Commendations For The Queen

Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, has received commendations from Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, and Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, for the sterling leadership she has been providing for over 63 years.

Addressing a celebratory ceremony in honour of the Queen, for becoming the longest reigning English Monarch, at King’s House, on September 9, the Governor-General  said she is acclaimed all over the globe for her “effortless dignity” and generosity of spirit.

“The grace and confidence with which she has embraced each inevitable change, is a model for leaders everywhere,” he said, noting that many world leaders, including 12 United Kingdom Prime Ministers, have benefitted from counsel provided by the Queen.

For her part, the Prime Minister said Queen Elizabeth has presided over the block of nations under the Commonwealth realm, with dignity, knowledge and diplomacy, by displaying great political skills “that have helped to defuse tensions in international relations.”

Mrs. Simpson Miller said the Queen displays “the amazing strength of character and selfless sense of duty, which all characterise Her Majesty personally, as well as her reign.”

During her 63-year reign, the Queen has visited Jamaica on six occasions – November 1953 during the first Commonwealth tour of her reign; March 1966 during a Caribbean tour; April 1975 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kingston; February 1983 on the 21st Anniversary of Independence; 1994 during another tour of the Caribbean; and February 2002 as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Also attending the ceremony were Cabinet Ministers; former Prime Ministers, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson and the Most Hon. Edward Seaga; Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Andrew Holness, diplomats and civic leaders.