PM cites positive indicators as Independence Day nears

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, said that as Jamaica approaches its 49th anniversary of Independence, the country can be proud of the strides made over the last few years, citing achievements in combating crime and achieving economic stability.

In his message at the 34th annual convention of the National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) held Friday July 15, 2011 in Detroit Michigan, the Prime Minister said that Jamaica boasts a stable foreign exchange market, single-digit inflation, and the lowest interest rates in approximately 40 years.

"I am pleased that our country has survived the ill-effects of the global recession and is now on a path to growth. I am proud that crime, which has been a thorn in our sides for many years, is now on the downturn, with an over 40 per cent reduction in murders," he stated in a message read by NAJASO's President, Roy Davidson.

Noting that these “positive indicators are heartening,” he said that “as we approach the 49th year of Independence… we must prove that our forefathers’ fight was not in vain and that we are truly capable, as a people, to manage our own affairs."

The Prime Minister, in the meantime, lauded the work of NAJASO, noting that the organisation's commitment to Jamaica and its people is a sterling example for others to emulate.

"NAJASO's service to our country is an answer to the resounding call for members of the Jamaican Diaspora to be more involved in the affairs of our country. The building of our nation must be an effort of collaboration and cooperation – not isolation; so I welcome the efforts of NAJASO," he added.  

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks lauded NAJASO for staying the course as a committed partner in Jamaica’s development and for also embracing a broader Caribbean-centered agenda.

She commended the organisation's inclusion of a trade exhibition intended to showcase business opportunities in Jamaica by bringing exhibitors, buyers and delegates together, in a forum to allow exporters, importers and marketers to network.

Ambassador Marks paid tribute to this year’s awardees, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal Caribbean Food Delight, Vincent Hosang, who is the recipient of this year’s Humanitarian Award; and President and CEO of Victoria Mutual Building Society, Richard Powell, who received the Lignum Vitae Award for his contribution to economic and cultural development.  

President Davidson, for his part, stated that the organisation's leadership remains committed to encouraging Jamaicans residing in the United States, as well as American corporate interests, to renew their focus on Jamaica.

“It is important that new opportunities for investment be communicated to the Jamaican public at large and to those in the American business sector, who have an interest in developing economic partnerships with local players in the Jamaican marketplace,” he stated. 

President Davidson noted that in addition to facilitating trade and investment, the organisation is also focused on education, with 20 scholarships offered for studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) since 1988.

NAJASO, a non-profit organisation founded in 1977, is an umbrella body for Jamaican and supportive bodies throughout the United States. 

By DERRICK SCOTT, JIS Reporter