Jamaica has formally launched the start of activities to mark the island’s 60th anniversary of Independence under the theme ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’.

An audience of 200 industry leaders and media attended an event at White City Studio in London on April 25; enjoying performances from artists such as: saxophonist Lascelles James, poet David Neita, queen of lovers rock Carroll Thompson and reggae talent Bitty McLean.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon Olivia Grange launched the Jamaica 60 activities and confirmed the year would include a mix of exciting commemorative events and legacy projects.

Minister Bartlett said: “We are sixty. Sixty bold, brave years in which Jamaica and the Jamaican community has had an impressive impact on cultures around the world. We’ll be marking this anniversary with a year of cultural activity throughout the year; making this the year to visit Jamaica. We’ll also bring the celebrations to the UK with lots of activity around the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.”

“We’re delighted that our British visitor numbers are already getting back to pre-pandemic levels,” he said, “and our increased airlift and removal of Covid testing means we expect 2022 to be a true year of recovery. We expect to close 2022 having welcomed a total of 3.2 million visitors contributing more than three billion US dollars to our economy.”

Minister Grange said: “Our government has always taken the position that milestone celebrations such as Jamaica 60, must include projects that will benefit our country for generations to come. Among the legacy projects to begin this year are the redevelopment of the National Stadium, the establishment of a Jamaica Sports Museum & Sports Hall of Fame and the establishment of the Harry Belafonte National Concert Hall.”