Singing Redemption: Jamaica Day Part 1

Yesterday, by a strange but happy coincidence, I heard two versions of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.”

The first version was at a special Jamaica Day celebration on Friday, February 27 at the Abilities Foundation in Kingston. I was invited to be guest speaker; I read some Jamaican poetry. They especially enjoyed “Eve” by Mervyn Morris, which made them chuckle; “Prayer for Morning” by Millicent Graham, a childhood memory; and “Islands” by Christine Craig, about a girl growing up. I also talked to the group – consisting of about 40 young adults with disabilities, mostly those with learning disabilities and hearing impaired – about speaking up for themselves, and about knowing that they have rights, just like any other Jamaican.

The four fabulous contestants in the reggae song contest.

Interestingly, I asked them what they thought “human rights” meant. They tried hard to think about it. Then one girl’s face lit up: “It’s about freedom,” she said.

Freedom. This word that came up later in the day on another, quite different occasion, on which the same song was sung.

A small group of young women performed a dance, with great verve. I wondered how the hearing impaired girls could hear the music. But they can feel it... — A small group of young women performed a dance, with great verve. I wondered how the hearing impaired girls could hear the music. But they can feel the vibrations…

The session ended with a reggae song competition. Strictly reggae, because…Jamaica Day. There were four entrants, two boys and two girls. All sang vigorously, except for one very nervous young man. And the competition ended in a tie – partly because the support for two of the contestants was so frantic and loud it was impossible to tell which one had the most audience support. A tall young man sang a song by Tarrus Riley; and a young woman sang a heartfelt version of “Redemption Song.” In fact, she ended up singing it twice. The response was fervent. A young man operating the sound system waved a Rasta flag. The young people were feeling it.

The crowd response (a small section). Try imagining the noise!

"Redemption Song," Abilities Foundation style. — “Redemption Song,” Abilities Foundation style.

What do you know about the Abilities Foundation? It trains young adults with disabilities, preparing them to find employment and become productive citizens. It works in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and of Labor and Social Security and the H.E.A.R.T. Trust/National Training Agency. The foundation teaches the students marketable skills such as information technology, cabinet making, garment making and horticulture/landscaping. It received a Ministry/Japan Development Grant last year to enhance its programs, including Workforce Inclusion, which gives the Foundation’s trainees the opportunity to gain work experience through paid internships.

There is also a plant nursery and greenhouse next door. You can contact them at 969-5720 and at 191 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8. The Foundation’s head is Ms. Susan Hamilton.