National Heritage Month: Celebrating Jamaicans Who Help to Keep Our Culture Alive
- Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
A Tribute to Heritage and Legacy
In this special edition of the SRC Culture Corner, hosted in partnership with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), we marked Jamaica's National Heritage Month by celebrating Jamaicans who help to keep our culture alive.
Our community was graced by Mrs Marjorie Leyden-Kirton, the cultural stalwart whose name is synonymous with decades of impactful work in Jamaican arts and heritage. Joined by cultural leader Richard Derby and rising youth voice Johanna Hall, the panel shared intergenerational insights that bridged the past and the future of Jamaican culture.
Celebrating Jamaicans Who Help to Keep Our Culture Alive
Marjorie Leyden-Kirton: A Legacy Etched in Culture
With an illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years, Mrs Leyden-Kirton reflected on her journey from Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen (1986) to serving as:
Parish Manager for Westmoreland
Regional Manager (Western Jamaica)
Marketing & PR Director (notably during the 40th Independence Anniversary in 2002)
Acting Executive Director in 2020
She shared standout moments such as:
Reviving Jonkunnu in Grange Hill.
Elevating schools like Cornwall College and Herbert Morrison into cultural powerhouses.
Leading JCDC’s digital transformation during COVID.
Creating the Culture Corner Forum, which continues to engage Jamaicans locally and in the diaspora.
Her message to youth: "We are little but we are talawa. You can be anything – just decide, work hard, and use the platforms available to you."
In a moving moment, she revealed receiving the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service to culture – a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Richard Derby: 50 Years of Cultural Continuity
As the leader of the Manchester Cultural Group, Mr Derby has preserved traditional folk forms since childhood, beginning with Bruckins Party dances in his community.
Key highlights from his segment:
Started performing in Grade 2 and never stopped.
Took over the community group after his foster mother passed in 1987.
The group has performed nationally and internationally (USA, Guantanamo Bay, Barbados).
Over 150 members have passed through the group.
Maintains a strong youth focus, with members as young as six years old.
JCDC, he said, has been their biggest supporter, putting them on major stages and facilitating workshops.
His message to aspiring cultural leaders: "Preserve the authenticity. Learn from elders. Culture keeps you rooted, fit, and proud."
Johanna Hall: The Youth Voice of Today
Representing the Vauxhall High School Culture Club, Johanna Hall is part of the new wave of cultural advocates.
Her culture club journey began when her drama teacher noticed her potential. Since then, she has:
Gained confidence and public speaking skills.
Participated in speech and poetry festivals.
Taken part in floral tributes to national heroes.
Johanna’s advice for engaging youth in culture:
Increase social media presence (TikTok, Instagram).
Showcase youth experiences and behind-the-scenes moments.
She emphasised the power of storytelling and suggested bringing back Anansi stories to connect with Jamaica's roots.
Collective Call to Action: How You Can Help Preserve Culture
Each speaker closed with heartfelt advice:
Mrs Leyden-Kirton: Celebrate cultural days at home, in schools, churches, and workplaces. Share family stories, traditional food, and music.
Mr Derby: Attend and support JCDC events. Show appreciation to cultural practitioners.
Johanna: Represent Jamaica through language, food, and shared heritage.
"Culture starts at home. It is our duty to pass it on." — Mrs Marjorie Leyden-Kirton
Watch the Replay
Catch every gem from this enriching conversation. Watch the full forum here:
Upcoming Live Forum
Community Safety & Security Forum in partnership with the JCF Area 3 Police
🗓️ 2nd Thursdays, 8:00 PM
Community Events & Opportunities
Heroes Day Floral Tributes: Attend your parish event and celebrate Jamaica’s national heroes.
Join a Culture Club: Connect with your local JCDC office to get involved.
Got a community event to share? Email us at admin@serenityresourceconnector.com
Stay Connected
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Thank you to all our partners, guests, and viewers who continue to keep Jamaican culture alive.
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