Building the Legacy

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

Very early in Thursday evening's launch programme for next year's celebration of Jamaica's half-century of Independence, CHASE Fund CEO Billy Heaven declared that from here on year-long activities will be simply called 'Jamaica 50'.

Later, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia 'Babsy' Grange specified the duration of Jamaica 50 for the large gathering on the lawns of Jamaica House, Hope Road, St Andrew. It will run from 12:01 on Sunday, January 1, and continue through to December 31.

She may well have said fireworks to fireworks, as there will be blasts across the island as the year begins and closes with Fireworks on the Waterfront.

However, it is intended that the effects of the celebrations will go well past the 50th anniversary cut-off point. A detailing of the Jamaica 50 activities showed a number of 'Core Events', but also 'Legacy Projects'. The former consists of annual calendar staples, such as Reggae Month activities in February, the Jamaica International Invitational track meet in April and the various festival competitions.

On the other hand, the Legacy Projects tend to not be regularly scheduled events and are oriented towards having a long-term effect.

Partnership at work

The Jamaica 50 Secretariat's material shows close to 20 projects requiring funding, with closer to 10 already financed. And the publication makes it clear that it as a matter of "private-public sector partnership at work".

At the launch Earl Jarrett, listed as chair of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's Trade Policy Committee, spoke to the organisation's commitment to national development.

The CHASE Fund is financing the establishment of the Marcus Garvey Park and Museum in St Ann's Bay, while the Bank of Jamaica is funding the issuing of souvenir coins and commemorative bank notes.

Up for funding, however, are the Jamaica Music Museum, a Portmore Performing Arts Centre, the Ward Theatre Restoration and the establishment of the National Playground in Hope Gardens, among several more substantial projects.

Amaze, stimulate and excite

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) also celebrates 50 years in 2012 and while their Military Tattoo is listed as a core event, it is certainly not on an annual calendar. Lt Col Jamie O'Gilvie of the JDF said the last tattoo was in 1982 and next year's four-day event will run from June 28 to July 1 at the polo field, Up park Camp. Describing the tattoo as "a colourful military spectacle", O'Gilvie said over 450 persons from Jamaica and overseas will show their skills and over 36,000 persons are expected to attend.

"The show will amaze, stimulate and excite," O'Gilvie said.

Thursday's launch was a combination of speeches and performances, the Cari-Folk Singers, National Dance Theatre Company and the Glenmuir High School Choir, among those making cultural presentations. There was also a video presentation of the Jamaica 50 Song, produced by Mikey Bennett.

Grange pointed to the coincidence of Jamaica 50 and the London Olympics next year, at which Jamaica is once again expected to do well on the track. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett pointed to continued strong visitor arrivals, connecting hopes for an increase with Jamaica 50.

In one of his final public functions as prime minister, Bruce Golding said "50 years is a relatively short time in the life of any nation". Still, he said, it was a hugely significant milestone, and he emphasised that "it is going to be a celebration". For although there have been "difficulties and challenges over the 50 years, there is still much for us to celebrate".

He said that there are still those who can remember what Jamaica was like before Independence, with limited opportunities and racial bias in the banking sector, with the country little known internationally.

"Now Jamaica is a respected and sought-after voice," Golding said.

And for Jamaica 50, he said, "we want to celebrate, we want to highlight the best of Jamaica".