THE Independence messages of the prime minister and governor-general and a colourful display by the mass bands of the first, second and third Batallions of the Jamaica Defence Force highlighted the 42nd Independence Day Parade on the lawns of King’s House, yesterday.

Ministers of government, members of the diplomatic corps, and the public listened attentively to the Independence messages of Prime Minister P J Patterson and Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke before being treated to lively performances of popular Jamaican folk songs by the mass bands. The drummers also delighted the audience with some fancy twirls of their drumsticks.

Also performing were Nichole Crawford, a finalist in this year’s National Gospel Song Festival, and Beverly Dexter, who did a beautiful rendition of I Saw My Land In the Morning.

A speech presentation entitled “Parents” by Cleopatra Carr from Calabar Primary and Junior High School had the audience in stitches, and the Rollington Primary School danced the Maypole to Stanley and The Turbines Festival Song I’m Dreaming Of A New Jamaica. The audience also enjoyed a spirited Folk medley by the Carifolk Singers.

The National Pledge at the end of the Parade was led by Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2004, Dr Marsha Barnett.