Jamaica hails its 61

Jamaica celebrated its 61st Independence on Sunday 6 August but it wasn’t just on the island where that anniversary was marked. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged the role Jamaicans living abroad have played in the growth and development there.

Holness emphasised the importance of strengthening the relationship with the diaspora in enhancing Jamaica’s progress and future prosperity. He praised the Jamaican Embassy in the US for its relentless efforts in representing the diaspora. Jamaican communities in the world’s biggest cities held events too, particularly Miami, New York, Toronto, London and Vancouver.

Holness mentioned the Jamaican government’s focus on infrastructure development, particularly connecting communities, boosting the economy, and enhancing access and convenience.

He highlighted projects such as the North-South Highway, which has cut travel times and promoted commerce, and the Montego Bay Perimeter Road designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the connectivity in the tourism capital.

Holness noted the government’s emphasis on housing as well, understanding that affordable and secure housing is not just a basic right but also an important aspect of societal stability and national prosperity.

Economically, Holness said that Jamaica is on a trajectory of fiscal discipline, which has led to a stable Jamaican dollar and a lower debt-to-GDP ratio. He underscored that strategic partnerships and bold policies have been implemented, attracting investments, encouraging entrepreneurship, and generating job opportunities.

Holness praised Jamaica’s significant strides over 61 years as an independent country. As the nation embarks on its future journey, he called on Jamaicans to uphold their inherent values of resilience, unity, and love.

Holness is the ninth PM since 1962. His predecessors are Sir Alexander Bustamante, Sir Donald Sangster, Hugh Shearer, Michael Manley, Edward Seaga, Percival Patterson, Portia Simpson Miller and Bruce Golding.

There have been independence celebrations in Jamaica since Emancipation Day, August 1. On Sunday at the National Stadium, Kingston members of Grammy Award-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage were proud to be this year’s Music Icon Award recipients at the Grand Gala.

“It’s always an honour to be recognised for the work you have done in life. We are grateful for this wonderful occasion and for being honoured as icons,” Mojo Morgan, said. This year’s theme is ‘Jamaica 61…Proud and Strong’.

Gramps Morgan said that he and his other siblings were “overwhelmed”.

He said: “Words could never be enough for this moment. Myself, Una, Peetah, Lukes and Mojo Morgan are so grateful for this honour. We have worked in this industry, representing reggae music worldwide, always with our country on our back and our culture, even the times when it was hard and nobody knew our music. So to get to such a point now to be recognised by our country and Government, it’s just overwhelming.”