NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
JDF’s Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Hardly Lewin escorts the Governor-General, His Excellency Professor Kenneth Hall, to the saluting dais.
After hours of inclement weather, the sun finally broke through the clouds with its brilliant sunshine just before the start of the National Independence Day Parade, held on the lawns of King’s House on 06 August 2007. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Judiciary and people from different sections of the public came to celebrate Jamaica’s 45th year of Independence.
Major Mahatma Williams, the Guard Commander, accompanies the Governor-General as he inspects the Guard of Honor.
The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) was once again on show as the Second Battalion The Jamaica Regiment provided the Guard of Honour for the parade. On the parade also were different uniform groups. The groups included the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Department of Correctional Services, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Combined Cadet Force and the Boys’ Brigade. They, along with the JDF, gave a sterling performance for the thousands of Jamaicans who watched the ceremony from their television screens.
The uniformed groups executing the march-pass.
As customary, the morning saw the Governor-General, The Most Honourable Professor Kenneth Hall, the Prime Minister, The MostHonourable Portia Simpson Miller, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bruce Golding, delivering their Independence Day messages.
Different groups, brightly clad, gave outstanding performances through music and dance. The JDF’s composite band also gave an exciting display of talents performing of local renditions that were well-received with applauses.
Members of the JDF’s Massed Band and Drums performing a drum solo.
Other performances came from the Jamaica Constabulary Force Choir, Mineral Heights Primary School and the Norwich Primary School, just to name a few.
The Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, acknowledged the presence of
Captain Barrington Irvin Jr, the youngest and first black pilot to fly solo around the world.
After much fanfare, the day’s event came to an end with the uniform groups doing a march pass and the Jamaica Constabulary Force Choir singing the National Anthem.
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