After a successful opening at the National Library of Jamaica in Kingston and a tour around the island, the Aaah-Inspiring Antarctica – A Jamaican on Ice Exhibition comes to South Florida on Sunday, March 22nd at the Chateau Mar Resort in Lauderhill. The event which will run from 5-8pm, also includes the launch of a coffee table book and film of the same name as well as a children’s book, Antarctica Adventures with a Jamaican on Ice, is the work of Jamaican author and filmmaker Judith Falloon-Reid, the first Jamaican woman, on record, to visit Antarctica.
The standing-room only crowd in Kingston got the opportunity to hear a first-hand account of Judith’s trip to Antarctica through her readings and an eye-opening 15-minute film that chronicles her journey but more importantly speaks to the matter of climate change. More than entertaining, the film provoked thought and stirred conversations about Jamaica’s role in helping to heal the planet.
On exhibit were approximately 40 photos and informational posters strategically placed in the foyer, in display cases and in the main reading room. Among the images were several of wildlife such as penguins and seals, as well as scenery of snow-covered mountains, massive icebergs and other icescapes. One image featured the food chain in action; that of a Skua gull devouring a penguin carcass.
Presentations were made to Mr. Patricio Uruena Palacio, Deputy Head of Mission, Argentina as well as to the National Library’s representatives, Monique Forgie-Scott, Manager of Collections for the National Library and Chantal Cousins, Manager, Research and Information Branch.
National Librarian, Beverley Lashley in welcoming the audience said, “the NLJ is pleased to provide a space for Jamaicans who want to showcase their talent and their creative outputs and keep our culture and history alive. The National Library is a place to explore and discover a global network of information.” She commended Judith on her Antarctica exhibition, books and film which now form a part of this network and encouraged others to consider what contribution they can make to the growing body of knowledge.
The following day, almost three hundred primary and high school students and teachers from as far away as Montego Bay, descended on the library to share in the experience at a specially designated Student’s Day. Students sat spell-bound as they watched the film and followed up with a barrage of questions about climate change, the unique wildlife and the actual experience of visiting the White Continent. Afterwards, students could be seen with notebooks, frantically writing down information as many of the teachers said that they would be giving writing assignments to their students so they could share their educational experience with their peers.
Judith admits that she is not a climate change expert, but simply a concerned citizen trying to do her part. Her determination to do that was even more evident on Student’s Day when her passion was on display in her interactions with the students, asking them questions and sharing valuable information on the role the fifth largest continent, Antarctica, that holds 80% of the worlds water in the form of ice.
The South Florida event is free, open to the public and suitable for adults and children. For more information visit www.jamaicanonice.com
