OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

EMBARGO
NOT FOR PUBLICATION/BROADCAST BEFORE MIDNIGHT
AUGUST 5, 2008

INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE
FROM
PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA
THE HONOURABLE BRUCE GOLDING, M.P
AUGUST 6, 2008

It has been 46 years since we gained independence – 46 years since we proudly took our place among the nations of the world.
We are a small nation when compared to the rest of the world but, in so many ways, in so many areas of endeavour, we have caused the world to sit up and take notice of us.

Our culture, music, scholars, sportsmen and sportswomen have earned us international recognition and admiration. Right now, we are looking forward to the Jamaican flag flying high as our athletes prepare themselves for the Olympics in Beijing.

It is all a measure of our capacity for greatness, a testimony to the creativity that is within us, an indication of our enormous potential as a people.

It is what inspired the dream and hope of independence that our nation would flourish, that out of many we would live as one people with equal opportunity for all, that we would build prosperity so that our people would enjoy a better life.

We were never unmindful of the challenges we faced. Hardships there, indeed, were but the land was green and the sun was shining.
These 46 years have produced varied results. There have been successes and failures, positive achievements and disappointing setbacks. We must take time to take stock of ourselves. We must resolve to build on the achievements we have made and to make up ground where we have fallen behind….for the dream and hope that inspired us at independence, must never die.

When we embarked on independence in 1962, we did so with confidence in ourselves that we could manage our own affairs and guide our own destiny. We launched out on our own but we never felt we were alone for we looked to the world to help us grow and become strong.

That world has changed. Even though it increasingly recognizes its inter-dependence, much of its goodwill has given way to fierce market competition. Economics, not politics, is what now defines international relations.

We, too, have changed. We are no longer an infant nation; we are 46 years on and we must accept full responsibility for ourselves, our state of affairs and the condition and well-being of our people. The difficulties Jamaica has experienced this year as a result of crises in the global economy is a harsh reminder of that reality.

The world has never before seen such sharp increases in the prices of basic commodities. Its effect on Jamaica, especially on the poor, has been severe. Yet, we have managed to weather the storm. There are hopeful signs that the worst may have passed and we look to the future with hope, for the dream of independence is still alive.

So, as we celebrate our independence, let us recommit ourselves to the fulfillment of that dream. Let is remind ourselves of the hope given to us by our founding fathers, Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley when they spoke to us on Independence Day 1962.
Bustamante charged us to “build a Jamaica which will last and of which we and generations to come, will be proud”.

Norman Manley exhorted us to “make our small country a safe and happy home for all our people”.

They pointed the way; they set us on our journey. We have much farther to go but we have been well prepared and we know the way.

A happy independence to all Jamaicans at home and abroad.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE

This year, Jamaicans at home and abroad, recognising our emergence as a nation-state in 1962, will celebrate the 46th year of our Independence with several church services and numerous festive events.

We are a proud people who place great value on our political independence. In these 46 years, successive governments have made significant strides in the creation of a democratic society in which we value highly the worth of each citizen, while maintaining honourable relations with other nations in this region and around the world.

However, even as we celebrate these achievements and set an agenda for economic progress, let us not forget the new challenges that we face today, particularly in the areas of crime and violence.

We must also accept that the world has undergone dramatic changes and in response to the challenges of the new millennium, we must adopt new methodologies and new approaches to address the issues we face today. Lawlessness, which continues to erode the social order and undermine the economic strides we are making, must be urgently addressed and eliminated.

Let us, however, not forget the positives in our society that give us hope. Despite our small size, we have achieved high international standards in many areas. Our products are gaining world recognition as national brands. The positive aspects of our music receive world-wide acclaim. Our athletes, who are off to Beijing, China for the Summer Olympics, are among the best in the world. I am sure their performance at those games will make all Jamaicans proud.

The time has come for parents and teachers to focus on this generation of young people, who must be helped to discover who they are and to understand the vital stake that they have in providing the future leadership of this society. We must therefore, give them a greater understanding of the significance of Independence and inspire them with a vision of the great possibilities that lie ahead.

I extend to you all, God’s richest blessings, as we celebrate Jamaica on this Independence Day 2008.

KENNETH O. HALL
GOVERNOR-GENERAL

King’s House
Jamaica, W. I.
August 06, 2008

MESSAGE FROM THE MOST HON. PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, ON, MP,
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION,
FOR THE 46TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE, 2008

It is the 46th anniversary of our nation’s Political Independence. Another occasion for thanksgiving and celebration.

We have come this far by faith and work - and God has blessed us along the way.

As usual, at this time of year, Jamaican talent showcased in the annual Festival, reminds us of just how blessed we are.

Our cultural expression helps to build self-confidence, reassuring people, especially the young, of the greatness that lies within us. I pause to thank the many teachers and other volunteers who give of their time and talent to support children and youth participating in Festival.

At forty-six, we still have a long to way to go on our journey as a nation. These are particularly trying times, as we grapple with the crime and the economic difficulties that are showing up everywhere now - from inner city, to middle income household, to gated community.

We must never doubt that, as Jamaicans, we have the capacity within us to overcome. “Rain a fall but dutty tough”, to use a good Jamaican proverb, is not reason to give up hope. Let us see it as a call to action.

We can be proud today that as a nation, we have not failed. For the main part, we have handled our political independence with soberness and wisdom.

We have built enduring national institutions, some of which have attracted world attention and admiration.

We have produced great men and women who have made people around the globe sit up and take notice of us - leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, champions in sports and artists.

There can be no doubt that Jamaica is a God blessed country. Yes, currently we are facing serious challenges but we have within us, as a nation, all that we need to rise above them.

Top down planning is not going to help us at this time. The complex problems call for the bringing together of the entire Jamaican family, to work in one accord. We must sit together, as families do, to develop the plans that will take us out of the current problems and shape our future.

The power to overcome is in community, and until we accept this, there will be ‘wrong moves.’ Our history shows that every great achievement came out of the collective wisdom and required the energy and enthusiasm of the people of the country.

The words of the Right Excellent Norman Manley, who said, in his address to the opening of Independence Parliament in 1962 are still relevant today. He said, “I believe that as an independent nation we can so manage ourselves as to demonstrate one day how, by making our great motto ‘Out of many, one people come to speak the truth about ourselves, we can become a worthwhile and shining example of the sort of world men sometimes dream to live in.”

Our 50th anniversary as a nation will be in 2012. Let us work together now, to ensure that at that time, we can celebrate some specific achievements:
- the taming of the beast of crime;
- major assaults on poverty; and
- the engaging of all Jamaicans in one massive drive for production and financial prosperity.

Talent abounds in our country. Great ideas are alive in people’s minds just waiting for the right opportunities to become productive enterprises. The urgent mission is to translate the winning ideas, talents and skills into wealth. We can do this, working together, with God’s help.

And so my fellow Jamaicans, with these thoughts in mind, I wish you a “Happy Independence Day”. I pray for the health, happiness and prosperity of the entire Jamaican family, at home and abroad, and for the perfect outworking of all that concerns us at this time.

May God bless you and keep you safe and sound – in one love, as one family shaping the future together.