Donations for Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts Make a donation
2024 Independence Message
Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, JP
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of Independence of Jamaica
Fellow Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica,
In 1962, a newly independent Jamaica joined the global community and set out on the herculean task of building and developing a nation. Over the years, through our hard work and determination, we have come a far way on our journey to achieving sustainable development for our people. We are, therefore, proud to celebrate Independence 2024 as a strong and resilient nation.
We also celebrate the positive international contributions that Jamaica has made, as well as the immense love for Jamaica among the global community. Jamaica gave the world a new musical genre in reggae, that continues to inspire millions to both activism and peace. We are a formidable force in sports; we provide world-famous cuisine; and always demonstrate an indomitable spirit that pushes us to triumph in any undertaking.
This year, it is only fitting that as we appreciate the triumphs of Jamaicans at home and abroad, we celebrate under the theme, ‘Jamaica 62: One Love - To The World!’
The Government is particularly pleased that after 62 years, we are, in fact, making significant progress to achieving full independence. With the constitutional reform work already under way, Jamaica is well on the road to republic. We will finally establish as Jamaica’s Head of State, a Jamaican, who embodies and personifies our ‘Jamaican-ness’.
Most recently, our faith and resilience have been tested by Hurricane Beryl. As we recover and work to emerge stronger, let us join our hearts and give each other a hand to ease the discomfort and inconvenience in the devastated parts of Jamaica.
May I take this opportunity to again express thanks our bilateral and multilateral partners who have supported our recovery from Hurricane Beryl. Jamaica remains a strong international advocate on climate issues and their disproportionate impact on small island developing states like ours.
Fellow Jamaicans,
I am pleased to note, with great appreciation, the strong and vibrant partnership we have enjoyed with our Diaspora which has supported the vison that Jamaica has had for its development over these sixty-two years. As they have spread their wings and traversed the globe, members of our Diaspora have contributed much to their adopted homelands. A great many have distinguished themselves across several sectors, becoming another source of great pride for Jamaica.
As we reflect on your strong presence and robust participation at the successful staging of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in June this year - the largest ever, we look forward to continuing the partnership to accomplish the goals of our Diaspora engagement processes.
As the Olympics continue to unfold, we continue to send best wishes to our athletes who are making us so proud. All members of the team deserve our heartiest congratulations on their qualification and selection to represent Jamaica. The sportsmanship and excellence they bring will, undoubtedly, ensure that they will continue to fly high the Jamaican flag!
As we celebrate Jamaica 62, we are also cognizant of the challenges facing the global community. We know that we can overcome anything when we are unified and determined. So on our Independence Day, the Government and people of Jamaica once again spread the message of ‘One Love - To The World!’.
Strengthened by the valuable lessons we have learned, and feeling enormously privileged at the blessings we have received as a nation, we look toward to the future filled with hope and optimism.
May God continue to bless you and Jamaica, Land We Love.
Happy Independence 2024!