Heartbeat of the World; Jamaica heats up Scotiabank Arena

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“What am I doing here?” I looked around at the signs. Gate One, Gate Two; “Where the hell am I going?” Thank God for these two kind gentlemen who must have seen how lost I looked. “Can we help with something miss?” “Yes, can you direct me to Gate One please.” “Go right through this door. You are in the right place.” I thanked them and proceeded to the gate.

I couldn’t conceal my excitement. On Tuesday, February 11^th, 2020, Mr. Donnie Dawson (Deputy Directory of Tourism, Jamaica) invited Toronto Caribbean Newspaper to join the Jamaica Tourist Board and their sponsors for Jamaica Night at the Hockey Rink. It was a Tuesday night, and my schedule was packed, but I didn’t want to miss this event. I had some questions that I knew could only be answered if I went.

The excitement in the air could not be denied. Hockey fans have to be the most boisterous of all sports fans. There were people yelling, decked out in their blue and white attire. Here am I in an African inspired skirt and bustier, click clacking in my killer red heels. I realized quickly that I probably choose the wrong colours. The Maple Leafs were playing the Arizona Coyotes, who happen to have a burgundy red in their team logo. You see; this is what happens when you don’t do your research.

When I arrived at the Jamaica Gondala Suite on the 6^th floor, I looked around to see whom I could recognize. The first person I saw was Angella Bennett, who happens to be the Regional Director of Tourism for Canada. As usual, Angella greeted me with such warmth. She has a way of making you feel at home, even in situations that may not be the norm for you. We went right into a discussion about the direction for Jamaica this year, and exactly why they decided to put on this event.

“Simone, our push this year is to establish Jamaica as the Heartbeat of the world. This means that at times we must reach out of our comfort zones. Staying in your comfort zone is not going to bring you results. Our sponsors are made up of different cultural backgrounds, have different ideologies, and enjoy different things. Having this event connects with a demographic who may have heard of Jamaica, always wanted to go to Jamaica, but have never done so. We want to show the global community why Jamaica is the heartbeat of the world, and the only way to do so is to be everywhere. Jamaica must establish omnipresence. This is my responsibility, so here we are.”

I listened intently to Angella. I have always been impressed with her ability to adjust to her circumstances. Listening to her, you would never know that it has not been a year since she has been here, and she was learning the Canadian culture and how to attract their interest.

As I looked around the room, I saw staple figures in the Jamaican community who had turned out to support the Jamaican Tourist Board: Consulate General for Jamaica Toronto, Lloyd Wilks was in attendance, along with Sports Reporter Roger Shaw from G98.7. I had a chance to chitchat with them, and they were just excited about the great things that are happening in Jamaica. There is reason for this.

2020 is gearing up to be a year of excitement, and Jamaicans living in the diaspora have a lot to be proud of. Below is a list of highlighted events happening on the island. Feel the rush; learn more by visiting visitjamaica.com.

Jamaica Rum Festival
Experience rum tastings, rum and food, and a cacophony of Jamaican craftsmanship from February 29^th – March 1^st.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Festival
Music is the backdrop of a three-day experience of Jamaican food, coffee and culture in the hills of the world-renowned Blue Mountain. Satisfy your taste buds from March 21^st – March 24^th, 2020.

Jamaica Frenzy
This one is for the House Lovers. Get ready for a five night, six-day all-inclusive, House Music Vacation, Jamaica Frenzy specializes in House Music, with all-inclusive accommodation packages. Of course, expect nothing but the best in House Music, meant to stimulate all senses. Become part of the experience from March 31^st – April 5^th, 2020.

The Cooler Weekend
Following closely after Carnival in Jamaica is a chance to attend five fantastic parties in five consecutive days. Come for the Cancun Beach Jam, The Festival of Floats, Yush, Day Dreams and Igloo. This fantastic week of fun begins April 10^th and ends April 13^th.

Jamaica Food & Drink Festival
Six days of diverse, taste bud tantalizing, culinary mastery, starting October 24^th, 2020 – November 1^st, 2020.

There is no way for me to go through all the events, so lean in, feel the pulsating beat and follow your heart to Jamaica