Hopetown soiree: A shameful affair

IT was particularly troubling to read in the Sunday Chronicle of August 3, 2014 that “Hopetown Emancipation Soiree turns into Jameaican-style passa-passa affair”, and the level of denigration this time-honoured activity was subject to, all because the youths of the community had no inkling of the meaning of this traditional Emancipation Eve event that heralds Freedom Day festivities.

Hopetown is one of the communities famous for the hosting of soirees, and the shameful events of Thursday, 31 July 2014 have to be seen as a stain on the community as a whole and the youths in particular.

The article did not state whether there was a Hopetown Emancipation Committee responsible for the planning and execution of the event, even though the reporter spoke with three very angry and disillusioned adults of the community.

It has to be questioned how were ‘several massive stereo sets’ allowed to be part of this solemn and reflective occasion. Where were the drummers? Further, how were the youths, in gay abandon, allowed to enter the compound of the Fort Wellington Primary and Secondary schools? An investigation is warranted here by the relevant authorities.

Additionally, the police seemed ineffective, and it certainly did not help with the makeshift bars and beverage vendors who sought to capitalize on an already out-of-control situation to make a quick dollar any way and with anyone they could.

It is inconceivable, and from all appearances, no community control was exercised from the time it was observed that youths from outlying villages were pouring into the community and their presence was not in the best interest of the activity taking place.

I am of the view that the community failed the event. The sorry display by youths at Hopetown last Thursday is not symptomatic to Hopetown alone, but is a chronic problem across the land. The community of Hopetown must reflect and ponder on the disgraceful and outrageous events of their young people last Thursday, which was not only reprehensible and appalling, but discredited a community known for upholding traditions and customs.

It is hoped that the lessons taken from this fiasco would serve to strengthen the community and make its members resolve that, come next year, its soiree event will be free of the blemishes that marred this year’s, thereby restoring the community’s image and wellbeing.
‘JLu’

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