John Gray High School was a festive hive of activity when it recently hosted a day of heritage celebrations.
The day of fun and learning encouraged young minds to imagine and see first hand from older citizens what their cultural heritage was all about.
It was evident from the many smiles, colourful yesteryear garments, straw hats and hand baskets that this day was a big hit with students, teachers and visitors.
Even Principal Debbie McLaughlin was all caught up in the yesteryear look. Sporting a three-quarter sleeve heritage-inspired plaid dress, straw hat, hand basket and whompers (shoes made from car tire strung with thatch string) Ms McLaughlin definitely resembled a lady from the past. She took visitors around the school, highlighting the various activities.
This was not before visitors were treated to the rhythmic sounds of steel pan drummers, delightful banter between Aunt Sookie and Ezekiel, traditional storytelling, musical performances and the best dressed boy and girl of the day, all during assembly time.
Inside the classrooms local seniors, who had volunteered their time and expertise, demonstrated traditional arts of things Caymanian. They presented rug making, thatch plaiting, basket making, crochet, catboat design, rope skipping, needle works, whomper making and favourite Caymanian dishes such as a rundown made from salt beef and fish to turtle stew, which was donated by the Turtle Farm.
The day would not have been complete without sampling the huge array of Caymanian dishes on display.
Spread out for the tasting were various kinds and textures of cornbreads; macaroni puddings, cassava stick-to-your-ribs; buns; and yam, corn, potato, bread and pumpkin cakes. These were donated by parents of the students.
Focusing on the activity aspect, Ms McLaughlin said the event was designed so that the students could become involved in the demonstrations. This was done by bringing in the older people to teach the children.
‘This day would not have been possible without the kindness and knowledge of the seniors without them these traditions could not be passed on to the younger generation.’
Lenord Bodden co-ordinated the successful event.
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