Jamaicans - cool runnings!

It’s the morning after the day before yesterday and I'm still running on Jamaican juices. Actually it’s been going on now for quite some time as @Jamaica50 has been gathering pace behind its 50th celebration of independence.

On 21 July, well over 2,500 people crammed into the Central Methodist Hall in Westminster for a special celebration service. It was one of the best such events I have ever attended. Cultured, professional and spiritually uplifting. And on the 1 August, Jamaicans around the world remembered Independence Day - that incredible day in 1834 when slavery was abolished in the British colonies around the world.  The day pulled together the peoples in Jamaica and the Diaspora in prayers, galas, and celebrations across the world.

 

So what better gifts could Jamaicans ask for than the blare of Bolt and Blake blistering along the 100-meter track, dominating the world's attention in the London Olympics on Sunday night? The parties went on all night!

But Jamaicans were alert and at full attention in Jamaica House yesterday morning for a special flag waving ceremony at the O2 in Greenwich. This was again an oversubscribed event, which was in effect, a re-enactment of that date 50 years ago when Jamaica hoisted the new flag of black, gold and green to signal its independence from the British colonies.

In all of this there has been a very real and powerful common feature:  it's been Jamaica's determination to admit that God and spiritual life continues to remain at the centre of all of national activities. Prayers started our proceedings at the flag waving ceremony yesterday. The newly appointed High Commissioner, Alouna Ndombet-Assamba underscored the idea, and the most celebrated item in the line-up was a powerful gospel contribution from Chevelle Franklyn.

In our 50th Anniversary, Jamaicans have a lot to be thankful for: the little small island is well known from Toronto to Timbuktu and punches way above its weight. And we all know that a lot of our prayers for Jamaica still seem to be waiting for answers. But for now, it’s hard to find a Jamaican who isn't smiling.

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