By Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer
Louise Bennett-Coverley
AND SO, it is that time of the year again you know, that time when the fabulous jet off for extended holidays and or pack into their SUVs' and head out for some of the finest hide-a-ways, this side of the world of fabness!
Well Pumpkins, it is Independence Weekend and Emancipation celebrations all rolled into one, and it promises to be nothing short of spectacular and sensational mixed up weekend and week, as with this Friday and next Wednesday both being public holidays, for the partying public, the devil will be in the details, when it comes to separating the partying periods as indeed, this one promises to be one partying mess. And why not?
Indeed, let the partying begin, as there's much to celebrate, beginning with the official visit of folklorist extraordinaire, the Grande Dame of Jamaica's modern cultural art form and theatrical expressions Her Serene Grandness the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley!
Dears, we have seen it fit to award African despots and various other nationals of suspect credentials our highest national honours, whilst continuing to ignore the contribution of our own nationals and their invaluable continuing contribution towards our journey in forging a credible national identity, that will withstand the increasing international pressures threatening to obfuscate national, regional and cultural identities in the headlong rush towards a globalized (homogeneous) world. If that is pursued it will only speak to our continuing social and cultural intellectual retardation - a position that both Louise Bennett-Coverley and, the late Bob Marley, railed against, in their exhortations to their own, to rise to greatness!
At this weekend and the days ahead, we will be paying tribute to the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, speaks to the conscience of Kevin O'Brien Chang, and not the faultless and substantial contributions of this daughter of the rock, as recognised by those entrusted so to do, but speaks more to the shackles we vaingloriously boast to have left behind!
Anyway, My Dears, in the name of Miss Lou! And in the name of all that is uniquely Jamaican, and as a part of the world community, this weekend and the coming week, it's all about celebrating Jamaica and her contribution to the world, so let the celebrations begin!
