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dis a go part of the Independence celebration??
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Canadian fighter jet entertains in Kingston
BY TANESHA MUNDLE Observer staff reporter [email protected]
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A Canadian fighter jet roared through the skies over the Corporate Area yesterday sending chills down the spines of thousands of citizens who thought they were about to witness a plane crash.
But the jet, moving at a speed of 600 miles per hour, punctuated by breathtaking manoeuvres, was part of the Ministry of National Security Jamaica 50 Expo at the Kingston waterfront.
The fear that was expressed by the citizens was as a result of their lack of knowledge about the expo.
According to the ministry's communications manager, Gillian Haughton, most of the advertisement for the expo was done via flyers and word of mouth as the ministry could not afford to place ads in the mainstream media.
Despite the low-key promotion, however, scores of persons converged on the Urban Development Corporation Car Park to witness the display from the Canadian Royal Airforce using the fighter jet and a transport aircraft.
Persons clapped, screamed and waved as the fighter jet performed several spectacular manouevres, including high-speed and top-side passes, square loops, and five-40 rolls.
The high-over pass, in which the fighter jet passes quickly and noisily over the crowd, causing much nervousness, was one of the highlights of the air show.
Other features included rescue demonstrations by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard and Air Wing, as well as drumming and dancing routines from several marching bands from several inner-city communities.
According to Lieutenantt Jamie Ogilvie, director of the JDF Military Tattoo event, the show was staged to highlight the work of the ministry, its agencies and departments, while the visit by the Canadian Royal Airforce was a part of its tour of the Caribbean and South America showcasing its CF-18.
"We are absolutely thrilled to be here in Kingston to share in the JDF celebration of their 50th anniversary, as Canada has a long-standing relationship with Jamaica, so it is very special for us to be here," said Captain Holly-Ann Brown, public affairs officer of Canadian unit.
Persons who turned out were not disappointed.
"I didn't want to come when my grandmother told me, but I enjoyed the show. I really had good time, and the tricks by the aircraft was most exciting," said Rodain Richardson.
However, it was the drumming that captivated Mari Kruck, a tourist from the United States.
"I really love the drumming, it is very exciting. Although the air show is nice, the drumming gets me moving," she told the Jamaica Observer.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Cana...9#ixzz1voVBaifc </span>
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