A year ago, Jamaicans were in a frenzy, celebrating 50 years of independence, Emancipation Day and the Olympics. It was an exciting time to be here. This year seems more subdued, understandably. Fifty-one is not quite as remarkable as half a century, I guess.

Jamaica is a beautiful nation, in many aspects. Physically, to be sure, but also spiritually. The resilience, courage, passion and creativity of its people is remarkable. I have been enriched by living here in many, many ways, and I’m sure most foreigners would agree.

However, violence and economic insecurity remain plagues on the nation’s health, but considering this nation’s history and the reality that 51 years is young for a nation, the country’s future is bright if it can tap into the rich resource that is the spirit of its people.

Happy Birthday Jamaica!

To this end, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has released a quite beautiful Independence Day speech.
Here is an excerpt, and check out the rest here:

At this stage of the journey, it is fitting to ask ourselves as Norman Manley did in his time, “What is the mission of this generation? It is…tackling the job of reconstructing the social and economic society and life of Jamaica.

Our mission must take us briskly along the path of economic growth and national development.

Let us reconstruct our society so that all Jamaicans can meaningfully participate in the economic life of the nation.

Let us ensure that every Jamaican is accorded respect and feels a sense of belonging to our society.

Let us give full expression to the words of our Motto “Out of Many One People” as we celebrate the blending of our races and cultures and their contribution to nation building.

Let us remember that Jamaica is more than a brand, more than a name, it is the pride of a people.

Let us work towards creating a just, equitable, harmonious, productive and confident people.

We are the masters of our destiny. The future lies in our hands. We must treasure our independence by working together to build a strong economic foundation and a prosperous nation for all Jamaicans.

As Norman Manley told us “…out of the past far away and the past near at hand is born the present, in which a people coming to maturity and nationhood can look back and give praise, look around and give thanks, look forward with prayer and in humility but with confidence and strength.