Jamaica is celebrating its 57 years of political independence from Britain with the country’s Governor General Sir Patrick Allen saying that the theme for the celebration “One Nation, One People” encapsulates the message that in spite of differences, Jamaicans must be united in the mission to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
“The world around us is characterized by divisiveness, turmoil, and uncertainties. There are threats to the physical environment, growing intolerance of differences, related to ideology, ethnicity or culture. We are often disturbed and numbed by the flagrant disrespect for human life.
“However, against these realities, we must remind ourselves that most Jamaicans represent the best of our wholesome traditions and values. Our citizens have benefited from a level of social responsibility without which our achievements would not have been possible. Our development and processes will, therefore, depend on how we build social cohesion and national unity,” he said in a message to mark the occasion.
But he said while there’s “cautious optimism about the improvement in the economy, the increasing employment rate, and the construction of the impressive road network, “the inability to find a permanent solution to crime and violence, the many road fatalities, and the spectre of human trafficking, have threatened to overshadow the gains we have made.
“We, therefore, must renew our efforts to successfully overcome these challenges and maintain our vigilance in seeking success.”
In their messages both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips, as expected provided differing views on the progress of the country since independence and particularly in recent years.
Holness boasted of the lowest unemployment rate in the country’s history at 7.8 per cent and youth unemployment falling to six per cent. The annual inflation rate is low and stable at 4.2 per cent and the consumer price index is trending downwards.
“Our credit ratings are positive, and our foreign exchange reserves are at historically high levels. We have had record breaking tourist arrivals for the last two years exceeding 4.3 million visitors with an 8.6 per cent increase in earnings for the industry.”
Holness said that the deposit interest rate is at 3.2 per cent, and the stock market continues to perform well, and the consumer and business confidence indices remain high.
“These are always good indicators of economic health,” he said.
But Phillips said that the country is yet to “construct the kind of inclusive economy or achieve the rates of economic growth necessary to give all our people a good standard of living.
“Too many Jamaicans are still earning at or below the minimum wage and barely surviving without a real stake in the land of their birth. Despite the gains that have been made in opening up our educational system, our society is still scarred by what I call the unequal apartheid system in education.”
He said this presently leaves the majority of Jamaican children without adequate preparation for survival and success in today’s world.
“Many of the rights acquired over the years by our workers have either not been fully achieved or are being eroded. Despite the law providing equal pay for women, today our women are still only getting on average 60 per cent of the pay for doing the same jobs that men do.
“Increasingly, some businesses are using the fiction of “contract work” to deny workers, who are full-time in every other respect, their rights. These workers are denied sick leave, vacation leave, maternity leave and, for the most part, have no pension rights.”
Phillips said that all of this contributes to an increasingly widespread view that life in Jamaica is not fair.
“Perhaps nothing highlights the emerging crisis caused by these circumstances more than the persistent high rate of murder and criminal violence. This creates a deep sense of fear and insecurity among Jamaicans,” he said.
Among dignitaries celebrating the anniversary is Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta, who arrived Monday at the start of a three-day State visit.
President Kenyatta was met on arrival by Sir Patrick and Prime Minister Holness.
On Tuesday, President Kenyatta will pay a floral tribute at the National Heroes Park and will attended the 67th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in May Pen, Clarendon, and the Grand Gala at the National Stadium in the evening.
Meanwhile, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Irwin LaRocque in a congratulatory message noted Jamaica’s contribution to the global community, particularly in the fields of culture, music, sports and academia.
He said it’s a testimony to the skills, talents and industrious nature of Jamaicans.
“These have been applied to contribute to the development of the country since the attainment of nationhood,” LaRocque said, praising Jamaica’ leadership role as a significant factor in the development of the Caribbean Community, including at the helm of its external trade negotiations.
He said he was certain that the country’s contribution will be even further strengthened and enhanced in the years to come.
LaRocque said this year’s Independence theme, “One Nation, One People” is relevant to “all of us in the Caribbean Community”.
