Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has sent a congratulatory message to Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of her ascension to the Throne on 6th February 1952. She is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. The Message reads:
“I have the honour to convey to Your Majesty the felicitations of the Government and People of Jamaica on the occasion of Your Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. Since Your ascension to the throne in 1952, Your Majesty has become a symbol of quiet strength and stability throughout the Commonwealth realms. Your Majesty will long be remembered for the unfailing dedication to the performance of the constitutional duty as Head of the Commonwealth. May I also assure Your Majesty of the fond memories that Jamaica has of the six visits to our island and transmit warm wishes for continued good health and prosperity on the occasion of the celebration of this milestone in British history.”
In her Message, issued on the 5th of February, The Queen said she looked ahead “with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for.” She said the anniversary afforded time for reflection on the goodwill shown to her by peoples of all nationalities.
The Queen indicated that Charles, The Prince of Wales, would succeed her at the appropriate time and asked that his wife Camilla be known as Queen Consort.
A series of events have been planned in Britain and the Commonwealth Realm countries to mark the Platinum Jubilee. These include exhibitions, tree-planting, street parties, beacon-lighting and medal presentations.
In Jamaica, a Platinum Jubilee Medal, will be presented to members of the Emergency Services and uniformed groups. The categories are: the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Department of Correctional Services, the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Emergency Medical Services.