During the Emancipation Day and Independence Day celebrations, the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China drew thousands visitors who came to learn more about the island's rich heritage and purchase quality Jamaican export goods on sale in the gift shop.

More than halfway into the staging of the largest and longest ever cultural world exposition, nearly two million visitors have descended on the Jamaica booth at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China.

Since May 1, the trek of visitors to the booth has been increasing at a steady and impressive rate. Traffic peaked from mid-July and overflowed into early August, as the observance and celebration of Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6) drew thousands visitors who came to learn more about the island's rich heritage and purchase quality Jamaican export goods on sale in the gift shop.

A live performance from songstress Keisha Patterson and the talented Kurfew Band highlighted the festivities in the booth, as they delivered several folk gems with typical Jamaican flair and energy on Independence Day. The booth was the scene of dancing, face painting, Expo passport stamping and interactive sessions that pulled in large crowds.

Songstress Keisha Patterson (centre), Dalton Brownie (right) and the Kurfew Band perform in the Jamaica Booth on Jamaica’s Independence Day (August 6) at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

JAMPRO’s Jadesion Swiel teaches the latest Jamaican dance moves to these young visitors to the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 Shanghai in China.

Visitors to the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China eagerly try to get their Expo passports stamped by volunteers in the Booth.

From left: The Jamaican team of Adrian Harrison (JTB), Nelissa Hines (JAMPRO), A. Gene Hylton (Team Leader, JAMPRO), Jadesion Sewell (JAMPRO) and Dahlia Sterling (Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce) in the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Throughout this period, the Jamaican team of A. Gene Hylton (team leader), Nelissa Hinds and Jadesion Swiel, all from JAMPRO, and Adrian Harrison (Jamaica Tourist Board) and Dahlia Sterling (Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce) combined their efforts to stage a strong cultural presentation. With a section of the wall in the booth already adorned with images and text in English and Mandarin that tell Jamaica’s story from colonization to independence, visitors were able to quickly glean information and participate in a lively question and answer segment.

Persons who were able to supply correct responses to questions on Jamaica’s early inhabitants, Spanish and English occupation, national emblems and heroes, won prizes such as Jamaican flags, pins, t-shirts and other novelty items. Other activities in the Brand Jamaica Booth included a five-minute dramatic presentation from the Jamaican team and book readings, which benefitted from the assistance of a translator.

These two visitors to the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 Shanghai glean information on Jamaica by exploring the text and images on the walls of the Booth.

A visitor (left) to the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 Shanghai answers a question posed by A. Gene Hylton (right) of JAMPRO, with the help of interpeter Julia Zhu (2nd right), during the question and answer activity on Independence Day (August 6).

Dahlia Sterling (right), with the help of an interpreter, reads from a Jamaican book to a gathering of visitors in the Music Room of the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

The Emancipation Day and Independence Day celebrations built up on the excitement generated during CARICOM National Day on July 17, when Jamaica joined its CARICOM neighbours in staging an official ceremony and cultural performance in the Expo Centre. Keisha Patterson and the Kurfew Band treated the attending official delegates and guests to an authentic and unforgettable reggae music experience.

The exquisite décor, energy and activity in the Jamaica booth continue to attract increased traffic, which has impacted positively on sales in the Gift Shop. Coffee has enjoyed the greatest demand to date, with sauces also proving to be popular among visitors. Other items in the Gift Shop include art and craft products, books and apparel.

Visitors to the Jamaica Booth at World Expo 2010 Shanghai examine Jamaican export products on sale in the Gift Shop.

World Expo 2010 Shanghai, which started on May 1 and will end on October 31, has 192 participating countries and has already attracted over 44 million visitors. It is expected to draw a total of 70 million visitors over the 184 days. Jamaica's participation in the Expo is a cross-ministerial effort involving the Ministries of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Youth, Culture and Sports; Tourism; and Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, among others. As its overarching objective, Jamaica will seek to use the Expo to effectively position itself as the hub of the region for culture, trade and investment.