Under the patronage of Jamaica's Consul General, Franz Hall, the event will feature one of Jamaica's cultural icon and accomplished cultural actress, Marguerite Newland who will share perspectives of her relationship with the late Hon. [Louise Bennett-Coverley] "Miss Lou" OJ, MBE. (1919-2006), former international cultural ambassador. Newland, communication consultant and broadcaster, has had a wide range of experience in the dramatic arts since she began performing in 1968. Her theatre profile include works with notables such as Basil Dawkins, Easton, Oliver Samuels among others.
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.
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.
Traditional Maroon culture was, however, determined to be in need of safeguarding and protection because of several factors. Chief among these was the fact that transmission of traditional knowledge from elders to younger generations was not taking place on the scale it was used to and the fact that migration patterns saw large numbers of Maroon youth leaving the traditional sites of settlements. In response, UNESCO was petitioned to assist in safeguarding traditional Maroon culture in Jamaica, in particular, that of the Maroons of Moore Town, who were deemed to be the most remote. In November 2003, UNESCO declared the Maroon Heritage of Moore Town as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This action facilitated the implementation of measures geared toward documenting, for posterity, traditional Maroon cuisine, language, the Kromanti play and the craftsmanship associated with the creation of tools and implements such as their unique Prentin drum, fishpots, spears and the abeng.
This is a narrative of Jamaica told on a musical crescendo, no 'bungar.ung'. Just the words of Jah. `Equal Rights: Reggae and Social Change' is seeking to transform the bare walls of the Jamaica Music Museum, stringing together notes of this truly Jamaican genre. "Since reggae is Jamaican, we have used it to convey the message," said Herbie Miller, director/curator of the Jamaica Music Museum. "It is a journey highlighting socio-political and spiritual sensibility." The realm of the `happy go lucky' Jamaica transitions to Ska depicting plain and modern art building the crescendo of social change as the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers resonate 'Get Up Stand Up', evolution of musicians on the frontline of social change.
Congressman Gregory Meeks who represents the Sixth Congressional District of South East Queens, home to a large Haitian migrant population, also expressed his concern about [Jean-Bertrand Aristide]'s removal from office and the role the United States, might have had in the affair. "I'm one who thinks that Aristide had some problems in the country. However, I believe in the institution of democracy and that we needed both sides to sit down pursuant to the CARICOM agreement," he told the Gleaner. Other members of the delegation who called on Secretary General [Kofi Annan] were Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California; Kendrick Meek from Florida; Donald Payne - New Jersey; Major Owen - New York; John Conyers - Michigan and actor and human rights activist, Danny Glover.
[Carolyn Cooper] said there is a dissonance between "the brand" and the "representation of the brand" and that "until in Jamaica we come to acknowledge Jamaica is not an "out of many, one people" country but it is really a country of black people with small numbers of ethnic minorities, we're not going to get the brand right." 'At Independence, Emancipation Day just disappeared. Because if you have Emancipation Day, then you have to ask yourself what you were emancipated from. And then certain people would have to say, well, we were mixed up in it. Slavery, that is. So Emancipation Day was just erased,"she said. "But Garveyites and Rastafari kept the tradition of celebrating Emancipation Day. And it's now back on the national calendar. We even have an Emancipation Park!" "This book is a celebration of Brand Jamaica, the authentic Brand Jamaica and I hope that as you read it, you'll understand why I'm so passionate about the subject," said Cooper as she ended her remarks.
New York: Cruising into History was the theme at a luncheon last Wednesday, hosted by editorial director of Essence Magazine, Susan Taylor onboard the Serenade of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean luxury liner. To commemorate Haiti's bi-centennial anniversary of independence, Ron Daniels, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, developed the concept of Cruising into history. On August 12-21, 2004, `Cruising into History' will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Haitian Independence.
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.
-, Continued PM Simpson Miller, "As we celebrate 'triumphant, proud and free,' - the theme of this year's Independence celebration - let us not forget the road we travelled to create a more prosperous, productive and peaceful Jamaica. Let us draw on the history of our ancestors, a history of triumph over adversity." Noting that Jamaica is on a journey with one, urgent mission, PM Simpson Miller said that the mission must take us briskly along the path of economic growth and national development. 'Let us reconstruct our society so that all Jamaicans can meaningfully participate in the economic life of the nation. Let us remember that Jamaica is more than a brand, more than a name, it is the pride of a people."
"We do it in the rural areas more than we do it in Kingston and I think events such as Kingston Pon Di River really need to happen more. It's a way of giving people a voice. I really congratulate the organisers, and it's one of those events that people should put on their calendar," she said. "I thought the audience reception was very positive. It's encouraging me to write some more stories. Kingston Pon Di River buss me as a creative writer, so mi haffi go through," she told The Gleaner.
"The LTM and NDTC relationship speaks for itself, we need each other," she said, before continuing to creatively embroider her personal experiences with the NDTC into her speech. With the dance floor of the NDTC studio as the stage, the delightful evening's programme flowed with a message from the chairman of the Rex Nettleford Foundation, Carlton Davis, a vote of thanks from NDTC Musical Director, Marjorie Whylie, and excerpts from the company's' repertoire. The dances were performed by the now generation of dancers.
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.
"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].
The annual event is a celebration of the second principle of Nguzo Saba, 'Kujichagulia' which means 'self determination'. Providing musical entertainment for the night was the Anthem Band along with saxophonist, Jerry Johnson and roots reggae singers Ossie Dellimore, Major Daps and Noel Jones. Cater Van Pelt was the selector for the evening and food was catered · by Totally Delicious Restaurant.
Among the highlights of the day will be an exposition on Jamaican culture - culinary arts, entertainment and music, featuring too the iconic Jamaica handcart laden with Jamaican goodies.
She said that, these are the harsh realities which result in significant measure from pervasive and systemic injustice and discrimination, for which the international community needs a "wake up call" in order to accelerate regional and international cooperation, "to ensure people of African descent have full enjoyment of their rights to participate in all the political, economic, social and cultural facets of society". The Acting CARICOM Secretary General said that the region's "highly respected international reputation' as being intolerant of inequality and discrimination' was built partly on the foundation of the unrelenting resistance of enslaved Africane, embodied in martyrs and leaders of the slave revolts such as Toussaint L'Overture in Haiti; Nanny and Tacky in Jamaica; Codjo, Mentor and Present in Suriname; Bussa in Barbados and Cuffy and Damon in Guyana. [Lolita Applewhaite] said the Rastafarian movement that "revolutionised the consciousness of the Caribbean people and many others outside of the region", pointing also to the strong influence of people of African descent in the creation of a "distinctive Caribbean brand".
"The purpose of the International Black Summit is to provide an opportunity for participants to bring into being their vision for the black community and the world," Christian said.
Jamaicans across the United States will commemorate the island's 45th anniversary of Independence with a variety of activities. The national theme of this year's celebration is, "Unity, Peace and Justice... The Pillars of a Strong Nation." This year also marks the 169th anniversary of Jamaica's emancipation from slavery and this major milestone is also part of this year's celebrations.