Kingston, Jamaica - Monday, December 4, 2023 – The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the nation's premier culture preservation agency, launched its 60th-anniversary celebrations with a soul stirring Diamond Thanksgiving Service at the Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre in Kingston on Sunday, December 3, 2023. The event, attended by Government Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests, showcased a spirited congregation and dynamic performances from Levy's Heritage and Laud Dance Ministry—both exceptional products of the JCDC Performing and Entertainment Arts programme. Not to be outdone was the church choir which moved the praise and worship sessions to frenzied heights at intervals throughout the service.
In delivering the sermon, host pastor Dr. the Honourable Bishop Herro Blair, encouraged Jamaicans to express gratitude in every circumstance, referencing the earthquakes we experienced over the past six months, ranging in magnitude from 3.8 to 5.6. The Bishop was firm in his belief that the hands of God Almighty was on guard over us.
In congratulating the JCDC on its milestone, Bishop Blair urged congregants to reflect on the legacy they leave behind. "Most of us, if not all of us, won't be here for the JCDC’s 120th Anniversary," he remarked. "Let us sow a seed now that will germinate, one that future generations won't be able to source the vines from."
He further envisioned a future where upcoming generations would find comfort and strength in the foundation laid by the present generation. "They will seek shade under that tree or climb it for comfort, but they won't distort what God has planted in our hearts over the last 60 years," he passionately asserted.
For her part, the Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, acknowledged the visionary dreams of JCDC's founder, The Most Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga, who was ably supported by the late Hugh Nash. She highlighted the JCDC's remarkable journey, portraying it as a dynamic force providing a platform for artistic talent and safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.
She remarked, “For the past six decades, the JCDC has nurtured talents in various forms. Talents initially hidden in the hearts of Jamaicans who dared to dream. From the composition of a simple lyric to the experience of performing these very songs on a grand stage. From a novice learning to play the recorder to a skilled musician, creating melodies that resonate with the soul of Jamaican culture. Through its diverse platforms and competitions, the JCDC has provided the nurturing soil for Jamaican talent.”
Speaking to the broader community, Minister Grange emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts across all sectors. She called on the corporate sector and Jamaicans globally to enhance their support for cultural initiatives, recognizing that investing in Jamaica's culture is an investment not only in the nation's psyche, but in its economic prosperity.
The launch of #JCDC60 at the Diamond Thanksgiving Church Service is a precursor to a series of activities throughout 2024 to highlight the achievements of the Commission over the past 60 years. The public is being encouraged to visit the JCDC's website at www.jcdc.gov.jm and to also explore its social media platforms for information about the planned 60th-anniversary commemorative events. The celebration will encompass various activities, including the release of a publication highlighting the JCDC's history, culinary achievements, and other noteworthy accomplishments.
