Racing to London: Jamaica Village 2012 gets out the blocks at Tracks & Records

Next year's hotly anticipated London Olympics coincide (almost literally) with Jamaica's Golden Independence celebrations.

The celebrations and hoopla began here in Kingston, appropriately at Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records in the Marketplace, Kingston with a lavish reception for media, business and government interests, that featured live music and dance as well as presentations of the Jamaica Village 2012 concept.

the large gathering heard from Danielle Cameron, Sports Minister Babsy Grange, Tourism minister Ed Bartlett (via video) and Opposition Tourism spokesman Wykeham McNeil

The formal inputs made, the audience got a welcome music break when emcee Shaggy welcomed the likes of Coco T and Barrington Levy. The latter opted to forego accompaniment by tracks, and in truth, they were hardly needed, as the "big man" thrilled a capella with hits like "Broader Than Broadway" "Teach The Youths" "Every Day I Love Her (A Little Bit More") and "My Woman"

And, as they have proven themselves since we first visited, the Tracks & records staff (bar, ushers and servers) were welcoming, efficient and tireless.

The Jamaica Village 2012, a private venture is set to take over Finsbury Park in Central London from August 3 through 12. In addition to live performances (a must), the Village will showcase cuisine, art and crafts,  and of course personalities from the sporting world (Bolt & Co.) as well as music, film.

Jamaica Village 2012 will be operated by Live Nation, the world-leading events and concert producer, famous for its mega-deals with the likes of Jay-Z and Madonna

photos: a view of Finsbury Park, London, site of Jamaica Village 2012;

inside Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records, Kingston