THE recent soft launch of the Jamaica 50 ‘Nation on a Mission’ marketing campaign released on television and radio has tugged at my heart strings and I’m falling in love all over again with this beautiful country.

Who can resist that sweet little hummingbird in the television ad, flitting from corner to post, weaving an invisible thread that binds the beautiful people who make up this blessed country?

Who can resist the feeling of hope for our nation when we see our fellow countrymen press hand to heart and vow loud and strong words from our National Pledge:

“Before God and All mankind I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body, in the service of my fellow citizens. I promise to stand up for justice, brotherhood and peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.”

Think on these words my friends, they give us something to do besides dwell on all that’s wrong with our fair isle. They give us a clear set of instructions as to the small yet significant part we can play to move this country forward.

Clearly I’m beginning to get 50 Fever. The celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence might be the most significant thing that happens in my country in my lifetime — outside of seeing a woman elected prime minister, watching us dominate the sports and cultural arenas, and make the international news with the good and the bad that we do every day; and seeing Vogue magazine dedicate 10 of its editorial pages to a lifestyle piece featuring a Jamaican (Usain Bolt) — and I want to do something to commemorate the event. It’s just to decide what. Finish that book? Launch the Second Wives’ Club? Plant a tree or fruit grove?

I was stuck in ugly traffic long enough one morning to watch a madman eat two small mangoes while sprawled out on the sidewalk. Oblivious to the cacophony around him and that people had to step over him, I watched this demented, unloved and unwashed human being delight in every bite of those two mangoes. This caused me to send a silent prayer to whoever planted the tree. This is a blessed country; even a madman can find nourishment.

I feel the urge to do something, to make a contribution somehow, instead of sitting back and waiting for the party to start. In that vein, it appears the ‘foreigners’ have us beat. Travelling up Worthington Avenue the other morning I was greeted with Guardian Life’s building draped and emblazoned with Jamaica’s 50th anniversary artwork. Way to go, Trinidad, I thought, a very generous gesture, considering they’re planning for their own 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations this year. Has a Jamaican company made a similar gesture to Trinidad in Trinidad, I wonder?

The cultural exchanges and outreach have been very generous on the part of the diplomatic missions here in Jamaica too. Spanish Ambassador Celsa Nuno, through the Spanish-Jamaican Foundation (SJF), has joined efforts with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) and made a significant donation for the refurbishment of the New Seville Great House as its contribution to our 50th anniversary celebrations. The high commissioner of Canada, Stephen Hallihan, recently opened the ‘Two Nations, One Heart’ exhibition at the Frame Centre Gallery, celebrating the 50 years of Canadian/Jamaican friendship.

Canada, by the way, is way ahead in acknowledging Jamaica’s 50th anniversary. The Grand Jamaica Homecoming, a powerful all-media campaign organised by a Jamaican/Canadian group that is promoting the reconnection of the diaspora to Jamaica through tourism, education and business endeavours has, I dare say, led the charge since before the start of the year. Way to go, Donette Chin Loy Chang, et al.

United States Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater started the party earlier this year, under the theme ‘Celebrating the Ties That Bind: 50 Years of Friendship’ which so far has seen an exhibition in January, held at the Mutual Gallery of Art, of some two dozen works by American artist and the ambassador’s former teacher, Johnny John. More recently, she celebrated our 50th with a series of free performances and workshops presented by the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble.

On another note, we made so much noise about the lack of shelter from the brutal heat while waiting for appointments at the American Embassy, but hardly acknowledged their installation this year of a covered waiting area. On behalf of all of us: “Thank you, Madame Ambassador.”

The point is that the celebration of our 50th anniversary — as much as we expect to sit back and be entertained by Jubilee Villages, and float parades and song and fireworks, and the kindness and generosity of others — is time for each and every one of us to make a personal commitment to reconnect with this country and be of service to our fellow citizens. Let’s think about creating a new foundation for the more than 50 years ahead.

Read the pledge again, dear reader. And let me know what you plan on doing for our 50th.

scowicomm@gmail.com