City of Miramar in Florida, which boasts a large community of Jamaicans, will itself mark the 61st anniversary of Jamaica’s independence, with a series of ‘Emancipendence’ events on August 5. 

The event will be hosted by Mayor Wayne Messam at the Amphitheatre in Miramar Regional Park.

The event, open to the general public and free of charge, promises to be a joyous day full of activities for children and adults alike.

Starting at 1:00 pm, a kids zone will be set up offering face painting, water activities, and arts and crafts. Simultaneously, attendees can partake in a bounty of giveaways and explore a Farmer’s Market-style display featuring an array of fresh produce.

The event also offers an opportunity to gain knowledge about gardening, composting, and vegetation walls. The cultural showcase is slated to kick off at 3:00 pm and will feature a DJ, dance performances, folklore, and spoken word.

Around 4:00 pm, the main stage will come alive with what are expected to be stellar performances from renowned Jamaican artistes. In his statement, Mayor Messam trumpeted that as Jamaica celebrates its 61st year of Independence, it is good to celebrate the culture of a people that have made significant strides worldwide. 

“At this event, we will share a glimpse of this with a cultural stage and performances from internationally known Jamaican artistes, Gyptian, Bushman, Leroy Sibbles, Gem Myers, and Frisco Kid. It will be a festive and family friendly environment for the entire family to enjoy. I invite everyone to join me as I celebrate my own heritage at the beautiful Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park,” Mayor Messam said.

“It is in the roots, not the branches that a tree’s greatest strength lies. If you know where you are from, it is harder for people to stop you where you are going,” he added.