It was billed as an event for education as well as entertainment on the occasion of the Jamaica Day celebration, at Brown’s Town High School on Friday, February 24, 2017.
The event was clearly that and more, with a dramatic demonstration of the talent of the students, and even guests at the occasion in a non scheduled performance of one of Jamaica’s dance forms, the ska. Urged into the dance by the emcee, Felecia Broderick-Knight and egged on by the loud screams and applause of students, chairman of the school board pastor Omar Oliphant, principal Alfred Thomas and Ministry of Education representative Karlene Segree among others first showed their skills together and then individually to howls of laughter and also appreciation of students who could not keep their seats. Principal of neighbouring school, Ramond Treasure kept his seat and kept them guessing about his dancing talents as did guest speaker JN manager Ransford Davidson.
Much of the programme was however about the history and proud heritage of Jamaica. In a delightful precise military display, three cadets one of them female marched forward with the flag and hoisted it from the flagpole after neat salutes. That had been proceeded by the singing of the national anthem. That came along with words from the principal and also a reading of what Jamaica Day, proclaimed in 2010 but observed since 2002, means. An effortless reading in Spanish, by K Ellis, followed the text in English before hundreds of children from Brown’s Town High and performers from neighbouring schools York Castle High and Servite Primary.
But it was the performance for which the children were waiting and then delighted, none more so than the dance hall drama and dance put on by York Castle. It involved a host of colourful characters before a set and with music by the school band. Students sang along, danced and screamed in delight. That enthusiastic reception greeted the other performances of the morning. On the side lines were displays of the school’s own history, of past students in hair styles from the 60s 70s and with traditional cuisine coming out of the kitchen.
Vice principal Pauline Tomlinson-Ellis moved the vote of thanks.
