Jamaica 50 off to a good start

This year Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain. On Saturday, the golden anniversary year was ushered in with a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and aroma. It was packaged as Fireworks on the Waterfront. This annual New Year's Eve event, organised by the Urban Development Corporation and used as a launch by the Jamaica 50 secretariat, saw spectacular fireworks and a very entertaining concert sprinkled with a wide choice of food.

The venue of the celebration, a large section of Ocean Boulevard, downtown Kingston, was defined by a nicely decorated and well-elevated stage at one end and some neatly arranged tents accompanied by a variety of rides for children at the opposite end.

But it was the stage that commandeered the greatest attention. It became the catalyst for Jamaican musicians of varying ages and experience who entertained a huge crowd.

Among the talented musicians to employ the stage were Gee Whiz, I-Octane, Khago, Omari, Coo Coo Do, George Nooks, Joan Flemings and Ken Boothe.

Sterling performance

Boothe gave a sterling performance, likewise all the others. But it was Nooks, who after telling the audience to Lay Your Troubles on My Shoulder also told them "We did not go to church tonight so I will bring the church to you." And with that he performed a series of gospel songs, beginning with Broken Vessel. He concluded his act with a medley of his favourite hymns.

'Church' continued up to the magic number of twelve and prior to the display of awesome fireworks. And the fireworks were not limited to the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard barge. They were extended to Khago and subsequently I-Octane's performances as well as the audience's flare torches. MC'S Jenny Jenny and Markland Edwards, also kept the sounds alight and the audience entertained with delightful banter.

Among those who were truly entertained were Dhalia Howard and Garth Phillips. Both thought the show was wonderful. Phillips has attended two shows prior, while Howard was attending the event for the first time. She explained that she was lured to the experience by what she saw on television. And she was not disappointed. Phillips on the other hand noticed that the size of the crowd was much larger than previous years, and that the standard of the programme had improved.

Also experiencing the sights and sounds was outgoing Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Oliva Grange. She told the very large gathering that there would be an event every month to mark the 50th anniversary and "I want you to enjoy it. Not many of us will live to see the next fifty years, so celebrate and enjoy, we are one Jamaica."

She then concluded with "God bless you" Several hand shakes later she left.

Change of government

But her appearance aroused an impertinent question. The People's National Party, has won the recently concluded election, how much will a change of government affect the other plans for the golden celebrations?

The Gleaner sought an answer from Lenford Salmon, project director of Jamaica 50.

"Jamaica 50 transcends political administrations. Jamaica 50 is for Jamaica. So whichever administration forms the government will be pretty keen to ensure that we celebrate in fine style. Our 50th anniversary is a significant achievement in the life of any country. It has to be heralded in a significant way. The People's National Party in opposition had a representative on the planning council that worked very closely with us and played an integral part in all that we have planned for Jamaica's 50th," he said.

However, he is not ruling out the fact that there might be one or two changes, not significant ones but perhaps a tweaking to suit a particular preference of a particular minister. "But Jamaica 50 continues."

And continue it will, there are plans to have an event every month until December. However, in January, there will be more than one. On the list is Rebel Salute, an endorsed Jamaica 50 event as well as the prime Minister's Youth Award, among others. The month of February too, will be fully engaged.

The sights and sounds of fireworks on the waterfront was beamed all over the world as part of the celebration. It is important to note that this event was targeted by the secretariat to launch Jamaica 50 because it is a fantastic event and a broad cross section of people support it.