The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) engaged with scores of school groups at its National Culture Clubs Virtual Conference 2021, under the theme: “60 and beyond…Re-igniting the Cultural Spirt.”

The event was postponed last November due to circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Held February 22, the talents of several individuals and groups were showcased in various cultural performances, reflecting on the past year’s achievements and activities while charting plans for the upcoming year.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange who delivered the keynote address, said it is a project which “carries great potential for equipping our young people with knowledge and experience, foundational to their development,” the Minister said.

She urged the participants to become cultural agents so that more people can be made aware of the “significant contributions of culture to nation-building,” Minister Grange said. She lauded the JCDC for bringing together the schools and other partners to make the event a success.

State Minister in the Ministry Hon. Alando Terelonge, called on the “next generation of bright Jamaican creatives to take your part,” and be at the centre of the “next step in Jamaican culture,” he said, adding that students should form more culture clubs, and enhance new talents.

The JCDC, in recognising the importance of preserving Jamaica’s culture and heritage, established a series of Culture Clubs in schools and other community-based organisations across the island. The main aim of the Clubs is to focus on the nation’s young people through whom its customs and traditions can be channelled and preserved.

The established Culture Clubs actively engage youth in activities including Jamaica Day/Night Celebrations, Heritage Week Celebrations, Emancipation and Independence Day Celebrations, community projects and the staging of civic functions such as Flag Raising ceremonies in schools and community clubs.