THE Jamaican Association Bermuda will be holding their annual cruise on August 7 to commemorate Jamaica's 42nd anniversary of independence.

"Not only will the cruise help to mark Jamaica's 42 years of independence, but it is also an event that helps to bring the community together. This has become the premier cruise and people who do not normally go to cruises wait especially for this one. Last year we had to turn away hundreds of potential attendees since the tickets were quickly sold out," said Mr. Rowan, the Association's vice-president and events coordinator.

This event comes on the heels of the annual Cup Match classic, which is also steeped in historical significance. In a crash course of cultural immersion, the cruise ship, the MV Bermudian will be decked out in the traditional colours of the Jamaican flag along with pictures of the seven pioneers, namely Paul Bogle, Norman Manley, Nanny, Samuel Sharpe, Sir Alexander Bustamante and Marcus Garvey and other memorabilia.

The theme of this year's cruise is "Good To Go and No Looking Back". This is partially borrowed from the slogan used by the Jamaican government. "Good to Go" means that the country is ready, economically stable and ready to move forward into the 21st century.

"Every year we have had national Independence songs, which will be featured on the cruise. We normally call them festival songs, and we will play them from such artistes as Eric Donaldson, Tinga Stewart, Toots and the Maytals just to name a few," Mr. Ramotar explained.

The event will be punctuated with giveaways and prizes with the main prize being a round trip to Jamaica, donated by C Travel, and an 8,000 BTU airconditioner donated by Guinness.

I have to thank the sponsors (Guinness and C Travel) for coming through for us and for the revellers.

"Please come early and bring your dancing shoes, since we will be playing everything from Ska, right up to the modern Jamaican tunes. It will be an interesting event to say the least. Of course there will be Jamaican cuisine for those who haven't tasted it, they will have an opportunity to do so. It is a Ja'mudian fete!" added Mr. Ramotar.

Musical entertainment will be by Magnum Force, After Dark and Knight International. Tickets are $40 and are available at Dub City, Hamilton, The Jamaican Grill on Parson's Road and from Association members. The boat leaves Dockyard at 8 p.m. and from Albouy's Point at 8:30 p.m. sharp. Part proceeds from the event are in aid of the scholarship fund. For more information log on to the Association's website www.jab.bm.