Kingston, Jamaica, December 7, 2022:  Dancehall artiste, Tashon Williams, better known by her stage name Baby Tash, fought to hold back tears as she addressed scores of students at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Eastern Region’s Culture Club Consultation on Friday, November 25, 2022. The event that was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, saw several Cultural Ambassadors, Advocates and Practitioners from the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Thomas and St. Catherine, brainstorming ideas for new initiatives to reignite the spirit of patriotism, particularly among young Jamaicans.

 “This makes me really emotional because I am coming from very humble beginnings. Just a little girl in Spanish Town, from across the train line…You can be anything you want to be, you can do anything you want to do and accomplish anything…Don’t let anyone put you in a box.” Williams said before her voice cracked.

Recounting her journey to becoming the first Magnum Queen of Dancehall, a Recording Artiste, Music Business Expert and graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) with honours, Williams credited the JCDC for setting the foundation for her personal and professional growth. She encouraged the youth to get involved in the Arts. She said, “Finding myself through JCDC competitions in high school, reignited my passion...Through performances I gained confidence, strengthened determination, self-esteem and self-worth.

The JCDC hosted its annual Culture Club Consultations in the central, northern, western and eastern regions between the period November 22, 2022, and Friday, November 25, 2022.

 

About JCDC Culture Clubs

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has established over 400 Culture Clubs island wide. The Clubs are focused on inspiring Jamaicans of varied ages to become more involved in community development while learning more about Jamaica’s customs and traditions. A key component of the Culture Club programme is the issuance of Culture passports to members that provide free or reduced-cost access to several heritage sites, museums and cultural performances island-wide.

                                                                    

Persons interested in participating in the Culture Club programme are encouraged to contact their local JCDC parish office.