Rationale for the 2013 Emancipation/Independence Celebrations 1. The celebration of Independence 2013 commemorates some very important milestones in our country’s history, which have all been taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of this year’s celebrations. 2. Among these milestones are: The 275th anniversary of the Treaty between the Windward Maroons and the British that established the first community...

My fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, our visitors and our well-wishers, warm greetings to you on this the day of Jubilee! Today we mark a momentous milestone in the history of Jamaica land we love. Fifty years ago we embarked on a mission to exchange our status as a colony for that of independent nation. We have...

Today as we celebrate fifty years of political independence let us make a joyful noise to the lord for the freedom we enjoy and all other blessings he has bestowed upon us. Let us give thanks to our pioneers particularly our national heroes and heroine who had the courage and demonstrated the fearlessness to challenge the state of affairs and...

My fellow Jamaicans: As we commemorate Emancipation Day on August 1st, let us not forget the extraordinary importance it holds for our lives. It is the day on which hard won freedom from chattel slavery; the worst form of inhuman imposition by man was finally secured. Jamaicans at home and abroad are now looking forward with great anticipation to the...

The Psalmist invites us to give “thanks unto the Lord for He is good."   On this beautiful and peaceful Sunday morning, we have good reason to lift our hearts in thanksgiving for fifty years as an independent nation.   Two days ago I was in London, at the opening of the Olympic Games, cheering on our athletes and the...

The JCDC is quite heartened by the tremendous display of nationalism by all Jamaicans and takes this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. We are aware of the inconveniences that may have been caused at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre this morning and apologize profusely to those of you who turned up and did not receive tickets. Unfortunately,...

Mr. Speaker there is a lot for me to be thankful for in this 50th year of our Independence. I thank Almighty God for the gift of life and his many blessings. I thank the People's National Party, this great Party whose policies and whose philosophy, like my own, put people first.  I thank the great citizens of South East...

I congratulate the National Child Month Committee on its successful advocacy in having today, Friday May 18, 2012 declared National Children’s Day. I am also pleased to note that following today’s inaugural commemoration, the third Friday of May each year will be observed in Jamaica as Children’s Day. This special observance is one more way of focussing attention on a...