'Mandora Time' targets children from six to 12 years old and Gary Neita of the Creative Production and Training Centre explains that CTV has produced cultural programmes for all age groups. He mentions 'Lyrically Speaking', a poetry programme that ran for three to four years. And there is a special programme with a cultural icon who counts poetry among her many endeavours.

"When Miss Lou came back she did a reprise of Ring Ding with herself and Charles Hyatt," Neita says. It was the last time they collaborated for Jamaican television. Following up on that was a 13-part series with Marjorie Whylie and Amina Blackwood-Meeks.

Still, Neita says, "we realise we need to do more," and mini-surveys on the station's viewership surprised them, as it revealed that many children were tuning in. Hence the production of a series like 'Mandora Time'.

"Nowadays, if you can't reproduce it or show it on television you lose a great part of the audience," Neita said. In addition, at CTV "we don't believe that culture is just folklore". Neita pointed out that sport is a large part of Jamaican culture, referring to the huge support for Boys' and Girls' Champs.

experience

Neita says CTV touches "as many bases as possible and we love doing it", Jahzan's expressiveness and SLR's harmonies contributing tremendously to the experience. "When SLR starts to sing and they throw a note at you you get goosebumps," Neita said.

"We hope this is season one of many to come," Neita said.

M.C.