'Skyfall' for the heart

James Bond has returned, and he's stronger than ever in Skyfall. The 23rd adventure spy series, which premiered to rave reviews recently in the United Kingdom, premieres in Jamaica next week.

Here, espionage and modern commerce will coalesce, with sponsors Heineken and Swiss Stores in partnership to premiere this latest movie. All the proceeds from Skyfall will go towards the Heart Foundation, which has been fighting heart disease in Jamaica for more than 40 years.

The movie's pre-release takes place at the Carib cinema in Kingston on November 6, and at the Palace Multiplex in Montego Bay on November 7.

"Premiering the film in Jamaica is timely," says Nasha Douglas, brand manager for Heineken. She noted that "it comes at a time when the country is celebrating 50 years of Independence, and has further significance as it was in Jamaica in 1962 that Ian Fleming inked the James Bond series, in which 007 cracks the case every time".

"Expect to be blown away not only by the movie, but by the offerings we will have as part of this grand experience," Douglas said.

shares history with jamaica

Activities leading to and beyond the premiere are being rolled out under the theme 'Crack the Case with Heineken!' which began with a media launch in October.

The connection between the James Bond brand and Jamaica goes way back. The character was brought to life here on February 17, 1952, when Ian Fleming began writing his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, at his GoldenEye estate home in St Mary. Interestingly, the Bond movie franchise shares the same birthday as Jamaica - 1962.

Fleming created the central figure, an intelligence officer in the British Secret Service, commonly known as MI6. Bond was also known by his code number, 007. While serving in the Naval Intelligence Division, Fleming had planned to become an author and had told a friend, "I am going to write the spy story to end all spy stories."

Fleming made an indelible mark on the world and, even after his death, is still having a tremendous effect on entertainment.

With the premiere here in Jamaica, Bond fans will have the chance to see the film before persons in other territories.