Come Celebrate Jamaica 50!
The year 2012 is a special one for Jamaica and all Jamaicans! It is the year in which we celebrate our 50th birthday as an independent nation and there are so many activities and events to mark this milestone! There are special days, themed events and activities and even special homecoming celebrations by Jamaicans and "regular" visitors to our island. Why not plan to join us?
The celebrations began in January 2012 with Jamaica 50th themed New Year's balls and Fireworks on the Waterfront in Downtown Kingston. The Archbishop of York visited Jamaica from January 21 - 31, 2012. The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend & Rt. Honourable Dr. John Sentamu, hosted two Ecumenical Services to celebrate Jamaica 50! A host of worshippers joined in the Ecumenical Services at the St. James Cathedral in Spanish Town, Montego Bay, and the Webster Memorial Park in Kingston.
The island's main music festivals also held activities to celebrate Jamaica 50! Rebel Salute, a special staging of Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival with prominent Jamaican artistes and special guest performer Celine Dion, the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Reggae Sumfest and Meritone Reunion all dedicated special portions of their event to Jamaica's golden jubilee. Other events such as the Jamaica Epicurean Escape and Reggae Marathon are also expected to include special Jamaica 50 activities.
Other special events will roll out throughout the year, and beyond to August 2013.There were special activities in London where the games of the Summer Olympics were held. Jamaica House, in London, was a hub of activity - exhibitions, business and entertainment - from August 3 - 12, 2012.
Look out for the Jamaica 50 activities on our events calendar or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for special promotions and updates.
Our nation is on a mission! Join us for Jamaica 50!
Want to know more about Jamaica 50?
There are several Jamaica 50 committees and groups that are actively planning events both in and outside of Jamaica to celebrate! Here are just a few of the activities and action groups:
Jamaica 50 Secretariat
Website: www.jamaica50.com
Jamaica 50 celebrations are being led by a National Planning Committee with membership from various sectors of national life including: Culture, Tourism and other Government bodies; the Opposition; the private sector; youth organisations; religious and civic groups; the Diaspora; sports; entertainment; academia and other sectors. The Jamaica 50 Secretariat is the body which oversees the activities for the year's celebrations.
Website: www.jamaicahouse2012.com
Jamaica House in London opens from 4:00pm - midnight each night from August 3 - 12, 2012. This venue will offer a variety of cultural events and activities including food demonstrations, fashion shows as well as opportunities for investment and entertainment. The island's sporting legacy will also be a focus point of Jamaica House 2012. Jamaica House will be located in the O2 arena close to the North Greenwich Tube Station.
Grand Jamaica Homecoming
Website: www.comehomejamaica.com
Grand Jamaica Homecoming is a tiny idea that started off among Jamaicans in Canada and which has turned into a a powerful movement. What started off in Canada has now spread worldwide –to almost 60 countries on 5 continents. Over 50 organizations and groups across Canada, a growing number of the same worldwide and our diplomatic corps are willing to share in the Homecoming vision by spreading our messages, rallying their members and looking for ways that they can ‘come home’ and make a difference.
Homecoming adds to the marketing of a phenomenal Brand Jamaica, by opening the door to broader opportunities for business. Homecoming builds communities through its website, monthly email newsletter that reaches over 200,000 people and the various Homecoming events - it is about awareness building, building greater understanding of the wealth of possibilities in Jamaica whether in tourism, real estate, finance, commercial, small business and education, creating win-win scenarios for investments and giving forward. There are Homecoming events being planned as well we are co-branding with existing events in Jamaica. For more information on Grand Jamaica Homecoming visit www.comehomejamaica.com, Facebook at Come Home Jamaica or follow us on Twitter @comehomejamaica.
Jamaica 50 Celebration Inc. (Jump4Ja!)
Website: www.jamaica50.ca and www.jump4ja.ca
Telephone: 647-799-6546; Email: info@jamaica50.ca
Canada celebrates Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2012, and commemorates this historic event by showcasing the best of Jamaica in Canada. The year-long celebration calendar in the Greater Toronto Area, tagged Jump4JA!, includes a province-wide flash-mob-style series called Jump Tuesdays; an art exhibition featuring rare works from Jamaica’s National Gallery; a coffee table book on Outstanding Jamaicans in Canada; a Celebrity Pro/Am Golf Tour in Jamaica; the theatrical ‘rockumentery’, Jamaican Rhythms; literature, dance, art and the climatic Jamaica Land We Love Gala; as well as numerous community offerings focused on youth, faith and family.
Most importantly, in 2012, the Canadian Celebration is a year of remembrance and awareness. It will seek to honour all the greatness that Jamaica has inspired – from its national motto to its anthem – oneness, freedom, wisdom, justice, truth, respect, duty, strength and vision - we seek, through legacy initiatives, to provide assistance to projects in Jamaica and in Canada that are vital to continuing prosperity. Join us this year as we celebrate Jamaica and Jamaican roots in Canada - people, arts, culture and heritage.
Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness (HANDS)
Website: www.letsjoinhandsja.org
Tel: (718) 878 5358; (404) 419 7993
In recognition of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence as a nation, Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness (HANDS) in association with the Ministry of Education and other organizations, invite the members of the Diaspora and friends of Jamaica to come home and celebrate our country’s Golden Jubilee. Several HANDS Jamaica Jubilee Homecoming Projects have been established across the island in the areas of Education, Health and Community Development that need your participation. HANDS Jamaica Jubilee Homecoming Packages including return airport transfers, hotel accommodation, various meal plans, hotel taxes, service charges, entrance fees, souvenirs and return transfers to selected attractions have been arranged for your convenience.
Become involved…adopt a HANDS Jamaica Jubilee Project by visiting www.leisurejamaica.com/hands. To book your vacation package visit: http://www.leisurejamaica.com/handsjamaicajubilee2012/. The Nation Awaits Its Sons & Daughters!