Relevance of Independence must Never be Forgotten – Mayor Morgan

Mayor of Savanna-La-Mar, Councillor Delford Morgan, has called on the citizens of Westmoreland and the country as a whole, to be proud of Jamaica’s 45 years of independence.
The Mayor who was addressing hundreds of persons who came out to participate in the Westmoreland Independence Day Civic Ceremony at Independence Park in Savanna-La-Mar this morning (August 6), said, “As citizens of this great nation our job and task is to ensure that the independence we now have and know are acquainted with the history of its struggle. Protect and maintain it into the future so that we today, and those to come, can live as true Jamaicans”.
He added that, “this historic event is as much a time for reflection as it is for celebration. Reflection, because the relevance of what political independence means, must never be lost on our people. Reflections on the sacrifices made by our forebears, personal, economic and otherwise. Reflections on where we stand today as a nation and reflections, importantly, on where we are heading. It is a task for each and every one of us here today to ensure that that which was bequeathed us is not only protected but maintained.”
Mayor Morgan stressed that every citizen should seek to bond themselves with the notions and trappings of sovereignty and independence and assume the posture of “Jamaicanness” and of one people regardless of our diverse views on any issue.
Prime Minister, Portia Simple Miller, in her message which was read by Member of Parliament for Eastern Westmoreland, Luther Buchanan, noted that the 45th celebration of political independence was a high point in the history of the Jamaican people.
“Over the 45 years, we have maintained a democratic system of Government, with an electoral system, which over the last few years has become more transparent and more accountable. Our expertise and success in tourism have placed us in the top echelons of most favoured destinations in the world. On every continent and especially in the Americas and in Europe, Jamaicans in the Diaspora are excelling in various fields,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
“In this election year, on this special day, I want to encourage you my fellow Jamaicans . to pause and experience a sense of pride in your country. The 45 years have not been wasted. We have achieved much. Of course there is much more ground to cover and much more work to do to fully realize the vision of our heroes . I encourage Jamaicans everywhere to rise up to the highest expectations of those who went before us,” she implored.
The message on behalf of Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall was read by Custos Rotulorum of Westmoreland, Owen Sinclair, while Leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding’s message was read by Russell Hammond.
Similar civic ceremonies were held at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay St. James and in Lucea, Hanover.