WESTERN BUREAU:

Principal of Manning's School, Gloria Wagstaffe, said that Westmoreland Curry Festival began with the twin purposes of recognising Jamaica's Indian population and Westmoreland.

"The school board and its stakeholders originally wanted to come together and incorporate Manning's and Westmoreland with a recognisable event," said Wagstaffe, who has been principal since 2005.

According to her, incorporating curry into a large event was originally introduced by school board and community members because of Westmoreland's large Indian population. She added that curry is traditionally an "Indian-loved food".

Wagstaffe said the she is grateful for the proceeds Manning's receives from the festival, as it accounts for the gradual progression of the institution's renovations. She added, however, that part of the proceeds also goes to the Westmoreland Parish Library and the Savanna-la-Mar Women's Centre, an establishment aimed at counselling and encouraging students who are pregnant.

The committee member anticipates that this year's proceeds will go towards the completion of the perimeter wall around the school. She also hopes that one day the school will be able to purchase its own transformer as electricity is shared with other establishments. This would cost of more than $700,000.

"Having our own transformer service is crucial," Wagstaffe said. "The lack thereof affects water supply, the computer room, our offices, everything."

Each year, Wagstaffe enjoys the growing participation of students and patrons who turn out for the excitement of the festival.

Wagstaffe recounted that when she attended the school, there was no opportunity for students to participate in such a massive campus event. Moreover, women were not allowed to attend The Manning's School until the late 1800s.

"Now, they are not only an integral component to the institution, but also a supporting entity in a massive event that helps bring families together," she said.

- H.E.