PHILIPSBURG:--- A group of Jamaicans on St. Maarten celebrated their native land’s 60th Anniversary of Independence with a Thanksgiving Church Service at the Victory Temple Church of God of Prophecy in Ebenezer on Sunday, July 31st, 2022. Jamaica’s Independence Day was on Saturday, August 6th. The service was an eclectic blend of spiritual songs with a dynamic Worship Team led by Mrs. Deniese Hyman who had the crowd rocking to some old Gospel Songs accompanied by the talented Jamaican band. Opening Prayer, Cultural Expressions of Jamaica through folklore songs, poems, skits, and a short sermon, followed after. The keynote message was delivered by Mr.
Andre Huie, a Jamaican Pastor and Journalist who lived on St. Maarten before migrating to St. Kitts and Nevis, where he currently resides. He used the story of the Children of Israel in scripture, taken form Exodus 14:1-14 and juxtaposed it with the story of Jamaica’s History from Slavery to Independence. He admonished the audience to strive for greatness, as Jamaicans, and Caribbean people, in general, are destined to do great things. On hand to witness the event was the Minister of Education Youth Culture and Sports Hon. Rudolph Samuels totally enjoyed the program in its entirety.
The rest of the service comprised folklore performances. The Restoration Dance Group, led by Miss Cathy Carbon, performed the song: “Can’t be the only one” from reggae gospel artist Samuel
Medas, decked in their black dress and gold waistbands represent two of the colors of the Jamaican flag. This was followed by a dub poem selection from Evangelist Lydia, a Jamaican residing in St. Maarten entitled: “Re-Igniting The Nation for Greatness", based on the theme of the Jamaica 60 celebrations. The pick of the performances of the night, however, was a skit by Jamtilliean Children—children born in St. Maarten to Jamaican parents. The children performed in the different accents of nationalities prominent on St. Maarten: French, English (UK), Indian, Trinidadian etc. in response to the question "Tell Aunty Sheena how much you know about Jamaica". This was led by Miss Lashenia Maundy who was decked out in The Traditional Folklore Bandana dress, which depicted Jamaica's Folkloric Icon The late, Honourable, Dr. Louise
Bennett Coverely. The audience erupted in laughter as the children nailed the accents “down to a T.” They each expressed their knowledge of Jamaica by providing a tidbit of the country. The reflection of the different nationalities through the accents also reflects Jamaica’s motto: 'Out of Many, One People
Meanwhile, Faith Victorious Ministries, a church in St. Maarten performed the skit “Carry Mi Ackee,” based on a famous Jamaican folk song, which evoked memories of nostalgia among the mostly Jamaican audience. That was followed by Miss Erica Davis performing a poem from Jamaica’s cultural icon Louise Bennet entitled “Nuh Lickle Twang.” Then, a medley of folk songs led by Mrs. Lorraine Sweeney and Company climaxed the evening with some of Jamaica’s finest
folk songs such as “Sammy Dead,” “Mouta Massy Liza” and “Hol’ I'm Joe.”
Convener and Visionarie of the event Miss Beverly Mungo, a very patriotic Jamaican who for several years has been hosting similar Jamaican Independence Thanksgiving Services here on St. Maarten, delivered the Vote of Thanks and profusely thanked all those who made the event possible. She expressed immense gratitude to the leaders of Victory Temple for accommodating the function and to those who assisted in the planning of the event. “On behalf of The Jamaican Diaspora. "I would like to say first Thanks, glory, honor, and praise to our Heavenly Father. Heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the Jamaican 60th Thanksgiving Independence Service last Sunday evening at the Victory Temple Church, Pastored by
Bishop Michael and Mrs. Annetta Greenaway in Weymouth Hill. It could not have been the success it was, without your presence,” she said. The event was ably chaired by Mr. Lenworth Wilson Jr., a prominent Jamaican who has been residing in St. Maarten for several years. Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain on August 6, 1962.
