Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Bertel Moore, addresses the Independence Day civic ceremony in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland this morning (Aug. 6).
He stated that much has been achieved over 47 years of Independence, for which the nation should be proud.
“Let us all.give God thanks for our achievements and let us resolve to continue to strive to make Jamaica and indeed, the parish of Westmoreland, a better place,” he urged.
Mayor Moore, who was addressing the Independence Day civic ceremony in Savanna-La-Mar this morning (Aug. 6), called on the young people of the society to cease all negative activity and help to build the country.
“If they should do this, then Jamaica will strive much better, as we will have more tourists and more foreign investors coming into our country, which will mean more jobs for the people of Jamaica and eventually a brighter future for us all,” he pointed out.
Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, in his Independence message, which was read by attorney-at-law Don Foote, urged Jamaicans not to allow failures to overshadow the country’s achievements.
“To do so would be to dishonour the work and sacrifices of the many great Jamaican men and women, who have helped to build our nation and create the institutions that have held us together even in the toughest of times,” he stated.
“Let us rekindle the spirit of Independence. Let us recommit ourselves to fulfilling the dreams and hopes of Independence. Our nation needs us now as much as it did before. Let us rise to the occasion. Let us answer the call,” the Prime Minister urged.
Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in his message, which was read by Custos of Westmoreland, Owen Sinclair, called on Jamaicans to remember the true meaning of Independence.
He said that despite the challenges and setbacks over the past 47 years, “we are still a blessed nation, rich in heritage and abundant in resources”.
“We have much for which to give thanks . I believe that we should use our Independence and our natural and human resources to build a quality society, where values are upheld and good attitudes prevail,” he stated.