His Excellency Professor Kenneth Hall, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Leader of the Opposition Bruce Golding - file photos Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, in his 2006 Independence Message, praised the people of Jamaica for the achievements they have made in the 44 years since the nation was freed form colonial rule in 1962.
"More than four decades later, Jamaicans continue to build on the foundations that were laid in the 1960s. We have weathered many storms and crises with fortitude, in pursuit of our goal to establish an open society, in which every man, woman and child has a stake," he said.
Professor Hall said citizens needed to work hard to improve the quality of life and to maximise individual potential.
He pointed to areas that needed immediate attention. Among these were educating children about rights and responsibilities, finding a solution to the crime problem and protecting the environment.
"Therefore, as we celebrate our independence this year, we must recommit ourselves to the vision for independence and accept that each one of us needs to contribute to the building process," he said.
thank god
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller called on the nation to take time out to thank God and the founding fathers for the blessings enjoyed today.
"Independence opened the way for us to begin designing and building our own first-class nation, in keeping with our own experience, culture, values, strengths and aspirations," she said.
"We must take the concept of independence to the higher level of interdependence, for we need each other to survive and to take our country forward into a new era of prosperity. We all need to learn to work together effectively, with true caring and respect for one another," the Prime Minister continued.
She said that nation building was a team effort and encouraged Jamaicans to start at the community level.
"Forty-four years is a short time in the life of a nation, and especially so when seen in the historical context of the centuries of injustice and degradation that went before. Yet, as we reflect on the years, we can all recognise that Jamaica, given its size, has made significant progress, with many notable achievements," she said.
not enough progress
For his part, Leader of the Opposition Bruce Golding said the nation should have made more progress since it gained independence 44 years ago.
"We have not worked with the assiduousness that Sir Alexander admonished us to do. The law and order that he insisted on have been tarnished by the crime and violence and indiscipline," he said.
He said that no matter how uncertain the future might be, Jamaica should never lose sight of the goal to make the country a land of justice, peace and
prosperity.
"We are a tough people, resilient and creative. In so many areas - in sports, music and in other fields - we have demonstrated that we are among the best in the world," he said.
"It is time for us to bring forth our best, so that as the National Pledge exhorts us, "Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race."
