Culture Minister Impressed With Number of Young People at Vigil

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says with the number of children and young people who attended the annual Emancipation Vigil at the historic Seville Heritage Park, in St. Ann, on July 31, the event is set for continued growth.

“This is exactly what we want to see – our parents bringing out our children to see the culture, feel and understand the history of Seville. To look at the museum that we opened, it is excellent that the young people are out. I commend the parents for bringing their children; it is wonderful. It is good for entertainment, and it is also a teaching lesson,” the Minister said.

“As we set out to culminate Jamaica 50, we wanted to ensure that we gave our people across Jamaica an opportunity to contemplate, relax, and to celebrate. And, to teach all persons to remember and accept that journey from whence we came,” the Minister told the large audience, which also comprised visitors to the island.

The annual event, which began on July 31, lasted until the early hours of August 1 (Emancipation Day). It was organized by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT).

Floral tributes were paid to the ancestors, and throughout the evening into the early morning, there was an entertainment package of cultural dances from different groups across the island, including traditional and folk types, and modern dancehall acts.  Gospel artistes also performed, headed by Sister Scully and George Banton.

Miss Hanna said the Government, in its quest to preserve history, opened the upgraded Seville Museum; built and opened the Roxborough Museum, in Manchester, in honour of National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Norman Manley; and the National Museum in Kingston.

“This is a very special year for Jamaica. It is a special year for all of us as Jamaicans, and we ensured that we opened the Seville Museum for this Independence, and two other museums,” the Minister stated.

Meanwhile, Youth Empowerment Officer with the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD), Rahonda Walker-Walters, told JIS News that “the exposure is a very good one for that level of awareness of our heritage, and it will help us, as a people, as to where we need to go.”

“For years to come, we need to ensure that other young people experience the Emancipation Jubilee,” she added.