Jamaica sweeps Tokyo track – Flag raising to hail J59 in Bk

Athletics – Women’s 100m – Final
Gold medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica celebrates after winning Women’s 100m Final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 31, 2021.
REUTERS/Phil Noble

Come rain or shine on Aug. 6, Jamaica’s black, gold and green banner will rise above Brooklyn’s Borough Hall to celebrate the successes attained since becoming independent 59 years ago.

In addition to acknowledging the historic milestone defection from English rule in 1962, a flag raising ceremony will hail the world record-breaking Olympic victory achieved in Tokyo, Japan last Saturday when Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson swept the 100 metres competition.

For the second time in Olympic history, Jamaicans finished first, second and third in the women’s 100 meters sprint race.

Jamaicans first accomplished the feat in Beijing, China in 2008, Jamaica has claimed first place since.

“Jamaica’s area code is no longer 876. It’s now 1.2.3.”

That was a social media suggestion Jamaicans endorsed.

Fans flooded images of the dynamic trio displaying bragging poses in front of gold, silver and bronze medals.

“We didn’t come to bow…we come to conquer.”

“Jamaica on fyah!” seemed the viral messaging with emojis of the flag annexed to blazing flames expressing pride of the nation.

Olivia Grange, the island’s minister of gender, culture, sports and entertainment has urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to join the celebrations and decorate their spaces.

“Put your flag outside your door,” she said.
“Put it in your yard.”

“Decorate your building.”

“Decorate your store front.”

“Use the Jamaican colors and just create that spirit of independence: be bold with the black, green and gold.”

On the island, COVID-19 precautions prevent the usual revelry however a 10-day celebration invited nationals for a theme, ‘Jamaica 59: Come Mek We Celebrate Online.’

“The restrictions of COVID-19 limit what we can do and limit our gatherings, but we can stay home and celebrate with our families and we can enjoy the offerings that are being produced by the JCDC and my Ministry to ensure that we all can still celebrate while we keep safe,” Minister Grange added.

With less restrictive COVID-19 precautions here, diasporans will be able to flaunt pride in nation on Aug. 6 when Kings County rolls out the red carpet to hail the recent victory and others recorded since the island attained independence.

Simultaneous with a similar ceremony in Jamaica slated for 9 am the Jamaica Consulate will host the annual flag raising event.

A reception will follow to feature messages from the island’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other dignitaries.

Commemorative activities here started on Sunday in Queens with a thanksgiving service at Immaculate Conception Monastery Church in Jamaica Estates.

Prayers and aspirations of recovery from the pandemic, optimism of participation and transformation amplified messages from the pulpit.

Sermons also boasted the successful transition from dependency to independence and the Olympic triumph.

In Hartford, Connecticut, a meet and greet with Leslie Campbell, state minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade with the responsibility for diasporan affairs calls celebrants to the West Indian Social Club where “Stronger Together” themes the Aug. 3 revelry.

In Miami, Florida, an inaugural celebration in Miami Gardens will premiere Miami Gardens Reggae Summer Splash.

Reggae legends Mykal Rose, Red Rat and Inner Circle promise to deliver four hours of rousing and colorful display of Jamaica’s arts and artifacts, culinary artistry and talent on Aug. 7.

 Catch You On The Inside!