As Jamaica – our island home – celebrates 60 years of independence, we rejoice and reflect on our nation’s remarkable journey.
There is much to celebrate. No matter where in the world we are, our hearts still swell with pride and great patriotism whenever we witness the hoisting of our flag, accompanied by the National Anthem. Our island is home to men and women who have scaled heights many have deemed insurmountable and have made a lasting and indelible impact on the world. We have produced artistes, sportsmen and women, scientists and teachers, musicians, and freedom fighters, who have contributed tremendously to the development, of not only their home country, but nations across the globe.
Jamaica is an amplified voice in the international arena and Brand Jamaica is among the most recognisable brands globally. Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Mary Seacole, and Dr Cicely Delphine Williams are names etched in history. Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Louise Bennett have built rich legacies no one can deny. We have birthed, nurtured, and trained some of the world’s fastest human beings such as Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson Herah, just to name a few.
We also boast a stable democracy, with over 74 years of elections and undisrupted change of administrations. Jamaica is consistently ranked favourably in the World Press Freedom Index and our citizens generally enjoy great freedom, scoring 80 out of a 100 in the Freedom in the World 2022 report.
We can also lift our heads in pride when we reflect on the contributions of members of the Diaspora, reportedly more than three million strong. The Jamaican Diaspora continues to make significant contributions through charities and direct investments in agriculture, education, and health, as well as community development initiatives. Remittance inflows exceeded US$3.3 billion for 2021, representing an increase over the US$2.9 billion for 2020. Regardless of where we live, one thing is certain, we remain passionate about our homeland.
Despite our accomplishments, there’s much more to achieve. We must work harder to improve our economy, reduce corruption, and cripple crime and violence, which has become too much a part of our reality. Let us contemplate how we will forge a future in which no one is disheartened, disadvantaged, or disenfranchised.
As we beam with pride, deservedly so, let us also reignite our hearts and minds and recommit ourselves to the continuous and crucial task of nation building. Let us work together, all Jamaicans at home and abroad, to create an even better and brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
Let’s Reignite Our Nation for Greatness.
Happy Independence, Jamaica!
Emile Spence
Chief Representative Officer
JN Bank Canada Representative Office
