Church services are underway across the island to mark the beginning of national emancipation and independence celebrations.

Culture Minister, Lisa Hanna, said the church services will formally begin a week of celebrations that showcase the theme:  ‘Proud And Free! Jamaica 53’.

The National Thanksgiving Service is being held at the St. Jago De La Vega Cathedral, in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

Meanwhile, in Hanover, a service is being held at the Lucea Assemblies Of God, Johnson Town and at the St. Ann’s Bay Baptist Church in St. Ann.

Over in Portland, the service is being held at the New Testament Assembly Church of God, in Port Antonio and in Manchester, residents will celebrate at 4:00 p.m. at the Ridgemount United Church in Mandeville, with guest speaker, Professor Verene Shepherd from the University of West Indies.