Culture and Society: Lest We Forget, Recalling Coral Gardens

The Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society invites everyone to the 53rd Commemoration of the Coral Gardens Atrocities on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay. 

As a result of the acts of a few persons in Coral Gardens in April 1963, the entire Rastafari community was officially targeted by the State of newly-independent Jamaica, which led to extreme brutality, imprisonment and the death of many Rastafari sons and daughters across Jamaica by the police, army and other citizens of Jamaica. The Rastafari community has never received any apology or compensation for those atrocities committed by the Government of Jamaica. We continue to demand that the Government of Jamaica apologize, pay compensation and make other reparations to the individual victims and the Rastafari community for the Coral Gardens atrocities and the denial of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The purpose of the Commemoration event is to highlight on-going efforts in the process of agitation for compensation, salute those victims of the 1963 atrocities who are still alive, and raise funds to assist and care for the Ancient Elders in Montego Bay and its environs.

It will be a day and night event starting at 10:00 am with a health fair for patrons as well as the Ancient elders. This will include blood sugar, blood pressure eye tests and naturopathic advice. Gerontologist, Dr. Paul Rhodes, will give a talk on best practices for eldercare. There will also be a fun day for children to include storytelling and workshops in drumming, poetry, bead stringing and pastry making. Other forms of entertainment for children will include bounce-about, slides and trampoline. Popcorn, snow cones and cotton candies will be on sale.

At 4:00 pm, the Society will treat the Ancient Elders in the form of a banquet. During the banquet, survivors and witnesses of the 1963 atrocities will give their testimonies. At the end of the banquet Matriarchs and Patriarchs will be given certificates of recognition for their pioneering work in the Rastafari movement. At 7:00 pm we will host a symposium to discuss the Public Defender’s report and recommendations for compensation of victims of the 1963 atrocities. The Public Defender will participate in the panel discussion along with Attorney at Law, Miguel Lorne, Dr. Clinton Hutton, and Dr. Leroy Binns. 

At 9:00 pm there will be a cultural presentation for family entertainment with clean and positive expressions. Artistes include Mackie Conscious, Paul Elliott, Terry Ganzie, Mikey General, P Zed, Mister Views, Marley Fire, Jah Spiryt, Ras Jaja, Pinkie Dread, Major Lloyd, Tenshan Invasion, Rankin Punkin, Jah Ranks, Changa Changa, Rasta Village, Iwad, King Chavez, Visaya, Asante Amen, Prof I, Rock Top Chanters and many more. Sound by Pulse Sound System and Mutabaruka Blackk Music. MC‘s will be Isha and Steppa.

And now... "K-Flix": Korean Film fest

THE Thieves, the third highest grossing movie in South Korean history, is one of four flicks scheduled for the 2014 Korean Film Festival at the Palace Cineplex in St Andrew on November 24 - 26, and the Palace Multiplex in Montego Bay, St James, on December 9 -10, 2014.

Jong Seon Lim, South Korean ambassador to Jamaica, said the event will contribute greatly in enhancing the bilateral friendship which began 52 years ago.

"It is expected that the 2014 Korean Film Festival will not only strengthen the existing cultural bond between Korea and Jamaica, but also bring the two countries a step closer," said Lim.

Seong Hoon Kim, third secretary at the Korean embassy, said the festival will give Jamaicans the opportunity to learn about Korean culture with Jamaica.

"We want Jamaicans to learn more about our culture through movies. Not many Jamaicans know about Korean culture," he said. "It will be on a first come, first served basis."

All events are free to the public, except for November 24 which is invitation only.

The Thieves, an action film, tells the story of a South Korean gang which teams up with a Hong Kong crew to steal a diamond necklace from a heavily guarded casino.

In addition to The Thieves, the other movies -- which range from comedy to romance are All About My Wife, Marriage Blue, and The Front Line.

Shows will be at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the Palace Cineplex and 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm at the Palace Multiplex.

- from Jamaica Observer