Offical Magazine

Magazine cover

Jamaica's Central
Page

TABLE OF CONTENT

3 13

STOP MODERN DAY SPIRITUAL INSIGHT
SLAVERY
Religion in 2018 has become a
5 sensitive topic. So sensitive that
young people are beginning
to shun it all together.

16SUTHERLAND, LIFE ON

THE INSIDE

Don't you want to know what really ADVENTURE -

happens in a Call Center? WORK & TRAVEL

Summer jobs though not new ,

7 have become a necessity among
the Jamaican youth.

BEACH RESTORATION IN

ALLIGATOR POND 19

By March 2019 The first phase will be SAVE MONEY THIS

complete in Alligator pond

CHRISTMAS

9 T’is the season to start trimming-
your budget that is and not just
THE DARK WEB your tree.

10 21

BLOOD DONATION JOHNKUNNU
CAMPAIGN A DYING TRADITION?

the National Blood Transfusion Johnkunnu bands often suffer at
Service (NBTS) of Jamaica hosted the depleting tradition.
its annual public blood drive at
NCU.

11

Drone Shot of Spur Tree Hill In TAXI PROTESTS IN MANDEVILLE
Manchester. Photo by :Adriana Writes
Scores of commuters were left stranded in
Mandeville as PPV operators parked their
taxis in the town close to the vicinity of
Super Plus Center and Bank House Mall.

Editor's Note

I’m proud to say that you are holding a very
special issue in your hands. Today, I invite you to
feast your eyes and warm your soul with the first
issue of Jamaica’s Central Pages!

We cover interesting features that happen in Jamaica
while focusing on the parishes of Manchester, St.
Elizabeth and Clarendon. Today, we offer amazing
true stories ranging from the hidden taboo topic of
human trafficking to the secrets of what really
happens in the new call centres across Jamaica.

With Christmas right around the corner our issue
also embrace the festive Jamaican cultural stories
while highlighting the issues Jamaican citizens face
on the island.

You have so much to look forward to, so hop right
in and enjoy the journey in Jamaica’s Central Pages!

Peidra-Ann James Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue
Editor In-Chief, Jamaica’s Central Pages

2 Jamaica's Central Pages

Stop Modern Day Slavery Superintendent Berry explained that
this ongoing problem of human
Modern day slavery, forced labor, sex trafficking is not new to central Jamaica
slavery and trafficking are just some of the among underage girls. “There was
few names for human trafficking. These another incident where a 14-year-old
terms all mean the same thing and even girl was taken from her home town Ile
more surprisingly this might be happening Vache Haiti and was forced to perform
right next door to you. Believe it or not sexual actions every night for a period
human trafficking is a growing issue in of years before she was finally rescued
central Jamaica. in Burnt Savannah, St Elizabeth by the
CTOC.”

Human trafficking is the action or practice of The Counter Terrorism and Organised
illegally transporting people from one country Crime (CTOC) is currently the only
or area to another, typically for the purposes of department that is equipped in dealing
forced labour or commercial sexual with the human trafficking crime. The
exploitation. CTOC stated that they found only two
(2) legal organizations among the one
In 2000, trafficking was recognised in Jamaica hundred and sixteen (116) ‘Go-go’
as the third criminal issue with terrorism and clubs across Jamaica and fifty-six (56)
drug trafficking in the top two positions. Sadly, massage parlours.
by 2018 growing human trafficking crimes in
the central parishes placed the crime in the Fitz Bailey, head of the CTOC branch
number one spot in the island. and assistant Commissioner of Police,
told reporters of Jamaica’s Central
The harsh reality of the situation in Manchester Pages that they are working with the
was explained by Deputy Superintendent of police force to control the issue in
Police Carl Berry. “We were tipped off, and Manchester, St. Elizabeth and
went to a ‘Go-go’ club in Mandeville where we Clarendon. “The Jamaica
found a 13-year-old girl on a bed with several Constabulary Force collaborated with
men paying to have sex with her. When we the CTOC to create a mapping of these
rescued her she was finished, doctors had to human trafficking activities which
stitch her up.” formed Operation IDFIX.”

3 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

Stop Modern Day Slavery

To help with the mapping of these This was the case for Pastor Rupert
areas Bailey is urging citizens to go to Clarke, a Mandeville Moravian church
the branch at any local police stations leader, who plead guilty in December
to report these incidents of human 2017 for sexually molesting a 15 year
trafficking. old girl in exchange for providing her
“CTOC have interviewed three family with funds.
thousand (3000) people relating to
human trafficking investigations and Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of National
have successfully rescued eighty-six Security, in a recent interview is now
(86) victims over the last four years.” encouraging all Jamaicans to join the
Bailey said. fight to control the growing issue. “The
condescending nature of this crime
It has been analysed that human demands that every single Jamaican
traffickers make up to $150 billion US needs to assume the responsibility to
dollars annually from forced labour, one join the fight to stop traffickers in their
of the sixteen ways which people can tracks. We cannot do this alone.”
be trafficked. This is why it is important
to stay alert at all times and be aware of By Leandee Gould
the ways in which people become a
target.

Traffickers now use less forceful
methods to achieve their goals. The
CTOC reports show that traffickers now
appear to individuals as a close friend
or family friend that is offering a way for
a better life. They achieve that goal by
promising these individuals good jobs in
another country.

Building this trust makes it a lot easier
for traffickers to transport these victims
because they are more willingly to
come. In other instances, traffickers
approach families that are victims of
severe poverty and offer these families
monthly payments for the services of
their loved ones.

4 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

Sutherland, Life on the Inside

 What really happens in a Call

Centre? It currently employs over 1500 people with plans
to expand to Kingsland in Mandeville.
In 2016 the news of Business Processing Centres
(BPO’s) were negatively received by the public with Employees like Trish who works in the Amazon
allegations of poor working conditions, below account department and have positive reviews on
average pay, terrible bosses, unusable bathrooms Sutherland. “At first working here was just a way for
and a slew of other unthinkable working conditions. me to be productive with my time but it was by
Often referred to as modern day slavery, working in working here that I realised that I wanted to start a
a call centre is seen as low quality work. What if I business. I like working with customers and I find
told you that the reality is far from what we believe it the idea of online platforms for business very
to be? That maybe working in a call centre is not as appealing. Plus, the pay is pretty good too”
bad as we think it to be.
Sutherland is also a very secure building protected
Sutherland global services began operations in by a security system knows as Kronos.
Kingston Jamaica 2012 and has operations with
three Kingston locations, and another in Mandeville.

5 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

Sutherland, Life on the Inside (cont..)

Employees are provided with a often you were late or absent. “Also I was led to believe that I

security pass that lets them into the For all this work there must be an would be doing only customer

building. All personal belongings are acceptable pay rate for these service but by month three I

left in lockers to ensure maximum employees Asha spoke on this. “Evenwas asked to sell at least 5

concentration during work. though it stresses me out sometimes literal phones per day and I'm

I don’t mind because I feel like I’m no sales person. The shifts

Fingerprints are scanned four times a being paid well for all the work I do, were also horrible, I would get a

day; when entering work, when going plus having transportation provided night shift one day, then the

for lunch, returning from lunch and for me which takes another load off next day a morning shift.

leaving work. This also helps to since I live quite far”. Absolutely no time to rest.”

calculate the hours for each

employee. At their stations, She further explained that one As with many things there are
two sides of the story. Darion
employees begin taking calls and employee can work up to $60,00 Henry Customer service
representative from Sutherland
dealing with customers while also every two weeks by receiving Global had this to say in
regards to the varying opinions
trying to meet their daily goal of bonuses because of their about Sutherland “It’s all a

course. Amazon uses a metrics performance rate and butting in

system to measure the quality of overtime and night hours but the

work each employee does. It is basedaverage pay is $30,000 bi-weekly.

on offer rates, PRR/ NRR matter of perspective.

(Positive/Negative Response Rates). So far Sutherland seems like the best Everyone’s experience is

place to work as a young different and the only thing I can

This is how it is calculated; after unemployed, so where are these say to that is that you need to

each call an email with a survey is harsh opinions coming from? It’s come here and see what it’s like

sent with the question “Did I resolve because of experiences like 24-year- for yourself.”

your problem?” to which the customerold Sade’s, a past employee of the

will respond with “yes” or “ no”. If the Sutherland who worked at the AT&T by Jhanielle Powell

customer feels as if their problem account for three months that she

wasn’t’ resolved and select “no” recounts as being “the worst time of

negative the employee has to get 9 her life." Picture on the left shows a typical day

yesses to cover that one no. Of in Sutherland. Picture on the right
course there are other performance
determining factors such as how shows Sutherland Global’s country

“I think they were asking too much for director Odetta Rockhead-Kerr (fourth

too little pay” she said right) and his team members who just
won the Business of the Year award

2017 for the organisation.

6 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

7 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

8 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

The Dark Web

9 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

Join the Blood Donation Campaign!

Blood is known to be an important element in maintaining life for any organism. This is one of the
many reasons why the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) of Jamaica hosted its annual
public blood drive at the Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville on November 7, 2019.
 
The campaign underlines the role every person can play in helping others in emergency situations who
needs blood. Blood has a number of functions that are central to survival, including: supplying oxygen to
cells and tissues, providing essential nutrients to cells, getting rid of waste, protecting the body from
infection and foreign bodies and regulating acidity (pH) levels and body temperature.

These reasons are why Keishawna Pinnock, assistant NBTS blood donor organizer, encourages citizens to
donate. “There are many persons in need at the hospitals and medical centres. So it is our duty to sensitize
the public and encourage them to donate blood."

Donating blood takes only a few minutes of your time and the testimony of one student donor, Jhanielle
Powell, described the experiences as fulfilling. " It felt like I was able to provide for someone in a way that
wasn't really common...I like helping people in whatever way I can."
 
Blood is life and even a small amount of blood is very important. This is why Pinnock stress how one unit
of blood can make a difference. “Remember that one unit saves three lives and we have this blood drive
open to everyone”. Just donate today and imagine the amount of lives you will be saving!

The NBTS is responsible for the collection, testing and
distribution of all the blood and its by products distributed
across Jamaica. If you would like to make a contribution of

donating you can contact 876-922-5181-5 or email:
[email protected].

By Peidra-Ann James

Jhanielle Powell,
student blood donor,
smiles gracefully as

she gives blood at
the NCU blood drive
during Health Week.

Photo provided by:
Jhanielle Powell

10 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

TAXI PROTESTS IN
MANDEVILLE

By Peidra-Ann James

Scores of commuters were left stranded in
Mandeville as PPV operators parked their
taxis in the town close to the vicinity of
Super Plus Center and Bank House Mall.
Each were determining in having their
issues and concerns addressed by the
authorities in regards to the proposed
amended road traffic act.

The new Road Traffic Act, which will repeal
and replace the existing 1938 Act, was
passed with amendments in the House of
Representatives on November 13, 2018.
These amendments included heavier fines
and more reinforced laws to the road code.

Jermaine Turnbull, a PPV seven seater
operator, describes the proposed regulations
in the new Road Traffic Act as "financial
slavery". He complains that taxi operators are
fattening government coffers while their
families suffer with the new laws.

“Taxi operators contribute a lot of money to
Jamaica's economy. Each taxi operator that
you see, they use $2.odd million alone per
year on gas. We have to go to the depot twice
for the year... Dem raise dem road licence;
we have to pay higher insurance, you have
people paying $300,000, $400,000 for their
insurance,” he complained.

The views of Supervisor for Transport Johnathan Bailey, a PPV operator,
Authority branch in Mandeville, Nicola disagrees with Brown as he says the police
Brown, begs to oppose the views of the will take the vehicles base on their own
operators. She strongly believes the judgment.
amendments were not design for the
benefits of the government but they were “Cause a dem put on red road licenses on
made to put a stop to the unlawful di car, so dem say they own the car. They
conduct of the operators while making the really a go look pon me and see a car that
roads safer. can hold 8 people only supposed to hold 5.
Yet still insurance more!"
“I don’t believe they wanted to be stringent
on operators but the disorder in the society, The debate between taxi operators and the
as it relates to how taxi men operate, they authority continues. This has also caused a
need them to stop. So increasing the fines chain reaction of other protests and strikes
is a mechanism to have them stop in other parishes across the island.
operating unlawfully. It wasn’t to penalize Regardless of the social unarrest, the
them it was to just to get them to stop.” authorities show no signs that the act will
be changing any time soon.
This insight from Brown did not stop the
operators from going on strike again the
second day. This time it was to oppose the
seizures of numerous vehicles that of were
being taken to the Mandeville pound during
the period of October and November.
Brown explained that a lot of laws were
overlooked but a certain sergeant sought to
bring order in the area.

“Effectively there was this one officer,
Sergeant Brooks, who decided to do what
was prescribed in law and it caused the
ruckus….Everyone was running on routes
that were not their own which is why he
was trying to curtail the town congestion
and the disorder… but all the seizures
carried out were lawful.” said Brown.

12 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

THE PARADIGM SHIFT IN
JAMAICAN YOUTH'S
OPINION OF

RELIGION

BY JHANIELLE POWELL

Religion in 2018 has become
a sensitive topic. So sensitive
that young people are
beginning to shun it all
together.

Religion is one of the most
enduring things in the
human species. It seems to
go back as far as human
culture and is deeply
important regardless of
things like, time,
geography, class or
anything else that can be
categorized.

JAMAICA'S CENTRAL PAGES

SPIRITUAL INSIGHT
Where Religion Meets Beliefs

13 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

A Pew Research Center survey, that there are 3 churches in “ I consider myself
spiritual in my
published in November 2015 every community. We are an connection with the
natural aspects of the
have proven that millennials inherently religious people. world, being nature itself,
music, people. It really
between the ,ages of 18 and 29 Sunday mornings are sacred. could just be called a
level of awareness for my
who have no religious affiliation, They are for dressing up in surroundings, but it has
the capacity to feel
has increased by 29% over the your finest to get to church on spiritual"

last 30 years. time for the fellowship and

good news of salvations. Whole

America is the leader in families would go to church

influencing people and cultures , together and generation of

and Jamaica is no exception. children who grew up this way

With the influence of social would carry on this tradition Thompson also supplied
a reason for millennials
media , and cable TV we are kept even more that is until tis day moving away from
organized religion
abreast of what is happening in and age.

America. This also means we

have caught on to their beliefs 24-year-old Joseph Thompson,

and social agendas. Audio Engineer at Television He believes so many
young people are moving
Jamaica is agnostic and one away from organized
religion because of the
As a result, Jamaican millennials such millennial that has put the

are a new breed of Jamaicans. idea of organized religion

They are more health conscious, behind him. He grew up in an exclusivity that exists

they advocate for tolerance and Anglican home where he within it. He says The

equal rights and they are also admits to not having a Bible carries archaic

social media sensations. Are they complete idea of what he was views that have put him

too moving away from religion? doing or why. “ as a family we off from the idea such as

Jamaica is known to have the considered ourselves Anglican, “anti -gay” preachings

greatest number of Churches per but I never knew what that and the glaring sexism.

square mile. That means meant.” And although he’s not

Issue 27 | 234 religious he is spiritual .

14 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

Of course, not all young people are moving "I consider
away from religion. Tevin Johnson is one myself spiritual in my
such millennial whose closest friends can connection with the
vouch for his devout Christianity. “Personally natural aspects of the
I am interested in Jesus...that I can have a world, being nature
second chance at life.” itself, music, people."

He goes on to supply a reason for millenials
moving away from religion more specifically
christianity. “I think a lot of young people are
moving away from the faith not because of
they don’t know about Jesus or God but they
have lost their identity as a person and young
people want to incorporate the world
amusement into the church so it
accommodates them, and if it doesn’t go
there way they slowly leave the church and
away from “religion.”

Maybe millenials are onto something the rest
of us can’t quite understand just yet, or
maybe all millenials are going through a
phase and they will soon get back to the
safety of normal we are all so accustomed to.
If three is one thing that we can learn from
millenials it is that we shouldn’t be scared to
challenge what is and ask questions that will
force us to think deeper than we have been.
Whatever the answers to those questions
may be, we may never know, but it's certainly
interesting the way we try to figure it out.

JHANIELLE POWELL Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

15 Jamaica's Central Pages

JAMAICA'S CENTRAL PAGES

ADVENTURE

WORK AND TRAVEL PROCESS

Summer for Jamaican young people
used to mean going out with friends
or hitting up the latest clubs. It was a
time to take a well needed break
from the stresses of school. That
picture usually changes when they
enter college. Summer jobs though
not new , have become a necessity
among the Jamaican youth.
The most popular and effective way
to earn money is the well known
“Summer Work and Travel”
programs, organized to allow
students to work in the United States
of America. There are many agencies
to consider, such as Josyst, May’Fos
or United Work and travel to name a
few.If you are considering doing this,
be mindful of the steps in doing so.

16 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

1.The first step is signing up. 7. If everything goes well then a
Naturally this is the way the work permit is made and an
or1g8 anization you are applying to embassy appointment is made in
knows you are interested. Usually order for the applicant to get a
application is done virtually with work visa better known as the J-1
the applicant downloading the Visa which lasts 3 months. An
form or completing one online. additional 1 month is granted for
Then they pay a registration fee worker to roam the country.
that is usually JMD$5,000 .

2. Secondly applicants pay their Usually accommodation and
program fee which is usually transportation on arrival is
between USD$14,000 and $16,000. provided. Flights are organized by
These are paid in two installments the agency but have to be financed
with one payment in December by the applicant. Rent also is paid
before and the February of the by the applicant out of their
summer employment. salary. Students who travel on
3. The agency will then request these programmes usually find
Copy of Passport, Smiling additional jobs to get additional
passport size photo, Copy of cash. Some may even find
resume, Complete online themselves juggling 5 jobs.
registration form, Status The process may be arduous but
Letter/Proof of Education, the payoff is great. Many students
Current Transcript, Confirmation return with rave reviews like
of registration receipt. Third year Caribbean Maritime
4. The resume will be put up University Student Jordon Smith
online for sponsors to se. These who says “Although I came home
sponsors are officials in charge of able to pay my school fee and with
getting applicants jobs into the US. new gadgets, and clothes,the
They sort out the work permits lessons I learned about the
etc. importance of having a good work
5. When sponsors get responses ethic trumps any financial
from employees applicants are set rewards.”
up on interviews with the sponsors These programs not only give
. These interviews are critical to students a financial break but also
moving to the next step. allow them the opportunity to
6. This is where applicants have to expand their social networks in
pull their own weight by selling ways some can only dream of.
themselves to the actual
employers through another
interview.

17 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

18

18 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

4 Ways to save Money this
Christmas

by Kimberly Smith

T’is the season to start trimming- your budget that is and not
just your tree. As the festive Christmas season approaches,
many persons feel pressured financially when they think about
all the gifts they need to purchase for both family and friends.

Truth be told, you do not need to worry as many alternatives exist
to prevent you from overspending on presents. Saving money does
not mean that gift exchange should be excluded from your
Christmas traditions. Jamaica’s Central Pages took to the streets of
Mandeville to see what tips can be used to keep your holidays
festive without overspending or losing its spark.

MAKE A BUDGET
Shania Green, an accountant at Irons Accounting Firm, gave a
very common but effective method to prevent overspending. “I have
a separate account for Christmas money and I try to save during
the year and I budget that so I don’t overspend.”

Though this seems like an overused tip, you can never go wrong
with making a budget. By planning ahead and making a budget you
can control the flow of money going out based on what is coming in.

Green also suggested that your budget should have some space
when comparing prices and not be too tight as this can result in
frustration when met with last minute purchases. “I leave a little
wiggle room and even go online to check the prices and compare
the prices.”

19 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

CHOOSE CHEAPER TRADITIONS Pinnock believes that potluck will cater to

Kelline James, a local shopper, believes that individual needs especially if they have

the key to preventing excess spending is to particular tastes. However, for this to be a

change the Christmas traditions. successful you should alert family

“I don’t practice going above my means so my members in advance so that you don’t

children and I make Christmas crafts, have have an influx of a particular item.

karaoke or caroling, we watch our favorite

Christmas movies, bake and even go to TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOYALTY

pantomime. We don’t have to overspend to CARDS AND DISCOUNTS

show that we care.” The festive season ushers in a wave of

Christmas time is filled with many traditions discounts and specials which makes

that may have practiced ritually over the years. Christmas shopping a tad bit easier.

Many times we overspend just in the name of However, customers must ensure that

tradition. Maybe it’s time for a change they are not being tricked into buying

items as some stores keep the same

EMBRACE POTLUCK prices and mark the items with a “sale”

In an effort to cater to the needs of your sign.

guests, you might find yourself going overboard

with catering. Sandra Pinnock, professional This is why it is important to shop around

chef and caterer, suggest that allowing others and compare store prices. You can snag

to bring their own food to the family dinners cangreat deals and use coupon codes to get

save you a lot of time and money. “Sometimes a lot more for your money.

I just ask everybody to carry something-

potluck style. It takes a lot from me especially It’s fairly easy to get caught up in the

since I’m catering year round.” festivities and overspend. However, If you

Let everyone know that you are making a main have a plan make sure to include these

course, but you would appreciate the help with tips and tricks so you can be on your way

sides, appetizers and drinks. to having more money to spend in the

holidays and even more to stretch for the

New Years!

20 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

Johnkunnu : A Dying Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue
Tradition ?

By Kimberly Smith

Christmas in Jamaica is often a grand affair. The
Jamaican Christmas features many traditions that
include: Gran’ Market, Boxing day, elaborate
church services and JohnKunnu.

Over the years the tradition of Johnkunnu has
taken a backseat as it slowly unravels from the
thread of our culture. Offset by vibrant and
colourful costumes, dancing and the screams of
frightened children, Johnkunnu bands often
suffer at the depleting tradition.

Johnkunnu is a fusion of African masked dances
and British folk plays and was prime side
entertainment in Jamaica in Christmas. In the
colonial days, the Johnkunnu bands would move
from house to house, enjoying the gifts of food,
drinks and coins from the wealthy. The bands
play drums, rattles, rifes and even bottles and
graters. The traditional featured costumed
characters include : King, Queen, devil, Pitchy-
Patchy, Belly Woman, Cow Head, Policeman,
Wild Apache Indian, Bride, Househead and
Horse Head.

A poll spanning 3 hours was posted on Twitter
asking users if they thought enough was being
done to secure tradition All users voted ‘No’ and
a few posted their comments on how Johnkunnu
could be revived and maintained.

21 Jamaica's Central Pages

22 Jamaica's Central Pages Kimberlee Goulbourne, a student of the Nothern Caribbean
University, gave her views on the Jamaican tradition.
“ I haven’t even seen Johnkunnu in the longest while, it’s
not being preserved very well. I don’t think this new
generation has truly experienced this tradition- they’re just
seeing Santa Claus everywhere instead of Johnkunnu,
which is our local tradition. Since there isn’t some sort of
appreciation for it by the new generation and is at risk of
dying completely.”

Several Twitter users agreed that if pop up performances
were made in hotspots such as town centers and tourist
attractions then Johnkunnu could have a better chance of
being passed on to the younger generation.

Amanda James, a final year Business major, explained that
many millennials heard of Johnkunnu through oral tradition,
cultural shows or maybe in schools.
“I’m 22 now and the only time I've heard of this culture was
in school or by my grandma. I do remember once though as
a teen that there was a Johnkunnu band at the Denbigh
show grounds. I thought it was fun but my little sister ran off.
I think the culture is alive but if I’m at this age now and don't
know much about it imagine the generations after me. ”

Linnett Richards, Traditional Folk Specialist at the Jamaica
Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), spoke
passionately about Johnkunnu and its relevance to modern
society. “Yes, it’s important for the younger generation
needs to know about Johnkunnu… their embracing
Halloween and it's more witchy… Johnkunnu is more for
entertainment”.

She went on to highlight the JCDC’s annual workshop
which this year concentrated on Johnkunnu. These
workshops are designed to sensitize the public to particular
aspects of our culture and to enhance teaching skills for the
teachers that are asked to attend. This arms the teachers
with more material to equip our students about certain
aspects of our culture.

Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue

“Johnkunnu is the foundation to many of the dances, all the
movements you’re seeing nowadays and even the rhythms.
Even the ‘fling yuh shoulder’ dance, it comes from a
movement that the Horse head character would do!” Miss
Richards stressed.

She went on to discuss that we have shunned such an
important part of our culture that has still managed to
influence us today. She believes that since we have become
so engrossed by the American culture coupled with the
increase in technology that we have watered down our own
culture. This did not stop her from reminisces on the days
when there was little to no technology and children would
participate in these dances for fun.

St. Mary, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth are identified as
the areas that Johnkunnu are still prevalent. In hopes of
moving forward and building new traditions, we must
embrace the legacy that was left behind. Johnkunnu is a
major part of that. What was seen as way to satirize, mimic
and gallivant is now threatened by acculturation.

Photos Showing Johnkunnu Characters during Christmas time.

23 Jamaica's Central Pages Vol 1 | December 2019 Issue