My fellow Jamaicans:

I am honoured to greet you as your ninth Ambassador to the United States.  The observance of this our 46th year of political independence is a fitting occasion for reflection on the sterling achievements which continue to define us as a people.  We ask you to reflect on the theme - “One Love, One Family.”

This love speaks to love of nation, love of our environment, love of our heritage and love of our neighbours.  We are called to remember the old time love, when everyone in the village was treated like family and when all adults helped to teach the children and all children respected the adults – one family.

Forty-six years is but a heartbeat in the life of a nation.  Nevertheless, our island home has extended her reach far beyond the 4,243 square miles.  We are known worldwide for our cultural and athletic prowess and are today one of the most recognizable names on the planet.  Truly, proof that size is not a determinant of strength or excellence. 

Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora have much to celebrate and be proud of, as was demonstrated at the recently held Diaspora Conference in Kingston.  Over 700 delegates exchanged ideas which should redound to our benefit.

Independence, perhaps moreso than on any other occasion, is a time for reflection on where we are, where we have been and where we are going.  At this time, we must remember that the freedom we celebrate was bought with the blood, sweat and tears of our fore-parents and we should always cherish this freedom.  We should contemplate, as in 1962, this journey of self-determination on which we have embarked, and like our fore-parents, resolve to make Jamaica a place where every person can attain his/her full potential.

Happy Independence and may God bless you all - One Love, One Family.

Anthony Johnson
Ambassador

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