August 28, 2004 – The air deep in St. Croix's rain forest at Camp Victory Saturday night was thick with humidity, sounds of the jungle and tales of Jumbies.
If anyone could bring Jumbies alive it was these "bearer of traditions" at the CHANT (Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism) showcase event.
Although the couple of hundred adults at the event were laughing and enjoying the stories, there were a couple young faces, lit up only by candlelight, who it appeared could have done without all this talk of Jumbies. Fortunately, before the stories began, the children were given hints about how to protect themselves from Jumbies. Turning your shirt inside out is supposed to confuse the Jumbie and several youngsters had done just that.
CHANT began organizing about three years ago to promote nature and cultural tour activities on St. Croix. This evening of "Jumbie talking and a little walking" was the third showcase event by the group.
Oceana James, executive director, said each event gets better attendance than the one before. On Saturday night the parking lot was filled, cars were parked up and down the road. The area where the food and drinks were served was filled, as were all the chairs on the hillside over looking the storytellers.
The evening seemed to focus on Crucian culture. Before the storytellers began Bully and the Musical Kafooners played Quelbe musice. However, CHANT true to its name also provided a natural distraction, as if being in the middle of a rain forest in the middle of the night was not enough of a natural distraction.
Veronica Gordon led a group on an early evening hike. She pointed out trees and plants and explained how Crucians had used them through the years.
The first storyteller and the guest of honor was Eulalie Rivera. The long-time educator has the elementary school in Grove Place named after her. She is also known as an avid domino player. She takes credit for making dominos the popular game it now is on St. Croix. CHANT board member Onaje Jackson presented her with a silver-plated domino set.
In his introduction to the program Jackson said, "We have to get behind and promote what God has given us." He added, "Nature and culture are really what St. Croix is about."
One last piece of advice from the storytellers is, if a Jumbie is chasing you, don't run in a straight line or they will catch you. Sitting out under a full moon at Victory Camp late in the evening, it all made perfect sense.
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