Schoolteacher treasures 50-y-o Independence cup

Nackeshia Tomlinson, Gleaner Writer

SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth:

FOR MORE than 20 years, 52-year-old schoolteacher Janet Patrick has been a cup guardian.

She guards with her life a small, white teacup, which was part of the Government of Jamaica-issued memorabilia that marked the birth of Independent Jamaica 50 years ago.

Patrick told The Gleaner that her mother acquired the cup when she went to the newly built National Stadium for the celebrations. She said although she was two years old at the time, she had some awareness of the big occasion.

She said as a child growing up, her mother kept the cup "in a secure place under a little table, where she had documents like our birth certificates, as it was kept with other things that were treasured".

For Patrick and her 10 siblings, they had strict instructions not to touch the cup. They could only admire it from a distance, especially the colourful coat of arms. She also said the cup has never been used.

When her mother died, Patrick became the guardian of the cup. As it had not been willed to any specific child, and recognising its significance, she took it as her other siblings did not express an interest in acquiring it. The special care of the cup continued in her home and it was never used - only displayed.

RENEWED INTEREST

Now that it is the country's 50th anniversary celebrations, Patrick said that she feels especially patriotic.

"To know that I have something in my possession that is 50 years old makes me a prouder Jamaican."

The cup has also renewed her children's interest in their heritage. She said they are now fascinated by the cup now that the celebrations are on.

Patrick told The Gleaner that in addition to the cup, she has always been an informal collector of Jamaican treasures. An old-fashioned iron, a mortar and pestle, her calabash bag, and her bandana outfit - which she wears for cultural presentations at her school - are some of the things she has collected.

For this current celebratory period, she has been collecting T-shirts, caps, and earrings with the Jamaica 50 logo. She said she is currently on the lookout for one of the specially made 50th anniversary sunglasses to enhance her collection.

Patrick maintained that her patriotism is no fluke, and it comes from her heart. She said education is needed to preserve our culture, even after the current celebrations have died down.

Now that the cup has become culturally relevant, she told The Gleaner that she has big plans for it.

rural@gleanerjm.com

PHOTOS BY NACKEISHA TOMLINSON