Minister calls for recommitment to Jamaica

The Minister Of Youth, Sports and Culture, Ms. Olivia Grange, has urged Jamaicans to use the period of Independence to renew their commitment to the country.

Grange was speaking at the Independence thanksgiving church service held on Sunday at Rehoboth Gospel Assembly in Kingston.

The service, organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, was part of the Independence celebrations being observed under the theme: ‘The Journey Continues’.

Reflecting on the theme, Grange said Independence is part of a journey that began when the first slave ship set out with the African ancestors in shackles on the way to an unknown destination.

She noted that the journey was long and arduous, which saw “many of our ancestors martyred in their determination to restore their ancestral pedigree and secure a bright future for their children”.

According to Grange, the journey has taken the country through many trials and frustrations, triumphs and failures. “Our people have had many expectations and seen some major disappointments, yet through it all, through the epic saga of rebellions and wars, resistance and revolts, we have moved our country along to great prowess and now we are among the top 10 brands of the world,” she said.

She noted that Jamaica’s achievements have been phenomenal for a country of less than three million people.

“Our achievements have mesmerised many. Our amazing creativity and talent, especially in culture and sports, have been surpassed by none. We have, through it all, embraced our destiny as one bold adventure and have ventured, in many cases, where others would not,” she stated.

Grange encouraged Jamaicans to attend the many Independence activities, including street parades, stage shows and civic ceremonies which, she said, will provide the “fuel that will service the engine of growth and development”.

“For when we come together as a people to bask in the achievements of our people, especially of our children and young people, we receive the positive energy that we need to undertake the task of sustainable development,” she said.

Source: The Gleaner