By Lionel Gayle
SOMEHOW, I had expected the approach of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee to conjure up an air of great expectations. But even after the official date, August 6, 2012, my spirit remains dormant. I’m finding it extremely difficult to visualize a likeness of Gabriel sounding his prophetic trumpet, thus heralding the dawning of a new Jamaica.
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| Vuvuzelas at Jamaica 50 |
Instead, I’m reflecting on the annoying sound of the primitive vuvuzela, used as a noise-maker by both the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) during the 2011 general election. It’s not a true signal or promoter of meaningful things in Jamaica. In fact, the South African contraption is no spiritual substitute for Gabriel’s horn, even when the archangel’s instrument is based on religious imagery.
Nevertheless, the South African president, Jacob Zuma and his wife seemed to have had a jolly good time in Kingston when Jamaican revellers pulled out their vuvuzelas and welcomed them to the island’s Golden Jubilee. I am not aware of any particular Nigerian custom displayed when President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife arrived a few days earlier as guests at the 50th Independence celebrations.
The Bell
Jamaica’s ruling PNP has never been publicly identified with a noise-making emblem of its own; therefore, it would make a lot of sense if – for future fanfares of national importance – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller could borrow the JLP’s Liberty Bell and ring the heck out of it.
Jamaica’s ruling PNP has never been publicly identified with a noise-making emblem of its own; therefore, it would make a lot of sense if – for future fanfares of national importance – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller could borrow the JLP’s Liberty Bell and ring the heck out of it.
At least, I believe, the high-pitched pealing of the bell would attract more attention than the raucous monotones of the colourful plastic-made vuvuzelas. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not dissing the vuvuzela. I’m fully aware that the instrument has a similar historical purpose as the iconic abeng of the Jamaican Maroons.
In Jamaica, the vuvuzela is now a common feature at political rallies, football matches and reggae concerts, while in South Africa it is mainly associated with football games. Originated in East Africa, it was traditionally made from the horn of the kudu (antelope) while the abeng is made from a cow’s horn.
If I understand it correctly, the much touted Jamaica 50 celebration – that is expected to run to the end of 2012 – should be more than a time for jollification. So far, the celebratory activities seemed to have been overpowered by reggae events, both at home and abroad. And though admirable, the series of all-island activities just announced for September 13—29, 2012 to honour cultural icon, Louise Bennett Coverley (1919-2006), won’t change the way I feel.
In my anticipation, the moments similar to what must have been the prevailing ethos at the approach of the “Age of Enlightenment” in Europe and America in the 18th century would’ve been good omens. Any aspect of the cultural expression associated with The Enlightenment – also dubbed the “Age of Reason” – would’ve fit in nicely with Vision 2030 Jamaica, the island’s 20-year development plan.
Even in layman’s term, Fifty Years of political freedom after more than three centuries of colonial strangulation – with some of the worst treatment inflicted on humankind under slavery – is a very significant milestone.
Even in layman’s term, Fifty Years of political freedom after more than three centuries of colonial strangulation – with some of the worst treatment inflicted on humankind under slavery – is a very significant milestone.
The key thing is: in the next 17 years, will Jamaica become the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business, as the country’s national development plan says? In other words, will the 4,244 square-mile island, with its estimated 2.7 million people reach developed country status by then?
