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. These celebrations include planned events across the island throughout the year. As my brother Robin was enjoying various celebrations and touring the island. While he’s trying to convince me that he made the sacrifice to go home. So he could bring back up to date information to our loyal visitors (wink) of AJamaicaExperience.com
My response was ok big brother, I will make the sacrifice later this year for our loyal visitors. Robin went on to say, “I am very proud of my country, and the sacrifice make”. 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. With poles and trees as well as decorated with the colors of the Jamaican Flag. The celebration went as far as dressing up a donkey outside the city. Dressing him up with the colors of the Jamaican Flag. As Marcus Garvey said it, “One Love, one aim, one destiny.”
National Stadium
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 of displays of reggae icon Bob Marley and Jamaica’s first national hero Marcus Garvey. There was special invited guest. These guests included former U.S. secretary of State Colin Powell, South Africa President Jacob Zuma. Along with Louis Farrakhan from the Nation of Island.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller
The President of Nigerian, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience Jonathan visited the island on August 2nd. They were joined by Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller. Both leaders were able to reach an agreement to resume oil and gas trade with Nigeria which was suspended.
The saying goes, timing is everything. Well, both track stars Usain Bolt, and Yohan Blake did just that. Both athletes competed in the 100-meter race at the London Olympics. With Usain winning and Yohan coming is second. Then there was Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce winning her second back-to-back Olympic 100-meter gold medal. This win came 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 springboard off our athletes’ winning ways. She shares her vision for a brighter Jamaica with a better quality of life for all its citizens.