Jamaica land we love. On this day, 60 years ago, we celebrated one of the country’s biggest accomplishments, Independence.

As our parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents celebrated, they hoped for a better Jamaica for their children. A Jamaica that was not governed by British rule, but independent, making its own decision to foster growth and development for all.

Since then, our great nation Jamaica has developed tremendously, making several different accomplishments. Though we are far from perfect, we must acknowledge the good things that have happen in Jamaica over the years.

Here is a list of six achievements that Jamaica has made in six decades:

Jamaican Currency 1960s

Jamaica finally got its own currency on September 8, 1969, after 149 years of using the United Kingdom’s currency. Previously, Jamaica used shillings and pence. But, when the Bank of Jamaica Act came into force in October 1960, it gave to the bank the sole right to issue notes and coins on the island. Jamaica then saw the introduction of five coins and banknotes that truly marked the start of the Jamaican currency.

The legislation decade (1970s)

In 1974, the government embarked on a journey to enact several important pieces of legislation. These included the Equal Rights For Equal Pay Act, Status of Children Act, Maternity Leave With Pay Act, Minimum Wage Act, Termination and Redundancy Pay Act, Holiday With Pay Act.

These legislations continue to protect us as citizens from being exploited or wrongfully treated.

University of Technology (UTech) awards first bachelor’s degrees in three fields (1980s)

Formerly known as the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), the University of Technology (UTech) awarded its first bachelor’s degrees in education, home economics and engineering in 1986.

After the university’s scheme was revised, UTech became a degree-granting institution. The university was also empowered to conduct affairs under two statutory bodies (i.e. Governing Council & Academic Board).

Tourism industry flourishes (1990s)

Jamaica is known globally for its crystal waters and sandy beaches that attract millions of tourists every year. To date, we continue to have a thriving tourism economy after years of pumping money into the industry.

But it wasn’t until the 1990s that tourism became the top foreign exchange earner, bringing US$953 million into the economy. The tourism industry continues to flourish and is still one of the main foreign exchange-earners.

Best Olympic performances (2000s)

Jamaica has a long legacy of sporting champions such as Donald Quarrie and Merlene Ottey who have paved the way for younger generations. The country then had its best ever Olympic performance at the Summer Games in Beijing, winning six gold, three Silver and two bronze medals. A 21-year-old Usain Bolt emerged as the star of the games, winning gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, breaking the world record each time.

Jamaica launches Vision 2030 (2010s)

In 2015, Jamaica as part of the 193 member states of the United Nations (UN) adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The Jamaican government, in doing so, promised citizens to make the country a place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.