[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1601-E1602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   JAMAICA'S 35 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as friends of Jamaica everywhere celebrate 
its 35th anniversary of independence, we pause to recognize and commend 
our democratic neighbor to the south and extend our heartiest 
congratulations to the Government and people of Jamaica and to 
Jamaican-Americans throughout the United States.
  I place in the Congressional Record, for the benefit of my 
colleagues, the 35th anniversary messages issued by the Prime Minister 
of Jamaica, the Right Honorable P.J. Patterson and the Jamaican 
Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Dr. Richard L. Bernal.

35TH ANNIVERSARY INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA, 
             THE RT. HON. P.J. PATTERSON, P.C., Q.C., M.P.

       This year, as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of 
     Jamaica's Independence, we also return to the tradition of 
     Emancipation Day as one which deserves our special 
     commemoration.
       Under the theme: ``Full Free Emancipation to 
     Independence'', our national celebrations will climax during 
     the period from Friday August 1--Emancipation Day to Monday 
     August 4--Independence Day.
       The resumption of Emancipation Day as a public holiday 
     commemorates not only the abolition of slavery, but the birth 
     of free Jamaica. It is the advent of that Free Jamaica which 
     now permits us to enjoy political independence, democracy, 
     constitutional rule and to be equal members of a civil 
     society.
       Emancipation and Independence celebrations this year will 
     provide the opportunity for Jamaicans at home and abroad to 
     reflect on our ancestral roots.
       The twin occasion also provides a timely opportunity for 
     all Jamaicans everywhere to commit ourselves to healing the 
     nation, unifying our people and removing whatever barriers 
     have tended to divide us in the past.
       Jamaicans all over the world are a proud people. Our 
     nation, despite its limited size and economic resources, 
     stands tall in the international arena. There have been 
     outstanding achievements in the fields of sports, music, and 
     tourism to name a few.
       Many of you, who now live overseas, have distinguished 
     yourselves in several fields of endeavour, and continue to 
     make us proud.
       I invite all Jamaicans residing overseas to join together 
     to celebrate our rich heritage on Emancipation Day. Let us 
     renew our commitment to build an independent Jamaica, Land We 
     Love.
       On behalf of the Government and Jamaicans at home, I send 
     heartiest greetings to all Jamaicans abroad, their extended 
     families and friends of our island, no matter what their 
     nationality.
       Happy Emancipation and Independence anniversaries.
       May God continue to bless you all.
                                                   P.J. Patterson,
                                        Prime Minister of Jamaica.


     
                                                                    ____
 Message From Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States His Excellency 
    Dr. Richard L. Bernal on the Occasion of Jamaica's Thirty-Fifth 
                      Anniversary of Independence

       This year, as we come together to celebrate the thirty-
     fifth year of independence,

[[Page E1602]]

     we will also for the first time since 1962 observe 
     Emancipation Day as a public holiday. The celebration 
     commemorates the abolition of slavery in Jamaica 159 years 
     ago. Its reinstatement is intended to recognize the 
     significance of the struggle for and the achievement of 
     emancipation by our ancestors and to preserve this in the 
     collective memory of the Jamaican people.
       Emancipation Day was one of the most significant 
     transformative moments in the history of Jamaica, a central 
     historical point of departure which forms part of the 
     foundation upon which we build our nation. Our progression as 
     a country from emancipation to independence and beyond 
     demonstrates that indomitable Jamaican spirit engendered in 
     the struggle for emancipation.
       Jamaica continues to make progress towards economic 
     development although confronted by internal and international 
     problems. Despite the obstacles, the economy has been 
     stabilized with encouraging growth in tourism, bauxite and 
     agriculture. A stable exchange rate and careful monetary and 
     fiscal management has dramatically reduced inflation and 
     alleviated the pressures of the cost of living.
       For the fourth consecutive year, Jamaica was voted the top 
     Caribbean destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards. 
     The introduction of the Air Jamaica hub in Montego Bay will 
     help to promote significant economic activity in western 
     Jamaica and broaden air transport options in the Caribbean. 
     Our national airline is also expanding its North American 
     routes to better serve overseas Jamaicans and to promote the 
     tourist industry.
       Jamaica continues to play a leadership role in 
     international affairs. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson chaired 
     the historic meeting between the CARICOM Heads of Government 
     and President Bill Clinton in Barbados in May. This meeting 
     was a positive step towards strengthening US-Caribbean 
     relations by establishing the framework for continued 
     intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation in matters of 
     mutual interest. We reinforced our campaign against drug 
     trafficking by concluding an Agreement to Suppress Illicit 
     Maritime Drug Trafficking (``shiprider'') with the United 
     States in a manner which did not infringe on Jamaica's 
     sovereignty.
       In collaboration with our Caribbean neighbors, we continue 
     to dialogue with the United States on NAFTA parity and seek a 
     resolution to the banana dispute. In this co-operative 
     spirit, I urge Jamaicans to join forces with other Caribbean 
     peoples to address the implications of the new immigration 
     legislation in the United States.
       We have learnt from our historical experiences that we are 
     stronger through collective action. In this regard Jamaicans 
     in the United States continue to play a significant role in 
     nation building. Your investments, remittances and 
     contributions to social institutions have made a tangible 
     impact on the lives of all Jamaicans at home. It is this kind 
     of patriotism and initiative which creates the oneness which 
     is Jamaica, a nation without borders. On this independence 
     anniversary let us move forward with confidence, fortified by 
     past achievements, and infused with hope. Together we can 
     realize the enormous potential of our small but exceptional 
     nation.
                                            Dr. Richard L. Bernal,
                                                       Ambassador.

     

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