In honour of the late Hon. Louise Bennett–Coverley OM, OJ, MBE, The Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Office of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) will partner with Airports Authority of Jamaica to host a lunch hour concert at the Norman Manley International Airport on Wednesday, September 7, starting at 1:00 p.m. This celebrating is to reflect on the life and contributions of this pioneer on the 97th anniversary of her birth and the 10th anniversary of her passing.

The concert will feature reflections and recital of Miss Lou’s work from outstanding performers from the JCDC National Festival of the Performing Arts Competition and the Miss Kingston & St. Andrew Festival Queen 2016,Shanique Shand. There will also be an interactive display from the National Library of Jamaica on life and work of this great Jamaica cultural icon.

According to Paulette Sutherland, JCDC Parish Manager for Kingston & St. Andrew, “Miss Lou played an instrumental role in the acceptance and appreciation of the dialect, which she is proudly demonstrated through her writing and performances, locally and internationally.  To keep that global appeal, we are pleased to partner with the Airport Authority of Jamaica to host this concert. The concert is free and open to the public and promises to be a memorable experience for the entire family.”

Affectionately called “Ms. Lou”, she was one of the most outstanding daughters of this island in the development and showcasing of Jamaica’s culture. She pioneered the use of the Jamaican patois in live appearances on stage, radio, television and films as well as in print.