Jamaica Day to be observed on February 28

Schools across Jamaica will be abuzz with activities tomorrow Friday (February 28), as they celebrate Jamaica Day 2025, under the theme, ‘Celebrating Jamaica: SteAming Towards the Future, Honing Good Character’.                         

Chairman of the Jamaica Day Planning Committee, Marlon Williams, said Jamaica Day serves as an exceptional opportunity for schools and communities to showcase the talents in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM).         

“The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information recognises the essential link between education, culture, and civics. Jamaica Day aims to empower individuals and communities by highlighting their skills and strengths in various disciplines such as sports, culinary arts, literary arts, performing arts, visual arts, innovations, as well as notable Jamaicans,” Williams stated.    

The Excelsior Group of Schools located on Mountain View Avenue in Kingston has been selected to be the feature schools for 2025. The group includes the Excelsior Primary and Infant, Excelsior High School, and the Exed Community College.     

According to Williams, the unique inclusion spanning four levels of the education system (early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary), marks a first for celebrating Jamaica Day.                                        
He disclosed that hundreds of students from the schools will gather on the grounds of Excelsior High to celebrate Jamaica Day and that a marching band and Jonkonuu Parade will kick off the day’s activities.  

This will be followed by a civic ceremony, which will include flag raising, the reading of the Jamaica Day Proclamation and greetings delivered by several government officials.  
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon will bring remarks.    

In addition, two individuals who have made a significant contribution to Jamaica’s culture and heritage will receive the ‘Culture Icon Award’.            

Several cultural displays, performances, and culinary delights will also be showcased throughout the day.

Activities also include engaging rap sessions that will encourage discussions around STEM/STEAM topics. The day’s activities will culminate with a concert featuring guest artistes.        

Williams is encouraging Jamaicans to wear their national colours (black, green and gold) or bandanas on this special day, as a symbol of unity and pride in celebrating Jamaica.             
He also urged media houses to read the Jamaica Day proclamation at 9:10am, reinforcing the significance of making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business.