence.

Entities interested in entering the Spirit of Independence competition should submit six photographs, three of the outside and three of the inside for the building or display. The photographs are to be submitted via email by August 3 to jamaicafestival@jcdc.gov.jm