Jamaica is celebrating its biggest party ever in 2012, as it marks 50 years of independence.  A key part of the celebrations are what is known as the Grand Jamaica Homecoming, an invitation to all Jamaican ex-pats from around the world to come home and contribute.

The goals are two-fold; to rekindle a sense of pride in being Jamaican, and to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Over the past 50 years, many Jamaicans have left the country to build lives in other countries.  Most have established themselves in the United States, Britain and Canada.   There are more than 800,000 Jamaicans now living in the U.S., mostly around New York City and Boston and in Florida.  Three-quarters of a million Jamaican people live in the U.K., mostly in London and Birmingham.  Nearly a quarter million Jamaicans live in Canada, mostly in the Toronto area.

The Jamaican government is hoping that in 2012, this group of nearly two million proud Jamaicans will visit their native country, and help build a stronger future while they celebrate their heritage.  The government is also hoping to set up a Legacy Fund to support educational groups on the island.

As part of Jamaica’s year-long celebration in 2012, there are island-wide activities scheduled every month of the year.  The theme is Jamaica 50: Feel the Heart and the Soul of a Nation.  The plan is to put the island on display for the world, so everyone can see what it has to offer.

The celebrations are a great excuse to plan that Jamaica villa rental at the Tryall Club Jamaica.  You can sit back and relax in a home-like setting and experience the island as it shows off its best to the world.  It can be like your very own Grand Jamaica Homecoming!