Where is the culture, JCDC
Published:Saturday | June 8, 2013 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
This is my favourite time of the year, except for Christmas. It gives me the opportunity to get on a natural high through the events organised by Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
I keenly monitor the schedule and my daughter and I pen in our 'pets' on our social calendar. It is only an 'ill wind' which could prevent us from attending them. I enjoy The Festival Queen competition not only for the entertainment, but for the cultural exposure it affords.
Not so on Saturday, June 1, 2013. Oh, what a disappointment! The usually elegant, vibrant and nationalistic stage was drab and bare. Most of the talent selections were not cultural. The accompaniment (music) was blaring and the contestants' microphone malfunctioned constantly.
One redeeming factor was the contestants' introduction. They were vivacious yet poised and delivered it intelligently and confidently.
But hey, this obtains at a Miss World or Miss Jamaica contest!
The finale left us not only disappointed but confounded, as it is incomprehensible that the contestant awarded Most Culturally Aware and Community Involved (maybe not the exact names, but the areas thought to be the main focus of the competition) placed third.
The contestant who performed a foreign artiste's song, without any modification to showcase intellect or creativity, was deemed 'Most Talented'. How absurd! Yes, it was a reasonable rendition, but whither the culture?! This was not Tastee Talent Trail or Digicel Rising Star!
Also, did the ranting and raving of the raucous followers of the contestant adjudged second place, without a sectional award, overwhelmed the judges and influenced their decision?
Come on, JCDC, is the 'Cultural' in your name a misnomer? We deserve better! Some of us are still hyped up about our heritage. Do your part in highlighting Jamaica's tradition and culture. Or was 'culture' told to 'pack her bags and go'?
Juliet Steele
Hallendale, Kingston