Re-igniting A Nation For Greatness

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“What a time to be Jamaican, Beauty of the Nations, Make all my other worries fade away.” – ‘No Weh No Nice Like Yaad’ by Sacaj; Festival Song Winner-2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xra3DsNEzKE. Jamaicans both home and overseas will be celebrating Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of political independence. Independence has many variations, so while Jamaica is politically independent we are still very much economically dependent. The totality of full independence is an extended journey which cannot be achieved with the stroke of a pen. Notwithstanding this, sixty years is a significant milestone. The theme for Jamaica 60 is Re-igniting a Nation for Greatness. Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands, and the largest English-speaking Island in the Caribbean. Jamaica is situated 90 miles south of Cuba, 600 miles south of Florida, USA, and 100 miles south-west of Haiti, Jamaica is approximately 146 miles long, 51 miles wide, and has an area of 4,411 square miles. The capital, Kingston, is the largest city and is located in the south-eastern part of the island. Jamaica has a population of approximately 2.8 million people. The island's name, Jamaica, is derived from the Arawak word Xaymaca, which probably means "land of wood and water". In spite of our relatively small size, Jamaica continues to punch more than her weight. Over the years Jamaica has become a household name. We have dominated the world in Track and Field and have contributed greatly to the Creative Arts internationally. Those of us who have had the opportunity to travel are aware of the power the name Jamaica represents globally. Jamaica is a global powerhouse which continues to impact the world. In fact Google's search engine had its page adorned in the colours of the Jamaican flag in celebration of the country's 60th anniversary of political independence. The allure of the island has made Jamaica among the top vacation locations globally. The culture of Jamaica is known globally, the spicy food, the pulsating rhythm of our music, from Reggae to Ska have captivated the hearts of millions. Additionally, our accent and language (patois) continue to be imitated by none other than Hollywood as the Jamaican culture has seeped into the silver screen. Jamaica has continued to have a vibrant culture. Since the creation of Jamaica Festival in 1963 by Edward Seaga, then Minister of Development and Welfare, the festival song competition and the annual independence floats have served to galvanize and reinforce the population with a sense of patriotism. Mr. Seaga became Prime Minister in 1980-1989. Our Greatest Achievements As we celebrate this historic achievement we must be honest to ourselves and acknowledge that much work is yet undone. Most Jamaicans continue to see migration as the only way out of poverty and for social mobility. It is sad that our most skilled and educated continue to leave Jamaica mainly for North America to realize their goals and dreams. Recently, Stephen Black the Consul General at the US Embassy in Kingston stated that since January 2022 the embassy has processed at least 1,000 immigrant visas per month. This continued brain drain continues to erode the level development in the society. Clearly the government needs to critically analyze this matter as this negatively impacts our development and progress as a nation. The landlessness of the majority of our people is still a major problem. Jamaica also has a large number of squatters (20% of the population) often occupying lands that is environmentally fragile and unsuitable for occupation. Everyone clearly will have his or her own opinion regarding Jamaica’s greatest achievements. Jamaica’s greatest achievements are rooted in the country's ability to remain true to the democratic process since we first became independent in 1962, as well as the continued robust support from the Jamaican Diaspora. Remittance inflows exceeded US$3.3 billion for 2021. Jamaica over the decades has managed to elect governments in keeping with the will of the people. However, our democratic process has been tainted by the bloodletting which has been associated with the holding of general elections. For many the watershed year regarding crime was 1980 when approximately 900 Jamaicans were murdered leading up to the October general elections. Dastardly, 45,000 Jamaicans have been murdered since 1962. Nothwithstanding this Jamaica has made tremendously progress in strengthening its electoral process and we are now at a place where general elections are relatively free from violence. Sixty years is relatively young for a nation and nationhood. There are many more lessons to be learnt. As Jamaica celebrates its Diamond Jubilee we pause to give God thanks for His guidance over the years. Like all well thinking Jamaicans we pray that crime and violence will be stamped out of the society. Undoubtedly, in order to re-ignite our greatness as a nation there must be peace, security and justice. As we commemorate 60 years of political independence Jamaica must become that inclusive place where we all have a sense of belonging and ownership to live, work and raise our families. Our greatness lies within our people. We pray that our leaders will be inspired to provide the best leadership for our country in years to come. Cheers to Jamaica 60. "We likkle but we Tallawah". Happy Independence Day! In the words of Jamaica's National Anthem: Eternal Father, Bless our Land, Guard us with thy mighty hand, Keep us free from evil powers, Be our light through countless hours, To our leaders, great defender, Grant true wisdom from above, Justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica, land we love, Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love. Teach us true respect for all, Stir response to duty’s call, Strengthen us the weak to cherish, Give us vision lest we perish, Knowledge send us Heavenly Father, Grant true wisdom from above, Justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica, land we love, Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #Jamaica60 #GrandGala

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