Jamaicans Bring Down Rafters With Independence Celebration

Narda Palachie performed on drums during the Jamaican Post-Independence Day Concert. She, along with dozens of others from across the world, gathered at Ste. Anne’s Church to celebrate the country’s independence.

The Mexicans were there. The Canadians were there. The Bulgarians, the Romanians, and the Americans were there. And, ladies and gentlemen, the Jamaicans were there.

Wednesday, August 10, the Jamaican community on Mackinac Island celebrated their independence day with a Post-Independence Day Gospel Concert at Ste. Anne’s Church. The concert included gospel music by the Jamaican choir, solos by Jamaicans who work at various businesses, and even a performance from some of the Mexican workers.

With the Jamaican flag flying on one side of the church and the American flag on the other, the community gathered to celebrate the 43rd year of Independence for Jamaica.

This was the first year that a gospel concert was held in honor of independence. In previous years, there was an Independence Ball at Grand Hotel.

Independence day was actually celebrated August 6.

“On the fourth of July, we were here celebrating your independence,” said Glen Bulgin to the crowd gathered at 10 p.m. in the catholic church. Many of those who arrived promptly at 10 were American-born citizens, as many of the Jamaicans were still at work. “We had a great time then,” Mr. Bulgin continued. “Today, we are celebrating our own independence. It is a privilege to be here, praising God.”

The church was filled with the steady beat of a drum set and the cheerful timbre of tambourines. There were no bystanders at the concert, only participants, as tambourines were passed out to some audience members, and everyone was encouraged to jump to their feet, clap, and sing along with the performers.

The Jamaicans have a long tradition of holding gospel concerts on the Island, though in the past they have only been presented near the beginning of the summer season, and again as a closing celebration, a farewell to the Island.

A third and final concert is tentatively scheduled for October.

“It is all a fun day,” said Mr. Bulgin of the concert and Independence Day. “We are glad to share it.”