‘Pickney Party’ May 21

The National Child Month Committee (NCMC), in partnership with several stakeholders, will host the second staging of its ‘Pickney Party 2.0’, on National Children’s Day, Friday, May 21, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Through a virtual presentation on the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) YouTube page, this Child Month talent series will give children age six to 17 the opportunity to depict the theme ‘I Strive to Overcome Adversities with Resilience (I SOAR)’, through song, dance, poetry, acting and more.

Second Vice Chair of the NCMC, Nicole Patrick Shaw, said the performances being featured during the programme will be the top acts selected by the NCMC from a pool of entries submitted by the children.

The children will compete in four main categories, including the six to nine, 10 to 12 and 13 to 17 age groups, and viewers will have a chance to vote for their favourite performer. The one with the most votes will be awarded The People’s Choice Award. Voting will begin on May 21 and end on May 31, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. The awards ceremony will be in June. They will also compete to win tablets, laptops and cell phones.

Mrs. Patrick Shaw explained that due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has given rise to virtual events, the Pickney Party 2.0 was conceptualised to ensure the children would have an engaging activity to look forward to on their special day.

“The NCMC realised that its usual face-to-face celebration of greeting children with hugs, gifts and on the streets would not be possible during the pandemic,” she said.

According to her, a charge was given to the Committee by its Chair, Dr. Pauline Mullings, that we should endeavour to refocus, motivate and empower the children to persevere and achieve despite the pandemic, despite hardships and despite limitations and soar to higher dimensions.

Sponsors for Child Month 2021 are GraceKennedy Limited, National Baking Company Foundation, Jamaica National Building Society, Sagicor Foundation, Sangster’s Bookshop, Burger King, Restaurants of Jamaica, CB Chicken, RJRGLEANER Communications Group, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.

National Children’s Day is observed on the third Friday in May annually, and members of the public are encouraged to wear sunshine yellow as they practically laud and show their appreciation for the nation’s children.