Spirits are high among Jamaicans living in Toronto, Canada, as the Games of the 29 Olympiad continue in Beijing, China. However, interest is low among Jamaicans in the United Kingdom.

"The enthusiasm is very high," president of the Jamaican Diaspora - Canada Foundation, Philip Mascoll, told The Gleaner recently.

A number of well-known bars and restaurants in Toronto have planned for an increased gathering as Jamaicans and well-wishers come out in droves to watch the games.

Jamaican contingent

"People are planning to stay in the nights and early mornings to watch the games," he says. As for the Jamaican contingent, several are expecting the team to take home at least four gold medals.

"A lot of people are convinced that we are going to win the 100 metres, the 200 metres and both 4x100 relays," he says.

But while members of the diaspora in Canada are gearing up for the Games, Jamaicans in London, England, are not so enthusiastic.

"I talk to my friends and we never mention anything about the Olympics," says June Daley, organiser of the annual Ms Jamaica UK pageant. "Even the other day when the guys came to (race at) Crystal Palace, nobody even talked about it. People are just so depressed about the night crime in London," she adds.

Time difference

Jamaican journalist in London, Bernard Burrell, shares a similar view. He says the enthusiasm is low largely because of the large difference in time between London and Beijing. Beijing is eight hours ahead of London.

"The politics that surround the games, the environmental issues, the human rights issues with China have also lessened the interest in the Games," he adds.

"I think if the games were in Europe or the United States people would be more enthusiastic. But enthusiasm is very mute."

"I've never seen anything like this. More people seem interested in football and cricket than the Olympics," he says.

Burrell believes though that the interest in the games will improve as the sprint competitions draw closer.