August 12, 2024 - Week 29

Tuesday, August 6th was Jamaica's Independence Day. I was being too Jamaican, or rather not Jamaican enough, and was trying to get tickets to the Independence Grand Gala the day before only to be told they were all sold out. Here I thought Jamaicans did things 'last minute'.

And so, instead, I went to Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records Restaurant to watch the Women's 200m finals. There have been criticisms toward the Jamaican Olympics Association (JOA) and Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) for poor planning. Poor would be an understatement - they failed to plan for reserve athletes and did not include Jamaica's national record holder of hammer throwing in the list to World Athletics even though she was selected for the Olympics team and finally, there is beef between the JOA and JAAA. Needless to say, this has been one of Jamaica's more disappointing Olympics.

The Independence Gala however showcased all of Jamaica's musical and dancing talent. The PM and a slew of other politicians arrived in cars one by one into the National stadium. It ended with a massive drone show, fireworks, and surprisingly a tribute to the 170th anniversary of the Chinese migration to Jamaica. There is IMO a political element to this unusually high-profile celebration of the Chinese anniversary during Jamaica's Independence day...

I checked off another Parish in Jamaica - St Thomas to close off the week. At this beach, which the University of the West Indies privately owns, goats were grazing on the grass patches, and birds were diving into the water to retrieve fish while fishermen's boats circled the same area. It was a lovely scene to soak in.

Now I just have Hanover to visit...