PM Salutes Diaspora for Contribution to Nation-Building

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has saluted Jamaicans living overseas for their contribution to nation-building over 61 years of Independence.

“It is through partnerships with our diaspora that we build even greater ties, we celebrate our past and present achievements and envision a brighter future for all Jamaicans,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s remarks were delivered by Ambassador to the United States (US) Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks, at an Independence thanksgiving service held at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sunday (July 30).

The service was part of activities organised by the Jamaican Embassy in Washington to mark Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence.

Prime Minister Holness said that the Embassy has been a pillar of support, advocating and representing the Jamaican diaspora in the US.

“Our Embassy promotes strong ties and ensures that the Jamaican spirit thrives beyond our shores. The team in Washington is committed to serving our diaspora with excellence,” he noted.

The Prime Minister said that the Government in prioritisng the development of road infrastructure, with projects being undertaken across the length and breadth of the island, connecting communities, stimulating economic activity, enhancing accessibility, and improving lives and convenience.

He cites among these the completion of the North-South Highway, “which has significantly reduced travel times and facilitated trade,” and the development of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road to ease congestion and improve connectivity in the tourism capital, among other things.

He noted that focus is also being placed on housing, recognising that safe and affordable shelter “is not just a fundamental right but a cornerstone of social stability and national prosperity”.

Turning to the economy, he said that the country is pursuing a path of fiscal discipline, leading to a stable Jamaican dollar and a reduced debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio.

“We have actively pursued strategic partnerships and implemented bold policies that have attracted investments, fostered entrepreneurship, and created jobs,” he noted further.

Prime Minister Holness touted the remarkable achievements of Jamaica over 61 years as a “united, independent nation” and urged that “as we embark on the next phase of our journey, let us remember the values that have defined us as a great nation – resilience, unity and love for one another”.

Senior Pastor at the Webster Memorial United Church in St. Andrew, Rev. Astor Carlyle, delivered the sermon, calling on Jamaicans in the diaspora to consider their own role in making a difference for their home country.

The service, which was punctuated with musical selections and scripture readings, was moderated by Rev. Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne.

It featured the inaugural Jamaica Diaspora DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) Awards, recognising Jamaica-born retired Maryland Senator, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, and Institute of Caribbean Studies Founder and President, Dr. Claire A. Nelson.

Proceeds from the offerings collected during the service will benefit the Community for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI) in Montego Bay.