JCF women rock Grand Gala

A special presentation from the Women in Service of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was undoubtedly one of the high points of the recently staged Grand Gala, an event held annually by the Government to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence.

Pulling out all the stops, the policewomen showcased their high-level training in cycling, on-the-field combat, marching, and incorporating popular dance moves like the ‘Drift’. The all-female SWAT team elicited “Oohs” and “Aahs” from the crowd at the National Stadium, and the drill team’s precision was thrilling.

The presentation was in honour of the milestone 75 years since women were accepted into the Jamaica Constabulary Force. It was on January 1, 1949, when three women – Iris Tulloch, Sylvia Myers and Florence Nelson – were enlisted in the JCF for the first time.

Another group that was celebrated was the Chinese, who arrived in Jamaica in 1854. Their 170 years on the island was commemorated with colourful aspects of their culture on show. Additionally, Patricia ‘Miss Pat’ Chin, co-founder of VP Records, was honoured with the Reggae Icon Award during the same event.

The presentation of the Reggae Icon Award has become a feature of the Grand Gala and this year there were four recipients. In addition to Chin, acclaimed reggae ambassadors and 11-time Grammy nominees Third World, as well as dancehall artistes Moses ‘Beenie Man’ Davis and Rodney ‘ Bounty Killer’ Price were awarded. Short performances from the artistes followed, playing a significant role in the celebration.

Third World, dressed in all white, showed why they continue to dominate, as they delivered favourites from their catalogue, including Try Jah Love, Now That We Found Love and Reggae Ambassador.

Performing together, the former rivals, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, who both opted for black, demonstrated the theme of Jamaica’s 62nd year of independence, ‘Jamaica 62: One Love…To the World’.

Perhaps it was the announced scaling down of this year’s celebration in a bid to be mindful of those still suffering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, that brought a less celebratory tone to the Gala. However, there was a constant reminder of Beryl throughout, mainly through the narration from ‘Miss Lou’. Also, a damper was the absence, owing to “respiratory illness” of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, whose ministry takes the lead at these events. In fact, the minister had been absent from the two events leading up to the Gala – the Festival Queen coronation on August 3 and the Gospel Star finals on Sunday, August 4 – but no reasons had been given.

As is customary, there were the parades from the uniformed groups, as well as school, community and dance groups across the island. Also performing were Jamaica Festival Song winner Kimiela ‘Candy’ Isaacs with her winning entry, One Jamaica; and gospel singers Lubert Levy, Rhoda Isabella and Kevin Downswell.

A fantastic 1,000-drone show lit up the sky before dazzling fireworks brought the Grand Gala 2024 to its climax.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com