PORTLAND, Jamaica — A large crowd converged on Port Antonio Square for the National Heroes Day parade, led by Custos Rotulorum of Portland, Lincoln Thaxter.
The Port Antonio Marching Band led the procession of uniformed groups, including members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade and Jamaica Combined Cadet Force.
During the ceremony, Custos Thaxter inspected the uniformed groups and took the salute.
Custos Lincoln Thaxter looks at Jamaica's lone heroine, Nanny of the Maroons (from Moore Town, Portland), after laying a flower at Port Antonio Square.
Messages from the governor-general, prime minister and leader of the Opposition were also read, while wreaths were laid in honour of Jamaica’s seven national heroes.
Adding to the celebrations, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) gold medallist Phyllidia Brown-McKenzie delighted attendees with a musical performance, which included her original composition, Blessed Island.
Custos Lincoln Thaxter (foreground) heads dignitaries for the march pass at Portland’s heroes’ day parade in Port Antonio.
Flowers laid at the clock at the Port Antonio Square by photographs of our heroes
Phyllidia Brown-McKenzie performing her song Blessed Island
— Everard Owen
