WORLD OLYMPICS: Jamaica’s birthday wish come true!

Jamaicans congregate around large screen tvs to watch all races, in which Jamaica is represented. P GAVIN JAMES PHOTO

WORLD OLYMPICS: Happy Birthday Jamaica!!!

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt celebrated his birthday in Beijing by earning enough accreditions for Jamaica’s own birthday celebrations for a long time to come. The list of historic achievements for this athlete in this year’s Olympics goes on. Three world records, three Olympic Golds earned in 2008. PHOTO TAKEN FROM YAHOO WEBSITE

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

JAMAICA AND ITS citizens are in for royal treats all August. Celebrating Jamaica’s 46th anniversary of Independence from England, celebrations began with festivals, float parades, and a Grand Gala at the National Stadium. Hardly anyone however, excepting perhaps the coach of Usain Bolt anticipated the featured gift. Medals in gold, silver and bronze colours copped at the 2008 World Olympics in Beijing, China. 6 Golds, 3 Silvers , 1 Brronze and counting.

Indeed for a small island as this, sometimes under attack my the numbered gainsayers, and yes, those who dare to keep reminding us of our Third World status, we emerged the resilient winners we have always been.

Jamaicans celebrate around large screen tv. P GAVIN JAMES PHOTO

I can only think back on the popular saying “What is yours can’t ever be taken away”. At last, a few of our representatives such as Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell, Asafa Powell, Shericka Williams, Melaine Walker demonstrated the spirit of our motto and our people. Our Motto “Hardships they are, but the land is green and the sun shineth. Indeed, we are a people who have gone through much, but culturally speaking we are strong, gifted and yes… a BLACK nation.

You may think we done, but with more of us understanding the true meaning of Independence, we seem to be “jus a come” literally meaning “We just starting to show our true selves”.

Like other Jamaicans, this man uses two heavy duty “dutchie” pot covers to make joyful noise in celebration of our achievements. P GAVIN JAMES PHOTO

So, congratulations are in order. To our athletes for demonstrating the meaning of unity.. and Jamaicans at large for expfressing support one way or another. To the Reggae Boys, although seemingly forgotton for having pulled their weight in the recent CONCACAF world cup qualifier (August 20), in drawing 1-1 with Canada.

Thanks be to our Creator who skilfully made us all.

That said… what can we hope for in 4 years when we turn 50, and with Olympics just over in England.