‘STEAMing Towards the Future’

Schools across Jamaica were abuzz with activities yesterday, as they celebrated Jamaica Day 2025 under the theme ‘Celebrating Jamaica: STEAMing Towards the Future, Honing Good Character’.

Seaward Primary School in St Andrew was a sight to behold, as little patriots gathered in the school courtyard in their Jamaican colours of black, green and gold, waving their flags and engaging vigorously in the festivities.

Although the school’s spirit was dampened a bit following a robbery the day before, the community was adamant on celebrating Jamaica. Parents brought bananas, balloons and other decorations to bring Jamaica Day to life for the children.

“When we came this morning we saw that they took all the bananas, the kettle I had in my cultural corner, the cups and the tea section. Everything was totally gone, even a TV from one of the classrooms,” guidance counsellor and cultural agent, Sueann Allison, shared with The Gleaner about the robbery.

Nonetheless, she remained optimistic, commending Jamaicans for their resilience.

She said the incident was a true test of the institution’s faith, noting that slowly but surely the school will recover.

“Criminal elements will never stifle a Jamaican and we are proving that today. We are coming out at the end of the day,” she declared.

‘AUTHENTICALLY REAL’

Celebrating Jamaica Day, Allison said, is something the children look forward to every year. And she most appreciated that they are eager to learn about the country’s cultural history.

“They know that we are coming with a vibe. They are expecting the drama, the scenery, the folklore. They appreciate it and like to know what was happening then versus now,” she explained.

“They might know about Skillibeng but they don’t know about Marcia Griffiths, so when they hear good Jamaican music, they are very accepting of it.”

Allison was ecstatic to share about her love for the Jamaican culture.

“Jamaica is a diverse culture. It is also a culture that is vibrant, active and unique. They can’t imitate us because we’re authentically real,” she declared.

The children were excited to sing reggae music and indulge in the day’s festivities. Teeming with excitement, the energy was nearly tangible as the children occasionally shouted in chorus “Jamaica!”, as they were prompted by Allison, who chaired the day’s proceedings.

She emphasised the importance of intertwining Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education into the Jamaican culture, especially in schools.

“I wanted to show the children the direction we are going in, where we are coming from to where we are, because that is important for them to know,” she explained.

Additionally, she shared her excitement to show the children the nation’s origin and heritage while also providing them with a vision for the future. “Today we’re going to showcase our heart through music, dancing and poetry. We’re also going to showcase our food,” she said.

HONOURING SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE

Several booths were set up to showcase various traditional Jamaican foods. At the ‘Ackee Sinting’ booth, ackee and saltfish, roast breadfruit and ground provisions were on display, while ‘The Banana Booth’ featured Jamaican pastries.

Reminiscing on her childhood, Allison shared that her favourite treats were grater cake, gizzada, coconut drops and other Jamaican sweet delights, as well as sky juice – a frozen drink flavoured with syrup or fresh cane juice, typically served in a plastic bag and slurped with a straw.

Mathematics teacher, Latoya Williams, was excited to announce that for this year’s Jamaica Day the school was paying homage to track star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, for her benevolent contributions to Jamaica through the Pocket Rocket Foundation.

“From a child in her athletic profession, she has made her school and country proud,” Williams said.

“She has evolved as an individual who we can allow students to see as a good character. She has manifested her professionalism in athletics, as a businesswoman, mother and motivational speaker.”

Williams commended Fraser-Pryce for highlighting athletes in schools and for impressing upon the younger generation to never let their future be defined by their past.

FIERCE FORCE AND BALL OF ENERGY

At St Aloysius Primary School in Kingston, nine-year-old Tiara Savage owned the stage during her solo dance performance. It was obviously one of the Jamaica Day highlights for the students.

A fierce force and a ball of energy, Tiara wore her Jamaican-coloured headband like a tiara as she unleashed her talent on stage.

“I love dancing!” the young lady declared to The Gleaner.

“I have been dancing since I was young. I always dance with my cousins and relatives. This is my way of keeping the energy going everywhere I go.”

Tiara aspires to spread her energy beyond the school stage, as she aims to become a professional dancer.

There were other performances from the children, who showcased their talent in singing, dancing and poetry.

Guest performer Jalani Beecher-Edilberto, 21, stage name ‘J’Sani’, was a big hit. The upcoming artiste sang original pieces with motivational lyrics and captivating rhythms.

He was rewarded with non-stop cheers and applause from the staff and students, who sang along and engaged with him during his performance, showcasing the true captivating excitement of Jamaica Day.

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com