(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque lauded Jamaica’s resilience and fortitude in addressing fiscal and economic challenges, as he extended congratulations on the country’s 52nd anniversary as an independent nation.
In his congratulatory message to Jamaica’s Prime Minister the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Ambassador LaRocque also praised the country’s wealth of high achievers whose contribution, he noted, gives great cause for the theme of this year’s celebrations “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica” to be celebrated with pride.
Jamaica observed its 52nd Independence anniversary on Wednesday August 6, 2014.
This is the full text of the congratulatory message from CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque to the Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
It is my distinct pleasure on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to extend to you and to the people of Jamaica, heartfelt congratulations on the celebration of Jamaica’s 52nd Anniversary as an independent nation.
The theme chosen to commemorate Jamaica’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica”, is fitting as it encourages and challenges the people of Jamaica to unite in pursuit of common goals for the benefit of the country they all share. Jamaica has a lot to be proud of on this 52nd Independence Anniversary. Jamaica has produced many sons and daughters whose successes have left an indelible mark on Jamaica, the Region and the world. These include poets, folklorists, writers, statesmen and stateswomen, educators, sportsmen and sportswomen, artistes and jurists. These notable persons also have inspired countless aspirants in Jamaica and beyond its shores to pursue excellence. Indeed, Jamaica has a wealth of high achievers whose contribution to the nation gives great cause for the theme of “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica” to be celebrated with great pride.
Such a celebration is all the more laudatory in the particular developmental context, as Jamaica has displayed resilience and fortitude in addressing the fiscal and economic challenges currently permeating the international and regional environment. It is to the credit of your Government that Jamaica has been able to continue on its path of economic transformation, notwithstanding these constraints to development. The Community looks forward to the country’s further progress in the social and economic spheres as it proudly celebrates fifty-two years of triumphant freedom.
I join with the Caribbean Community in extending best wishes for the continued advancement of Jamaica and the wellbeing of its People.