G-G Praises Jamaicans in South Florida

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, has praised Jamaicans in South Florida for their contribution to the development of Jamaica and the communities in which they resided.
Professor Hall, who was addressing an audience of nearly 400 persons at the Miami Consulate’s inaugural Community Service Awards ceremony held recently at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, noted that the “ongoing involvement of Jamaicans in the Diaspora in various aspects of development, signals a commitment to strengthen the network between Jamaicans residing abroad and those at home”.
Citing the vital contribution of nationals at the regional and international levels, he said that Jamaicans have earned worldwide, an enviable reputation for creativity, energy, resilience and the ability to achieve extraordinary results, often against the odds.
Turning to economic development issues, Professor Hall stated that Jamaicans continued to view the country’s development with optimism, pointing to advances being made in agriculture, fishery and forestry, maritime, bauxite, tourism and services.
Meanwhile, he stated that national priority was now being placed on education, with the sector undergoing significant transformation with emphasis on early childhood. With this emphasis, school attendance had significantly improved, he said.
Turning to the ICC Cricket World Cup, now underway in the region, Professor Hall said the Jamaican leg of the tournament has so far been a success and congratulated the organizers, noting that all Jamaicans should take credit for its successful planning.
The award ceremony recognized 18 persons, who have contributed to the development of the South Florida community, and those who continue to render significant support to Jamaica.
Nearly 400,000 nationals are resident in the South Florida tri-county region of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. These are affiliated with nearly 70 charitable and service organizations throughout the region.