Portland schools to benefit from Independence event

LONG BAY, Portland: FOUR SCHOOLS are to benefit from proceeds of this year’s staging of a grand gala held on Independence Day in Long Bay, Portland, which, from all indication, was a huge success.

Held on the white sand beach at Long Bay, the event attracted thousands of residents, who converged on the grounds amid the humid condition, with a warm sea breeze blowing across the length and breadth of the rural landscape, while the sound system Caveman international provided entertainment – playing a variety of past Festival songs, disco, reggae and calypso music.

With a low turnout during the daytime, chairman of the Long Bay Citizens’ Association, Errol Hanna, had a worried look on his face as the association’s desire to assist four schools – Rural Hill, Seaview, Windsor Forest, and Fair Prospect basic schools – with proceeds from the gate, seemed unlikely.

I must admit that I was very worried. We had gone ahead to make our pledges known publicly and irrespective of the turnout, we had to honour our commitment. I then said to myself, the hours between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. are going to be the determining factor as to whether or not the gala will be a success. But by 7 p.m. Saturday, we were provided with a glimmer of hope as there was an influx at the gate,” he added.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

The place was set on musical fire when reggae artiste George Nooks hit the stage at 8:45 p.m., belting out hits after hits, including How Great Thou Art, God is Standing By, No Power on Earth, Zion Gate, Hero Homely Girl