Government of Jamaica
Kingston, January 7, 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says her Ministry has begun promotion of the National Calendar of Festivals.
Minister Grange was speaking at the celebration of the 281st signing of the Treaty with the British and the birthday of Captain Kojo in Accompong Town, St Elizabeth on Sunday, January 6.
“We have begun our promotion of our National Calendar of Festivals, of which Accompong must play a signature role. Festivals worldwide are a source of economic advancement and cultural and community development. This celebration carries great promise for culture, heritage, community and eco-tourism,” Minister Grange said.
The calendar which will be marketed by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Ministry of Tourism includes entertainment activities and festivals that take place across the country.
The celebration of Sam Sharpe Flames of Freedom Festival in St. James; celebration of Captain Kojo and Accompong in St. Elizabeth; Rebel Salute in Richmond, St. Ann; Reggae Month, including the birthdays of King of Reggae Bob Marley and Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Brown were some of the activities outlined by Minister Grange that are already included in the calendar.
“Our culture is what makes us who and what we are. It is the fuel of our creativity and innovation, the platform for the rise of Brand Jamaica, the glue that ties us together with our large and enduring Diaspora, and the energy that will propel us to even greater heights of global acclaim. It is what we celebrate every time we say the word Jamaica,” Minister Grange said.
Minister Grange invited the Maroon Colonels across the country to meet with the staff of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Institute of Jamaica, Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the National Council on Reparation “to develop a plan to revitalise and expand the various Maroon Festivals.”
