The ‘Little but tallawah” nation in the Caribbean recently extended an invitation to those seeking to officially and legally carry the black, gold and green flag of Jamaica.
A knowledge and interpretation of the word “tallawah” might be helpful with lifting up the colors that identify the small geographic landscape that also claims the lion-share of much of the region’s Olympic glory, music accolades, diverse culinary delights, movie-making attention and even negative international crime status.
Regardless, positive or negative, Jamaica certainly has indelibly carved a distinctive niche in virtually every facet of history-making.
Their representatives often pack a wallop against some of the world’s Goliaths.
That’s where ‘tallawah’ comes in.
Whether good or bad, Jamaicans often register representation and more often than not reaped rewards with success and achievement.
The island’s New York consulate recently announced that a town hall meeting slated for Aug. 17 — the birthday anniversary of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, their first national hero — when new citizens will be sworn in and others will actually be handed passports.
No building of walls to keep out illegal immigrants are in the works only an explanation of how to proceed with applying for the privileged diplomatic access.
Jamaican Citizenship and Passport Drive will be in full effect from 3 pm to 4 pm at the Jamaica Consulate, 767 Third Ave, between 48th and 49th Sts.
Andrew Wynter, CEO Passport, Immigration, Citizenship Agency will be the guest speaker along with Vivion Scully, consul for Jamaica trade and investment Promotion for the North America Region.
He will sell the benefits of being Jamaican.
Allegedly Scully will provide updates on the island’s economic opportunities; explain how to do business there and talk up the merits of trade and investment on the island.
Reportedly, some newly minted Jamaicans will be present at the two-day event which will begin promptly on Aug. 16 at 9 am and continue until 4 pm with provisions on how to obtain tax and birth certificates.
For more detailed information, call 212-935-9000 ext. 123.
FASTEST CARIBBEAN, AFRICAN NATIONS INKS SPORTS AGREEMENT
Kenya has staked a claim for assuring that Africa takes first place and championship of both the long and middle distance track and field races.
In marathon and Olympic competitions the continent have been guardians of winning titles and runners representing that nation or at worst yielding to Ethiopia’s fierce stamina conquerors.
From the Caribbean, the same holds true for Jamaica’s might in beating the clock as the fastest sprinters in the world.
The long and short of it is that Kenya and Jamaica take the prize for winning first place trophies in all distance running.
Recently, Olivia Grange Jamaica’s minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, announced that Jamaica and Kenya have agreed to cooperate in the fields of sports, culture and heritage.
The minister said the agreement was finalized during a recent three-day State Visit of Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya.
According to a statement released by her office a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to formalize a cooperation agreement with Ambassador Amina Mohammed, the Kenyan cabinet secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage.
Under the MOU, Jamaica and Kenya have agreed to cooperate in the organizing of major sporting events in track and field, water sports, football, cycling, cricket, netball, boxing, tennis, golf, martial arts, basketball, rugby and any other discipline that both countries may mutually decide upon.
“Jamaica is the sprint capital of the world and Kenya has a great reputation of producing some of the finest long-distance runners that we have ever known. I believe there is much that we can share not only in track and field, but in other sporting disciplines as well,” Grange explained.
“The signing presents us with an opportunity or collaboration in the areas of sports and culture especially in athletics where Kenya and Jamaica are powerhouses,” the Kenyan leader said.
“We look forward to exchanges of coaches, administrators and physical education teachers; welcoming Kenyan athletes for training here in Jamaica among other initiatives which will benefit both of our countries,” Grange added.
Jamaica and Kenya have also agreed to collaborate on sports science, the promotion of sports for people with special needs, and the implementation of anti-doping policies, procedures and practices within the World Anti-Doping Agency system.
Regarding culture and heritage, the areas of cooperation will include collaboration between the National Archives of both countries with a focus on digitization and modernization of the entities cultural exchange in the cultural and creative industries; cooperation between the national museums; in the field of heritage research; protection conservation and management as well as exchange of experts.
With this recent agreement an exchange program will be implemented to share talents in the Caribbean and on the continent of Africa.
“We would wish to see visits of cultural and creative practitioners including musicians, dancers, actors, theatre groups and visual artists. And so we encourage the participation of our cultural and creative practitioners in festivals in both countries with a view to enhancing the strong cultural links between Jamaica and Kenya.”
While on the visit to Jamaica, Kenyatta participated in Emancipation and Independence celebrations on the island. One of the most significant public ceremonies he attended was visiting the memorial site of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero.
The African leader also held bilateral meetings with the island’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness which included discussions regarding trade, tourism and increased investment opportunities.
Catch You On The Inside!
