1. The National Youth Policy was officially put into place, representing Jamaica’s first comprehensive policy on youth.

2. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited for a second time during March 1-3.

3. Current Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna’s reign as Miss Jamaica World came to an end as she handed over the crown to Johanna Ulett, the first educator to win the title in the competition’s history.

4. Boxing great Mike McCallum won the World Boxing Council Light Heavyweight title on July 23.

5. This year marked Jamaica’s second consecutive entry into World Cup Eliminations for the first time since 1970, and the Reggae Boyz even made it past the first round for the first time since 1966. However, this would only serve as a prequel to Jamaica’s 1998 success.

6. The world-renowned ‘One Love’ commercial was first broadcast worldwide through Cable News Network (CNN), airing throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This is said to be the first for any Caribbean destination.

7. The Jamaican Government purchased Air Jamaica Acquisition Group from Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, giving it a new tagline of Soaring to New Heights and expanding services. This became the respected Air Jamaica Brand that was known throughout the 1990s and into 2000.

8. Jamaica earned two gold, four silver and two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games.

9. The PALS (Peace and Love in Schools) programme was started as a response to escalating levels of violence seen in Jamaica. It’s positive message and activities still continue today.

10. Rising reggae star Garnett Silk suffered a tragic death on December 9, after rushing back into a burning house to save his mother. He was 28 and viewed as one of the most spiritual and promising musicians at the time.