Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary on Aug. 6. The first and largest (pop. 3 million) of 10 Caribbean islands to win independence from Britain, Jamaica has a lot to fete: it’s kept up a working, uninterrupted democracy, no mean feat for any former colony. Institutions like the University of the West Indies have gained international respect. [...]
Jamaica 50: Celebration and Reflection
August 4, 2012 | Posted by
It is known as the “office” when the national football team, the Reggae Boys, play there. And every year, thousands come to watch the nation’s children compete in Champs, the schools’ athletics competition. The stadium was also the stage for a key moment in Jamaica’s history when, on 6 August 1962, the union jack was [...]
On ‘Freedom’ Anniversaries – The Caribbean at The Crossroads
August 1, 2012 | Posted by
Jamaica – There is something quite special about the month of August in the political and cultural history of our Caribbean—this region that bridges the two Americas and constitutes a microcosm of the peoples and cultures of the world. Today, August 1, sees region-wide celebrations commemorating “Emancipation”, the final liberation of our enslaved African ancestors [...]
Fateful Day: Jamaica, Usain Bolt – 50 Yrs. of Independence,100 Meter Medals
July 25, 2012 | Posted by
KINGSTON, Jamaica — You can’t hear yourself think. The vuvuzelas, air horns, ThunderStix, cheers of grown men and shrieks of teenage girls drown out even the voices in people’s minds. All one can do is watch genuine fanaticism take its course, as a jolly giant who just covered 100 meters in 9.82 seconds jogs to [...]
