Education ministry celebrates island’s cultural heritage in Jamaica Day celebrations

THE MINISTRY of Education and Youth, in continuing to promote Jamaica’s cultural heritage and identity through its annual Jamaica Day observances, this year aligned the celebrations with the Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) campaign at the William Knibb Memorial High School.

Marlon Williams, chair of the Jamaica Day Planning Committee and senior education officer at the ministry, emphasised the integration of TREND into this year’s event, which took place on February 23.

“The ministry is excited to introduce TREND to our annual Jamaica Day tradition. This year, it was Region 3’s turn, and we are thrilled to celebrate with the students and staff of the prestigious William Knibb Memorial High School,” Williams said during the national celebrations. This initiative forms part of the ministry’s annual tradition of highlighting a specific school for Jamaica Day celebrations, building on the previous year’s event.

In her address, Marsha Smith, minister of state in the Ministry of Education and Youth, commended William Knibb High School students for their exceptional contributions and urged them to proudly represent Jamaican culture on a global scale.

This year, Jamaica Day expanded its reach to Iowa in the United States with a simulcast celebration in the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Mayors Danny Laudick and Quinton Hart addressed the gatherings, showcasing the growing international embrace of Jamaican culture. Commenting on this global significance, Williams noted, “When we learnt that these US cities proclaimed and celebrated Jamaica Day last year, we reached out to collaborate. Today marks the day when Jamaica and Iowa have set the ‘TREND’ of having Jamaicans here, Jamaicans abroad, and Jamaicans at heart celebrating who we are in sports, as we gave the world the fastest man and woman.”

Through key initiatives such as the annual celebration of Jamaica Day and the TREND campaign, the ministry said it was committed to celebrating Jamaica’s cultural heritage and empowering students. Through the TREND campaign, the ministry noted it was keen on providing an inclusive and highquality education system that unlocks the full potential of every Jamaican.