To celebrate Jamaica’s 61st Independence anniversary, the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami is finalising preparations ahead of its annual Thanksgiving and Celebration Ecumenical Service today (July 30).

The service will take place at The Faith Center in Sunrise, Florida.

Slated to begin at 4:00 pm, the programme will be live-streamed social media as well as other platforms. The service agenda includes an official message from Prime Minister Andrew Holness,

The sermon will be delivered by Pastor Karl Francis, while Reverend Norman Hemming, will serve as the officiating minister. There will be a pre-service fellowship beginning at 2:45 pm local time, featuring gospel artistes and also refreshments.  

The service programme will also feature performances by several renowned artistes. Gospel singer Glacia Robinson is set to perform, as are local groups like the South Florida Caribbean Chorale under Steve Higgins’ direction, Tallawah Mento Band led by Colin Smith, and the Jamaica Folk Revue, among others.

Relating to this year’s theme “Jamaica 61 – Proud and Strong”, Jamaican nationals and Diaspora friends are invited by Consul General Oliver Mair to join the worship service in honor of Jamaica’s independent nationhood. Mair underscored the significance of this year’s theme, highlighting the nation’s achievements despite numerous challenges.

 “We invite all Jamaicans to celebrate with pride the strength of our nation and of whom we are as a people,” Mair was quoted as saying. 

The forthcoming event, eagerly awaited by many as a celebratory occasion for the nation within the region, has raised eye brows among those speculating if this could be Mair’s final Florida celebration.