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National
Strength Through Adversity
At 11:55 pm on August 5, 1962,
darkness engulfed the National Stadium in Kingston Jamaica. There
was a quiet. And later a roar of the capacity filled stadium at
12:01 am August 6, 1962; Indicating the end of the flight of
the Union Jack and a new beginning, a new independent nation, new
colors representing a new Jamaica the Green, Gold, and Black.
I was 2 at the time, and this is the story I’ve heard
throughout my life describing the momentous occasion of Jamaica’s
independence.
In the 58 years that have
followed, Jamaica has shown our prowess with our domination of
track and field, holding the record for the highest per-capita
medal rate of any nation with multiple medals. We have some of the fastest,
record-breaking men and women in the world. Our sports prowess is
rivaled only by the way we’ve captivated the world with our music,
culture, and food. Anywhere in the world we go, everyone knows
Jamaica. We now also boast the highest performing stock market in
the world and are consistently rated as one of the top destinations
to do business in the Caribbean. We even ranked on the top ice
cream list in the world, Devon House ice cream of course. The
accolades keep piling up.
With nine separate persons holding
the office of the Prime Minister since Independence, there is no
doubt Jamaica has left its imprint on the world including how we
harness the Diaspora to contribute to nation-building. “Jamaica
recognizes the navel string long”, and despite the natural
challenges of the growing Diaspora movement, many countries are
eager to follow in our footsteps and mirror our progress.
As an active member of the Jamaica
Diaspora, I can definitively say that Jamaicans abroad have made
huge strides in supporting, empowering, building capacity,
collaborating, creating access, building bridges, engaging and
enabling the development of our beloved country. From individual
efforts to alumni associations, to regional organizations,
faith-based groups, task forces, and more; The Diaspora movement is
buzzing with activity. It is and dynamic and evolving.
Our 58th year of independence, the
year 2020, has been historic. The world is facing a global
pandemic, the likes of which we have never seen. Entire
Industries are closed for business; We are experiencing record job
loss and the challenges today and ahead, are nothing short of
extreme. Even though we are all, in every country of the
world facing this global crisis, the Diaspora’s commitment to
service remains strong. With the rise of zoomification, we found
new ways to stay connected and create closer ties between Jamaicans
at home and abroad. Like most things in life, with every dark
cloud, there is a silver lining.
For example, instead of traveling
for the professional development of approximately 150 teachers,
Diaspora Educators were able to deliver training on zoom to over
1000 teachers, principals, and middle managers through the Jamaica
Diaspora Education Taskforce. We’ve also been able to participate virtually
in Emancipendence events across the Diaspora and Jamaica.
The Diaspora even voted for the
first time this year in the Festival song competition! “Nuff
excitement” as everyone campaigned for their favorite song.
As we move forward in 2020 and prepare
for 2021, it is not fully understood, what the post- COVID-19 world
and economy will look like. The traditional bedrocks of Jamaica’s
economy are at risk. What opportunities do we have to create new
bedrocks in this increasingly virtual marketplace? How can Jamaica
and the Diaspora partner to accelerate this transition to minimize
the economic disruption?
Through the challenges of 20202,
Jamaicans have truly embodied the Independence theme, resilient and
strong. Let’s continue to be resilient; Let’s continue
to be strong; Let’s work together to build a better Jamaica so
that; “Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty,
fellowship, and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the
welfare of the whole human race.”
Leo Gilling
Chairman, JDTAN
Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN)
jdtan.org
P.S. Don’t miss the Virtual
Independence Spectacular in Jamaica, starting at 4 PM Jamaica time
today: https://livestream.com/jcdc
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