The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, wants businesses and Government offices to fly the national flag and include the national colours in their decorations as the country prepares to celebrate its 48th anniversary of Independence starting this weekend.

Grange, in a release said that the colours, the flag, and other national symbols "will heighten visual impact and strengthen the national spirit." She, however, reminded persons who will be participating, that the correct procedure for flying the flag is to raise it at 8 a.m. and lower it at sunset.

be creative

The minister also encouraged everyone to make creative use of the national colours - black, green and gold - in dress and fashion accessories over the seven days of celebrations, known as Jamaica Festival, which begins this Saturday and climaxes on Independence Day on August 6.

According to Minister Grange, there will be "a burst of festivities and creative cultural events" beginning with the Emancipation Jubilee on Saturday at the Seville Heritage Park, St Ann.

The Emancipation Jubilee will retrace the experience of our ancestors on their journey to and arrival in Jamaica.

Among the planned celebration activities are a thanksgiving service, fair and culinary show, the World Reggae Dance Champion-ship Finals, the islandwide Independence Day parades, street dances and grand gala.