The Island of Jamaica celebrate it 50th anniversary of Independence today August 4th 2912. We Jamaicans have a lot to be proud of. Our country has made a remarkable impression in the world, for our unique ability in the fields of athletics, academics, food, religion, art, music, and its sandy beaches, warm waters and festive cocktails.
It is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean. The country’s mountainous terrain provides a number of hiking opportunities like Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica’s highest point. Limestone caves, hidden waterfalls and miles of beaches offer travelers a host of daytime activities to choose from. For an equally enjoyable evening experience under the star fill sky.
Whether you’re on business or vacation, you are sure to come away feeling like you are leaving paradise. Jamaica also has a long history of film, beginning with classic movie The Harder They Come (1973), which introduced Jamaica, reggae music and legendary reggae artist Jimmy Cliff to the world. That movie along with other reggae classics were shown at the Do The Reggae Film Festival in Brooklyn, coordinated to celebrate Jamaica’s 50th during this past weekend. Also shown August 4th 2012 on VH1 network was the documentary of Bob Marley(aka Robert Nesta Marley) the king of reggae music.
In everything that defines a culture and a people — religion, language, food, music, film, athletics — Jamaica stands out in the world despite its land size. The Jamaican accent and dialect are well known and often imitated across the world, as a testimony to this. Many artist all over the world such as Nicki Minaz, Snoop Lion, Jay Z, and many more include some Jamaican slang in their song. Even Jamaica’s homegrown religion, Rastafarianism, has become popularized in the form of its traditional hairstyle, dreadlocks.
The social impact of Jamaica, over just 50 years, has been great, but economically its still remain week for many. Yet, as we acknowledge its 50 years of independence, we must remember that Jamaica has come a long way — but still has a long way to go.
Watch Damian Marley speak on Jamaica’s 50th independence [courtesy of GlobalGrind]: