2024 Independence Message
The Honorable Alando Terrelonge, MP, JP
Minister of State in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
On the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of Independence of Jamaica
Fellow Jamaicans in the Diaspora, Happy Independence to you all!
This year, as we commemorate our 62nd year of Independence, under the theme “Jamaica 62: One Love…To The World”, we do so with immense pride and a shared sense of purpose. This theme not only reflects our deep-rooted spirit of unity and love, but also underscores our ongoing commitment to share our rich culture and values with the global community. The very message of “One Love… to the world,” is therefore an aspirational call to action that charges Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, to contribute towards a brighter future not just to our beloved nation, but as global champions in the fight against injustice to create a more humane, equal and inclusive World for all mankind. Let us therefore, collectively resolve to play our part for the inclusive development, and prosperity of our people to achieve our national development objectives, while contributing to the advancement of the whole human race.
Our Independence anniversary is an opportune time to reflect on the strides we have made as a nation, recognising that we stand on the shoulders of courageous men and women who have forged a path toward a brighter future, ensuring that our legacy of strength and pride thrive infinitely. Their perseverance in the face of adversity has not only shaped our national character but has also inspired successive generations to pursue excellence and uphold the values that define us as Jamaicans.
I am pleased with the success of the recent 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, which amongst other things, underscored our commitment and focus on youth empowerment, productivity and citizen security. Our people remain our most precious assets, and we remain resolute to use these opportunities to reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders both at home and in the Diaspora. By investing in their education, skills development, and entrepreneurial spirit, we lay the groundwork for a more vibrant and resilient nation. Already, Jamaica can now proudly boast of a reduced unemployment rate of 5.2%, a low debt to GDP ratio which now stands at 72%, a high net international reserve which has surpassed US$5B, and new skills training programmes for our youth to increase the potential and productivity of our human capital. Our advances over the last 8 years, not only strengthen our collective future, but also enhance the capacity of the Diaspora to meaningfully contribute to Jamaica's socio-economic landscape.
We also celebrate you, our Diaspora, who have left an indelible mark on the global arena, through music, art, academia, business, and so much more. Your commendable efforts have been instrumental in driving forward our economic growth and enhancing Jamaica’s visibility and influence in international arenas. Our nation’s remarkable achievements in sports, including our participation in the 2023 Netball World Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023, the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, are a testament to the indomitable spirit of our athletes. This year we must all join together in celebrating our athletes for their achievements in the Olympics in Paris thus far. They have performed remarkable well and continue to make us proud. We look forward to winning more medals over the course of the next week as we demonstrate to the world, what it truly means to be “likkle but tallawah.”
The Government of Jamaica remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering an enduring partnership with our Diaspora, ensuring that Jamaicans worldwide are empowered and integral to our nation-building efforts. Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, we continue to champion initiatives that bolster the development of all Jamaicans, irrespective of where you reside.
On the multilateral front, we have strengthened our relationships with international development partners, advancing our national development agenda. These collaborations have facilitated increased Diaspora engagement, enabling us to expand our reach and impact across traditional and emerging regions.
As we look to the future, we are guided by our aspirations for Constitutional Reform and our transition to a Republic. This year’s Independence celebrations hold additional significance as we embark on this transformative journey. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of our Diaspora are heard and valued in this historic process.
Together, let us continue to build on the foundations laid by our forebears, working with dedication and unity to create a prosperous future for Jamaica. Let "Jamaica 62: One Love...To The World" be a reminder of our collective strength and our enduring commitment to the growth and prosperity of Jamaica.
Happy Independence Day, Jamaica!
