‘We have to do it together’ | Culture Minister’s message at Jamaica 60 Old Harbour flag-raising ceremony

Crime, which increasingly has become more violent and barbaric and the continuous slide into an abyss of social decadence, are today’s hot topics on a list that includes the economy, food security, education, and health.

The celebration of our rich history and cultural legacies as an independent nation isn’t lost, however, on our leaders at this time. In fact this time of the year it is seen as the most opportune moment to rally the country around a common cause that reinvigorates the kind of patriotism akin to 1962.

Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange made a similar nationalistic appeal at the historic Jamaica 60 Old Harbour Flag-Raising Ceremony on July 31.

In a message read on her behalf by Institute of Sports Chairman Newton Amos, Grange highlighted in an abbreviated progress report on strides made as a people in all spheres.

 

 

 

 

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But just as crucial to our success 60 years onward after colonial rule from Britain, Grange recognized one essential factor necessary to take Jamaica forward.

“We do not have enough time today to list all of the accomplishments that we have made as a people and as a country. But one thing is clear and it is that all of these accomplishments are due to the people. The work that we have done individually and collectively to make this little country a world leader,” said the minister’s representative.

“So Ladies and Gentlemen there is no denying it, we have had our challenges but we have so much to celebrate

“We have shown how far we have come.  It is a clear indication of how much further we can progress over the next 60 years that we can accomplish so much more: The question is how do we get there?

“I don’t have all the answers, but I know we have to do it together. I know that it will require us to band together around a common goal. We will need to have wisdom whilst exercising a higher level of our humanity demonstrated through how we treat one another.

“Change can only come through training in the family unit – an integral feature of national development.  The Issues of values and attitudes must be addressed in the home and reinforced in the schools. We need to be reminded of our foundations the meaning of our flag, our national anthem and our national pledge.

“We need a renewal of the appreciation and respect for our national symbols.  The state needs to lead the way, by preparing and making these symbols readily available. They should not be reserved for special occasions but should be integrated into daily life and form a part of our everyday conversations. Attaining pride and patriotism to the nation, irrespective of who we are, must be promoted.

“Let us continue to pursue civic pride in cleaning up and maintaining the cleanliness of our own environment.  Let us maintain a mind-set of cleanliness that will help to relieve our minds from stress.

“So, with new challenges, we have to become more creative, more responsive and more inclusive.”

 

 

 

 

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Grange, who is also the portfolio minister for gender affairs, sport and entertainment, calls for a more inclusive approach to the problems we face, while imploring us to take  keen note of the things that brought us success as a nation.

“As we look back across time from those hopeful beginnings to where we are 60 years later, it is no doubt that the memories are bitter and sweet. We have accomplished so much good and bad. We have exceeded expectations good and bad. We are world leaders in good and bad things. We have had some mind-blowing accomplishments and some mind dumbing failures but we are still standing, still striving, still hopeful. Let us draw on those hopes and beliefs as we forge our way forward… as we re-ignite our dreams and hopes for this nation and set our sights on the great things we still wish to accomplish as we celebrate this our Diamond Jubilee,” she said.

Speaking to Old Harbour News after the ceremony, Amos commended the organisers for re-igniting a “high level of patriotism” into the consciousness of the people in Old Harbour.

He said: “It is critical for us to note and recognize the tremendous effort of a community group, the Old Harbour Zone Cultural Committee, who have taken unto themselves in celebration of this Diamond Jubilee of our attainment of 60 years of independence. For the first time we have seen a kind of effort coming from an institution like the Chamber of Commerce and its president Ms Treacha Reid, who has done a tremendous job; and I want to commend her effort and that of our team for a job well done.

“The flag-raising ceremony speaks value to the full participation of persons at that level, showing a high level of patriotism celebrating our ancestors; and we are very pleased to be able to participate the way we had in such an event.

“It will go down in history as Old Harbour joining with the rest of the island in celebrating our Diamond Jubilee.”

In addition to the raising of the national flag, among the highlights of the ceremony was a march-past in which a uniform troop comprising members of the police, firefighters, cadets and scouts, saluted Amos, SSP Christopher Phillips, commanding officer, St Catherine South Police Division and Justice of the Peace Joseph ‘Tom’ Parker, representing Icylin Golding, custos of the parish of St Catherine.