Old Harbour to celebrate Independence with flag raising and community float parade

The South St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce (SSCC), in partnership with the Old Harbour Zone Cultural Committee, will stage its fourth annual Flag Raising Ceremony on Sunday, August 2, at 3:00 p.m. in the Old Harbour Town Square, followed by the fifth annual Independence Day Float Parade on Thursday, August 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This year's Flag Raising Ceremony has been moved from its traditional early morning start to Sunday afternoon, a decision made to accommodate Adventist participants while allowing churchgoers to attend both worship and the national celebration.

“We have decided to keep it in the afternoon after church,” explained SSCC President Treacha Reid. “Some of the participants are Adventists and wouldn’t be able to participate in the march. Emancipation Day is on a Saturday this year and if we keep it on Sunday morning, persons would have to choose between attending church and participating in the ceremony, hence, we had to do some shifting.”

Reid said residents can expect an afternoon filled with passion and excitement as the community comes together to celebrate Jamaica's heritage.

“We just want our community to delve into patriotism and reflect on the rich heritage of our country. So we are working towards making everyone enjoy these two upcoming events,” she said.

The ceremony will now feature Chaplain Stacy Knowles as guest speaker after Culture Minister Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange became unavailable because of other engagements.

Reid said the events continue to serve an important purpose by bringing national Independence celebrations closer to residents who may not be able to travel to other parts of the island.

“It is important because not everybody can make it into Kingston to participate in those festivities. This is why we are bringing the celebration to the people in our community,” said Reid. 

The Flag Raising Ceremony will feature the release of 64 balloons symbolizing Jamaica's 64 years of Independence. The celebrations will continue on Thursday with the Independence Day Float Parade, which will assemble at 36A South Street, outside Shades of Elegance, before travelling through Old Harbour, Gutters, Claremont and neighbouring communities, culminating at Old Harbour Bay Beach.

While organizers are still hoping to add the Jonkonnu attraction if arrangements are finalized, Reid said this year's parade will feature the returning convoy of classic vehicles alongside several new participants.

“Cadets will be on. Our high schools and primary schools will be on this year as well, they weren't on last year,” she noted.

Businesses, churches, schools and community organizations are still being encouraged to participate by contacting the Chamber of Commerce for resgistration. Organizers are requesting a non-mandatory contribution of $5,000 to help offset the cost of staging the event.

According to Reid, both celebrations have grown steadily since their inception.

“Every year the ceremony gets bigger,” she said. “The community enjoys it, and afterwards people always tell us they wish they had known about it. Without this initiative, many children wouldn't get the opportunity to see disciplined uniformed groups marching in a parade which is very beautiful to witness.”

She is encouraging residents from Old Harbour and surrounding communities to embrace this year's national theme, 'United in Celebrating Resilience,' by turning out in large numbers.

“Jamaica is a very resilient country,” Reid said. “Out of many, one people—that is our motto. It shows our strength and resilience. We are asking persons to come out, celebrate with us and help make Old Harbour a place where people enjoy living, working and celebrating together.”

The events are supported by several corporate and community sponsors, including Gateway Dental, Jamaica Energy Partners, GK3 Harrisingh Solutions Limited, Juici Patties, FHC Credit Union, Bartley's Funeral Home, Unique Bathroom Vanities, Dr. Kurt Wall Foundation, W&B Trucking, Dong Dong Chinese Restaurant, Dinnall Farms, Shades of Elegance and Old Harbour News Media, among others.