Oh What a Jubilee
August 14, 2009
The heavy downpour in the wee hours of the morning could not dampen the spirits of the thousands of Jamaicans and visitors who turned up at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann on July 31 to celebrate their African roots at the annual Emancipation Jubilee. The sounds of drumming and other traditional folk forms pulsated in the air while the huge backdrop on the stage featuring broken chains and African adinka symbols left no doubt to the nature of the event organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
Among the special guests were Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding and President of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo.
Just before midnight officials laid wreaths on the grave of three African remains found during Archaeological excavations on the Seville property. Among those laying wreaths were Prime Minister Golding, President Jagdeo, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange, Member of Parliament Hon. Shahine Robinson and Custos of St. Ann Hon. R.O. Walters.
Speaking to patrons just after midnight, the Jamaican Prime Minister said: "We gather in a spirit of renewal, because slaves we were, but free men we are today. It is a time like now that we must recall the strength, the courage and the fortitude that our forefathers demonstrated to withstand those many years of bondage and oppression, and we must call on that strength, because we need that strength to take us through the challenges that we will have to overcome."
Symbols of the past
The ground of the great house was alive with symbols of the past. Rising from the base of the stage were long stalks of sugar cane, their leaves swaying in the night year, reminding visitors of the importance of the crop during slavery. There was a door of no return through which visitors were invited to enter before boarding a recreated slave ship, with actors playing out scenes from the Middle Passage.
Emancipation Jubilee celebrated its 13th anniversary this year and was organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), to bring greater awareness and acceptance to the historical struggles of the island's African ancestors. It also showcased through drama, fashion, traditional dance, music and drumming, retentions of the African traditions in the society.
There were exciting performances from traditional groups across the island. The St. Ann Senior Citizens Group drew howls of laughter with their appearance and nine night item. Port Morant Kumina Group gave the audience a touch of kumina; Islington Cultural Group performed Dinki Mini; Hertford Cultural Group did a medley of traditional folk; Stella Maris Dance Ensemble and Tivoli Dancers also performed artistic pieces.
There were shouts of appreciation for the 'Strong One' Etana, one of the main acts on the show. Roy Rayon never fails to please and he rocked the audience with a spirited performance. Sister Scully, a regular performer at Emancipation Jubilee thrilled with her powerful voice of praise. There were also good performances from One Third, G Whizz, History Man, Voice Mail, Royal African Soldiers, Jimmy Riley and Dance Expressionz.
