The Jamaica Cultural Development

Commission (JCDC) will mount several exhibitions as part of the celebrations

for the centenary anniversary of the birth of cultural icon, Hon Louise

Bennett-Coverley, fondly known as ‘Miss Lou’.

These exhibitions will be mounted

during the month of September, starting on the 7th at JCDC’s parish offices and

parish libraries across the island.

Marjorie Leyden-Vernon, director of

Community Cultural Development at the JCDC, said that the month-long

celebrations aim to engage and give persons the opportunity to participate and

reflect on the life and work of Miss Lou.

Born on September 7, 1919, Miss Lou

passed away on July 26, 2006 in Canada and was buried at National Heroes Park,

in a section reserved for cultural icons. Known for writing and performing her

poems, folk songs and stories in Jamaican patois, Miss Lou is regarded by many

as the “mother of Jamaican culture”.

Leyden-Vernon explained that for the

celebrations there will be poetry-type competitions, and there will be fashion

shows focusing on the Jamaican Bandana which Miss Lou would often wear. Other

activities during the month will include lunch-hour concerts, ring-ding style

concerts, a floral tribute at National Heroes Park and special tribute

concerts.