Winston Sill
Lannaman's Prep School in performance at the recent launch of Festival 2001 at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, Kingston.History was made Thursday evening when the JCDC, in an enlightening and new format, launched its Festival 2001 programme, at the courtyard of the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, Hope Road, before a large gathering.
The new concept brought positive comments from those who attended.
"For too long the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, especially the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, have been under-utilised," said a patron from St. Elizabeth.
Another participant from Clarendon said: "Both facilities are not indicative of the two cultural icons after which they were named."
Both facilities will be venues for the Festival Village.
For months the JCDC had hinted at the unfolding of a new concept and the announcement impressed guests.
A new parish thrust was also announced, where each town office would showcase indigenous products. And as an example of what to expect this year, the ground was covered with booths representing the 14 parishes, displaying culinary delights, artefacts, costumes, fauna and flora and other unique attributes. Creative dishes were made from yam, ginger, breadfruit, pimento, sorrel and sweet potato.
In addition, artefacts on display ranged from the old tailor's iron to chamber pots, which drew curious onlookers and witty comments.
Traditional music projected onto large video screens provided an exciting backdrop to the village setting. Of course, there were live cultural presentations.
The programmes for Festival 2001 was unveiled by Marcia Hextall, executive director of the JCDC.
The official launch was done by Arnold Bertram, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, who praised the work of the JCDC in exposing home-grown talents and preparing them for employment.
Festival 2001 was also endorsed by chairman of the JCDC, Vivian Crawford. Jennifer Small a former National Festival Queen, did an exceptional job as emcee.
J.W.
