When you are independent, you walk your own road to success, peace, and prosperity. Independence therefore begins with a road. Today I am standing on the May Pen to Williamsfield Highway, which is slated for completion at the end of August 2023. This infrastructure, like all the others currently under construction across the island, represents development and ease for Jamaicans....

My fellow Jamaicans, the historic milestone of political independence was won 61 years ago today. Each year on the 6th August we reflect upon the struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers who transformed our nation from colonialism to a state of independence. Their unwavering belief in the powerful potential of our people, and the tremendous possibilities of controlling our own...

Each year on August 1, we are presented with the opportunity to reflect on the heroism of our ancestors whose physical bodies were in shackles but whose minds could not be conquered. I encourage you today to reflect on their bravery, courage, and indomitable spirit and the heritage of resilience they bestowed on us. Our ancestors struggled against their dehumanizing...

Embracing Emancipation - A Message of Hope and Unity Today our Nation commemorates the 185th anniversary of Jamaica’s Emancipation. Emancipation Day holds profound significance for our nation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors in their pursuit of freedom and justice, and of the ongoing struggle for reparatory justice for the descendants of enslaved...

My fellow Jamaicans, this Independence Day is especially significant; it is our Diamond Jubilee, 60 years as an independent nation. We celebrate under the theme, “Jamaica 60, Reigniting a Nation for Greatness.” While we cannot allow the current global crises of a pandemic, war, and inflation to dampen our mood, the government is mindful of the hardships our people are...

My fellow Jamaicans, it is a great joy as our Nation comes together to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of our political independence from colonial rule. As we observe this diamond jubilee along our journey as a nation and a people, I wish a Happy Independence Day to all Jamaicans, at home and abroad. It is a time to celebrate the...

So many milestones and episodes make up the Jamaican story. However, we can agree that the proclamation of Emancipation in 1834, after over 300 years of both Spanish and British enslavement, is pivotal to understanding our current situation and future trajectory. We commemorate Emancipation Day not only as the culmination of the struggles of over 10 generations of our ancestors...

Emancipation Day is of great historical significance to Jamaica and many other countries across the world that were formerly part of the British Empire. Plantation slavery came to an end at midnight on July 31, 1838, and so the 1st of August is the anniversary of the day when slavery came to an ended. It is the day on which...