Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
The costumes and acting are quite realistic and portray Jamaica's past. The UTech ensemble performed. - Photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer
The story of how Africans came to our shores was retold last Tuesday as the University of Technology's Art and Theatre Ensemble presented the work Odyssey.
The showcase was the culmination of a year of commemorating the bicentenary of the abolition of the British transatlantic trade in Africans. Held in the school's Caribbean Sculpture Park, guests were treated to a colourful, moving display of drama, song and dance depicting the full story; from the time the Africans were first abducted to the day the trade was abolished in the British parliament.
Professor Verene Shepherd, chair of the bicentenary committee, thanked the various agencies, private sector companies and media houses for their collaboration which, she said, was one of the successes on the committee's efforts. She called the trade humanity's greatest tragedy, but rejoiced with the audience that our ancestors had triumphed through their activism. She encouraged everyone to "use our past to chart our future".
Information, Sports and Culture Minister Olivia Grange said it was appropriate that UTech's 50th anniversary celebrations should coincide with the bicentenary, as the tertiary institution's milestone was a celebration of the educating and upliftment of our people. She also lauded UTech's legacy of moulding top-class Jamaicans.
Guests included Colombian Ambassador to Jamaica Dr Ventura Emilio Diaz Mejia, Education Minister Andrew Holness, Lord Bill Morris, chancellor of UTech, and companion Eileen Ware; Edward Seaga, pro-chancellor of UTech, and wife Carla, Vivian Crawford, Sydney Bartley, Dorothy Cunningham and Ouida Lewis.
Culture Minister Olivia Grange (left) in conversation with Edward and Carla Seaga at the UTech presentation.
South African High Commissioner Faith Radebe (left) and Professor Verene Shepherd catch up with Ryland Campbell before the cultural presentation.
