Build on the achievements we have made since Independence ...PM urges

In his message to mark Jamaica’s 46th independence, Mr Golding said, “When we embarked on independence in 1962, we did so with confidence in ourselves that we could change our own affairs and guide our own destiny. We launched out on our own but we never felt we were alone, for we looked to the world to help us grow and become strong”.

However, Mr Golding noted that the world has changed and that much of the goodwill has given way to fierce market competition and that it is economics, not politics that defines international relations.

The Prime Minister said at 46 years, Jamaica must accept full responsibility for itself, its state of affairs and the well being of its people. He said the difficulties being faced by the country this year as a result of the crisis in the global economy, is a harsh reminder of that reality. He said the world has never before seen such sharp increases in the price of basic commodities and that its effect on Jamaica, especially the poor, has been severe.

However, Mr Golding noted that Jamaica has managed to weather the storm and there are hopeful signs that the worst may have passed and the country is looking to the future with hope, as the dream of independence is still alive.

The Prime Minister has called on Jamaicans to recommit themselves to the dreams as expressed by Founding Fathers, Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley. Sir Alexander had charged Jamaicans to build a Jamaica which will last and of which future generations will be proud while Norman Manley exhorted Jamaicans to make the country a safe and happy home for everyone.

“They pointed the way; they set us on our journey. We have much further to go but we have been well prepared and we know the way’, the Prime Minister concluded.