Celebrations of Jamaica’s 60 years of independence this weekend will include talks tonight and tomorrow from a renowned speaker on the island’s culture and diaspora.

Dervan Malcolm will speak tonight at the Hamilton restaurant Fish and Tings from 4pm to 7pm and tomorrow at the Jamaican Grill, on Court Street from 8am to 11am.

His presentation, “Both Sides of the Story”, will also be carried by Jamaica’s Power 106FM.

Mr Malcolm’s talk is being presented by the Jamaican Association of Bermuda, which is also celebrating the 35th anniversary of its formation.

The JAB formed in 1987 from the committee organised to celebrate Jamaica’s silver anniversary of independence from the UK in 1962.

The association said the two anniversaries “underline the people that we are and the heritage that we share”.

“If Jamaica’s independence was founded on the principles of self-reliance and self-determination, so was the formation of the JAB.

“With the firm belief in the values of humanity, goodness and love, the JAB looks forward in continuing to collaborate with Bermuda while serving the Jamaican community.”

A gala tomorrow at 7.30pm will be held at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.

The diamond jubilee celebration is sponsored by the hotel, along with Bermuda Healthcare Services, as well as Clarien Bank and Granite Enforcement Team.

Other sponsors are Island Construction, Barritts, Trip, Ar-Del Graphics, KPMG, MoneyShop and Freshcut Landscaping.