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‘We want to have some nice time’

Sligoville residents want to see the back of the pandemic

Published:Friday | August 6, 2021 | 12:05 AMRasbert Turner/Gleaner Writer
Ephraim Brown, a resident of Free Village, Sligoville, St Catherine.
Ephraim Brown, a resident of Free Village, Sligoville, St Catherine.
Dwight Burke, councillor of the Sligoville division.
Dwight Burke, councillor of the Sligoville division.
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THE HISTORIC community of Sligoville in north central St Catherine is longing for ‘Emancipendence’ celebrations which have been the way of life until the COVID-19 pandemic halted festivities.

When The Gleaner visited the rural community last week, residents lamented the current situation affecting the life of the district.

“Well, we used to invite members from other churches for the four-day convention at my church (Faith Standing Church of God) from August 1 to 4, but we still usually look forward for the gospel concert at Emancifest. This pandemic has changed the way we do things, as we Zoomed the service last year. This year, we just have to pray to fight this pandemic. We also must work with the protocols not only in Sligoville, but all over, before any positive changes will be achieved,” David Lawrence said.

Make a living

“I always look forward to the Emancifest celebration, as it enable nuff community people to make a living from vending of food, games, taxi service; and some persons from outside would even stay with families for a small fee. I am hoping that we can have some nice time again,” Alton Cooper said.

His views echoed that of 83-year-old Ephraim Brown, who said the entertainment expectation during the Independence season has put a damper on the community.

“I was born and raised here, but in my adult life I travelled on the farm work programme, and was also a seaman. I can remember that Sligoville was filled with activities during the Independence time. Then, lately, with the Emancifest activities, lots of people from all over the world come. We have to change now with the COVID problem,” Brown said.

The consensus is that despite the curtailing of activities, the place touted as Jamaica’s first free village needs to be revitalised.

Meanwhile, the local government representative, Councillor Dwight Burke, said it will be a lukewarm period, but hopes that the strength and resilience of the residents will continue.

“The reality is that the Emancifest formed a crucial part of the financial experience for residents and visitors alike. We had Miss Sligoville [contest] and other sectional events during the Festival, so it will be a sadly missed event. We just have to work and hope that things will change, and COVID-19 will just be a sad memory,” Burke said.