Dear Editor,

It is almost impossible to imagine what Jamaica would be like today without any civic activities.

Many people enjoy watching while others look forward to participating in the Jamaica Festival Song Competition. It is also an old-time civic activity that holds many memories for Jamaica’s culture.

Music has always played a major role in the culture of Jamaica. Especially since the ‘blow-up’ of Bob Marley, Shaggy, and Damian Marley, people from all over the world enjoy listening to Jamaicans sing. They have always enjoyed seeing the natural beauty of Jamaicans as they use their voices to uplift people’s souls. The Jamaica Festival Song Competition keeps this joy going as it allows the unexpressed and truly talented Jamaican artistes to be able to shine.

Furthermore, the Festival Song Competition has been around since 1966 as one of the highlights of Independence celebrations. Jamaica’s Independence is a time to behold and one that deserves a celebration. Thus, the song competition is a good way to celebrate as it gives Jamaicans a natural sense of who they are and what their history and culture is all about.

In conclusion, the Jamaica Festival Song Competition is a great civic activity that is joyful for Jamaicans and is a time to reflect on Jamaica’s culture and how beautiful Jamaica and its people are. It should live forever on stage and in our hearts.

Zachary Hutton

Student

Ardenne High School