CIN documents Easter in Jamaica

The Caribbean International Network's Zync-TV was in the island for Holy Week, to produce a three-part series on Easter worship and related events.

The team comprised host KaSheba 'Kaja' Johnson; director Eion Saunders, and Bob Gore producer. Over the Easter weekend they attended a variety of services and gatherings reflecting a number of faiths and traditions that families in Jamaicans observe around Easter.

Their first shoot was the Good Friday morning service at Webster Memorial United Church. There was a presentation of The Cross for all Seasons - a musical drama on the crucifixion. Later that morning, they attended the musical service at the Pentecostal Tabernacle. The congregation at this powerful service overflowed into the grounds surrounding the church.

On Good Friday evening, the musical Call to the Cross, with a cast of 70 performers, produced and written by Professor Thomas Hope with support from St Margaret's Church in Liguanea, was presented in the Kingston Parish Church.

Saturday's Rastafarian service by the School of Vision, one of the major divisions in the faith, was held in Papine Square. This was their regular weekly gathering displaying moving drumming surrounded by a warm and inviting spirit.

Easter Sunday began with the National Dance Theatre Company's annual Morning of Movement and Music, dedicated to its founder, the late Professor Rex Nettleford.

Unique aspects

The crew then recorded the service at James Mountain Church of God of Prophecy in Sligoville, St Catherine, where they were greeted like family. Following the service the church's 'First Lady' Silvia Walsh and the team shared traditional Easter bun and cheese.

"CIN is proud to document the unique aspects of Jamaican life and this is one of our most important projects. In our own individual ways we are a very faithful people. Easter is a time to share the diversity of our worship experiences with one another and the world," notes CIN's CEO, Stephen Hill.