Hosted by Jamaica Embassy, the celebration of Jamaica’s 50th Year of Independence was successfully held in Beijing on 6th August 2012. Jamaica’s Commercial Counselor Ms. Jacqueline Bell chaired this event. Jamaica’s Ambassador H.E. Mr. E. Courtenay Rattray delivered the welcoming speech warmly. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Xie Hangsheng, envoys from foreign embassies in China, diplomatic corps and friends from all walks of life attended the celebration.
 

 

This event has received the support of the famous international consulting institution, China Business Network (CBN) and it’s affiliated World Travel Online(WTO).

 

After Commercial Counselor Ms. Jacqueline Bell declared the event open, Jamaica’s Ambassador H.E. Mr. E. Courtenay Rattray made an address of welcome warmly, “the celebration of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee marks a milestone in Jamaica’s relatively young history. We are grateful to have received the support of our international partners throughout our post-independence journey over these past fifty years. In this regard, we have benefitted immensely from the bonds of friendship that have been developed with countries such as China.” At last, H.E. Mr. E. Courtenay Rattray and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Xie Hangsheng drank toasts and said, “Thanks for joining us this evening and pray that God will continue to bless Jamaica, Land we Love.”
  

 

The Great Jamaica’s Music and Cuisine Enriched the Celebration
H.E. Mr. E. Courtenay Rattray addressed proudly, “Though we are small in size, we have created a big international footprint by achieving a record of accomplishment. The popular appeal of our music, strong sporting tradition and vibrant cultural heritage have transcended our own boundaries and kept Jamaica in the global spotlight.”
 

As the birthplace of reggae music, the reggae rhythm played as the background music through the celebration. To enrich the event, a band from Jamaica played local music to all the attendants. As H.E. Mr. E. Courtenay Rattray introduced, “the international reggae superstar Bob Marley whose image and legacy endures as the global icon of Jamaica. Bob’s enormous influence and global appeal embodies the indefinable qualities and mystique of Jamaica, and his universal message of world peace resonates throughout all corners of the globe, and is encapsulated in the title of his signature song - 'One Love'."
  

 

The gala dinner was prepared by two Jamaican chefs from the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay. All guests enjoyed the local cuisine and tasted the famous JBM coffee and Appleton rum.
 

  

Two Olympic gold metals as the best 50th birthday present for Jamaica
It was on this very day of August 6th, Jamaica’s Olympic athletes Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser won 2 gold metals, giving the best 50th birthday present for the country. H.E. Mr. E. Courtenay Rattray said happily, "I cannot pass-up the opportunity of thanking our wonderful Olympic athletes in London for continuing to proudly fly the flag of Jamaica."