This house never stood much of a chance against the mighty winds of 'Gilbert', a Category Four hurricane which struck Jamaica on September 12, 1988.

45 MILESTONES - 1962-2007: 45 years of nationhood

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Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica on September 12, bringing heavy winds of up to 265 km (160 miles per hour) and rain which destroyed hundreds of houses and farms. It left behind a death toll of 45.

It was the first hurricane in 37 years to hit Jamaica directly. The previous was Hurricane Charlie on August 17, 1951, which destroyed Port Royal for the third time in its history. Loss of life then was over 150.

Tragedy

The Jamaican trait of 'tekking serious ting mek joke' was brought vividly to the fore in the aftermath of that hurricane. One such example was the hit song Wild Gilbert, by singer and composer Lloyd Lovindeer, which poked fun at the tragedy of the event and has become a Jamaican classic.

Also in 1998, Julius Nyerere, former president of Tanzania, made his second visit to Jamaica to address the People's National Party Founder's Day Banquet. He first visited Jamaica in 1974 as special guest of Prime Minister Michael Manley.

President Julius K. Nyerere of the United Republic of Tanzania addresses the gathering at the official opening of the Nyerere Community Farm at Cacoon Community in Cacoon Castle, Hanover, in this 1988 file photo. The farm was named in commemoration of his visit to Jamaica. Seated (from left) are O.K. Melhado, chairman of the Social Development Commission, who presided at the function, Prime Minister Michael Manley, Mrs. Nyerere, Mrs. Manley and Dr. Aston King, M.P. - file

Lloyd Lovindeer who penned 'Wild Gilbert'. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer