Chat-bout.net - Jamaica could host Scottish Highland Games

Jamaica could host Scottish Highland Games

Jamaica could play host to a Scottish Highland Games in 2012 following a feasibility currently been conducted on the island by Lord Jamie Sempill from Edinburgh in Scotland.

Sempill is here to assess the potential success of hosting such an event, and how it would combine with Jamaica's 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.

“The West India Committee in the UK have conducted a vast amount of research into the four hundred year relationship between Scotland and Jamaica. This historical relationship manifests itself in place names and surnames throughout Jamaica but also with the Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, head of the Scottish Clans, and has strong Scottish roots. The Queen will also celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 which will complement the Games next year," he said.

The Scot added that would be an opportunity both for his countrymen to visit Jamaica but also for Jamaicans to reconnect with their Scottish heritage.

Included in the three-day games are athletics, music and dance events.

“Given the Jamaican people’s outstanding reputation in athletics, music and dance, we see that there could be some quirky fusion between Scottish culture and Jamaican culture,” said Director of Tourism, John Lynch. “Such an event also has a huge potential to drive visitor business to Jamaica and create worldwide publicity."

During his time on the island, Sempill will meet with both Lynch and Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett and visit major sports facilities including the Trelawny Multi-Purpose facility.

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