In Jamaica news, on Saturday 3rd August 2013, nationals and friends from the UK Jamaican Diaspora celebrated 51 years of independence at the Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge.
The event which was well attended had officiating clergy by the Rev d Canon Bruce Saunders, the Rt, Revd Dr. Robert Thompson (The Bishop Of Kingston, in the Diocese of Jamaica) and the Revd Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin (Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen).
Pastor Yvonne Brooks and Dr. Richard de Lisser were also amongst the prestigious group of ministers to coordinate the service of praise and thanksgiving.
The church service which lasted over an hour was filled with patriotic songs, nostalgic hymns and heart warming prayers for Jamaica and the people of Jamaica. With beautiful weather, the proud nation of Jamaicans in the Diaspora came out looking stunning and the fashion drew crowds outside.
Amongst those in attendance was The Right Honourable Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE; mother of the slain, Stephen Lawrence, who gave the second bible reading. HCH Aloun- Ndombet-Assamba, and president of Miss Jamaica UK June Daley.
The National Pledge, which was performed by the children of the staff and friends of the Jamaica High Commission was angelic and a great asset to the event proceedings.