THEY VISITED JAMAICA
SIX WORLD LEADERS WHO STEPPED ON HOME SOIL
JMickella Anderson/Features Writer AMAICA IS perhaps most known for its idyllic landscape and outstanding tourism destinations, but while some visitors come for the sea, sun and sand, others of global significance and power have visited the island to establish stronger diplomatic ties and all things in-between. From Princess Margaret’s 1962 visit to the most recent visit of US President Barack Obama in 2015, here are six world leaders who stepped on home soil.
1962 – Princess Margaret
As the country marked its Independence from Britain in 1962, Princess Margaret graciously honoured the country’s request to represent Her Majesty The Queen at the celebrations. It was not her first visit. In 1955, the princess performed a number of community initiatives, including the opening of the Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas.
1965 – Martin Luther King Jr
On Sunday, June 20, 1965, American civilrights leader the Reverend Dr Marin Luther King Jr and his wife, Coretta, landed on post-Independence Jamaican soil. During his trip, the worldrenowned activist delivered the valedictory speech entitled ‘Facing the Challenge of a New Age’ at the University of the West Indies’ graduation ceremony. King’s speech implored the graduates and the large audience to practice brotherly love in spite of injustices.
1991 – Nelson Mandela
South African President Nelson Mandela joined the list of world leaders who visited Jamaica in 1991. He was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of The West Indies during his visit, which took place in the month of July.
1966 – Emperor Haile Selassie I
An estimated 100,000 fascinated Rastafarians greeted Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I when he visited the island on April 21,1966. With the sounds of drums and the abeng horns resonating, the moment remains a historic one in the history of the nation and of Rastafarianism.
1994 – Queen Elizabeth
Though she has visited Jamaica several times, it all began in 1953. It was the first time a sovereign ruler visited the island, and the first investiture outside of Britain was held in the knighting of Queen’s Counsel Kennedy O’Connor at King’s House.
2015 – Barack Obama
It was indeed a piece of history when the first black president of the United States of America visited our little island of Jamaica. The charming Barack Obama was instantly wellreceived by locals in his famous “Wah gwaan, Jamaica?” greeting at a town hall hosted by the University of the West Indies, Mona. Since much of his visit was well-publicised, this particular visit will forever be inked in the minds of many Jamaicans.