Image source via WhiteHouse.gov
Last week U.S. President Barack Obama visited our beautiful island of Jamaica. And while the President’s trip was relatively short (22 hours to be exact), the people of Jamaica made sure he felt the love the entire time. When President Obama arrived in the capital Wednesday night, it was the first time a sitting U.S. President has visited the island in more than three decades.
The President’s official business included taking a meeting with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller; addressing both leaders of CARICOM—the Caribbean Community— and attendees of a town hall meeting at the University of the West Indies (UWI); attending a wreath laying at the National Heroes Park; and of course sharing some epic, Instagram-worthy moments with Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world and one of our favorite locals. Big up!
A monumental trip indeed. Here are some highlights of President Obama’s trip to Jamaica.
Image source via WhiteHouse.gov
A visit to Jamaica isn’t complete without visiting the legendary Bob Marley Museum. Obama made a quick stop, and enjoyed guide Natasha Clarke’s private tour. We hear the President couldn’t help but sing along to “Exodus” and “One Love” as he walked the halls of Bob Marley’s former home.
When President Obama took the stage to address the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative town hall meeting, he was welcomed by roars of laughter and approval when he began his speech by saying, “Greetings massive, wah gwaan Jamaica?” In that moment, everything was irie. After the laughs subsided, the President took the opportunity to announce the launch of Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, a program aimed at increasing opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and civil society activists throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.
Audience members were able to ask questions, and when a dreadlock Rasta named Miguel Williams raised the topic of marijuana legalization and decriminalization, Obama jokingly responded, “How did I anticipate this question?” Good one, Mr. President! While our friend Lion would probably argue for its legalization, President Obama answered Williams’ question by saying, “I do not foresee, any time soon, Congress changing the law at a national basis.”
Image source via WhiteHouse.gov
Here Obama is being a good sport backstage at UWI with Usain Bolt, the fastest runner in the world (and did we mention, Jamaican?). The two snapped a photo mimicking Bolt’s famous victory pose. When you’re an eight-time World champion, you’re bound to have one of those.
Image source via WhiteHouse.gov
During President Obama’s final moments in Jamaica, something pretty amazing happened. As POTUS was boarding Air Force One to continue his journey on to Panama, he turned to wave one final goodbye. And what chief White House photographer Peter Souza captured was nothing short of amazing. A moment surely to be remembered for years to come: Obama waves goodbye to the people of Jamaica as a rainbow suddenly appears behind him. A perfect ending to a trip well spent.
