Judge Joe Brown

represents Jamaican artists

… at the Hilton, New Kingston

By Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

JUDGE JOE BROWN of television fame has come and left Jamaica’s shores, but his objective still lingers. His brief visit included attending the banquet of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where as guest speaker he ruled in favour of Jamaican artists, on December 1. The function was also the launch of the EMC Development fund, which was done by Winston Cox, executive director the Inter-American Development Bank.

Excellencies Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall deliberate with Deborah Brown, wife of Judge Joe Brown, second from left, on bidding for items at the silent auction under the directives of auction coordinator and Cleve Bowen, extreme right. DONNETE ZACCA PHOTO

To the over-packed Wyndham ballroom, the Judge declared Jamaica as a “leader in the 21st century”, and charged Jamaicans (especially the artists) to claim it and maintain control over its as a tourism destination.

Having visited Jamaica repeatedly, the Judge who now feels right at home was his usual down-to-earth, interactive self. He spoke of Jamaica being an inspiration to the world, especially highlighting the creative mind. Speaking directly into the hearts of the over 2,000 seated guests, he was particularly passionate in representing Jamaican artists, as he presented his case almost on a one-on-one basis.

For a while, his voice raised and sharp as if assuming the role of a Pentecostal preacher on fire, he spoke against the fast depleting values of Americans, back home. Although not pleased against the gay lifestyle, his concern was about them forcing it on others, and wanting to be joined in holy matrimony. His wasted no time in insisting that they should “keep it to themselves” and recognise why “we need normal relationships” as we were created for.

Second up for chastisement and open rebuke was the creative force, in particular entertainers who irresponsibly influence the minds of children, into acting more in charge of parents, rather than understanding and grasping the design of parents being in charge.

All this was a slow build up to the proposed direction that Jamaicans, in particular the country’s creative minds need to take. Representing artists, visual and performing alike, the charged up judge then lead in advocating for the cause of the EMC.

From left, EMC PR Officer, Chevonese Fender and PR-Marketing Manager, Lisa-Marie Boothe share a candid moment with Judge Joe Brown and his wife Deborah. DONETTE ZACCA PHOTO

Highlighting the power of the creative mind to change and influence others, the Judge pointed to Jamaica being the country to lead possessing wealth in creativity and talent. In particular he apreciated the reggae music and strong artworks, and gave ruling that the business community needed to be more supportive.

Leading by example, the man who is currently campaigning for Mayor, set the ball rolling with him first donating US$3,500 for the Supersad artwork he was presented with. His donation was followed by Wayne Cox and local businesspreson Stephen Facey whose contribution remained known only as a widow’s mite.

Principal of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Burchell Duhaney, centre, accepts a donation from Stephen Facey, CEO, of First Jamaica and Pan Jamaican Investment Trust, as Chairman of the Board, Paul Issa, looks on. DONNETE ZACCA PHOTO

The well detailed three-segment entertainment package presented by EMC’s students, brought the lingering impression on the Judge to a perfection, as much as the artworks on display for silent auctioning.

Presenting the history of music and dance in Jamaica, the cleverly clad students were  entertaining, but riveting. The audience were taken back through periods of mento, R&B, ska, dinky mini, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall, starting with the well choreographed ‘The History of Jamaican Popular Music‘, compiled and narrated by School of Music lecturer Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper. The final segment was accompanied by video productions in tribute to Jamaica’s artists, athletes, beauty queens, by lecturer and singer Michael Sean Harris.

Even MC Fae Ellington made comments about the performance, and ordered firestick lead dancer, Benton Morris (3rd year dance student), back on stage for a quick dance off. This served however to demonstrate how similar dance steps have been across generations. While Ellington skaaed and did a bit of the dinky mini, Fagan did several quick steps in dancehall and reggae and they were somewhat similar.

Some of the first 1980 graduates of the then Cultural Training Center (CTC) show support of the Fund-raising Banquet and Launch of the Edna Manley College Development Fund held on Monday at the Hilton Kingston hotel.  From left are VP of Administration and Continuing Studies, School of Visual Arts Lecturer, Donnette Zacca and Basil Watson. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

Enough persons came to make selections and good biddings on the pieces up for grabs, displayed to the left of the podium, where the silent auction cordinated by Cleve Bowen was being held. The pieces were mainly by tutors of the Visual Arts, and selected students. One is left in high antipication however, on the follow up events and fundraisers to follow to keep the fund sustained. Principal Burchell Duhaney gave a brief overview of College Development vision.

On the list are strengthening the intellectual capacity of staff, and generating enterprises. Ultimately it is hoped that corporate Jamaica will be better engaged into supporting the artists to better serve businnesses and industries such as the entertainment and tourism where graduates are already employed. “Take ownership of creative power” by supporting the institution” he challenged.

Anthea McGibbon, Deborah Brown, Aubrey Oliver (a lecturer at EMC). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

The evening’s bountiful serving of creative offerings amidst an elegant setting was overwelming to erase the memory of the meagre portions of the unpalatable food.

There was no understanding however for the noteable absence of any representation of  Government especially that of Minister of youth sports, and culture, Olivia “Babsy” Grange.

Sponsors include The Gleaner, Television Jamaica, Hilton Jamaica, and Mercedes-Benz.

Read also Joe Brown challenges Jamaica’s art college graduates … “To be what they ought to be”

Anthea McGibbon, graduate of the Edna Manley College of Arts, has over 11 years experience in journalism and the arts. She is currently CEO of OAaSIS International, a company set up to record and promote Jamaica’s culture and creative mind. Contact her at anthea@negril.com or islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk.