Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago Prepares To Celebrate 50 Years Of Independence In 2012!!

August 2012 will mark two significant anniversaries, but will also signal a third, which is rarely acknowledged. On 6 August and 31 August 2012, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, respectively, will celebrate 50 years of independence from the UK. However, the third, unobserved date is that this month and the two anniversaries together, symbolise the beginning of the independence process for most of the Commonwealth Caribbean. For the people in the region, independence came with tremendous, perhaps unrealistic, expectations.

Freedom from colonial tutelage and domination was at the forefront, but the experience of the last 50 years has been a lesson on the limitation of sovereignty. Another area where there was great hope was in relation to the economy, with expected prosperity and social well-being. The experiences of the past 50 years have turned out to be sobering and contradictory, at best. This one-day conference provides a multi-disciplinary overview of Jamaica’s internal development since independence, as well as the country’s impact on the Caribbean and the wider world.

The Kingston Waterfront will come alive tonight night with Fireworks on the Waterfront to kick off celebrations for Jamaica’s golden anniversary.

Fireworks on the Waterfront began in 1999 on New Year’s Eve, but this year’s spectacle has taken on greater significance because 2012 will mark Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.

The programme of activities is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., with the fireworks display taking place at midnight.

There will also be a free stage show featuring popular artistes such as G -Whizz, Khago, Ken Booth, George Nooks, Omari, Joan Flemmings and I-Octane.

The Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Washington, DC Kicks-Off A Year of Activities with a Classic “Old Year’s” Celebration 

In 2012 millions of Trinidad and Tobago nationals, across the globe, will join to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It will be a momentous year for this twin republic island and its Diaspora. 

On December 31, 2011, Trinidad and Tobago and its Diaspora will begin celebrating the 50th Independence by hosting an Old Year’s Night Masquerade Ball. This year’s theme is A Night of Mysterious Fantasy. The event will begin at 8:00 PM and will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910. 

This event promises to be a night of fantasy and splendor not to be missed! This is the premier event to be followed by many spanning December 31, 2011 – “Old Year’s Night” and ends on August 31, 2012, the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago. A list of activities can be found by visiting the Embassy’s website. Proceeds from this year of events will be donated to a charity in Trinidad and Tobago that will be nominated and decided by members of the Diaspora.

Patrons will be treated to an all inclusive event filled with delicacies, beverages and entertainment from Trinidad and Tobago topped off with a special celebratory toast at midnight. This event presents a unique opportunity of bridging the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, partners in the Diaspora, donors and sponsors as we come together to recognize Trinidad and Tobago, its history, a variety of noteworthy contributions to the world, and its future.