THE MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA
DIASPORA HAILED for significant role in nation-building
During Jamaica’s 61st Independence celebration, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, acknowledged the role Jamaicans living abroad have played in the growth and development of their home country. Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks delivered the remarks on Holness’ behalf at a thanksgiving service in Takoma Park, Maryland. This service was part of a series of events planned by the Jamaican Embassy in Washington to commemorate both Emancipation and Independence days. Holness emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship with the diaspora in enhancing Jamaica’s progress and future prosperity. The Prime Minister further praised the Jamaican Embassy in the US for its relentless efforts in advocating for and representing the diaspora. Holness mentioned the Jamaican government’s focus on infrastructure development. Noteworthy undertakings spanned the entire country, connecting communities, boosting the economy, and enhancing access and convenience. Notable projects include the North-South Highway, which has cut travel times and promoted commerce, and the Montego Bay Perimeter Road designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the connectivity in the tourism capital. Holness highlighted the government’s emphasis on housing as well, understanding that affordable and secure housing is not just a basic right but also an important aspect of societal stability and national prosperity. Economically, Holness shared that Jamaica is on a trajectory of fiscal discipline, which has led to a stable Jamaican dollar and a lower debt-to-GDP ratio.
The Government of Jamaica recognizes the Diaspora as crucial partners and drivers of Jamaica’s economic development. Jamaicans overseas represent a wealth of human, social and nancial capital and are key actors and inuencers bringing tremendous value to Jamaica. We are actively pursuing opportunities to channel this value into mutually benecial policy initiatives. – PM Andrew Holness
He underscored that strategic partnerships and bold policies have been implemented, attracting investments, encouraging entrepreneurship, and generating job opportunities. Holness praised Jamaica’s significant strides over 61 years as an independent country. As the nation embarks on its future journey, he called on Jamaicans to uphold their inherent values of resilience, unity, and love. The event marked the debut of the Jamaica Diaspora DMV Awards, honoring notable Jamaican-born figures, retired Maryland
THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2023
CNWEEKLYNEWS.COM
African, Caribbean bodies call for slavery reparations Various African and Caribbean bodies came together at an unprecedented event last month in Bridgetown, Barbados. Their unified demand focused on compensation for slavery and the scars it has left on present-day society. Among those rallying for reparations for “historical crimes” were the University of the West Indies (UWI), the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU), the Government
Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam and Institute of Caribbean Studies Founder and President, Dr. Claire A. Nelson. The thanksgiving service also featured a sermon by Senior Pastor Rev. Astor Carlyle, who urged Jamaicans abroad to reflect on their personal role in contributing to their homeland’s improvement.
LOG ON TO cnweeklynews.com
Beckles
of Barbados, the Open Society Foundations, a grant-making network, and the Caribbean Pan African Network. The Bridgetown assembly was alive with strategic discussions and plenaries. This marked the launch of an “intercontinental campaign,” UWI announced, labeling it a “ground-breaking” event. continues on B1 – Reparations
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER Meet the architect behind Jamaica’s progress in the World Cup A3
JAMAICA
YEARS of independence
PULLOUT FEATURE INSIDE