Six world leaders who stepped on home soil
renowned activist delivered the valedictory speech, titled ‘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 practise brotherly love in spite of injustices.
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 resonating, the moment remains a historic one in the history of the nation as well as the history of Rastafarians.
1991 – Nelson Mandela South African President Nelson Mandela joined the list of world leaders who visited Jamaica in 1991. He was conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of The West Indies during his visit, which took place in the month of July.
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 had felt like a modern-day reenactment of 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 well received by locals in his famous ‘Wah gwaan, Jamaica’ greeting at a town hall meeting 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. – M.A.