Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

John Williamson puts the final touches on this vulture (John Crow) yesterday in the vicinity of King's House. The vulture will be part of this year's Independence float parade next Wednesday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

It is 'ole time sinting come back again' as the Festival Street Parade and Grand Gala, underthe theme 'Riddim in Motion', has been reintroduced to the list of activities for the Independence Day celebrations.

Minister of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, says these activities, which were among the elements that made 'Festival' successful in the past, were reintroduced in an effort to revitalise the Festival season.

Depiction of pride

She also reminisced on her childhood during the season. "What I saw were some elaborate structures that depicted various themes. As a child, I thought that was something grand and depicted pride."

Grange said the activities were missed during the years of their absence and the public is pleased that they are back. She also wants visitors to come to Jamaica to see the celebrations as they did in the past.

On Independence Day, August 6, a total of 10 floats will be shown as part of the Festival Street Parade, ahead of the Grand Gala that will be held at the National Stadium.

Some of the communities in St Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew helping to make the designs are Tivoli Gardens, Denham Town, Arnett Gardens, Majesty Gardens, Allman Town, Fletcher's Land, Rockfort/Windward Road, Harbour View, Olympic Gardens, Marverly, August Town, Kintyre and Gordon Town.

Grange said the participants have been doing an excellent job. "The communities are interacting, idle hands are being occupied and a sense of belonging is being created."

Festival happenings