Jamaica Rocks the Apollo

The world famous Apollo theatre in Harlem rocked to the pulsating rhythm of Jamaican music, dance and culture on Thursday (June 2), as the Jamaica Tourist Board under the distinguished patronage of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, hosted a Jamaica Night at the Apollo to commemorate its fiftieth anniversary.
In welcoming guests to the performance, Mr. Patterson noted Jamaica’s contribution to the development of entertainment worldwide and observed that many world renowned Jamaicans had performed at the Apollo including Claude McKay, Marcus Garvey and Freddy McGregor. He said the event was organized to recognize the contribution of the audience, which included tour operators, travel agents and members of the Jamaican community, for their role in the country’s development in particular the tourism industry.
The Prime Minister said the JTB had made a unique contribution to Jamaica and has served as an icon for tourism development globally. He said Jamaica had and would continue to share its experience with the rest of the world. Mr. Patterson said the Caribbean was being established as a world premier destination and that Jamaica would be the jewel in its crown.
The evening began with a high-energy performance by the Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble, whose members served a delightful feast of Jamaican music, dance and culture. Freddy McGregor and Toots Hibbert later brought down the house and had patrons abandoning their seats as they danced to some of their old time favourites. The JTB also used the occasion to launch its new advertisement.
The programme was emceed by Fae Ellington who led the audience in the singing of the ‘Yam Song’ as patrons waited for Toots Hibbert to take the stage. Prime Minister Patterson also got in on the act as he sang some verses of the song ‘One Love’ as the programme came to a close.
Among the persons in attendance a the function were Minister of Tourism Aloun Assamba, Director of Tourism Mr. Paul Pennicook and President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Mr. Godfrey Dyer.