UWI, SAHC celebrate milestones

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the South African High Commission (SAHC) have started a year of celebrating milestones important to both countries.

As well as Jamaica's 50th year of Independence, the African National Congress (ANC) is celebrating its centenary and the SAHC/UWI/ANC Planning Committee will also recognise the 125th anniversary of the birth of Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Garvey. The celebrations were launched on Thursday at the UWI.

"As both our countries reach these milestones, let us not only celebrate, but use this as an opportunity for a national discourse, to reflect and make a meaningful way forward," South African High Commissioner Mathu Joyini said. Professor Rupert Lewis, co-chair of the planning committee, showed the connection with all three anniversaries via a presentation.

"First, they point to markers in the freedom struggle for Africa and people of African descent as well as other ethnic groups in South Africa on the one hand; and on the other hand, in Jamaica, among all ethnic groups who waged sustained battles for majority rule against imperial power and minority rule based on racial privilege."

He showed how the ANC, Garvey's United Negro Improvement Agency and the African Communities League as well as Jamaica's struggles after the labour revolts of 1938, contributed to the abolition of minority rule. He later showed how Rastafarianism, particularly the reasoning of the Nyahbinghi, as well as events such as the death of Steve Biko and the 1976 Soweto uprisings, influenced reggae.

"(These events) triggered a whole new generation of anti-apartheid fighters and Jamaican musicians, sensing the pulse of the people, were quick to write and sing music supporting them," he said.

Other events planned for the year include public lectures and a concert featuring artistes from both countries.