3 JAMAICANS AND friends of the island nation in and around Washington, DC will enjoy a very special treat as part of celebrations marking the golden jubilee anniversary of Independence. In keeping with the occasion, celebrated artist Cheery StewartJosephs will once again get the unique honour of turning the walls of the Jamaican Embassy into her own gallery for a month, starting on August 4. According to Stewart-Josephs, the specially curated exhibition will give patrons an eyeful of the sights, colours and shades that have come to define the head, hearts, hands and minds of a proud people since that historic day 60 years ago! “The 60 pieces on display tell a story of happiness and pride, hallmark of the Jamaican spirit and culture that is celebrated globally,” explained an elated Stewart-Josephs, who is currently based in Brooklyn, NY. She was quick to point out that she got her start from very humble circumstances and surroundings on Trafalgar Road in Kingston, in the mid-1970s. She credited her husband Hugh, himself an accomplished abstract illustrator, as a major influence. Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, is expected to open the exhibition, her first, giving patrons their second glimpse of the life and culture they left behind. Painted on canvas and pulled from her vast collection, the pieces show a rich landscape that continues to appeal to holiday seekers, accentuated by brilliant vegetation that tugs at the heart strings of nostalgia. Together, the pieces, one for each year of Independence, present an eloquent expression of life on the island then and now, making this second showing – the first done 10 years ago – another must-see, must-do event on a long list of activities highlighting and commemorating this milestone celebration. J’can life, culture showcased in Independence art exhibit Cheery Stewart-Joseph’s vibrant painting showcasing popular Jamaican fruits CONTRIBUTED This painting of the popular Jamaican attraction Holland Bamboo as depicted by Cheery Stewart-Josephs, one of the many colourful pieces that will be on display at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC. CONTRIBUTED The talented Cheery Stewart-Josephs MINISTER OF Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange says Jamaica 60 will be used to“engage and motivate our people towards achieving our national objectives”. The theme for Jamaica 60 is ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’. Grange was speaking during the ceremony to officially launch the Jamaica 60 programme of activities at Jamaica House on April 13. Prime Minister Andrew Holness launched the Jamaica 60 programme, which Grange described as a mix of commemorative activities and legacy projects that would bring lasting benefits to Jamaica. She made it clear that Jamaica 60, a yearlong celebration, is “not just a party, but it’s also a time to reflect and to build”. She emphasised that occasions such as Jamaica 60 are an opportunity to“do a report card on our progress as a country [and] set goals for the next five years”. The minister told the invited-only guests at Jamaica House that the Andrew Holness-led Government has “always taken the position that milestone commemorations should be more than celebratory activities but that celebrations, such as Jamaica 60, must include projects that will benefit our country for generations to come”. “One of the goals is to improve our infrastructure and build new infrastructure, all with the aim of making a better life for all the people of Jamaica.” Among the legacy projects to begin this year are: the redevelopment of the National Stadium; the establishment of the Jamaica Sports Museum & Sports Hall of Fame; the establishment of the Harry Belafonte National Concert Hall; a monument to honour frontline workers in the pandemic; as well as the construction of the new parliament building. Special commemorative events will include banquets at which 60 outstanding women and 60 outstanding men will be awarded for their service to the nation, the Kingston Biennial Exhibition at the National Gallery of Jamaica, the Jamaica 60 Reggae Gold Awards, the JDF 60 Parade, the Independence Village from July 29 to August 7, and the Grand Gala at the National Stadium. The Jamaica 60 programme, commemorating 60 years of Independence, was launched in the presence of a delegation fromRwanda. Jamaica reignited for greatness at 60 Grange Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh performs at launch of Jamaica 60 on the lawns of Jamaica House on Wednesday, April 13. RUDOLPH BROWN/PHOTOGRAPHER Prime Minister Andrew Holness THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JULY 25 - OCTOBER 21, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE
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