[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1783-E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN CELEBRATION OF 43 YEARS OF JAMAICAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous 
contributions that Jamaican Americans have made to our society and to 
join with them in celebrating their 43rd anniversary of independent 
rule on August 6, 2005.
  Jamaicans have been immigrating to the United States for centuries 
and have undeniably left their mark on cities throughout our Nation. 
Their contributions can be seen at the center of our neighborhoods and 
industries, everywhere from New York to California. They are skilled 
business people, engineers, doctors, lawyers, and have produced some of 
our Nation's greatest leaders including former Secretary of State, 
General Colin Powell, and basketball star Patrick Ewing.
  Despite the many challenges that this group has faced both in Jamaica 
and the U.S. they continue to hold fast to the Jamaican spirit of 
perseverance and continue in an extraordinary way to defy the odds. 
Theirs is a history of an effort that while marked with a host of 
successes and some failures, just like all nations, has shown that 
Jamaica is in a much better position today than when it became the 
first English-speaking Caribbean nation to assume the responsibility of 
nationhood.
  Jamaica's record has proven that a relatively small but powerful 
nation can take charge of its own affairs and be a vital and vibrant 
member of the international community. Instead of tearing itself apart 
as other developing and developed nations have done, Jamaica and 
Jamaicans have held firm through thick and thin.
  Having earned its place among the best-known developing countries at 
the United Nations, whether in international diplomacy, culture or 
excellence in sports Jamaica has been able to move far forward. Today, 
its people enjoy some of the longest life spans in the Western 
Hemisphere, about 74 years, poverty has dropped dramatically in recent 
years, educational opportunities continue to escalate, demonstrating 
the nation's commitment to invest in its people's future.
  Jamaica has come so very far in the last 43 years and I look forward 
to its continued growth and prosperity in the future. Jamaica and 
Jamaicans will always hold a special place in my heart. It is 
impossible to imagine New York or Harlem without the contributions of 
Jamaicans. They are an ever-present and important part of our community 
from whom a great deal of our Nation's diversity is derived.

  I would like to submit the following statement from Jamaican Prime 
Minister P.J. Patterson to commemorate this historic occasion.

[[Page E1784]]

Independence Day Message From the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, ON, PC, QC, 
                           MP Prime Minister

                                                    August 6, 2005
       My Fellow Jamaicans:
       Every year at this time we pause to reflect on the progress 
     we have made as a people in this great country we call home. 
     In our National Anthem, we ask for the blessings and guidance 
     of the Eternal Father on this land.
       We know so well that God helps those who help themselves, 
     but that none but ourselves can free our minds. We realize 
     that it is by our own efforts we can rid ourselves not only 
     from the obstacles of the past, but also dissipate the 
     inertia that would prevent us from overcoming present 
     difficulties. We have to create our own path to the future of 
     which we dream--the future which we would want our children 
     and their children to inherit.
       More and more we have come to appreciate that Independence 
     is not simply a single event that took place in August 1962 
     but a process which allows us to build a nation for 
     ourselves.
       Our Founding Fathers based the pursuit of Independence on 
     the firm conviction that we can be the creators of our own 
     destiny. In this changed, and still rapidly changing world of 
     this twenty-first century, it becomes even more urgent that 
     we hold on to that conviction.
       We are, after all, a people of proven grit and resilience 
     whether we reside at home or abroad. We must use these 
     attributes to creatively explore our potential and the 
     opportunities that exist for economic, social and spiritual 
     growth and development. To do otherwise, is a defiance of 
     commonsense and a devaluation of the gift of life we have 
     been given.
       Fellow Jamaicans:
       You have a right to expect from your leaders and the 
     society at large: proper healthcare; affordable housing; a 
     sound education that can facilitate and ease the journey 
     from childhood to adulthood.
       You are right to expect opportunities for gainful 
     employment which is sustained and adequate to meet the 
     vicissitudes of life.
       And it is right that you should want to have the assurance 
     of individual safety and collective security since all such 
     rights herald the great freedoms from hunger, from ignorance, 
     from disease and from fear.
       But none of these can be achieved without the strategic 
     alliances we must make between each other with all the 
     caring, trust and compassion that a civilized society demands 
     of all who inhabit it.
       Forty three years in the life of a nation is short compared 
     to the four and more centuries of degradation and 
     deprivation. Through the struggles, the wisdom, foresight and 
     example of our Founding Fathers, we have developed, and 
     continue to develop, even greater self-esteem and self-
     confidence.
       We have seen over the years that, despite the challenges 
     and inherited disadvantages, we are not only fit to rule 
     ourselves but also able to make a remarkable contribution on 
     the regional and international stage.
       In today's competitive global economy comparative advantage 
     rests on intellectual skills and the mastery of technology. 
     It is for this reason, that I have been stressing the 
     importance of investing in our human resources--in 
     ourselves--through education.
       Today, education is the most effective means of shaping 
     values, attitudes, behaviours and skills. Education is the 
     key driver of economic transformation. It is our solemn 
     responsibility to equip the future generation with the 
     thinking skills that will assure their individual growth and 
     development and the creation of a habitable society.
       It is for this reason, that I have been stressing the 
     importance of investing in our human resources--in our young 
     students and adults--through education and training.
       To do so, we are harnessing the resources to create an 
     education system that is viable and relevant in the global 
     marketplace.
       The challenge is immense!
       It is indeed a challenge for all Jamaicans: civil society; 
     our private sector; the Church; the family in whatever form; 
     our energetic and talented youth population; our workers and 
     their trade unions; and, of course, our elected 
     representatives.
       Let us view ourselves as custodians of our nation's 
     resources which we must invest in a broader purpose--the 
     betterment of all our people.
       This is a time for both celebration and renewal.
       On this 43rd anniversary of our Independence, I once again 
     summon every Jamaican in town or country, at home or 
     overseas, to re-commit yourselves to giving to this our 
     beloved country the loyalty, caring, dedication it so richly 
     deserves from us all.
       I wish everyone a peaceful and reflective Independence.
       May God bless us all and bless Jamaica, this beautiful land 
     we love.

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