Montego Bay mayor warns of cultural erosion at First Dance Studios anniversary launch
Published:Friday | February 28, 2025 | 12:06 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
At the launch of First Dance Studios’ 11th anniversary season at the S Club on Wednesday, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon delivered a stirring call to action, warning that Jamaica’s cultural heritage is under threat.
“Our culture is under threat of removal and infiltration,” Vernon declared, citing influences from Americanised AI platforms to the commercialisation of tourism as factors diluting the raw creativity and authenticity that define the Jamaican spirit.
Referencing theories by Robert Anu and Robert Burnham, Vernon highlighted the transformative power of dance in alleviating stress, reducing depression, and fostering social cohesion among youth.
“Dance isn’t merely a routine; it’s a powerful tool for social development. It brings peace, inclusivity, and even helps to reduce crime,” he explained.
Sharing insights from his visit to District 30 in Colombia, where cultural history is showcased through public art on escalator landings, Vernon emphasised how creative expression through dance is revitalising communities and steering youth away from crime and neglect.
The Mayor praised the diversity and innovation of the studio founded by sisters Jody-Marie and Sheri-Lee Smith. He noted that the studio’s 11-year legacy reflects the maturity and ambition needed to nurture Jamaica’s cultural identity.
“You did not sit and wait on government to create a dance studio. You took the initiative,” he said, underscoring the private sector’s role in preserving the nation’s heritage.
‘WE ARE THE WORLD’
The anniversary event, set for Sunday, April 13, will take place at the historic Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay, St James. This year’s theme, ‘We Are the World’, mirrors Jamaica’s role within the broader global community.
Vernon’s address turned somber as he warned that external forces are increasingly eroding Jamaica’s rich cultural tapestry. He expressed concern that while technological tools like social media are advanced, they often fail to capture the innovative and uniquely Jamaican creative spirit.
“There is no Jamaican ChatGPT yet. We must unearth and express our culture with the confidence and raw creativity that only we possess,” he urged.
The mayor also underscored the economic importance of culture, likening it to “our oil” because of its role in driving tourism and global recognition.
He cautioned that over-commercialisation could strip Jamaican culture of the authenticity that has made it a global brand.
“Our culture boosts tourism; it is the reason millions flock to our shores. We must protect it at all costs,” he stressed.
Mayor Vernon’s address served as both a celebration of Jamaica’s vibrant cultural landscape and a call for collective action. He championed institutions like First Dance Studios, emphasising that preserving Jamaican culture requires not only government support but also the passion and initiative of the private sector and local communities.
“If we do not act now, the very essence of our identity will be lost,” he warned, urging all stakeholders to protect the legacy that makes Jamaica truly unique.