Jamaica's 45th Anniversary

August is a special month for two of the largest Caribbean diaspora groups. On August 6th Jamaica celebrates its 45th year of Independence (T&T celebrates later this month). Already, Emancipation Day is behind us and much has already been written about the significance of this date. (See the Jamaican Prime Minister's Emancipation Day message here).

Jamaica and Jamaicans worldwide should now put the upcoming elections on the back burner as we have another significant date to commemorate. The Diaspora already has a host of events underway to mark this occasion. Of note is the fact that the Bank of America Tower in Miami will be draped in the black, green and gold of Jamaica (see article here).

And, on the eve of Jamaica's independence, I hope that the Jamaican Diaspora the world over will continue to take note of the various achievements by their countrymen and always realize the impact that Jamaica has made globally. I also hope that the Jamaican culture is never taken for granted and is continually preserved within the Diaspora. To those who have been instrumental in the preservation of the Jamaican culture here in the South Florida area, I say thank you and please continue to keep up the fine work.

Local newspapers Caribbean Contact and Caribbean Today in particular had special issues dedicated to Jamaica's Independence. I enjoyed the reading and the recognition that was paid to the Jamaicans making a difference here. Jamaicans in various fields were recognized from politics to sports and business. Clearly we have a great heritage and have much to celebrate. However, we still have more to contribute and we still have a long way to go. Yes, we are little but tallawah (strong).

In closing I would like to wish every member of the Jamaican Diaspora a safe 45th Independence celebration and that we continue to make our mark away from home.