Lukewarm Emancipation Day for vendors

Feb 27, 2024

The usual fanfare that comes with the start of the Emancipendence period appeared to be somewhat lacklustre yesterday in sections of Kingston and St Andrew.

The National Arena was adorned in the national colours of black, green, and gold yesterday, signalling the opening of the Festival Village, and the staging of the Augus' Morning Market. Captivating backdrops and creative decorations created an exhilarating environment. But as THE STAR team made its way around the various stalls, the usual hustle and bustle was absent. The market, which is known for its fresh local produce and handcrafted cultural creations, seemed quieter than anticipated. Some vendors, like Jennifer Johnson, expressed disappointment at the slow pace of sales, but remained grateful for the opportunity.

"Buyers are not plenty as usual so the day has been a bit slow, but we give thanks for what's going on but it could have been much better especially if we got better advertisements,"

Little Briana Graham assisted her grandmother Angella Meeks at their stall, acknowledging that the day hadn't lived up to their expectations in terms of sales. Nonetheless, they still appreciated the chance to participate in the market, which is a cherished tradition for them.

"I am very much disappointed, I wasn't expecting this. Nothing is really going on now and I don't know if it may be better later, but I thought we would be selling. I have been here from about midnight, so at this hour [11:30 a.m.], we should have sold even the vegetables. I give thanks though, it's still a good opportunity to be here," said Meeks, who has been a vendor at the market for three years.

Other vendors shared similar sentiments about the day's slower pace. Seeking more festivities, the team explored the village and found Jai-Confiserie, a stall offering a variety of cultural delights. From carrot cake to the famous dukunu, the stall showcased some of Jamaica's culinary heritage. The stall owner, Georgia Brown, highlighted the importance of preserving cultural traditions for younger generations, who are more familiar with modern trends.

"Today, a 12-year-old girl was afraid to try the sky juice and after trying it, she said 'Oh it's like snow cone'. So they are not familiar, and I guess it's the era and it's up to us to bring attention to our culture to the younger ones," she said.

"I think it is a good thing because Jamaicans are more into dancehall or hip-hop parties on Emancipation [Day], rather than the culture, and this kind of activity actually gives us the opportunity to see a mixture of the past and the present," Brown said.

Another Emancipation Day event was the August Town Arise Expo in the African Gardens section of the community. Like the Augus' Morning Market, there were few buyers despite the attractive craft that was displayed.

Sonia Lambert, 66, the secretary for the African Gardens council, has been doing crochet and making craft since age 12. She is a founding member of the event, and admitted that 2022 had a better turnout from both visitors and residents.

"But this year people are scattered all over, whether they've gone to the country, parties or the beach. Not everybody in Jamaica takes this seriously. My desire is for young people to be more concerned with Emancipation because it is our culture, and my council members and I are getting older and we need them to carry on the mantle because we are coming from far and it is necessary for development to continue," she said.

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