Prince’s Visit Serves to Revitalise Black Consciousness – Mico Principal

Principal of The Mico University College, Dr. Osbourne Pinnock, says the visit of His Imperial Highness, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie, serves to revitalise black and cultural consciousness.

“We’re seeing where people are bleaching themselves and trying to change their identity. I am hoping that this can be a foundation, where we can move forward to accept ourselves as descendants of Africans,” he said.

Dr. Pinnock was speaking with JIS News, following the visit of the Prince to the  university, in Kingston, on April 21.

Prince Sahle-Selassie is the grandson of His Imperial Majesty (HIM), the late Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, who landed in  Jamaica on April 21, 1966, 50 years ago.

As part of his three-day visit to Jamaica, His Imperial Majesty toured several sections of the teacher-training institution.

Dr. Pinnock also noted that the visit of the Prince serves to be a reminder of the significance of Emperor Haile Selassie to the unification of local Rastafarians, who were previously viewed as a minority group.

Meanwhile, past student and member of the Students’ Council at the time of the Emperor’s visit, Hugh Morris, described the occasion as “a very proud moment.”

“The Principal at the time, Glen Owen, believed in leadership development of young people and students, and so he gave us an opportunity to plan the arrival of Emperor Haile Selassie,” he said.

Mr. Morris also recounted the “dynamic personality” of the Emperor.

During his visit to Mico, the Prince and his wife, Princess Saba Kebede, met with staff members and other persons.

Both were led on a tour of the institution, where the Principal’s guestbook was signed. The Prince also visited the museum at the university.