Yet another keepsake in celebration of the country’s history and achievements was launched on Wednesday (Dec. 12), when the Institute of Jamaica officially unveiled Jamaica Journal Volume 34.

This special issue of the Jamaica Journal is in celebration of 50 years of independence and five decades of Foreign Service.

It explores the various ways in which Jamaica has influenced the world, with a leading article entitled: ‘Sports in Jamaica Since Independence: A Panoramic View,’ by Patrick Robinson.

The limited Jamaica 50 keepsake reflects on the contribution of outstanding athletes such as Usain Bolt, and others in various spheres, including Harry Belafonte, and the late Dudley Thompson.

It also examines 50 years of Foreign Service under themes such as: ‘Michael Manley’s Foreign Policy’ and ‘Top 100 Jamaica songs 1957 to 2007’.

Speaking at the launch held at the Mona Visitor’s Lodge, University of the West Indies, Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, said the journal will serve as an educational tool for Jamaicans, particularly the younger generation.

“It is vital that, as we head into the next 50 years, our youth, who will be the standard bearers in this new era, are equipped with pertinent information on their history and society to help them fashion the Jamaica of the future…it is very fitting therefore that we continue our celebration of Jamaica 50, with an intellectual discourse on some of the critical foundations, which has made us a nation on a mission,’ she stated.

She noted that the publication “reflects on some of the decisions taken at the political level that have assured our country a formidable space in leadership and respect and it demonstrates that the possibility for global leadership has been forever embodied in our Jamaican thinking”.

The Journal is edited by Dr. Kim Robinson – Walcott, and has been a publication of the Institute of Jamaica since 1967. It is the foremost academic journal of Jamaican history and culture, publishing scholarly articles on music, art, literature, the environment, and other contemporary issues.

The publication received the Award for Excellence for the Most Assessed Journal in 2011 from the Digital Library of the Caribbean.