On August 06, 2012, Jamaica celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence after three hundred years of British rule. Needless-to-say, this celebration started January 2012 and will continue for the rest of the year. There were many events planned across the island and still lots more to come for the rest of the year. As my brother Robin was enjoying various celebrations and touring the island, he’s is still trying to convince me that he made the sacrifice to go home to bring back up to date information to our loyal visitors of AJamaicaExperience.com
So naturally, my response was ok big brother, I will make the sacrifice later this year because our loyal visitors must stay inform. Robin went on to say, “I am very proud of my country, people were making the most of what they have.” Robin continued to explain that the island was one big flag. He said, “People were wearing the color of the flag, black, green and gold proudly. Poles and trees were decorated, rocks were colored and I even saw a donkey outside the city all dressed up in black, gold and green, it was truly as Marcus Garvey said it, “One Love, one aim, one destiny.”
In this Aug. 1922 file photo, Marcus Garvey is shown in a military uniform as the “Provisional President of Africa” during a parade on the opening day of the annual Convention of the Negro Peoples of the World at Lenox Avenue in Harlem, New York City. (AP Photo/File)
The main celebration was held in the national stadium in Kingston. There were marching bands and displays of reggae icon Bob Marley and Jamaica’s first national hero Marcus Garvey along with others. Special invited guest included former U.S. secretary of State Colin Powell, South Africa President Jacob Zuma and Nation of Island leader Louis Farrakhan.
While Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience Jonathan visited the island on August 2nd and joined the celebration, Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller were able to reach an agreement with President Jonathan to resume oil and gas trade with Nigeria which was suspended.
They say timing is everything, so what better time could there be than to have Jamaican track stars Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake running first and second respectively in the 100 meter race at London Olympics. Then there was Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce winning her second back to back Olympic 100 meter gold medal one day before the anniversary. Let’s just say Jamaica was in high energy mode, the island was jumping, “One Love, one aim, one destiny.”
The Honorable PM Portia Simpson-Miller was able to spring board off our athletes winning ways and shares her vision for a brighter Jamaica with a better quality of life for all their citizens.