Jamaica: ‘Pickney’ Party for Nat’l Children’s Day on Friday

#KINGSTON, May 13 (JIS): To celebrate National Children’s Day on Friday (May 15), the National Child Month Committee (NCMC) will host a virtual ‘Pickney Party’ and talent show from 2:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.  

The event will be streamed live via the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) YouTube channel and the NCMC’s Facebook page (@ncmcja).      

It will be hosted by Ryan Dixon with music from 876 Sounds. Children will be able to call in and interact and also send greetings to their family and friends.

Pickney Party will feature talent pieces submitted by children to the NCMC Facebook page.

Up to May 8, youngsters, aged six to 17, were encouraged to share videos or photographs, showcasing their talent in the performing and visual arts under the Child Month theme, ‘Unplug Negativity, Connect Positivity…Think!!!’.        

On Children’s Day, members of the public will be invited to vote for their favourite video and photograph, and the entry with the most likes will be declared winner of the popular vote.         

Second ViceChairof the NCMC, Nicole Patrick Shaw, told JIS News that part of the Committee’s mandate is to create a safe platform for children to engage and celebrate their creativity in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.                                                                                  In 2012, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, proclaimed the third Friday in May as National Children’s Day, with Jamaicans asked to wear sunshine yellow, symbolising happiness and hope.                                                   

Child Month 2020 will culminate with a National Day of Prayer on Wednesday, May 27 at the Mandeville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Manchester.

Church administrators islandwide are being asked to invite their members to offer special prayers for the nation’s children on the day.                                                                                 Lead sponsors for Child Month 2020 are GraceKennedy Limited, National Baking Company Foundation and VM Foundation.

JIS NEWS by JUDITH A. HUNTER