1. On January 9, Jamaica experienced an islandwide blackout, bringing scrutiny and pressure to Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS Co).

2. On January 24, the island welcomed its first set of quadruplets, born at the University Hospital of the West Indies, through Caesarean Section.

3. The region’s most recognised learning institution, the University of the West Indies, celebrated its 60th anniversary.

4. Arguably the best sprinter to have ever lived, Jamaican Usain Bolt ran riot at the Beijing Olympics, posting world record times in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m.

5. Not to be undone by her male counterpart, Shelly-Ann Fraser become the first ever Jamaican woman to win and Olympic gold medal in the 100m.

6. Jamaican-born basketball legend Patrick Ewing was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.

7. Alternative investment schemes Cash Plus and Olint suffered embarrassing ends with their principals left ‘buried’ in lawsuits.

8. Alton Ellis and Byron Lee, two pioneers of the entertainment industry, both take their last breaths.

9. Christopher Gonzalez, recognised sculptor and painter, died of cancer on August 2 at the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

10. In an act of true honesty and sincerity, a legal secretary chose to turn in J$1 million she found in an ATM to the local police.