In less than 50 days' time Jamaica will officially mark 50 years of political Independence. And as the Jamaica 50 fever ignites the spirits and quickens the pulses of our people, things are buzzing both at home and in the diaspora.

There are so many exciting Jamaica 50 events to choose from, and more Jamaica 50-themed events are constantly popping, so much so that almost everybody can attend at least 50 Jamaica 50 functions between now and the official Independence Day number 50. Although, knowing us Jamaicans, many people will just focus on 50 faults to find and give you 50 reasons why they will not support the Jamaica 50 events.

Whew! Feels like I just said Jamaica 50 about 50 times, don't it? Yeah, man, is the Jamaica 50 fever tek mi! Then add the Olympic Games to the mix. And pause for about 50 seconds to ponder the fact that on August 6, 2012 - our actual 50th Independence Day, the medal ceremony for the men's 100 metres will take place, as that race would have been run the day before.

I'd bet $50,000 on it, because trust me, when I tell you that I could provide you with more than 50 reasons why it is more than five times 50 per cent possible that not only will our flag be hoisted up in the Olympic Stadium on that fateful day, it could be hoisted up the pole times three. Luckily, I don't have to give you the more than 50 reasons, because there's a 50-50 chance you already agree with me. And I don't have to bet the $50,000 either, because 1. I don't have that kind of money to play with and 2. I don't believe in gambling. Heheheh, and I'm gambling on the possibility that you'll believe me.

And look here nuh, last Saturday I was in my Jamaica 50 element. I was the fit-for-his-age fellow aged over 50, who was jigging it up on the stage at Downsview Park in Toronto in my role as MC for the Junior Carnival and Family Day.

great performances

The event was part of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Festival, and was especially dedicated to the islands of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of their 50th anniversary of independence. The audience was roughly 50 per cent Trinidadians and 50 per cent Jamaicans, and the show saw some great performances. Jakki James and Steele represented Ja with riveting reggae, while Connector and Macomere Fifi represented T&T with sweet soca.

I left the sweltering but exciting carnival-like outdoor atmosphere of the park and made a quick change before heading to the salubrious setting of the Jamaican Canadian Centre to perform comedy for an august and exquisite gathering of dignitaries at the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary gala dinner/dance of the Jamaican Canadian Association. And mek I tell unnu something, if I never mind sharp, the keynote speaker ,Senator K.D. Knight, woulda outdo me in the comedy department. I think he was getting almost a laugh every 50 seconds in a speech that felt like nearly 50 minutes at least! He final words were: 'I think it's time I pack my bags and go!'

Enjoying the JCA Jamaica 50 gala meant I had to miss another great event called 'CanJam Festival,' - advertised as a celebration of 50 years of Canadian and Jamaican cultural fusion. Like I said, I wasn't there, but I got good reports. I heard Khago did well and Anthony B electrified the crowd. I heard that Etana stamped her class with a commanding performance, and the evergreen veteran Freddie McGregor was masterful, magical and mesmerising.

Yeah, nuff things a gwaan, and my thanks flowing freely more than 50-fold, that I'm alive and well to enjoy, absorb and observe the vibes!

box-mi-back@hotmail.com.