Jamaica's 54th Anniversary of Independence

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‘Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright’

A SPECIAL WEEKLY GLEANER FEATURE

JA INDEPENDENCE 54


MESSAGE

‘We salute the past and look towards the future’ A S WE commemorate our Emancipation and Independence under the theme, “Let’s get together and feel alright”, it gives all of us, at home and abroad, the opportunity to unite and celebrate our nation’s achievements. Over the past 54 years we have grown tremendously as a people and a nation. We have made an indelible mark on the world with our rich cultural heritage, music, continued success in athletics and academics, and with our warmth as a people. As Jamaicans, each of us possesses some extraordinary characteristic, which sets us apart from others wherever we are. Our Jamaican culture is multifaceted and is characterised by our unique music, folklore, heritage, language/dialect and cui-

sine. It is this uniqueness that will create the platform for this year’s celebrations. As we start off the celebrations we will pay special homage to our ancestors, with the annual Emancipation Vigil at Seville in St Ann on the eve of Emancipation Day (July 31), staged by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT). After all, it is the fighting spirit of our ancestors, our strength and determination which provide continued motivation for us to make our country proud. The Jamaica 54 Celebrations will span the length and breadth of the island and will also include: Church Services, Parish Vigils, Flag Raising Ceremonies, Festival Bandwagons, Public Fora, Independence Concerts, Stage Shows and Street Dances.

Additionally, we expect all Jamaicans to show off their style and creativity with the Festival Fashion theme: “Wear it Gold and Stripe it Bold”. At the same time, those living in the Diaspora will not be left out as we will be taking note, to select the best Diaspora celebration. This Emancipation and Independence we have much to celebrate as we salute the past and look towards the future. I encourage all Jamaicans, both locally and internationally, to get involved in the activities. Simply put, let’s get together and feel alright! O L I V I A G R A N G E,, C D , M P Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport

Thousands expected for Emancipation Jubilee event

MORE THAN 6,000 e expected d to patronss are d the e 19th h staging g of attend n Jubilee thee Emancipation e Seville too bee hell d att the Heritage e Park k in n Stt Ann. The cultural event, to be held under the theme ‘United and Free ... What a Jubilee’, will be held from July 31 into Emancipation Day on August 1. It is being organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) under the patronage of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange. The annual celebration, which commemorates Jamaica’s emancipation in 1834, showcases the island’s unique culture through song, dance, drumming, drama, food and fashion.

PARTNERSHIPS Project consultant for the event, Joan Seagears, said that in addition to the usual support from Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, the JNHT is looking to attract more foreigners to the Emancipation Jubilee. She said the agency is partnering with some hotels to

This group is ready to perform at the Grande Gala last year.

promote the event among their guests. One major sponsor is Jewel Resorts Jamaica.

HERITAGE TOURISM Seagears said Emancipation Jubilee, along with the staging of other cultural activities throughout the year in the parish, has the potential to boost heritage tourism. “What I would hope to see is continuity in the form of other people trying to promote this cultural heritage. I would love to see other hotels in Jamaica

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showcasing our unique culture. I would encourage most of the hotel owners and entertainment managers to just look at our country and look at our culture and start using our people,” she noted. JCDC brings Independence to communities The popular Festival bandwagons return this year, bringing Independence celebrations to communities across the island. The mobile entertainment show, from August 3 to 5, will feature performances from the

Grand Gala celebrations in full effect.

Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts in the areas of music, speech, drama, dance and traditional folk forms. They will also feature talents from the Festival Song and Gospel Song competitions, and other acts. The three-day celebration kicks off in St Catherine with stops at various communities, including Church Pen, Innswood, Willowdene, Spanish

Town bypass, Greater Portmore Post Office, and Hellshire Road, before ending the day at the Naggo Head bus park. On day two, the bandwagon will start at Six Miles and travel to Duhaney Park, Washington Boulevard, Molynes Road, Waltham Park Road, ending in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew. St Thomas will be the focus on day three, beginning at Bull Bay then on to Albion, Yallahs, Whitehorses, Church Pen, Morant Bay and

FILE PHOTOS

Seaforth. JCDC’s Eastern Regional manager, David Reid, says the JCDC’s aim is to get every citizen involved in the Independence celebrations. “Not everyone can hold in the stadium (for the Grand Gala) and the JCDC wants to give persons right across Jamaica a chance to celebrate. This is the 54th staging of our Independence and we cannot get any bigger than this,” he said.

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independence feature

JCDC 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION EASTERN REGION ST THOMAS, KINGSTON & ST ANDREW, ST CATHERINE

School Fun Day and Talent Search. 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, July 31

Sounds of Drums Morant Bay Square, St Thomas, 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 6

ST CATHERINE

Wednesday, August 3

SPANISH TOWN

ST THOMAS

Independence Church Service St Joseph Catholic Church, Spanish Town. A church service to start the week of activities for Emancipation & Independence 2016. 10:00 a.m.

ST CATHERINE Eastern Region Band Wagon A mobile concert featuring colourful performances along the route starting with Kumina and closing with a Pop Concert.12:00 p.m.

ST THOMAS Independence Church Service Christ Chapel Pentecostal, Morant Bay. 11:00 a.m.

National Independence Church Service Pentecostal Gospel Temple 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2. Emancipation Vigil & Sounds of the Drums Seaforth Square, Morant Bay A traditional religious event featuring Kumina and Revival. 8:00 p.m.

KINGSTON & ST ANDREW Emancipation Vigil & Sounds of the Drums Gordon Town Square, St Andrew A gospel concert twined with Cultural Performances. and closing with the Sounds of the Drums. 8:00 p.m.

File Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right) and Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, holding the remembrance candle during the National Independence Thanksgiving Church Service to celebrate Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence in 2012.

Sligoville “Emanci-Fest” – Sports Extravaganza, Food Fair, Heritage Tour Sligoville Emanci-Fest – Culture Concert Emancipation Vigil, Bon Fire & Sounds of the Drums Sligoville Multi- Purpose Stadium A traditional religious event featuring Kumina and Revival and closing with a Bond Fire to Sounds of the Drums, 9:00 p.m.

JAMAICA’S GOVERNOR General, Sir Patrick Allen has come out in support of the Jamaica Diaspora Day of Prayer and Fasting (JDOP) initiative, worldwide. Observed around the time of the first of August (Emancipation Day), each year, Sir Allen said that he was pleased to be associated with yet another staging of the global day of prayer for spiritual renewal and transformation of Jamaica. “As we celebrate our Emancipation as a people, and our Independence as a nation, I urge that your prayers be inspired by our national anthem; in the hope that God may respond to the urgent cries of His people.” Aligning his thoughts with those of the titular head of state, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the

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Sligoville Emanci-Fest; Miss Emanci-Fest: Roots-Reggae Concert

Monday, August 1 ST CATHERINE

KINGSTON

Sligoville Emanci-Fest Church Service, Health Fair,

Emancipation inna di Skool Yawd

J’can leaders, clergy support Diaspora Day of Prayer Gleaner Writer

Sligoville Multi-Purpose Stadium. 8:00 a.m.

Sligoville Multi-Purpose Stadium. A full day of activities – Church Service, Sports & Fun Day, Freedom Tour, Miss Emanci-Fest and Roots Concert. 6:00 p.m.

ST CATHERINE

Aubrey Campbell

Food & Craft Village, Heritage Tour, Sports Extravaganza

current level of indiscipline is both alarming and unacceptable. “As you congregate to pray for our nation, I ask that you make a special appeal for the renewal of minds to transform our country into a disciplined and orderly society.” Noting the timing of the global day of prayer, Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller offered that, “There can be no greater example of Emancipation and Independence than the redemption of our people and nation of Jamaica through Christ Jesus”. JDOP Steering Committee chair, Rev Andrew R. Bennett, Sr, from Paterson, New Jersey, confirmed at the final planning meeting in mid July, that a number of new prayer centers (churches), have joined the movement for this year’s prayer initiative. These include centers in Westchester County and the

Thursday, August 4 KINGSTON & ST ANDREW Eastern Region Band Wagon A mobile concert featuring colourful performances along the route starting with Drummers and closing with a Pop Concert. 12:00 p.m.

Friday, August 5 ST THOMAS Eastern Region Band Wagon

A mobile concert featuring colourful performances along the route starting with Marching Band and closing with a Pop Concert. 12:00p.m.

Independence Religious Service & Flag Raising Ceremony Emancipation Square A Religious and Civic Function with Flag Raising Ceremony to official marked Jamaica 54th Independence. 9:00 a.m.

Independence Flag Raising Ceremony Morant Bay Square, St Thomas A Civic Function with a Flag Raising Ceremony to official marked Jamaica 54th Independence. 9:00 a.m.

Independence Flag Raising Ceremony Portmore Pines Plaza A Civic Functionwith a Flag Raising Ceremony to official marked Jamaica 54th Independence. 10:00 a.m.

ST THOMAS Independence Concert & Street Dance Morant Bay Square, St Thomas The St Thomas Parish Independence Celebration in a Street Gala and Dance with Performances from Cultural Items, Local Acts and Pop Artists culminating in a Dance. 7:00 p.m.

KINGSTON & ST ANDREW Independence Concert & Street Dance Red Hill’s Square, St Andrew The Kingston & St Andrew Independence Celebration in a Street Gala and Dance with Performances from Cultural Items, Local Acts and Pop Artists culminating in a Dance. 7:00 p.m.

ST CATHERINE Independence Concert & Street Dance Burke Road, Spanish Town The St Catherine Parish Independence Celebration in a Street Gala and Dance with Performances from Cultural Items, Local Acts and Pop Artists culminating in a Dance. 7:00 p.m.

Harbour View Primary

Borough of Queens, NY; Davie in South Florida; Trenton, NJ; Massachusetts, Philadelphia and the Greater Toronto Metropolitan Area. Already, scores of churches and places of worship in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom, participate in the annual prayer vigil for the nation’s spiritual renewal and transformation, first started in 2004, by a coalition of clergymen affiliated with the Brooklyn, NY-based Intercessory Prayer Ministry International, chaired by Rev Newton Gabbidon. The JDOP, through the various missions overseas and in concert with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, support two charities in Jamaica with donations from offerings collected at the annual prayer vigil, worldwide. The charities are the Coalition in Support of Adolescent Leadership Training, in St Ann, Jamaica, and the Pregnancy Resource Center of Jamaica, St James, Jamaica. Clergy and/or churches wishing to join the movement and participate in the day of prayer, can contact, IPMI at; 718-241-2162, or JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2016 • III


independence feature

UK Jamaicans get ready for independence celebrations J George Ruddock

AMAICANS IN the UK are getting ready to mark the island’s 54th Independence anniversary celebrations with a number of events up and down the country starting this weekend. Activities will commence with the annual Independence Service of Praise and Thanksgiving on Saturday, July 30 hosted by the Jamaica High Commission at the Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham Street, London SW1 3DW starting at 11 a.m. The service will include the delivery of the Prime Minister’s Independence message to Jamaicans overseas. The High Commission will also be hosting a special Independence Reception on Friday, August 5th at the International Maritime Orgainsation, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR starting at 6 p.m. This will be a paid event and guests can purchase tickets from the High Commission on 0207 823 9911. The gala Independence Anniversary Dinner and Dance will be hosted by the Associations of Jamaicans UK Trust on Saturday,

FILE A section of the audience at an event recently.

Paulette Lewis (centre) president of the Nurses Association UK with Lolita Bartlett (left) of Vouch UK and Dorothy Turner, Nurses Association member. August 6 at The Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London W8 5SR starting at 7 pm. Special guest speaker will be spoken word poet David Neita along with live entertainment by reggae artiste Donna Marie. Dancing music will be provided by DJ Popey until 1 am. Tickets are £65. The Mount Pleasant Jamaica Association UK, will be hosting an Independence fund-raising event on Saturday, August 6 at the Phoenix Centre, Phoenix Place, London WC1 0DG

starting at 1 pm. The event is in aid of the Jamaica Cancer Society and activities will include a live fashion show, hair show, dance performances and various food and art and craft stalls. There will also be a live PA by cabaret singer Deloris Francis. The Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation (UK) will be staging its annual Family Fun Day and Food Festival on Sunday, August 7 at Crystal Palace Park, south London to mark Jamaica’s 54th Independence celebrations. Attractions will include food stalls, art and craft, fun fair and bouncy castle for the children. Highlight for the day will be a live performance by Jamaican reggae singer Luciano. The event starts at 12.30 p.m. Over in Birmingham, a special Jamaica Independence Fun Day will be staged at Handsworth Park, Hinstock Road, Birmingham B20 2HF on Saturday, August 6, which will also feature a live performance by reggae singer

Luciano. On the following day, Sunday, August 7, The Association of Jamaican Nationals Birmingham, will hold a Service of Praise and Thanksgiving to mark Jamaica’s 54th Independence anniversary at the New Testament Church of God, 240-244 Lozells Road, B19 1NP. The service will commence at 3 pm and the guest speaker will be Dr Anthony Reddie. International reggae singer Beres Hammond will also dedicate part of his UK tour in celebration of Jamaica’s Independence anniversary with two performances in Birmingham and London. The Birmingham show will be at the O2 Academy, Birmingham B1 1DB on Saturday, August 6 starting at 10 p.m., followed by another performance on Sunday, August 7 in London at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London NW5 1JY starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are available from the venues or various online ticket outlets.

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independence feature

Gaile Walters

INTRODUCING MANGIA876 A fusion of Jamaican, Italian cuisine Gaile Walters Contrinbutor

OR ME, the beauty of Jamaican cuisine has been its fusion of the broad cultural church that is Jamaican nationality which is why I ventured into a mobile street food catering business called Mangia876. To say food is Jamaican is to pay homage to the staple and carbohydrate legacy of its indigenous peoples; the curry and spices of the East Indians; the roasting, grilling, now jerking mixed Spanish and African traditions; the Europeans and their pickled fish dishes, from Solomon Gundy to the salt cod, which now makes up one-half of our national dish and many more besides. And the food tastes great! That’s the 876 part of our name, a nod to Jamaica through its country dialling code. Beyond the taste is the attitude of Jamaican food. It says “come and have a good time; enjoy this; try that; yourpardy won’t steer you wrong”. Eleven years ago, on my

F

first trip to Italy, I had that same good time food experience. In addition to the similarities I saw around food preparation, such as strong meaty sauces, simple seasoning, cooking and serving meat or fish on the bone, celebration of the glorious fifth quarter (skin, tails, intestines and the like), their food attitude reminded me of home. There, as in Jamaica, food is a welcome. You are invited into someone’s home and you are fed, well. And that’s from whence the ‘mangia’ hails, Italian for ‘you eat’.

UNIVERSAL DISHES Since there is little that distinguishes human beings, it is understandable that when we choose cultural identifiers, we seek to imbue them with proprietary characteristics. So one Italian’s ‘polenta’ is my turn cornmeal; their ‘ossobuco’ is our oxtail and beans; and however you dress up ‘bacalao’m it’s still saltfish, and never the twain shall meet. Yes, we know it isn’t like your nonnaused to make it but who says you can’t do this or try that?

Mangia876 isn’t about domination. It looks at where the intersection of techniques and traditions, styles and specialities form a new road and where the only thing that matters is your enjoyment of what has been created. Along this new road are exciting taste sensations and culinary discoveries: yam gnocchi, oxtail pappardelle, jerk aubergine, ackee on bammy bruschetta orarancini with all kinds of Jamaican goodness mixed with Italian cheeses in the center. Mangia876 invites you to take off your “it must be this way” hat, try something new and have a good time. Check out our website at www.mangia876.com. Mangia876 is a mobile street food catering business with a charity designed to support the education of girls in care in Jamaica. You can find us and you can book us at markets, festivals, pop-ups and private events. Follow us on twitter, Instagram or Facebook @mangia876.

Photos by Kwame LeStrade Ackee on Bammy bruschetta

caption to come

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independence feature

JAMAICA’S The birth STORY of a nation E

VERY Y YEAR on Augustt 6,, (previously Monday y in firstt August),, Jamaicanss celeance bratee the e end d off ourr relia n Britain,, especially y in n the on controll off specificc functions off thee country. This is widely referred to as Independence celebrations. At this time we also honour all those persons who were responsible for the transfer of power.In February 1962, a new Constitution was approved by the Legislature and the Premier Norman Manley called General Elections. Alexander Bustamante was elected in April and became the first Prime Minister of Jamaica. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica became an Independent Nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. Jamaica becoming an Independent Nation, now meant that Britain, no longer controlled the affairs of the country. It was

now the responsibility of the newly elected Prime Minister and the elected Cabinet. Independence also meant that a Constitution, symbols, emblems, an army, Jamaican currency and passports had to be developed for the country.

In Jamaica on August 1, 1838, thousands of ex-slaves who had gathered at town centres and churches in the British Caribbean territory

Marcus Mosiah Garvey (August 17, 1887-June 10, 1940) – founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

Sir Alexander Bustamante, GBE (February 24, 1884 – August 6, 1977 – Chief Minister of Jamaica (December 1944 – January 1955). Premier of Jamaica (April 1962 – August 1962). Prime Minister of Jamaica (April 1962 – February 1967). Founder – Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Samuel Sharpe (1780s – May 23, 1832). ‘Leader’, Burchell Baptist Church, Montego Bay, St James.

George William Gordon (circa 1820s -October 23, 1865) – Member of the House of Assembly.

Nanny of the Maroons (circa 1600s – circa 1740s) – Leader of the Windward Maroons at the beginning of the 18th Century.

Norman Washington Manley, MM, QC (July 4, 1893-September 2, 1969) – Chief Minister (January 1955 – July 1959). Premier (July 1959 – April 1962). Founder – President of the People’s National Party (PNP).

Paul Bogle (circa 1822-October 24, 1865) – deacon, the Native Baptist Church, Stony Gut, St Thomas.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS As an Independent Nation, Jamaica assigns Ambassadors and commissioners overseas who represent the country. They sign treaties on behalf of Jamaica and become members of various international organisations. This is important, as it gives Jamaica equal rights on various issues relating to international trade, policies and treaties. In October, during National Heritage Week (third Monday in October), we also honour our six National Heroes and one Heroine, in recognition of their contribution to the birth of our nation.

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independence feature broke into joyous celebrations after hearing the final words of the Emancipation Declaration, affirming their full freedom from slavery. This momentous date represented the abolition of the dehumanising system which had enslaved people of African descent in the British colony for over 150 years. The Emancipation Act of 1838 was passed by the British Government following a sustained abolition campaign, underscored by bloody slave uprisings in the colonies as well as increased anti-slavery sentiment in the UK. In the midst of the campaign, which lasted from 1780 until 1838, several individuals distinguished themselves as true anti-slavery champions. These include: Thomas Clarkson William Wilberforce Joseph Sturge William Knibb Thomas Burchell, and Samuel Sharpe

sented on the Coat of Arms. Ackee The Jamaican National Fruit Thee Bluee Mahoe

The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus Elatus) is the national tree of Jamaica. National Tree Jamaica has six (6) national Symbols

NATIONAL SYMBOLS Jamaican n Flag The Jamaica National Flag was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation. Lignum m Vitae National Jamaican Flower The Lignum Vitae (Guiacum Officinale) was found here by Christopher Columbus Coatt off Arms The Jamaican national motto is ‘Out of Many One People’, based on the population’s multiracial roots. The motto is repre-

The Jamaican Coat of Arms.

Ackee

The Jamaican flag

File

The Doctor bird

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