"The voice of Miss Lou, the honourable [Louise Bennett-Coverley], helped to shape the psyche of the resilient people in Jamaica. People are conscious of the diverse roots of our heritage, but mindful that the African presence was as valued as any other. And people must come to realise that the linguistic roots of that melding of cultures in Jamaica, our patwa, however we write it or spell it, is a worthy and necessary instrument of self expression". "She [Miss Lou] made me understand what it really means to be a Jamaican and how to appreciate and embrace all the various facets of our culture and heritage... No longer is it shameful to express the way we feel in the true Jamaican way... There that you cannot translate into english to give the same impact. Miss Lou made it OK not to nice it up".
In her exciting presentation entitled "Stuck in Traffic: Jamaican Culture Outa Road," Dr. Cooper explained that "Jamaican culture, like Jamaican traffic has special challenges." Addressing an overflow audience at the Embassy, she surveyed aspects of Jamaican Culture through a metaphorical review of the traffic situation in the country from the time of Independence.
The concert was held in order to raise funds for Howard 'Goddy Goddy' Reynolds' surgery to remove a painful tumour behind his ears. The 'night to remember' began with five-year-old Oshine Levy, the daughter of 2004 Gospel Song winner Lubert Levy. Oshine gave a splendid rendition of My Redeemer Lives. Her pint-sized body belied her voice control. She lifted the place to a spiritual high which found hundreds of mostly young attendees dancing, waving flags and singing along. The command of her performance was highlighted by MC Garfield, who reminded the audience that 'a child shall lead them'.
IATI is a New York-based, nonprofit performing arts organisation, established in 1968, dedicated to serving both English and Spanish-speaking audiences of all ages. Its productions aim to be both play and provocateur, combining the prose of Gabriel Garc'a Marquez with the intrigue of Borges and Cortázar.
Long before reggae became a global superstar in the 1970s and since then the iconic expression of Jamaican culture, it was Jamaica's performing arts groups that were the standard bearers of the nation's image, chief among them the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) and the Jamaica Folk Singers which were established in 1962 and 1967 respectively. New works have similarly been introduced into the repertoire, many choreographed by the young members. The NDTC's organic relationship with the School of Dance and the entire cultural umbrella of the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts and the Little Theatre Movement ensures that there's a continuous and dynamic exchange of ideas, teaching and talent. A number of the senior dancers and choreographers are in fact lecturers at the School of Dance.
Representatives of several major Jamaican corporations, primarily representing companies in the food distribution and financial services sectors, will also be participating in and co-sponsoring the event. This year's conference will be held under the theme: "The Jamaican Diaspora: Unleashing the Potential".
Expo Jamaica recognizes this beautiful synergy and has been for the last forty one (41) years the mecca for All Things Jamaican. As the longest running multi-sectoral trade show in the Caribbean, Expo Jamaica (formerly The JMA/JEA Expo) has become more than just an event, it's an experience. For four days every two years we showcase the best of what Jamaica has to offer to the world, connecting the Diaspora with the products they love. A megashow, Expo Jamaica has become a staple in the Jamaican calendar for businesses and consumers alike, to taste, see and truly feel Jamaica.
High Commissioner [Maxine Roberts] was praised for her dedication and commitment to both Jamaica and Jamaican community in the United Kingdom (UK). Manager of National Commercial Bank, UK Operations, Dale Robinson said Miss Roberts was a true friend to the Jamaican businesses operating in the UK.
"Employment opportunities arise as actors, directors, production crews, electricians, drivers and props people, among many other persons, are needed. Add up those and the many other jobs on set, and you'll see how many persons are needed. Think about how many stories we have to tell in Jamaica. It would create employment for a lot of young people. It also provides international exposure for local actors and exposes Jamaican culture and heritage - that means more tourism exposure," said [Joan Edwards].
Members of the Victory Tabernacle New Testament Church of God gathered by the seaside behind the Forum Hotel in Portmore following their three-hour worship service to witness children, a few males and many women urging them to give their lives to Christ. Photograph (Reverend Errol Duncans of the Victory Tabernacle New Testament Church of God in Portmore, St. Catherine.)
