By Tanya Batson, Staff ReporterEMANCIPATION Park seems to be defying history by remaining a place where Kingstonians can go to just sit and think (or not). When it was opened, many worried that it would suffer the fate of all its predecessors and simply become a massive outdoor latrine and home to vagrants.
So far, the park has continued to attract visitors who seem to respect its value. This trend is being continued with the 'Christmas in the Park' series, which will give more people a reason to visit and perhaps help to secure its future.
The Christmas in the Park series opened on Monday evening and events are scheduled to take place every evening up to and including Christmas Eve. A special concert involving special readings and carolling will take place on Christmas morning. The series is organised by the Emancipation Park Committee and co-ordinated by Noel Dexter, the music writer and director of the University Singers.
The park was simply but tastefully decorated with various effigies of Jonkunnu characters and the lamps were swathed in bandanna cloth to effect a Jamaican Christmas.
Later in the proceedings, the lights on a 25-year-old pine were lit by the Prime Minister the Honourable P. J. Patterson. The towering tree, fondly called 'Idel Gratis', was a gift to the park by a member of staff of the National Housing Trust. Along with the concert series there will be a box in the park in which various gifts can be placed which will be given to various children and old-age homes across the island.
Prior to touching the magic button which set the tree alight, Prime Minister Patterson gave an address during which he spoke of the need to 'lift up Jamaica' and the role the park would have in any attempt to do so. He noted that Emancipation Park has helped to give Jamaicans a place they can go to and safely relax. "People need to take time out to relax... to let their spirits breathe," he said. The Prime Minister also urged all Jamaicans to hold on to all that is good in their lives. "Allow no space in your life for defeat by negative elements," he said.
The performances were started by the Jamaica Military Band, which helped to usher in the huge turnout to the sounds of traditional carols such as The Christmas Song.
The Diocesan Choir also took to the stage. Most of the songs they performed were of Caribbean origin, though the 55-member strong choir has a huge repertoire of classical music.
They treated the audience to favourites such as Jesus Is Born, Never A Baby Like Jesus and Early Christmas Morning.
The audience was also treated to the amazing voices of June Thompson-Lawson and Commander John MacFarlane. Accompanied by Joy Brown, the two first performed as a duet but would return later for solo performances. Their duet performance was a classical rendition of The First Noel.
When Thompson-Lawson returned to the stage she was accompanied by Maurice Gordon on keyboards. She performed first, the classic Oh Holy Night. She then lightened the mood and put some laughter on several lips with her performance of Three Little Birdies. She finished off her set with Red And Green Christmas.
Ashe also stamped the evening with their lively brand of music, bringing life to a largely quiet evening. They deviated from the Christmas theme with their first tune by performing Shake Your Groove Thing. However, they quickly returned to the Christmas vibe, performing lively versions of Hark! Now Hear the Herald Angels Sing and Little Drummer Boy. They then slowed the tempo with Spirit of Christmas. Ashe again deviated from carols though they kept the peace and unity idea going with their final song, Lift Up Jamaica.
When Commander MacFarlane returned he would bring the entertainment to a close. He led the audience in a bout of carolling (karaoke style) involving Joy To the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and Let There Be Peace on Earth.
