JCDC Raises National Flag for Anniversary

As part of activities to mark its 50^th anniversary, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), held a special flag-raising ceremony on August 4, in front of the agency’s head office on Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10.

The short ceremony involved the singing of the National Anthem, accompanied by the hoisting of the national flag. Later, chocolate tea and salt-fish fritters were served to guests.

Earlier, 12 staff members, six males and six females, donned costumes to perform the traditional Maypole dance, with JCDC’s Dance Co-ordinator, Jennifer Morgan Garwood and Subject Specialist for Speech, Drama and Literary Arts, Andrew Brodber, controlling the pole.

Deputy Executive Director of the JCDC, Noel Campbell, told JIS News that it was important for staff to show appreciation for Jamaica’s culture. He noted that for the past six months, the agency has been hoisting the national flag on the first Monday of each month.

“We usually add variety to it, and not make it the same each time, so a member of staff might say a poem or do a dance. Today, we decided to extend ourselves a little more by having refreshments and put a little more spice and flavour,” he said,

Apart from the flag-raising events, he said the cultural agency has, for the past six months, been playing the National Anthem at 8:30 a.m. each day at its head office and parish offices.

“So, it is piped throughout the buildings and wherever it catches you, wherever you are, staff members usually respond as we really want them to,” he said.

Meanwhile, veteran Broadcaster and Chairman of the JCDC, Fae Ellington, who attended the function, told JIS News that the occasion was a time to reflect on the many blessings and achievements as an independent nation.

She noted that the playing of the National Anthem at specific times during the day allows persons to reflect on the significance of the words of the song, and that the hoisting of the national flag in the morning and taking it down at sunset was also important in the life of the country.

The Commission, an agency of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, is mandated to unearth, develop, preserve and promote creative talents and expressions of the Jamaican people.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Sydney Bartley; Programmes Management Director, Dorrett Thaxter and representatives of offices located near the JCDC’s headquarters.