Vernon: Jamaica’s roots remain intertwined with Africa

WESTERN BUREAU:

As Jamaica celebrates its 64th year of independence this year, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says that the nation’s growth over the decades is connected to the history of the African continent, with the Caribbean and African regions’ collaboration being indicative of strength across borders.

Addressing Thursday’s annual Independence and Flag Raising Ceremony at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James, Vernon pointed to Ghanian President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Jamaica earlier this week, and Africa’s aid to Jamaica during the COVID-19 pandemic, as examples of the lasting bond between the two territories.

“Jamaica’s tree does not stand alone, because its roots are intertwined with Africa. The history of our people, taken from the motherland, enslaved in the Caribbean, and reborn in freedom binds us forever, and that bond is cultural, historical, and strategic,” said Vernon.

“The visit of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, president of the Republic of Ghana, reminds us that Jamaica’s destiny is inseparable from Africa’s, and that resilience is reinforced when the Caribbean and Africa stand together. Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic, our demand for vaccines was too small to qualify for direct supply, but the African region came together to make a collective order that met the requirements, and in solidarity, they extended that offer to Jamaica and the Caribbean,” Vernon added.

FOCUS

During his state visit this week, Mahama told a press conference at Jamaica house that he intends to focus on forging greater trade ties between Africa and the Caribbean once he takes up the chairmanship of the African Union next year.

Prior to Mahama’s visit, 38 Jamaican companies were signed up in June for a trade mission to Ghana to seek out avenues for Jamaica to invest in that country. There had also been previous discussions about setting up a mutual air services route between Kingston and Ghana’s capital, Accra.

Jamaica and Ghana previously sought to renew bilateral relations with the third session of the Jamaica-Ghana Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which was held in Ghana earlier this year.

In the meantime, speaking further on Jamaica’s national development since it gained independence in 1962, Vernon said that while independent Jamaica is comparatively younger than other nations, its people can still benefit from its continuing maturity for generations to come.

“The fact that we are where we are today should embolden us, for in just six decades, we have achieved milestones that prove our capacity to thrive. Our ancestors watered this tree with sacrifice for chattel freedom, for political independence, and for dignity and self-determination, and now it is our turn. If we plant with vision, if we nurture with unity, if we water with resilience, then generations to come will rest in its shade,” said Vernon.

During Thursday’s ceremony, held under this year’s theme ‘United in Celebrating Resilience,’ 11 individuals and one organisation within St James received the Spirit of Independence Award for contributions to varying sectors across the parish. Meanwhile, five awardees received the Mayor’s Special Award for their contributions to nation-building within St James.

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com