Page 11 - Pieces Of Jamaica

F OREW ORD

by Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks

Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States of America

here is no debating that Jamaica is an exceptionally beautiful island, oftentimes referred to as
the “Pearl of the Caribbean.” Our pristine beaches, lush landscape, majestic mountain ranges,
luscious gastronomic delights, rich culture and the enduring warmth of our people are quite
difficult to capture in the pages of one book. It is, therefore, not surprising that 10 years after the
Trelease of the highly-acclaimed Pieces of Jamaica : Real Rock Edition in commemoration of
®
Jamaica 50, it was deemed fitting to release a new edition to mark Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee.
Jamaica has had a long, centuries-old history of struggle against and triumph over colonialism, gaining
emancipation and later, independence, as a proud, sovereign nation. Following 60 years of nationhood,
we have much to celebrate, notwithstanding the challenges we have confronted along the journey. As
Jamaicans at home and abroad celebrate this special occasion, we must pause to reflect on how much
we have achieved over the last six decades, as we envision and prepare for a bright and promising future.
This publication is another poignant reminder of all that is good about Jamaica and the need for us to
capture and share the joy and splendor of our country with others. It is also an opportunity to celebrate
the work of talented Jamaicans like Messrs. David I. Muir and Sean Henry who have gone the extra mile to
showcase high quality, iconic images featuring key points in our country’s history and various landmarks.

For diasporans who live here in the United States and other parts of the world, I have no doubt that this
new edition will inspire nostalgia, as the rhythms, tastes, textures and aromas of home leap off the pages,
rekindle your passion and desire for home, and beckon you to visit the “Rock”, where, in some cases, your
navel strings were planted. As we celebrate this landmark occasion in our country’s history, I invite you to
not just take a virtual trip through this lovely book, but it is my sincere hope that you will be encouraged to
travel physically to “yaad” and rediscover the wonders of our spectacular island.

Similar to the Pieces of Jamaica : Real Rock Edition, I have no doubt that this publication, in
®
commemoration of our country’s 60 anniversary of independence, will be a keepsake for current and
th
future generations.

xi