57 yrs of ‘One Nation’ with united purpose
“As we celebrate Jamaica’s
57th independence anniversary,
let us reflect on the theme,
‘One Nation One People’, newly
installed Consul General,
Alison Roach Wilson said in a
statement to nationals of the
Caribbean island.
The latest diplomat to
represent diasporan Jamaicans
throughout the New York region
explained the theme derived
from the national ‘out of many
one’ motto to be the unifying
mantra that has sustained the
island/nation despite challenges
and adversities it has maintained
since abandoning dominance
from British colonial rule.
In making her argument she
retraced the historic July 19,
1962 agreement which resulted
with the Parliament of the
United Kingdom passing the
Jamaica Independence Act that
granted independence to the
island nation as of Aug. 6.
“On that day, the Union Jack
was ceremonially lowered and
replaced by the Jamaican flag
throughout the country,” she
said.
“It is therefore very fitting
to celebrate this year’s
independence, under the
theme, ‘One Nation One People’
to demonstrate the need for a
distinct ‘national identity’ and
to encompass the diversity of
ethnic and religious cultures.
We unite as people of diverse
backgrounds and continue to
reap successes in various areas,
including sports, culinary arts,
and the creative arts.
Our Reggae music,
which was made famous
internationally by artists such
as Bob Marley, has been added
to the 2018 Intangible Cultural
Heritage List of the United
Nations Educational Scientific
and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO). This is a significant
achievement for an island with
a population of less than three
million,” she acknowledged.
In lauding more than five
decades of self-rule she heaped
high praises on progressive
leaders particularly those who
proposed Vision 2030 goals,
a deadline to progress and
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technological advances in that
year for a more competitive,
international and advanced
society.
“We have made
considerable progress
economically over the past
years by lowering inflation,
reducing unemployment,
and improving overall
performance in the economy,”
she added.
“The government of
Jamaica continues to seek
out investment, build new trade
relations, and promote social and
infrastructural developments.”
Generous in doling out
platitudes to the two-political
party Democracy reputed
for enhancing trailblazing
achievements in sports,
entertainment, culture, gender,
culinary advances, science and
Pan-African enlightenment,
CG Wilson also complimented
the diasporan immigrant
community.
“I must also acknowledge
the substantial support of the
Jamaican diaspora community
for always contributing
financially and otherwise to
their family members and
friends in our homeland.”
A consistent and reliable
source of supplemental aid,
since independence families
have been assured of arrivals of
barrels loaded with household
supplies and enhancements
particularly at seasonable
holiday intervals.
Money transfers have also
been a major contributor to the
economy.
“Remittances are now the
lead contributor to Jamaica’s
Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), which increased to
$2.34 billion in 2018, from
$2.33 billion in 2017,” she
explained.
“Remittances in Jamaica
averaged $1.87 billion from
2001 until 2018, reaching an
all-time high of $2.33 billion
in 2018 and a record low of
$968 million in 2001.”
Optimistic about the
future she held no delusions
that “as a young nation, Jamaica
faces societal and economic
challenges that could derail the
accomplishments of the past
few years.”
But she proposed that with
“strong leadership both at the
public and private sectors, I
am confident that Jamaica will
continue to be successful.”
Catch You On The Inside!
Inside Life
By Vinette K. Pryce
Jamaica Consul General,
Alison Roach. Jamaica Consulate