“From riverside to mountain

From canefield to the sea

Our hearts salute Jamaica

Triumphant, proud and free.”

– Jamaica Land of Beauty, Patriotic song – Words: AL Hendricks. Music: Lloyd Hall.

TOMORROW WE CELEBRATE our 49th Independence Day, not on the once-familiar first Monday of August but on the actual date… August 6. I’ve encountered some people who still have their minds set on the first Monday, which provided the benefit of another nice long weekend to get back to the beach and party. With August 1 falling on Monday last week, that would mean party cyaan done, two long weekends in a row… but it nah go so. Just in case you have forgotten, the old order gave way to the new in 1997. Not everybody remembers.

It is time to take a little journey back to yesterday. Thanks to the Report on National Symbols and Observances, printed by the Jamaica Information Service , we can revisit the events set in motion in February 1996 when the prime minister of the day, PJ Patterson, appointed a committee of nine under the chairmanship of Professor Rex Nettleford, to examine the status of national symbols and observances. The committee represented trade unions, women’s organisations, youths, educators, private sector, churches and tertiary students (UWI).

We were reminded that at the time of Independence in 1962, as the Constitution was being framed, a committee was established to examine national symbols and observances and their recommendations were tabled in Parliament. By 1996, such recommendations were either being ignored or treated with cynical indifference by some of us.

The Symbols and Observances Committee held 14 meetings, as well as public hearings conducted in four parishes. There were three special discussions and 40 written submissions. A group of notable contributors to the cultural scene were interviewed. By that process, the mood of the country was tested and recommendations followed.

SO, IT CAME ABOUT that 34 years after the launching of Independence, the decision was taken to replace the first Monday of August as the day of celebration and to give emphasis to the actual DATE of August 6, whichever DAY it fell on. The luxury of an Independence long weekend was over. It must be noted that the long weekend was intended to highlight both Emancipation and Independence and avoid squandering productive time.

So, here we are, celebrating Independence this Saturday. Some people seem confused. After all, it is a traditional shopping day, so why not move it to Monday? Not happening. The notice which was issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security last week reminded us that in keeping with the provisions of the Holiday (Public General) Act which determines the observance of public holidays in Jamaica, it is only when certain public holidays fall on a Sunday that they shall be observed on the following day (that is, Monday). Abandon false hopes, therefore, of another long weekend. Enjoy your little rest and get back to work Monday morning.

Go to market and/or supermarket today, even if some have advertised their intention to carry on business as usual tomorrow. You can bet that in town and country alike, corner shops will also be open. Let us hope that the rights of the workers will be appropriately reflected in their compensation. Respect due also to those for whom Saturday is a day of worship. As for the official celebrations, there will be no street parade preceding the Grand Gala at the National Stadium.

LIVE AND LEARN: It is a pity that the report on the National Symbols and National Observances is no longer in print. It makes interesting reading especially if you have a taste for social history. No doubt copies are lodged in archives like parish and school libraries, but it would be useful if the publication was more widely accessible. Some interesting “bits and pieces” can be discovered from browsing. For instance, there are the arguments, still unresolved, about whether the “black” in the national flag should still be interpreted as “hardships”, as designated in 1962.

In 1996, some people felt that we should re-interpret “black” as resilience, hope or fortitude, like it is represented in the Trinidad and Tobago flag. However, there the “black” is seen as a symbol of the oil (petroleum) on which rests the nation’s hope. We, for our part, see the “black” as our people and that has brought sometimes heated debates on everything from slavery to economic development.

A LOT WAS MADE of attitudes to the National Anthem – respect, who wrote it, how it should be sung: for example, hand over the heart, the American way or standing at attention, arms at our side. An even more critical issue, for me, is the personal discovery that many young Jamaicans of recent times have very little knowledge of the words, especially in the second verse. You should check some of the rubbish which is sung or lip-synched.

The National Motto: “Out of Many one People” was recommended for amendment to “Out of many, one nation” or “One People, One destiny”, the latter inspired by the philosophies of Marcus Garvey. So far, the motto remains unchanged. Among national symbols, the Doctor Bird receives total approval as the National Bird. We Okay the Lignum Vitae as National Flower and the Blue Mahoe gets thumbs up as the National Tree. It was agreed that the Ackee should be retained as the National Fruit. Note, however, that there is no official National Dish, even though ackee and saltfish carries the swing. Fish and festival, popular since Independence, is said to be a close runner-up.

Do we have a national dress? The answer is No, but tell that to designers of those strange costumes for beauty queens who head abroad in search of fame and fortune.

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS: The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Olivia Grange sees this year’s Emancipendence celebration as a prelude to the Golden Jubilee in 2012. This week, a delegation from South Africa has been visiting, headed by their Minister of Culture and including a dance ensemble which excels in an impressive fusion of Indian and African rhythms. Inter-government agreement has been reached for joint celebrations next year. Ours is the 50th anniversary of Independence, theirs is the centenary of the African National Congress (ANC). Big tings a gwaan! Enjoy!

gloudonb@yahoo.com