Jamaicans Descend on Crystal Palace Park for I Love Jamaica Day

Crystal Palace Park in London was transformed into a sea of black, green and gold on Sunday (Aug. 15), as several generations of Jamaicans and well wishers from across the United Kingdom (UK), defied gloomy weather conditions to celebrate the first ‘I Love Jamaica Day’.
The event, which was also billed as a celebration of Jamaican athletes, was held on the day following the two-day Aviva London Grand Prix athletics meet, where the country’s top runners put on an excellent show.
Patrons were treated to performances by the internationally acclaimed University Singers, popular reggae artiste Luciano, a children’s steel band, and a fashion show by Jamaican designer Neahlis.
Popular Jamaican comedian Tony ‘Paleface’ Hendricks and former Brent Member of Parliament, Dawn Butler, served as comperes for the afternoon.
In addition to the scintillating entertainment package, patrons enjoyed traditional Jamaica fare offered at the food court, which included jerked pork and chicken, patties, and the range of ‘Black Farmer’ sausages and burgers produced by Jamaican-born farmer, Wilfred Emanuel Jones. Also available were local juices and fruits such as guinep and june plum.
Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Anthony Johnson led the salute to Jamaica’s athletes, who successfully participated in the Grand Prix.
The High Commissioner joined with President of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA), Howard Aris, who was also in attendance, in asking UK-based Jamaicans to support the country’s athletes as they prepare for the 2012 Olympics and during the games, which will be held in London.
The ‘I Love Jamaica Day’ was organised by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).