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Jamaica 55 Anniversary of Independence Message for Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Missions Overseas

Date: 
Sunday, 06 August 2017

Jamaica 55 Anniversary of Independence Message for Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Missions Overseas

Dear Members of the Jamaican Foreign Service,

It is with great pride that as a people, at home and abroad, we celebrate 55 years as an independent nation. The journey through Emancipation and Independence to this milestone was undoubtedly long and hard. Many lives were lost in the process, but many more are today witnessing the continued transformation of a nation they are proud to call their home. As a resilient and tenacious people, we have boldly faced and surmounted myriad challenges. I know this must make you feel the very same pride I do.

This year’s national Independence theme, “Celebrating Jamaicans at home and abroad” is particularly fitting for our Ministry as we pause jointly to give thanks, reflect, plan for the future and celebrate the achievements we have made as a Foreign Service Ministry and a nation. I encourage members of the Foreign Service here at Headquarters and overseas to do the same. I hope that you truly enjoy your planned celebratory activities, engaging Jamaicans within the communities that you serve.

Let us move forward together as a united force to combat the present challenges we face within the Ministry, and Jamaica at large. Let us continue to be agents of change in making our environments more friendly, kind and loving. We all have responsibilities as servants of the people we serve and the nation we represent, and I know that as a team, we are more than able to face our challenges and live up to all that is expected of us.

Let us also therefore take this time to celebrate! Happy Independence! We are 55!

 

Kamina Johnson Smith

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade