KINGSTON, Jamaica — Several events are set to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Louise Bennett Coverley, affectionately known as “Miss Lou,” a revered cultural icon whose contributions to the Jamaican patois and cultural heritage continue to resonate.
Born on September 7, 1919, Miss Lou left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Jamaica before passing away on July 26, 2006, in Canada. She was laid to rest at National Heroes Park in a section dedicated to cultural icons.
To honor her legacy, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has organized a floral tribute to be held on Saturday, September 7, at National Heroes Park in Kingston.
Marjorie Leyden-Kirton, Director of the Community Cultural Development Services Division at the JCDC, disclosed to JIS News that exhibitions highlighting Miss Lou’s life and achievements will be hosted by JCDC’s parish offices and libraries across the island. These exhibitions are scheduled to run from Monday, September 9, through September 30.
In addition to the floral tribute, the celebrations will include a series of Miss Lou-themed activities such as look-a-like and costume competitions. Participants will be judged based on their creativity and adherence to Miss Lou’s iconic style. Notices have been sent out to schools and other community stakeholders encouraging visits to these exhibitions and participation in the planned activities.
Leyden-Kirton emphasized Miss Lou’s pivotal role in promoting the Jamaican patois, elevating it to a cherished aspect of national identity, much like reggae music. “Every Jamaican recognizes the work that Miss Lou had put in, especially on the language. The patois language is one of our loved identities, just like reggae music, that everyone in the world loves,” she said.
She further explained that Miss Lou’s poems and songs played a crucial role in bringing the patois language to life, contributing to its widespread appreciation. “It is a beautiful language and very expressive, and it is almost like a foreign language, because when we are among foreigners and we speak, sometimes they ask for an interpretation,” Leyden-Kirton noted.
Miss Lou’s work continues to inspire young people, with many students incorporating her poems and songs into their performances for JCDC’s performing arts competition. “Our young people often find their comfort and bring out their acting skills through Miss Lou’s works,” Leyden-Kirton added.
The month-long celebrations are set to not only honor Miss Lou’s memory but also to ensure that her contributions to Jamaican culture and language continue to inspire future generations.
Explore the legacy of Miss Lou and join in the celebrations this September as Jamaica pays tribute to a true cultural icon.
