JaRIA Sprouts Wings

Groundins

By: Charles H.E. Campbell

This year, February marks the fifth celebration of Reggae Month since it was promulgated by the Governor General back in 2008. Coming out of the first celebration, it was felt that the national committee organising reggae month was too narrow in its composition and did not fully represent different branches of the industry. Therefore, in 2009, especially Freddy McGregor and Beres Hammond were defiant, vigorous and successful in their attempts to mobilise industry players to attend a meeting at the Ministry of Culture that was called to review the activities of 2008 and develop a concept for the next celebration.

Having had preliminary discussion with Junior Lincoln and Dimario McDowell, by the second meeting of this group of individuals, against vociferous objections from some elements, I mooted the formation of an umbrella organization to serve the interests of the entire industry on an ongoing basis; one which was to be mandated with a short list of outstanding issues on which we all had common ground and objectives. Out of this cauldron, JaRIA was subsequently formed as an umbrella, non-governmental organisation.

Among its advocacy and lobbying on issues like the revision of the Noise Abatement Act, the implementation of an Entertainment Encouragement Act, urgent action to reduce payola, etc., over the last three years, JaRIA’s raison de existence has been the execution of Reggae Month activities annually.

For the first three years, most of our activities have been centred at the Edna Manley College because our budget has not allowed us to do city-wide activities, much less to go island-wide with these celebrations. Were it not for the enlightened leadership of the faculty of the Edna Manley College, especially their past principal Mr. Burchell Duhaney, who allowed JaRIA to conduct its meetings and to stage Reggae Month activities there free-of-cost, Reggae Month, as a national celebration, would certainly have perished. The country, therefore, owes the Edna Manley College a debt of gratitude for sustaining these celebrations in their insipient stages.

This year, to coincide with the celebration of our 50th year of independence, Reggae Month has sprouted national and international wings. This is due, in no small part, to the renewed commitment from the triad of the Minister of Culture Lisa Hanna, Minister of State for Entertainment Damian Crawford, and Deputy Director of Tourism Jason Hall.

Since then, along with JAMPRO, NHT and Edna Manley College, a number of private sector entities, including Rum Bar, Wisynco, Irie FM, Zip FM, Advantage General, RJR Group of Companies, Sun Island, Big Jo and The Observer have joined with JaRIA, providing sponsorship in cash and products; although we are still facing a significant shortfall in executing these events.

The Dennis Brown celebration at Orange Street on the 29th of January and the Trench Town Festival were tremendously successful with approximately 6000 people attending the Dennis Brown Concert and 8000 patrons at the Vin Lawrence Park on Saturday the 4th for the Trench Town Festival. Moving the Reggae Wednesdays to Emancipation Park has proven to be the correct decision because it has broadened the demographics of the audience significantly and has given the events national stature and presence.

There is a story, however, that needs to be told. In the past, whereas we have had a very active Reggae Month Committee, the physical work required to execute the events has always been left to a small core of individuals. All that has changed this year however, and succession planning is well underway. Most members of the committee have now taken ownership of particular events, carrying out all of the organizational tasks required to successfully implement them.

In addition, the Production Committee has been expanded to include Abishai Hoilett and Duane McDonald, and they have been doing a tremendous job in ensuring that the lineup and the technical requirements of each event are in place. Marjorie Scott-Anderson has done more than yeoman service in planning and executing most of our new events this year, including Dance Vibe 50, the Ecumenical Service and Reggae Runways.

Unfortunately, the Gospel Concert, which she was also responsible for coordinating, had to be canceled at the last moment, due to a shortage of funds. Although our promotions got off to a late start due to a lack of funds, Coleen Douglas has recently been doing an excellent job of marketing and public relations, thereby correcting one of Reggae Month/JaRIA’s biggest weaknesses of the previous years. Foundation members like Ibo Cooper, Stephen Stewart, Junior Lincoln, Mary Isaacs, Paul Love, Carol Lawrence, L. Nichole Brown, Joan Webley, Sam Clayton Jr. and Charlene Atkinson continue to guide and oversee our operations, while new members such as Shani Nembhard and Renni Kettle bring new insights and energy to the programme.

Email: che.campbell@gmail.com

Read More: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/JaRIA-Sprouts-Wings_10745446