Jamaica 58th Independence: National strength through adversity

In the 58 years that have followed, Jamaica has shown her prowess with her domination of track and field, holding the record for the highest per-capita medal rate of any nation with multiple medals. We have some of the fastest, record-breaking men and women in the world. Our sports prowess is rivaled only by the way we’ve captivated the world with our music, culture, and food. Anywhere in the world we go, everyone knows Jamaica. We now also boast the highest performing stock market in the world and are consistently rated as one of the top destinations to do business in the Caribbean. We even ranked on the top ice-cream list in the world, Devon House ice-cream of course. The accolades keep piling up.

With nine separate persons holding the Office of the Prime Minister since Independence, there is no doubt Jamaica has left its imprint on the world, including how we harness the Diaspora to contribute to nation-building. “Jamaica recognizes the navel string long”, and despite the natural challenges of the growing Diaspora movement, many countries are eager to follow in our footsteps and mirror our progress.

As an active member of the Jamaica Diaspora, I can definitively say that Jamaicans abroad have made huge strides in supporting, empowering, building capacity, collaborating, creating access, building bridges, engaging and enabling the development of our beloved country. From individual efforts to alumni associations, to regional organizations, faith-based groups, task forces, and more; The Diaspora movement is buzzing with activity. It is dynamic and evolving.

Our 58th year of Independence, the year 2020, has been historic. The world is facing a global health pandemic, the likes of which we have never seen. Entire Industries are closed for business; we are experiencing record job losses, and the challenges today and ahead, are nothing short of extreme.  Even though we are all, in every country of the world facing this global crisis, the Diaspora’s commitment to service remains strong. With the rise of ‘zoomification’, we found new ways to stay connected and create closer ties between Jamaicans at home and abroad. Like most things in life, with every dark cloud, there is a silver lining.

For example, instead of traveling for the professional development of approximately 150 teachers, Diaspora Educators were able to deliver training on zoom to over 1,000 teachers, principals, and middle managers through the Jamaica Diaspora Education Taskforce. We’ve also been able to participate virtually in ‘Emancipendence’ events across the Diaspora and Jamaica.
The Diaspora even voted for the first time this year in the Festival Song competition! Nuff excitement, as everyone campaigned for their favorite song.

As we move forward in 2020 and prepare for 2021, it is not fully understood, what the post- COVID-19 world and economy will look like. The traditional bedrocks of Jamaica’s economy are at risk. What opportunities do we have to create new bedrocks in this increasingly virtual marketplace? How can Jamaica and the Diaspora partner to accelerate this transition to minimize the economic disruption?

Through the challenges of 2020, Jamaicans have truly embodied the Independence theme, resilient and strong. Let’s continue to be resilient; let’s continue to be strong; let’s work together to build a better Jamaica so that; “Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship, and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race”.

Leo Gilling, is chairman of the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN). For feedback email lgilling@jdtan.org or editorial@oldharbournews.com