Mayor of Kingston, Her Worship Senator Councillor Angela Brown Burke, has announced a mega three-day open shopping extravaganza downtown from Thursday to Saturday.

The venture themed 'SUMMER SIZZLE SAVINGS', forms part of celebrations marking Jamaica's 50th year of Independence and the 140th anniversary of the City of Kingston as the nation's capital.

It will see downtown transformed into a shopper's paradise, with the St William Grant Park outfitted to accommodate registered vendors. The days will also have the participation of stores downtown.

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) is partnering with the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) to host the event which is expected to inject new life into shopping downtown and forms part of a drive to renew downtown Kingston, including its business and commercial aspects.

"Stores will be open early and some prices will be slashed by as much as 70 per cent.

Turning to other aspects of the Jamaica 50 celebrations, Mayor Brown Burke said that during the week of August 1 - 6, the KSAC would be presenting 50 certificates, welcoming visitors coming to join in its festivities, among other activities.

"For those of you who haven't taken a visit to cultural yard at the Norman Manley Airport: I invite you to do so," Brown Burke said.

She also noted that in October, the KSAC would be hosting a series of events in collaboration with businesses downtown including a church service at the East Queen Street Baptist Church.

"Later this year we will be hosting the Kingston City Sizzle a day of music and celebration downtown."

live feed of the Olympics

Mayor Brown Burke announced that screens would be installed to broadcast live feeds of the Olympic events beginning later this month.

"Downtown will be joining Half-Way Tree this year in securing a live feed to the Olympics so that we can enjoy the games together and make it a more meaningful experience," she noted.

She also announced that in response to an invitation from the Coventry City Council in London, Kingston's Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Swaby and Town Clerk Errol Greene, had been authorised to take part in that city's Olympic celebrations.