Who are we as Jamaicans, and where are we going? As the Independence Day holiday approaches, it’s a time for relaxation; city dwellers who have the energy (and the funds) hop off to the North Coast to lounge by a hotel pool. Jamaicans living abroad come over to
reconnect with their roots and enjoy some Jamaican culture (including food, of course!) For some, it’s very much a family time. People like my husband and I just try to avoid the holiday crowds, and “chill” at home.
But this is for some of us a time for reflection. Where have we reached? What is the Jamaica you would like to see when we celebrate the 65th anniversary? What is a Jamaican, and how do we see ourselves? We are grounded in the past, living in the present… but what about our future?
We will be raising these simple, yet complex questions at an online discussion on Monday, August 7 (which we will be celebrating as Independence Day) from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. You may connect on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86784365940 (passcode: 871665). Who is “we”? I will be moderating the discussion with host Karen Y. Johns, CEO of Good Institute and Caribbean Connector, Jamaican-born and based in the United States; and Ainsley Henriques, expert on all things cultural and historic, elder of the Jamaican Jewish community, and nation builder (to this day). These are two lively speakers, so I know I will have my hands full, but hope as many participants as possible will join in!
The event will be streaming live from “Regardless” (the Manley Centre) in Kingston, the former home of National Hero Norman Washington Manley and his wife Edna, where Karen will be hosting lunch for a small group of invited guests.
We hope that you will be able to tune in and participate. We would also love for Jamaicans from the diaspora to join us. Questions and comments will be most welcome. I know the time will fly past, but it will be interesting – and, I think, enjoyable – to wrap our heads around these challenging questions.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Petchary's Blog 
Sorry I missed this. Is it recorded so I can watch it?
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We will have the Zoom recording available shortly. We had some audio issues at the beginning, so we are editing it. I will post the link here when it’s done!
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