Jamaican High Commission in Pretoria Newspage - Independence Celebrations Begin

The Jamaican High Commission in Pretoria hosted a Church Service as part of the celebrations to mark Jamaica's 47th Anniversary of Independence on Sunday, 2nd August 2009 at the Parktown North Methodist Church in Johannesburg.

The service, which saw the attendance of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from the region, was officiated by Rev. Anne Preston, pastor of the Parktown North Methodist Church. In her message, Rev Preston exhorted the congregation to go beyond a spoken profession of Christianity to one where practical expressions are made and people in the community are impacted by love.

In his Independence Day message, H.E. Audley Rodriques, High Commissioner, lauded the Jamaican community in Southern Africa for their continued patriotism and commitment to Jamaica. He noted that their presence in the region served to enhance Jamaica's image here. The High Commissioner also delivered the Prime Minister's Independence Message.

Worshippers were treated to performances by members of the Jamaican community in South Africa, as well as a fine selection of Jamaican refreshments after the service.