And many many happy returns!

From The Observer:

Leaders call for focus on family, unity at Independence

Saturday, August 06, 2011

THE nation's political leaders in their Independence Day messages have called on the Jamaican people to learn from the achievements of the past, focus on family and unite around common goals in creating a better Jamaica for the future.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen in his message marking the 49th anniversary of Jamaica's independence called on the nation to urgently focus on education, family and the youth in order to realise success in the social, economic, cultural or governance arenas.

The governor general called on Jamaicans to strengthen the social structures to prevent further social decline, as seen in the growth of single-parent households, unattached and uneducated youth, and violent crime. "There are so many things that are right with Jamaica which must be harnessed, affirmed and encouraged. The time has come, and indeed it is now, when we must, in every facet of life, accentuate the positives and discourage the negative things that are happening. We cannot afford to be destructive; we must unite to secure our success," Sir Patrick stated.

The governor general also urged Jamaicans to assist in the mentoring of young people by helping them with their homework, assisting in youth organisations and churches, as well as volunteering to work with the elderly.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding in his message admitted that despite several achievements by the nation, the dream of Independence has not been realised.

"Small though we are, we have made a significant impact on the world. Our music, our prowess in sports, our cuisine, our attractiveness to visitors, the respect we have earned in the important councils of the world, are among the attributes that make us a proud nation", the prime minister said.

However, Golding added: "We do face many problems. Our economy has not grown anywhere near as much as we would have expected after 49 years of independence. We have not attained the quality of life for many of our people that we had anticipated."

He noted, however, that Jamaica is not alone in the struggle for achievement, as many other countries, including developed nations are also "wrestling with this development deficit".

Golding also called on Jamaicans to work towards common goals despite the competitive nature of democracy.

"We must ensure that despite all its intensive competitiveness, our democracy leads us to a shared vision, a unity of purpose and a common agenda to make Jamaica, as we proclaim in Vision 2030, a place of choice to live, work, raise our families and do business," he said.

Leader of the Opposition Portia Simpson Miller in her Independence message quoted patriotic lyrics from popular songs in calling on the Jamaican people to overcome the challenges and to keep building the society.

"There are lessons for us as people in the patriotic music of our time. If, as a nation, we strengthen our sense of nationalism and pride in our country, many of the negative behaviours that are exhibited would be eradicated. We would act with the patriotism and build our communities," she stated.

The Opposition leader, meanwhile, called on Jamaicans to create and demand better performance from the nation's leaders.

"As an independent, sovereign, powerful people, we must create and insist that our leaders facilitate the kind of Jamaica we want for ourselves and future generations," she said.

Simpson Miller, however, reminded the Jamaican people that while building on the achievements of past leaders, the development of the country depended on the present generations.

"I remind you that the responsibility for (Jamaica's) development and the advancement of our people rest with us," she said.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Leaders-call-for-focus-on-family--unity-at-I ndependence_9384687#ixzz1UFeDB3om