Welcome to the official website of the Jamaican Cultural Association Nova Scotia
CELEBRATE JAMAICA'S 58th YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE!
The Jamaican Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (JCANS) will honour Jamaica’s 58th year of Independence by raising the National Flag of Jamaica at Halifax Parade square with the blessing of Mayor Mike Savage and the City Council on August 4th, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Please come out pay tribute to the land that nurtured and inspired you, strong and free.
On August 6 - 8, 2020, Jamaican organizations across Canada will come together to celebrate Jamaica's 58th year of Independence.
This year, due to the ongoing pandemic, celebrations could not be held in person as was customary. The planning team came together to make sure Jamaicans would still have the opportunity to participate in the annual tradition of marking the anniversary of their home nation’s independence.
This is the second time we have come together as Jamaican Associations. This past June, we hosted a seven hours telethon to raise funds for stranded Jamaican visitors in Canada, International Students, and other vulnerable Jamaicans. The event website received almost 1000 unique hits and more than 2000 views on the Charles Matthews Jr. Show and social media pages.
The Independence event will again be hosted live on the Charles Matthews Jr. Show as well as Jamaica Canadian Associations social media platforms across the participating cities. With broader promotion using our media partners, we anticipate more than 5000 individuals will tune in over the three days.
The three days of online events dubbed Jamaican Canadians Coast to Coast has major sponsors: Knutsford Express, Montego Bay Jamaica; Grace Kennedy, Toronto Ontario; World Financial Group Insurance Agency Daniel O’Donnell, Ottawa Ontario; Caribbean Choice Foods, Calgary Alberta and CMJ Entertainment - Charles Matthews, Brampton Ontario. It will feature performances from across Canada and showcase the activities in the various cities across the country.
The organizations involved in this event are:
- Jamaican Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (JCANS)
- Jamaica Association of Montreal Foundation
- Jamaica Association of Montreal Inc.
- Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. (JOCA)
- Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA)
- Windsor West Indian Association (Caribbean Centre)
- Jamaican Association of Manitoba
- The Jamaican Canadian Cultural Association of British Columbia (JCCABC)
- Jamaican Canadian Association Alberta (Calgary)
On August 6th, Independence Day, there will be an opening ceremony starting at 4:00 PM followed by entertainment including Jamaican Festival Songs.
On August 7th, day two will focus on culture and will highlight Jamaican Cinema and Music with a tribute to iconic Jamaican performer Jimmy Cliff, comedic performances, and some history. There will also information sessions with panelist from Jamaica Consulate Office Toronto; Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB|); Jamaica National Bank (JN); Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO); Pan-African Credit Union (PACU) and Jamaica Diaspora Groups.
On August 8th, the event’s last day, the focus is on youth and boasts a children’s corner and a plethora of youth talent on display. There will be a virtual tour of the exhibit Jamaican-Nova Scotian Connections from the Maroons to the Present Day at The Canadian Museum of Immigration - Pier 21. The evening will end with a segment called Big People Time featuring some of the best Jamaican Canadian talents and live DJs taking viewers through the decades from Ska to modern Dancehall.
Michelle McKenzie-Dolly, Chair of the committee had this to say "Jamaicans everywhere take the time to celebrate this day every year. The ongoing pandemic made it harder, but we just could not let the day pass without recognizing our 58th year as an independent country. The various organizations that have come together to make this event happen are phenomenal and we are in for a treat!"
The events will run online at Jamaican Canadians Coast to Coast web-site jcccgroup.ca. Information requests can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
T. Olive Phillips, JCANS President
