Dream Weekend promoter backs proposed Emancipendence merger - But entertainment stakeholders torn on PSOJ’s holiday weekend proposal

Ron Burke, the promoter behind the wildly popular Dream Weekend, has thrown his support behind the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's (PSOJ) proposal to merge Emancipation Day and Independence Day into one massive four-day holiday weekend.

Burke believes this plan would bring a significant boost to Jamaica's economy, especially through the entertainment and tourism sectors.

"I am for it. Once the public is not losing any free days in the process," Burke told THE STAR.

He reasoned that an extended weekend would mean more time for festivals and events, which can be marketed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) as a celebratory period for both Emancipation and Independence.

"This would be great for business and tourism," Burke said.

The PSOJ's proposal, aimed at merging Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6) into a single, extended weekend holiday from Friday to Monday, seeks to eliminate the productivity slump caused by what they refer to as the "holiday hangover." They argue that businesses and workers often take additional time off between these two holidays, slowing economic activity.

Dream Weekend takes place during the 'Emancipendence' period each year. Burke reasoned that if the PSOJ's proposal is accepted, it could offer tourists another reason to visit Jamaica.

"It will also give entertainment and by default our economy a welcomed boost with an extended holiday [weekend] for festivals and events [which] can be promoted through the JTB as a festive time to celebrate our emancipation and independence holidays. That way, we have both Christmas and this new merger as a big driver for businesses, income to the country and tourism, as many [tourists] can't come to Jamaica during the Christmas season because of family obligations elsewhere," Burke told THE STAR.

The PSOJ suggested that the merged weekend could be marketed internationally as a cultural extravaganza, featuring concerts, festivals, and events that would boost tourism and revenues across sectors.

"By creating a long weekend celebration, we could attract tourists and provide a more comprehensive opportunity to reflect on our history and heritage through exhibitions, educational programmes, and public discussions. This way, both Emancipation and Independence are properly celebrated without one overshadowing the other," the PSOJ said.

While the idea has garnered support from some corners, not everyone is convinced. Promoter and businessman Olando Bryan expressed concerns about the impact the merger would have on small businesses, especially in rural areas like St Elizabeth.

"No sah, dat nuh mek no sense," Bryan argued. "A long holiday weekend will slow down small businesses. People flying in will enjoy themselves, but for small business owners who depend on day-to-day sales, it's going to be tough."

Bryan, who promotes events like Santa ATI and Good Morning, admitted that while the merger might benefit larger sectors like tourism and hotels, small businesses would be left out. "Once yuh have holidays like this, the whole place lock down. It would be bad for business," he added, suggesting that the idea should be limited to tourist-heavy areas.

Publicist Dania Beckford also weighed in, warning that merging the two significant holidays might dilute their cultural importance.

"Our ancestors wanted us to remember and commemorate the meaning of freedom to no longer be considered 'a thing' and be considered 'a person' on Emancipation Day. [As for our] Independence -- whether we are living in its true and intended reality -- is the opportunity to celebrate a separation of powers from those that enslaved us and the meaning and commemoration of both days should remain separate. There are already notable challenges with cultural retention efforts within the nation; [so] with an extended weekend of activities, some elements of the historical significance will be lost," a passionate Beckford told THE STAR.