By: C.P. Ricardo Allicock
MIAMI – As Jamaican nationals at home and abroad prepare to celebrate their island nation’s 46th Year of Independence there is so much for which we need to be thankful. It is important that we appreciate the academic, political, philanthropic, cultural, artistic and athletic strides we have made over this period.
Jamaica is still able to boast, after more than four and a half decades of Independence, the stablest and strongest democracy in the western hemisphere with the exception of Canada and the United States. The commitment to freedom of expression, which has allowed for our uniquely energetic democracy, has also fueled our musical influence on the world stage. In fact, from reggaeton to post modern ska, to hip hop. Jamaica has played its part in determining global cultural trends.
Our highly skilled technocrats and public representatives have raised Jamaica’s profile in global fora such as the United Nations and our athletes have ignited the imagination of tens of millions whether in motion on tracks made of ice, cinder or rubber. Incredibly, in relation to the latter, Jamaicans the world over are proud to note that the two fastest human beings in the world are our own brothers, Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt. Of course, Jamaican accomplishment in the modern era has not been restricted to our nationals who remain on the island as was evidenced in Captain Barrington Irving’s historical circum navigation of the globe in June last year, to sight an example.
Despite the challenges we have at home and abroad in relation to crime, health and immigration, I am so proud to be Jamaican and to have had the opportunity to serve my country and people in the capacity of Consul General. As such, it is with a deep sense of honour and fulfillment that I share this, my ultimate Message as Consul General of Jamaica in Miami with the community that I serve. Please know that much of the goodwill that Jamaica enjoys in the United States is as a result of the tremendous and unquantifiably positive impact that you, the Jamaican community of the Southern United States, have made upon the broader communities within which you reside through your professional, political and philanthropic contributions.
Without you the reputation and state of our nation would be less considerable than it is now. In this respect, your efforts have clearly communicated your commitment to making the Jamaican Diaspora Movement an ever-expanding success story. Thank you for holding fast to the glorious land of our birth and origin, Jamaica and, certainly, within my tenure for helping the Jamaican Consulate to better serve you and our nation. I pray for you continued success and every blessing for both you and Jamaica.
C.P. Ricardo Allicock
Consul General of Jamaica
