This year marks Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence, and preparations in both Jamaica and Canada are already in high gear with plans for celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee in both countries.
Even though Jamaica is small in land mass, this Caribbean country has a global influence that dwarfs its size at least tenfold. It is known as the home of the Reggae music, Rastafari religion Jerk Chicken and is internationally prominent in sports, most notably cricket, sprinting and athletics.
The Jamaican proverb “Wi likkle but wi tallawah” is a phrase that is synonymous to describe how this tiny island produces so many great people around the world.
Various events will occur throughout the year, with the culmination of activities happening around Independence Day on August 6.
The Jamaica 60 theme is “Reigniting a Nation,” and the island is encouraging Jamaicans living in Canada to “come home” to rediscover their roots and reignite their passion for Jamaican culture.