A wide array of events have been planned islandwide as Jamaica ramps up activities in observance of the island’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations. With non-stop flights available from most major cities across the U.S., Jamaica is easily accessible and provides a tremendous value for travelers.

“This is a significant year for us as a destination and we’re encouraging visitors including Jamaicans living overseas to come celebrate this milestone and experience a host of on-island events throughout the year,” said John Lynch, Director of Tourism. “Now is a great time to book a Jamaican vacation and benefit from the special offers from a range of hotels and attractions.”

Below is a sampling of celebratory events for visitors to take part in throughout the year.

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The JPS Meter Testing Lab and Calibration Centre has now received the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC).  The award ceremony took place on Friday May 11, making the JPS Meter Testing Lab, only the 3rd organization in Jamaica to receive an award from JANAAC. 

This development comes as good news to JPS customers, who can now be assured that the results of meter tests are accurate and traceable.  The Meter Testing Lab tests meters that are brought in for investigation, and certifies the equipment which is used on meter tests that are conducted in the field.  The lab is also used to test meters that are earmarked for distribution.
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Shangri-La Entertainment, Tuff Gong Pictures and Milyoni today announced a Celebrity Cinema live chat on Facebook with Ziggy Marley, Bob Marley's eldest son and executive producer of "MARLEY." The definitive documentary about the legendary musician Bob Marley opened in theaters and simultaneously on Facebook, iTunes and VOD on April 20.

"MARLEY" has been a big success across all distribution platforms including its Facebook premiere receiving more than 80,000 user-generated social impressions in the first week of the movie's launch and has resulted in the biggest Facebook streaming numbers ever for a feature film. On iTunes, "MARLEY" has the highest grossing week ever for a Magnolia release. By popular demand, Ziggy Marley will be participating in an exclusive live Celebrity Cinema chat on Facebook on May 19 at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET when he will interact with viewers to discuss his father's life and music as they watch the film together. The live Celebrity Cinema chat will be available at apps.facebook.com/ziggylive.

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The Jamaica Independence T-Shirt Design Competition for Secondary Level Students was launched on May 4, 2012. The competition will reward secondary level students with artistic/creative talent, provoke thought about the meaning of Jamaican Independence, and raise money for secondary level institutions in Jamaica. Design submissions are being accepted until June 20, 2012.

The first place prize for participants is $35,000 + a getaway for four to Great Huts in Port Antonio, the second place prize is $25,000 + an all-inclusive getaway for two to Sunset on the Beach in Negril, and the third place prize is $20,000 + a gift basket. The top three participants will also receive trophies and the top eight participants will receive certificates recognizing their accomplishments in the competition.

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