A true stalwart - D. Joyce Campbell: Preserving Jamaica's cultural heritage

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A true stalwart - D. Joyce Campbell: Preserving Jamaica's cultural heritage

Photo by Winston Sill/Freelanace Photographer

HER PROFOUND words make you feel as if you're
having a conversation with a national treasure.
Her demeanor is so charismatic and lively that talking with her leaves you energized. She is so confident and self-assured you feel that you must somehow give her the respect she demands. Yet she is so warm and welcoming you feel as if you've known
her for years. Having a conversation about Jamaican life and
culture with D. Joyce Campbell, OD, is no ordinary event.
Then again, she is no ordinary woman.

Campbell has spent most of her life serving her country and fellow citizens. She was there 40 years ago at the inception of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) then called the Jamaica Festival Commission (JFC). That fact in itself says a lot, but only scratches the surface of her level of contribution to the organisation. Campbell, who is acting as JCDC's consultant for traditional folk forms, helped to craft its mission statement: "To develop and promote the creative talents and cultural expressions of the Jamaican people and to ensure that the nation's cultural heritage is preserved and sustained for the benefit of future generations."

And she lives it.

EARLY DAYS WITH JCDC

The organisation, known then as the Festival Office, was tiny and the work load massive, Campbell recalls. She remembers taking on the task of arranging large festivities, dealing with parades, decoration, and even arranging security almost single handedly.

She shares this quote from broadcaster and cultural activist Tony Laing which she says sums up perfectly the JCDC staff of early years: "Never was so much done by so few for so little."

FOCUS ON DANCE HERITAGE

A founding member of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) Campbell has been instrumental in the development of Jamaican dance. She was also a founding member of the Ivy Baxter Dance Movement, the first major dance movement in Jamaica.

Campbell's involvement in dance development in Jamaica went further with the formation of the Jayteens workshop in 1963, which she oversaw for 35 years. Jayteens was geared toward getting younger Jamaicans involved in dance. At one point the group had 250 members. Eventually many of her students grew up and used the knowledge they gained from her to form their own dance troupes.

As the performing arts director earlier in her career, Campbell also helped to create a proper dance syllabus for the JCDC. She saw it as an important focus, particularly because of the African heritage that has been passed down into Jamaican dance. Fifteen years ago she convinced the JCDC to give African heritage dance its own syllabus because of the width and depth.

It is important, she says, to individually document the various African dance forms that were strong in certain areas. For example, Kumina in St. Thomas, and Dinki Mini in St. Mary.

GREATEST MOMENTS

When one has had a long and outstanding career, it is no simple task choosing the single greatest moment.

Still, if she had to wade through the applause and awards to pick a few, her accomplishments in the dance arena would come to mind. Helping to pioneer three separate dance movements - NDTC, Ivy Baxter Dance Movement, and the Jayteens - and travelling the world as a dancer are definite highlights, she says.

In terms of awards she speaks fondly of being honoured by the JCDC and also of her Order of Distinction award.

Another of her favourite moments occured 40 years ago when Wycliffe Bennett, a respected figure in the arts, introduced her to Edward Seaga, the current leader of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party. At the time she had planned to leave the country on a scholarship to the University of Puerto Rico. Seaga, however, co nvinced her not to go as her country needed her.

Leaving has not been an issue for her since. She has no regrets, she adds.

Another memorable moment took place two years ago when family and friends threw a huge party for her 75th birthday.

ALONG THE WAY...

Campbell speaks highly of Professor Rex Nettleford who, she says, shares her position on the importance of maintaining the authenticity of traditional Jamaican dances passed down from African ancestors.

She sees him as the father figure of the NDTC and the glue that keeps the national dance troupe together and credits him with the exceptional style and movements of the NDTC that distinguish it from other groups.

Governor General, Sir Howard Cooke has also been a supporter on her 40-year cultural journey. He has been a firm supporter and a dependable advocate of the JCDC and Festival, she notes. "He truly saw what the movement was all about."

D. JOYCE CAMPBELL SAYS...

"I have never regretted not taking that scholarship to the University of Puerto Rico. I have gained so many degrees through working with the JCDC."

"I am a staunch JCDC person. I am their greatest critic, but only I must criticize them."

"Age is a number, it's a matter of how you feel."

"I have had a very fulfilling life, and I am quite happy with myself. I think this is why even at this age I am still involved with JCDC and still going strong."

"I have no regrets."

 D.J Crawford

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