RAIN failed to dampen the spirits of scores of people dressed in African wear who participated in a street procession in San Fernando yesterday to commemorate Emancipation Day.

Although a week early, as the national day is next Monday, the event was hosted by members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Men, women and children walked from St Peter’s Parish church, Dallas Avenue, Cocoyea village and finished at Palms Club, Point-a-Pierre Road, where a function was held.

Moko jumbies led the procession of church members who were dressed in traditional Ethiopian garb and multi-coloured clothing.

They proceeded through Coffee, Penitence and High Streets, then through Point-a-Pierre Road. Adults and children, however, were forced to bring out the umbrellas as a heavy shower of rain drenched them.

Despite the downpour, they danced to the beat of African drums.

At Palms Club, there was also a display of different ornaments, food dishes and delicacies. This country’s first Olympic medallist Rodney Wilkes was honoured with a plaque.

Wilkes was not present to collect the award, but his son Rodney Wilkes Jr, collected the award on behalf of his father, who in the 1948 London Olympic games, brought home a silver medal. Wilkes copped the bronze medal in 1952 when the games were held in Finland.


Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/