1 The first of British director Jeremy Marre’s Beats of the Heart music documentary series, Beats of the Heart: Roots Rock Reggae was released in 1977. Roots Rock Reggae exposed the world to reggae music at its best with special features from legendary Reggae artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, The Abyssinians, The Mighty Diamonds and Producers like Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and Sly and Robbie.

2 Acclaimed Jamaican actor, comedian, director, writer and radio and television broadcaster Charles Hyatt, known for his roles in such films as Crossplot (1969), Club Paradise (1986) and Cool Runnings (1993), was awarded the Actor of the Year award in 1977 for his performances in several productions, which he also produced and directed

3 The Jamaican Government acquired part assets of Bauxite Manufacturer Reynolds Jamaica Limited at a cost of US$7.5 million in April 1977.

4 The post of the Political Ombudsman, a mediator between the political parties, and the people was established in May of 1977.

5 Exodus, the ninth studio album by eeggae band Bob Marley & the Wailers, was released on June 3. Exodus has been recognized by music critics as one of the greatest albums of all time, and was named the best album of the 20th century by Time in 1999.

6 The National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd came into being in August of 1977 when the Government of Jamaica acquired all the shares of the Barclays Bank of Jamaica and changed the bank’s name to the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd.

7 Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first Prime Minister and the last surviving National Hero died on August 6; he was 94 years old.

8 Jamaica signed the Agricultural Commodities Agreement on August 8.

9 The Edith Dalton James High School in Kingston, named after Edith Dalton James, a renowned teacher, politician and teacher’s rights advocate, opened its classroom doors on September 5.

10 Fidel Castro, the president of Cuba and one of Jamaica’s leading allies at the time paid a six-day official visit to Jamaica on October 18.

— Kristen Laing