André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Father Ho Lung and Friends from a 2005 production. - Contributed

As Christmas 2006 approaches, Father Ho Lung and the Missionaries for the Poor will take an early gift to Grand Cayman and Toronto, Canada. Mamma Jamaica, which is about the struggles of the Jamaican people, will be performed in Toronto, while the Caymanians will be treated to Caribbean Christmas.

Caribbean Christmas is a clear-cut presentation that mixes with Caribbean rhythms with Christmas music, but Mamma Jamaica seeks to delve into some of Jamaica's most topical social issues.

"Father Ho Lung does not write anything without meaning. The music is usually nice to listen to, but there is always a message," said Paula Shaw, the choreographer currently working with the team. "It may be different and sad, but it is real and a part of Jamaica that should be treasured."

One of the more notable pieces from the show, In Jamaica, tells of the beautiful and the ugly side of Jamaica. However, the production is not entirely about the hard knock Jamaica. It takes time to portray some of the spice that makes Jamaica unique. Massa Sammy Oh is the tale of a man who stole a dumpling from a lady's pot and how he tried to conceal it.

Father Ho Lung has written most of the music for the production and Jamaicans have come to expect nothing but the best from the self-acclaimed 'Ghetto Priest'.

"The music of Father Ho Lung is well recognised and good for evangelism, and as an ambassador for the gospel. At the same time, it puts bread on the table for the poor we support," said Father Brian Kerr of Missionaries of the Poor.

According to Father Kerr, "The music supports the poor and the poor support the music," and that has kept the mission going over the years.

The Missionaries of the Poor has been operating for over 20 years. So far, they have produced 18 albums and 14 originals plays on Jamaican life and biblical situations.