The Jamaican Association of Bermuda has planned a night of entertainment and fine dining in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean nation’s independence.The gala will take place at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess next Saturday.Jamaica’s Entertainment and Tourism Minister Damion Crawford will be the keynote speaker with music by Jamaican singer and songwriter Roy Rayon and local band Tempo.Fae Ellington of popular Jamaican television series ‘Morning Time’, will be the host for the night.Association president Traddie Simpson said: “It will be a celebration of Jamaican independence and a celebration of Jamaican contributions within Bermuda so the linkage between the two countries will also be highlighted at the event.“It will be a formal gala dinner, black tie affair if you will. The event is open to the public, Jamaicans, friends of Jamaica, anyone who has an evening free and wants to attend the event are quite welcome to join us in the celebration.”Jamaica’s Independence Day is actually celebrated August 6.A four-course meal featuring Island spices and flavours will be on offer at next Saturday’s event.Chef Thomas Frost said: “We are not going with traditional Jamaican foods. It’s a menu with some flavours, colours and textures in there, but we want to keep it a little more of a banquet style.“We couldn’t do all the comfort foods for 200 people, so this worked out well.”Mr Frost said he would be preparing a pumpkin soup “which is a big Bermudian and Jamaican flavour” topped with dried, roasted pumpkin seeds and a sage foam.Guests will then be treated to a Bermuda Caesar salad, with hearts of baby romaine lettuce and the Fairmont’s own Caesar dressing.The chef said: “Instead of doing a traditional crouton we will do baby codfish cakes and top the salad with Parmesan confetti.”A jerk spiced roasted chicken breast is one of two main course choices. The dish will be served with a forest mushroom ragout “with some really nice earthy flavours”.The second option is an Atlantic mahi mahi fillet, paired with roasted Bermuda tomatoes, finished off with some cream.The dishes will be served with Bermuda red potatoes and farmer’s market vegetables. “Whatever vegetables are seasonal, fresh and on the market that day will be picked up,” Mr Frost said.The dessert for the evening is Bermuda Triangle petit selections of raspberry cheesecake, chocolate mouse and a pastry sandwiched with cream, called millefeuille.Mr Simpson said the event would be a fun time for all, but most importantly was a time for reflection.“We hope that people will come aware that our independence is not just about having a party, but we view this time as a period of reflection and what it means to belong and be a part of a country that is independent.“And the responsibility that comes with that is we are always an ambassador no matter where we are as Jamaicans.”He said Jamaicans were “very proud” of their heritage not just because of the sporting accomplishments and reggae music, but also the contributions to the wider diaspora.Past association president Damion Brown said there would be much to celebrate on the night of the gala.“I think in terms of being our 50th anniversary it is a time to celebrate our various achievements having such a dominant culture internationally for such a small island, our well known natural beauty, our impact on athletics and our many notable Jamaicans who have made significant achievements throughout the world.“Also, in terms of highlighting the contributions Jamaicans have made here in Bermuda. There are also lots of Jamaicans who have contributed to the development of Bermuda, such as education, health, government services and judiciary. There were some founders, such as Victor Scott after who the school was named, George [Augustus] DaCosta who was the first principal of the Berkeley Institute. It’s really to celebrate the Island’s achievements and the partnership we have made while being here in Bermuda.”There are believed to be at least 2,000 people of Jamaican heritage living in Bermuda, according to Winston G Laylor, the Honorary Consul of Jamaica.He said that since its inception the Jamaican Association of Bermuda had supported many important initiatives — from donating money to local charities to spearheading a telethon shortly after the earthquake in Haiti, which raised $100,000.Treasurer Aisha Mellish said the gala event would also feature a slide show honouring people here and overseas who have contributed to the two countries. Lois Browne Evans, who took on the role of the first Jamaica Honorary Consul in Bermuda, and lawyer Julian Hall, who provided legal representation to some members of the Jamaican community, will be among those mentioned.Other events in honour of the milestone include a church service this Sunday at Heritage Worship Centre in Hamilton, a cruise, cricket game and golf competition.The gala and dinner event starts at 8pm.Tickets, $125 to $175, are available at In Between Boutique, Jamaican Grill, Fish N Tings and Western Union.Useful website: www.jamaicabda.org.