Caribbean Life, AUGUST 13-19, 2021 23
By Nelson A. King
The Biden administration on
Friday congratulated Jamaica
on its 59th anniversary of political
independence from Great
Britain, saying that Washington
and Kingston share “deep
historical ties.”
“On behalf of the Government
of the United States of
America, I congratulate the
people of Jamaica as you celebrate
your independence this
Aug. 6,” said Antony J. Blinken,
US Secretary of State, in a
statement.
“The United States and
Jamaica share deep historical
ties, an enduring friendship
and common values,” he added.
“Our longstanding partnership
enables us to work closely as
we confront some of the most
pressing challenges facing the
Western Hemisphere, from the
climate crisis to the COVID-19
pandemic.’
Through initiatives such as
the US-Caribbean Resilience
Partnership and the Caribbean
Basin Security Initiative, Blinken
said the US and Jamaica
“will work together to further
our shared goals of economic
prosperity, regional security,
health and disaster resilience,
as well as advance democracy
and human rights in the hemisphere.
“We extend our congratulations
and best wishes to Jamaica
in your 59th year of independence,”
he said.
Locally, Brooklyn Council
Member Farah N. Louis,
the daughter of Haitian immigrants,
on Friday shared her
“warmest greetings and congratulations”
to the Jamaican
Diaspora on the 59th anniversary
of Jamaican independence.
Louis, who represents the
45th Council District, noted
that this year’s Independence
Day is being celebrated under
the theme “Stronger Together.”
“Aug. 6 is not only a celebration
of freedom from colonial
rule but also a recognition of
Jamaica’s enormous cultural
contributions to the global
stage – from the songs of Bob
Marley to the gold medals of
Usain Bolt,” she said.
“Appropriately, this summer
marks yet another triumph
of Jamaican athletes at the
Olympics, including Jamaica’s
women sweeping the medals
in the 100-meter dash,” Louis
added. “New York City, in particular,
would not be the culturally
vibrant place it is without
our extraordinary Jamaican
American community.
“On this celebratory occasion,
I wish the Jamaican people
much prosperity in the
years ahead,” she continued.
U.S. President Joe Biden during a news conference at the
White House. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
President Biden congratulates
Jamaica on its 59th
independence anniversary