Marking the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence, The Bob Marley One Love Experience has come to Toronto and the Jamaica Tourist Board held a VIP event last week for agents, partners and media to enjoy the exhibit at their own pace, fully appreciate the experience, and feel the love. The refreshments were delicious, the Bob Marley cocktail packed a punch, and the music …

The exhibition is comprised of various sized rooms and concept spaces that pay tribute to both Bob Marley and to Jamaica. I’m not going to go into detail – this is something you want to experience yourself – but there’s lots of opportunity for pictures, selfies, or just sitting and taking in the atmosphere. Headphones with Marley’s music simply add to the mood.

Coming out the exhibit we headed in a large hall with images being projected on the walls, live music by Dave McClaughin on the saxophone, and lots of refreshments.

Jamaica Tourist Board’s District Sales manager Dan Hamilton, welcomed the group, noting that celebrations for Jamaica60 were being held in the Greater Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara areas. “Most notably,” he said, “will be the special illumination of Niagara Falls on August 6th, so I’m expecting to see you there.”

There are also church services, flag-raising ceremonies in Toronto; Hamilton; Mississauga; London, Ontario; Oshawa; Markham and Brampton … so far.

There will also be sporting and cultural events and details can be found at www.jamaica60to.com or www.jamaica60to.ca.

Hamilton also took the opportunity to thank the sponsors and partners in the Diamond Jubilee.

Consul General for Jamaica Lincoln Downer also welcomed the group and, spoke of Bob Marley’s influence and the overcoming of adversity.

Dina Bertolo VP of Product for Air Canada vacations and Maureen Barnes Smith, Sandals VP Sales and Marketing also spoke of their relationships with Jamaica. Barnes Smith noting that Sandals was “in the middle of our 40th anniversary, this year. We’re so proud.” Add that to Jamaica’s 60th anniversary she joked and you have 100 years.

In her remarks Angela Bennett, Regional Director for JTB Canada said, “In the words of the honorable Robert Nesta Marley, ‘One thing about music, when it hits, you feel no pain.’

“Bob Marley is a legend, a global icon, who truly had the power and the presence to use his immense musical and storytelling talents to change the world. Over his short life, he impacted so many and his legend lives on. Bob Marley is the very essence of Jamaica, Reggae is Jamaica, and Jamaica is Reggae. Here tonight, through this immersive exhibition, we were able to bring the energy and the spirit on Bob Marley and his music directly to you. You have been able to sense the man behind the icon, and you were able to view memorabilia and photos not previously shared in public.”

Bennet continued, “You would’ve experienced the positive vibes of the music room, a lush One Love Forest, and the Beautiful Life Zone, which celebrates all of Marley’s passion for football and family. This celebration is especially meaningful to the Jamaica Tourist Board, as this year we all know Jamaicans around the world will celebrate 60 years of independence, let’s give it up for Jamaica. Preparations in both Jamaica and Canada are in high gear.”

“In celebrating Jamaica’s 60, our theme is reigniting a nation, and we want to thank all the Jamaica 60 sponsors here tonight that have helped us to encourage all Jamaicans living in Canada to come home, rediscover their roots, and reignite your passion for Jamaican culture. To all our trade partners, visitors, and guests here this evening, we invite you to come back with a Jamaica that you can find in all of us.”

Closing, she invited the guests to “feel the beautiful vibes of Jamaica, the island, and Bob Marley, in this One Love Experience, here in Toronto, it’s here until the 14th of August, so invite your family and friends to immerse themselves in this great icon, and also, a chance to win a trip to Jamaica.”