Basseterre, St Kitts, May 31st, 2012 -- Following is the presentation made by the Honourable Hensley Daniel, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Social Development, Youth, Sports, Community Development, Culture, Trade & Industry in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) at the recent Nevis Launch of the Jamaican Kittitian (JamKit) Association’s Jamaica 50 St. Kitts Nevis Essay Competition for children and young adults within the Federation.
I am happy to be here. I offer apologies for the absence of the Honourable Premier who is on travel duty abroad.
This Essay Competition to mark Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence comes at a time when participants have a lot to write about.
The man-made financial crisis is still having a negative impact on our Region. If nothing else, independence for Jamaica has meant increased patriotism, national pride and a high level of confidence. These are attributes that urgently need to be copied by us here in Nevis.
With Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage, its efforts to build a nation and shape a society, continues despite the many challenges. I am sure that we are aware that independence unleashes the potential of the people and provides a platform for social and economic development.
Bear in mind that Bob Marley & the Wailers rose to prominence after Jamaica’s Independence. Bob Marley was a mere 17 years old at the time of independence.
The performance of Jamaica’s athletes has been nothing short of phenomenal. Check Herb McKinley, Arthur Wint, Don Quarry, Merline Ottey, Asafa Poivell and the lightening speed of Usain Bolt. Jamaica is now a centre
for the training of professional athletes. They say the country is little but Tallulah.
By being the first of the English speaking countries to proceed to independence, Jamaica set the stage for the rest of us in the Caribbean. We note Jamaica’s efforts to pursue development strategies in the 1970’s outside of the sterile approach to economic and social development.
I am sure that the Essay Competition will highlight some of the major achievements of Jamaica over the last 50 years including its role in establishing the International Bauxite Association, its National Heroes, its cultural icons, its civic, religious and political leaders.
Jamaican teachers work at our schools in Nevis and in the process help to educate our children. Jamaican restaurants provide additional variety for the benefit of the residents In Nevis. Jamaica facilitates training of Nevisians in medical sciences, medical technology and several other areas. Jamaicans are our partners in human resource development. U.W.I, UTech and the Social Welfare Training Centre are just some of the institutions that facilitate training.
The Jamkit Association facilitates co–operation and collaboration and in the words of the Honourable Rex Nettleford – it continues to help us to conquer the tyranny of distance.
This is a new era in which artificial man-made barriers of insularity will be broken down. It will help us to create that beautiful symphony of brotherhood that we long for in the Caribbean. Your motto “out of many one people” can help to point the way forward.
I think of a few lines of Jamaica’s National Anthem that can guide the activities for the 50th Anniversary. Teach us true respect for all, stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish, give us vision lest we perish. Be our light through countless hours.
There is so much to write about Jamaica. I urge all of you children and young adults to research and analyze and write the right history of Jamaica.
NB: The St Kitts Launch of the Jamaica 50 SKN Essay Competition was held on Monday, 14 May and the Nevis Launch on Thursday, 17 May 2012. The final day for accepting entries to the Competition will be 13 July 2012.
Winners in the three (3) categories will be announced in August 2012 during the main 50th Anniversary Celebrations in SKN. Dr. Ismay Taylor is the Co-ordinator and Chief Grader for the Competition.
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