Prime Minister Calls on Young People to Get Involved in Nation Building

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, is urging young people to get involved in nation building, noting that giving genuine national service helps the recipient as it does the server.

Mrs. Simpson Miller made the call as she expressed appreciation to 81 persons who received medals of appreciation for service to the nation, at a colourful ceremony, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, on July 31.

In closing the celebration to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Independence, the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Jamaica was awarded to persons for their service to agriculture; in the field of culture (performing arts); for community service and community development; for contribution to economic and national development; in the field of education; for service in the field of finance, health, religion, community development and education, security, tourism; and for services to Jamaica and Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

“The act of awarding medals is really a humble way by which the nation shows appreciation. These medals represent a nation’s heartfelt respect and appreciation to those who have served us well in their various fields over the past 50 years and I pause on behalf of a grateful nation to say thank you,” the Prime Minister said.

She noted that the country could not fully pay the recipients for the extent and impact of their service. “The best we can do is to recognize them publicly and hold them up as builders of Jamaica’s progress,” she added.

Mrs. Simpson Miller informed that the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation is given publicly in order to motivate others to contribute likewise.

“This function provides an opportunity too, to recognize and thank those who have toiled in the vineyard of nation building, but without public recognition. We consider you a part of the nation building team and important players in the projects that have delivered development in the areas of community renewal, social development, national security and other nation building platforms,” she said.

Mrs. Simpson Miller urged young people to regard the function as a form of encouragement to get involved, while thanking the seniors and those already involved for their contribution to nation building.

The Jamaica Military Band, the Melody Sisters of the Willodene Group of Schools, Portmore Missionary Preparatory School and Violinist, Nadje Leslie, provided entertainment for the packed room, that included the families and friends of the recipients who were on hand to cheer for their loved ones as they accepted their awards.

The Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation is a commemorative medal which may be awarded to any person or group of persons who, in the opinion of the Prime Minister, has made significant contribution to the economic, social or political development of Jamaica or to Jamaicans residing abroad.