THEME: “I Believe” – With so many Jamaicans living away from their homeland, one thing is certain, Jamaica’s Independence Day will be celebrated in almost every corner of the world. I greet you warmly as you join in commemorating the 47th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.

Forty-seven years ago our founding fathers charged us to “go into the world [and] stand on our own feet and make our own way forward by hard work and discipline.” Our global reach has been made possible by Jamaicans who continue to make their mark and leave a legacy in many spheres of the international arena. Persons like our athletes with their record-breaking achievements, musicians such as Bob Marley who gave us the ‘song of the 20th Century’, artisans, diplomats, academicians and other Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

Your sojourn has contributed to the image of Jamaica overseas and aided in the development, promotion and recognition of ‘brand Jamaica’ as a viable and competitive force to be reckoned with.

Like the rest of the world Jamaica is beset with many difficulties. I believe that Jamaicans both at home and in the Diaspora should ‘join hands and hearts in working together to restore our nation.

I believe that we can achieve this if we ‘pledge the love and loyalty of our hearts, the wisdom and courage of our minds, the strength and vigour of our bodies in the service of our fellow citizens’. And like the Oyster that produces valuable pearls after enduring difficult circumstance, Jamaica will once again emerge as the pearl of the Caribbean. Won’t you join us now!

I wish you an enjoyable and satisfying Independence.

Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD

Governor-General of Jamaica