Island to Island
Where Do the Students Come To Play? Jamaica
by Ralston Blair

Spring break 2006 could be one answer to the question "where do the children play," but it's a playground for teenagers. Held each year in Jamaica from February 25 through to the first few weeks of March, this event is a chance for young college students from the U.S. to jet away to a tropical setting after long hours studying and attending school, prior to their summer school break. Naturally, some do tend to get a little wild with this freedom from school and parental supervision.

Don't get me wrong, however, most of them still behave themselves in an exemplary fashion, but fun is the name of the game for them. And because most are booked through student-run travel tours, these tours do their best to ensure that young clients

truly enjoy themselves. This includes specially arranged concerts, meal packages, drink specials, and room discounts.

This year's numbers were far less than last year, we are told. Because some students are now booking trips independently, the actual numbers are not clear. Jamaica's regional neighbor, Mexico, is also a popular spring break destination.

Solid Gold

Jamaica has proven itself in athletics at yet another major international event, the 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia March 15 through March 26. When the dust had settled and medals were counted, Jamaica received a number far exceeding its minimal size. A whopping 22 medals were secured by Jamaica (10 gold, four silver, and eight bronze). This feat underlines the strength of the country's track and field program, despite its limited resources, and follows its recent triumphs at the Olympic Games in Athens 2004 and the IAAF World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, in 2005.

Once again, world record holder Asafa Powell won gold in the men's 100 meters sprint in a 10.03-second run. Others sharing in the winning of gold medals for Jamaica were: Sheri-Ann Brooks (women's 100 meters), Maurice Wignall (110 meters hurdles), Trecia Smith (triple jump), Sherone Simpson (200 meters), Omar Brown (200 meters), Tanto Campbell (elite athlete with disability-discus), and Bridgette

Foster Hilton (110 meters). Jamaica also won gold in the women's and men's team divisions.

The Commonwealth Games involves the dozens of countries around the world that were once ruled under the British Empire.

The Strength of a Woman Jamaica, in politics as in athletics, has reached another milestone for March 2006. For the first time in its history, it now has a female Prime Minister. Outgoing Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has demitted office and Prime Minister Designate Portia Simpson-Miller officially assumed office March 30, following a closely contested election within the ruling party in which she was the lone female with three male contenders. Many Jamaicans are eager to see what she can bring to the political landscape.

There is never a dull moment in Jamaica, with even more interesting times ahead. I will do my best to keep you abreast of all the major happenings.

Until next time, stay Irie!

Ralston Blair is a Jamaican writer and journalist who has worked the past several summers on Mackinac Island. He is writing this year from Jamaica. Ideas and comments about his column can be delivered in care of the Town Crier.