Jamaica celebrates a milestone

Next week will be a big one for the Caribbean nation of Jamaica - and for Jamaican expats around the world.

Jamaica will celebrate its 60th anniversary of independence on August 6, with a range of events to mark the milestone.

The Jamaica 60 theme is “Reigniting a Nation For Greatness”.

I only visited Jamaica once - on a short cruise ship stopover - but loved the vibe.

Jamaica is the third-largest island of the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic).

After a two-year hiatus, Jamaica's popular annual festivals are back this year showcasing some of the country's local talents. The festivals help attract an average of 4.3 million tourists a year.

Signature summer festivals including Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica Dream WKND and MoBay Jerk & Food Festival.

The Jamaica Tourist Board has worked with hotel and resort partners to offer a collection of deals across various destinations in Jamaica, which was ruled by the Spanish and then the British prior to independence in 1962.

Famous Jamaicans include Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and Naomi Campbell.    

Celebrations are also scheduled for Canada, where over 300,000 Jamaicans live - many of them in Toronto.

For details see www.visitjamaica.com. Images: Sonya Kerr, Alejandro Jaramillo, Scop.io.