JAMAICA has been in the spotlight with Prince Harry’s visit to the country.
And here in Huddersfield Jamaican people have been following the Royal visit as they prepare the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence.
A series of major community events as part of the Jamaica Independence Festival 50 are planned this year to bring the Jamaican culture to the town.
And the connection is closer than many would think – as well as both countries having the Queen as Head of State, Jamaica has its very own Huddersfield, a small town in the country’s St Mary parish.
From a Jamaica Day for Marsden Junior School pupils next week to a major festival in Greenhead Park, organisers are promising something for everyone – although they can’t promise sun.
Joan Flowers, who chairs the Jamaica National Council Huddersfield, said: “Jamaican heritage is about culture. There’s a lot of spirit in the community and its a lively community.
“We’re bringing a mini-Jamaica to Greenhead Park and people can get a flavour of what life is like.”
Marsden Junior School pupils will this week sample the nation’s traditional dish – saltfish and ackee – a fruit. They will also eat banana fritters and drink a specially-made pineapple drink and learn about arts, music and dancing.
Then on Saturday April 21, Huddersfield Town Hall will host the Jamaican Entrepreneur and Heritage Day.
Joan explained: “Heritage Day is about us sharing our history with Huddersfield. There will be clothing, arts and craft.”
Joan’s film, Gold Dash, is also set to feature. It brings Huddersfield and Jamaica together and it was made with the help of her father, Johnny Flowers.
Huddersfield will also link up with the Jamaican 50 Western Union National Domino League on Saturday April 14. The union promotes the game of dominoes within the Caribbean communities in Britain. Contact Johnny Flowers on 07802 902 177 for more details.
The town’s major event will be in Greenhead Park on Sunday August 5, where the JIF 50 hosts food, stalls, music and performance inspired by Jamaica. They also hope to cheer on Usain Bolt to glory in the men’s 100m Olympic final that same day.
Joan added: “We’re still getting everything sorted, but it’s intended to be the best of Jamaica but in Huddersfield. At the end of this we want a legacy for us all to be proud of.”
Ideas for the legacy include a scholarships and school exchanges.
Joan, whose parents Alda and Johnny moved to Britain in 1961, says there’s still a close connection between Jamaicans and the British.
Prince Harry’s visit to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has sparked a debate in Jamaica. The country’s prime minister Portia Simpson Miller reiterated her plans to drop the Queen as head of state.
Ms Simpson Miller said: “I think the fact that August coming will be 50 years since we have gained our independence (means) that it’s time for us to sever the ties.”
However, the young Royal met athlete Usain Bolt, visited the Bustamente Children’s Hospital and Rise Life, a project for deprived young people in Kingston.
Joan added: “I think Jamaicans are still proud of our shared heritage. Jamaicans love the British and no matter what happens politically it will still be there spiritually.
“Personally I am happy to have the best of both cultures. I feel like I can take the best bits of Jamaica and of England and if you mix them together you get something special.
“I’m happy Prince Harry went to Jamaica and got good treatment. They loved him.’’
