MIAMI – Honourable Sandra Grant Griffiths, JP Consul General of Jamaica Independence message 2012
My Fellow Jamaicans,
The well-anticipated celebration of “Jamaica 50” is in full sway. The achievement of this milestone on August 6, 2012, presents the Government and People of Jamaica with the opportunity to promote, proudly celebrate, and project all that is exceptional about our county, our people and our culture. Naturally, the hundreds of thousands of our nationals in the Continental USA will catch the spirit of “a nation on a Mission”
I am again privileged as Consul General of Jamaica at Miami, to address you in a spirit of jubilation but also with gratitude for all the blessings bequeathed to Jamaica by our maker, our ancestors, and our iconic leaders and manifested in our unique people. In that vein, it is only fitting that I take the opportunity to reiterate on behalf of the Consulate General and our country, the deepest appreciation for the shining examples of support and patriotic zeal resident in this Southern USA Diaspora Community. You continue to demonstrate so amply the close ties to our homeland that every Jamaican holds dear.
But, I would be remiss, not to speak too, with a sense of equal appreciation, of the broader bonds friendships that exist between our assimilated Jamaicans and the people of the United States al all levels. This association predates the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, and underscores the many intersections throughout our history of people to people connections, trade, multilateral, bilateral and cultural exchanges that sustain a close and mutually supportive relationship.
It is noteworthy that in our commemorative month of August we mark other worthy milestones. Thus, our ceremonial occasions also include the 174th Anniversary of Emancipation Day on August 1, and the 125th Anniversary of the Birthday of perhaps our most universally known National Hero, The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey. These anniversaries are significant as pointers along the pathway to liberation of the body and mind, pathways along which we continue to progress toward all the higher goals of true nationhood, economic and social liberation for Jamaica.
Undoubtedly, as Jamaicans we have been both blessed and challenged throughout the passage of history. But, we also hold before us the simpler truths. Truths, such as the virtue of our motto, “Out of many one People”, the belief that fortitude and sacrifice are required if we are to achieve personal and national goals, and that both community and country benefit from renewed commitments. It is in our character to celebrate our heritage lustily, commune prayerfully, inspire friendship with regularity, exhibit loyalty, and display that certain zeal for service.
As we continue to answer with our best efforts the competing calls of families, business, careers, and communities, let us pause to appreciate a proud history of achievement. Let us draw strength from all that is positive and work with a will to effect changes that will sustain and re-engineer our nation for the future. It will take the redoubled efforts of our nation comprised of Jamaicans at home and Jamaicans abroad, and we welcome wholeheartedly the goodwill and support of the many friends of Jamaica, and of the Jamaican people.
So let us symbolically celebrate “Jamaica 50” this year with fitting ceremonials, traditional and contemporary festivities and reflective events. We invite all to delight with us in the cultural cornucopia we contribute to the great American landscape, and to recognize with us the sterling contributions made by those of Jamaican heritage in diverse fields, especially over the past half a century.
As our praises mark the past and we salute the present, let us raise up hopes for the brightest of futures for “Jamaica, Land We Love”
Sandra Grant Griffiths, J.P.
