A SLICE OF ACTIVITIES IN GIBRALTAR, MT ZION PRIMARY
Several schools across Jamaica observed Heritage Day on Wednesday, October 11, with displays of Jamaica’s rich traditions.
(Students and teachers at Gibraltar Primary and Infant School)
In most schools, as with Mt Zion Primary and Infant, students and teachers wore costumes depicting the traditional dress of different races that have contributed to the Jamaican culture and that give meaning to “Out of Many One People.” The food, dances and songs of the various groups were highlighted too and some of the items used by generations past were exhibited including the old clothes iron, coconut brush, and ‘chimmey’ or chamber pot.
(A teacher at Mt Zion demonstrates how the wood fire used to be the dominant cooking energy source)
Children from the Infant Department through to Grade 6, and even the teachers and Principal of Mount Zion, Jacqueline Brown participated
At Gibraltar Primary and Infant, the coordinators were Kemish Hunter Nickesha Reid. They led a community parade, involving parents, teachers, students, and a farmer’s donkey to the community of Knibb Street and back to the school grounds where focus was placed on the different ethnic groups that make up Jamaica.
(At Gibraltar, Going back years when the donkey played a major transport and cargo carrying role for farmers)
A concert climaxed the day’s activities with participation from all classes depicting the Spanish, English, Africans, Chinese and Indians in Jamaica’s history and present.
The John Canoe band (made up of teachers and parents) was also a delight for many.
