Script: Emancipendence 2013 Celebrations Are we there yet?!

! Writer: Robert David Shaw Producer: Robert David Shaw Voiced by: Kerryann Thomas 2013 August Tapes: Stewarts Hardware Official Opening

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B-roll of images of Jamaica in Beijing, USA B-roll of Japanese B-roll of images of icons

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Across the world, Jamaica has become a force to reckon with. Her brand has dominated peoples and cultures, partly through Reggae icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Beres Hammond; sport icons such as Herb McKenley, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Frazer and Usain Bolt. Our indigenous foods continue to speak for itself. But this was not realized overnight, or with the onset of a new generation. It has been a journey of 175 years where Jamaicans have been making strides, strides that have impacted and influenced the world. Going back almost 200 years ago when on August 1, 1838, amid tremendous rejoicing, Governor Sir Lionel Smith read the Proclamation of Freedom to the large crowd of about 8,000 people including 2,000 school children and their teachers, who had gathered in the Square of Spanish Town. For them, it meant that they had control over their own lives and they could share in the building of their communities. It was a celebration that boasted our rich heritage and culture, and the celebration continued for decades. In 2013, the celebration continues but with a different focus. At this years staging of the Fus A Augus Emancipation Day Celebrations in

Images of Jamaican authentic foods B-roll of Kingston

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B-roll of image of Spanish Square on the day of Emancipation (in your inbox)

B-roll of SLavery

B-roll of Jamaican Folklure (dance and cumina)

B-roll of Independence Gala

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Maidstone, Manchester, scores of persons turned out for the annual event but though the numbers were much less than in previous years, the focus was not necessarily on culture and heritage. Our rich history was scantily on display but for those who needed to know more went out seeking.

Clips and B-roll of Maidstone Fair B-roll of Fus A Augus Activities

Bite: Milton McNally, President, Committee Council Cue in: 00:13:27:04 Maidstone is one of the first free villages in Jamaica Cue out: 00:13:42:21 ...that is older than Maidstone is Sligoville. Clips and B-roll of Maidstone Fair Bite: Milton McNally, President, Committee Council Cue in: 00:13:42:28 This event makes Maidstonians very proud... B-roll of food, dance and artefacts Cue out: 00:14:04:09 ...and this part of Jamaica. Clips and B-roll of Maidstone Fair B-roll of kids on stage B-roll of lady reading story from book Bite: Milton McNally, President, Committee Council Cue in: 00:14:52:05 There is a lot of austerity measures that is taking place... B-roll of activities at the Fair Cue out: 00:15:41:13 ...we have to have it done. b-roll of the flag change in 1962

This years staging of the Maidstone Fus A Augus Emancipation Celebrations was played down this year. Here is why...

On August 6, 1962, Jamaica gained independence from the British and 2013 saw the 51st year of us being an independent nation. At the National Stadium, thousands of

B-roll of festivities at the National Stadium

Jamaicans were on hand to celebrate this milestone. Here aspects of our culture and heritage were on show Highlights of the Grand Gala Bite: Hon. Lisa Hannah, Minister, Youth & Culture Cue in: 00:51:13:18 To talk to more young people about the journey... Cue out: 00:51:28:07 ...we have opened many museums. Transition Cue in: 00:51:37:09 It was a different way of presenting the Gala... Cue out: 00:52:01:12 ...did not like something about the show. Highlights of the Grand Gala Bite: Sydney Bartley, Permanent Secretary, Min. Youth & Culture Cue in: 00:40:58:10 It is a interesting thing for people to know... Cue out: 00:41:30:15 ...and we have been very, very creative. Transition Cue in: 00:43:37:10 There is a tension in culture... Cue out: 00:44:21:14 ...Grand Gala that is totally artistic. B-roll of activities on the field at the Grand Our culture has been on the world stage Gala and continues to arrest the interest of many, however, to preserve what made Jamaica a force to reckon with, our communities have to be involved. Bite: Milton McNally, President, Committee Council Cue in: 00:15:43:24 The community of Maidstone has supported... Cue out: 00:16:10:13 ...community council and in the youth club.

B-roll of Sydney Bartley dancing Bite: Hon. Lisa Hannah, Minister, Youth & Culture Cue in: 00:52:53:11 We wanted to give people a show that they could pay... Cue out: 00:53:18:10 ...can have the next 25 years. Clips of the Festival being played in the Stadium

For the Youth and Culture Minister, we have to pass on the baton.