Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
Newly appointed Governor-General of Jamaica, His Excellency Kenneth Hall (left) and former Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke (right) pose with their wives. Behind His Excellency Kenneth Hall is his wife Her Excellency Rheima Hall. Beside her, is Lady Cooke. - PHOTOS BY IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
FORMER GOVERNOR-GENERAL Sir Howard Cooke was in a reflective mood yesterday, as he officially gave up the post he has held for the past 15 years.
At the swearing-in ceremony for new Governor-General, His Excellency Kenneth Hall, yesterday, the 91-year-old Sir Howard spoke candidly of his experiences as Head of State since 1991.
The always bubbly Sir Howard, who is the first native Governor-General to present his successor with the Instrument of Office, predicted a bright future for the country.
"I believe that Jamaica is about to enter a new dimension. A new dimension in leadership, economic growth, social and environmental development and, certainly, a new dimension in our levels of innovativeness and creative expression," he said.
Sir Howard added that despite the challenges faced by the nation, he saw tremendous growth in many areas and expected this growth to continue.
"During my years as Governor-General, I have been able to watch with pleasure the commingling of the races which demonstrates to the world that it is possible to engender harmony despite our social origins. We cannot deny that there is religious tolerance and that the tension among persons of different religious persuasions has been almost totally eroded," the former Governor-General said.
He praised His Excellency Kenneth Hall, hailing him as an able and astute man, and welcomed him and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Hall, to King's House.
AN INSPIRATION TO JAMAICANS
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson praised Sir Howard, calling him an inspiration to Jamaicans at home and abroad.
"We thank you, Sir Howard, for your long and fruitful years of service to this country in so many areas of national life and, more particularly, for the high quality of leadership which you have given as Governor-General," he said.
In saying goodbye, Sir Howard left the nation with a message.
"Jamaica, never forget that we are a great nation and that we have more positives than negatives in our favour. Read our history and you will find that we are one of the greatest countries in the world, and I trust that by the efforts of us all, we will continue on this path. Therefore, I say, go forth and do well."
