NEW YORK – Consul General in New York, Dr. Basil K. Bryan, has urged Jamaicans in the Diaspora to continue the search for solutions to the many challenges facing the country at this time.
“In the spirit of unity and partnership, let us find solutions to whatever challenges that still confront us. Let this moment in our history cause us to consolidate and focus our potential in a collective effort to learn from the past, build on the foundations which we have and create for the generations to come, a sustainable future and an improved quality of life,” Dr. Bryan said.
Consul General in New York, Dr. Basil K. Bryan
He was delivering the keynote address at last Saturday’s (August 5) annual reunion dinner and dance of the Garvey Maceo High School Past Students Association, held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Queens, New York.
Speaking against the background of the 44th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence, Dr. Bryan said that “our ancestors faced major challenges of nation building”, and that they succeeded, not by virtue of their material or technological resources, but by the strength of their faith and the exercise of their collective will.
Dr. Bryan urged members of the audience to, “draw on all the resources of our heritage, of the traditions of sacrifice, of resolve and of commitment to the building of our nation, so that future generations will not find us wanting”.
He cautioned that although the worldwide view of Jamaicans was one of a resilient people, determined and strong, “we dare not relax our efforts or become complacent”.
Dr. Bryan, who was recognized by the Association for outstanding and dedicated service to the Jamaican community, wished the school community much success as it continued on its path of impacting on the lives of thousands of students along the way.
President of the Association, Marlene Clarke, called for collective responsibility to the 25 year-old school, located near Vernamfield in Clarendon.
“I believe that our history provides some important lessons. We should always remember that one of the measures of the quality of an institution is the success of its past students,” she said.
Two persons and two organizations – Barbara Richards, immediate past president of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Association (UJAA); AnnMarie Henry, Director of the Association; Wake-Up Radio and 93.5 FM WRTN – were honoured for their dedication to the Association.
