Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer
Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall (right) inspects the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) guard of honour during yesterday's National Independence Day Civic Ceremony and Parade at King's House, while JDF Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin (dressed in white), looks on. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
In a resplendent ceremony held on the lawns of King's House yesterday, both the Prime Minister and the Governor-General stressed the importance of harmonious and productive relationships within the country.
They were both giving their maiden addresses at the National Independence Day civic ceremony.
Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall called on Jamaicans to form alliances to build on the foundations that were laid by the founding fathers of Jamaica.
"We must continue to increase the opportunity to fashion a future in which we can all enjoy a better quality of life and achieve our individual potential," he said.
Reach out
Professor Hall added that all Jamaicans would have to channel their creative and positive energies to provide education for their children, protection for the environment, a reduction of crime and violence, and the establishment of equitable governance systems.
"Let us reach out to each other, contribute to the equitable distribution of resources in our society and grasp the opportunity to serve our family, our communities and our country," he said.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller also emphasised the importance of working together as a nation.
"The key to our success is in the theme of our celebrations this year - 'Together with Dedication, We Build Our Nation'," the Prime Minister said. "That word 'together' refers to the absolute necessity of strong partnerships and excellent teamwork in our approach to the tasks."
Mrs. Simpson Miller said that, while there will be differences and conflicts of opinion, this should not deter or stifle the creative process.
"As worker, as management, as Government, as Opposition, as persons living in different sections of a community; as members of rival political parties; as public sector; as private sector; as urban or rural folk, we all need to learn to work together effectively, with true caring and respect for one another," she said.
Lively celebration
The ceremony, which marked the 44th year of Independence for the island, was a lively one, complete with pomp and pageantry.
Stirring musical renditions came from Lieutenant Commander John McFarlane; 2006 Original Gospel Song winner, Clive Warren, and this year's Jamaica Popular Song winner, Purpose, who transformed the formal clapping audience into a flag-waving one.
Little London Primary, Tivoli Gardens High School Dance Troupe, and Trelawny Song and Dance group also made colourful dramatic and dancing presentations, which were well received by the crowd.
The Jamaica Defence Force Band also provided the audience with a treat, with its well-executed musical pieces. Joy Skyers, a teacher who has been attending the ceremony for the past five years, said the event was particularly refreshing as it provided a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life.
