HIS EXCELLENCY THE MOST HONOURABLE SIR PATRICK ALLEN, ON, GCMG, CD, KST.J GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF JAMAICA “Journey to Greatness” My fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora: st I am honored to address you on this signi昀椀cant day, as we celebrate the 61 anniversary of our na琀椀on’s Independence under the theme, “61: Proud and Strong”. This moment marks the triumph of our forebears’ vision, the strength of our people, and the enduring spirit of our great na琀椀on. For six decades and coun琀椀ng, we have steadfastly navigated our collec琀椀ve journey, resiliently shaping our des琀椀ny. Over the years, we have shown that unity, when coupled with an unwavering commitment to our na琀椀onal ethos, can create ripples of change powerful enough to surmount the tallest mountains. In the areas of technology, infrastructure, healthcare, educa琀椀on, and social jus琀椀ce, we have made strides worthy of recogni琀椀on. Each sector has contributed invaluably to the development and growth of our na琀椀on. Your 琀椀reless e昀昀orts, the sacri昀椀ces you make, and your unwavering commitment, are the bedrock of our na琀椀onal success. So we are here today, not merely because of our predecessors, but also due to your leadership and service. And for this I most sincerely thank all of you. Even as we celebrate this historic milestone, we are aware of the uncertain 琀椀mes that lie ahead. Our world is constantly evolving, bringing forth complex challenges that test our for琀椀tude and resilience. I will not downplay these challenges, but today I want to reassure you that our collec琀椀ve strength, crea琀椀vity, and spirit are migh琀椀er than the challenges. In the words of the esteemed writer, J.K. Rowling, “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.” Our na琀椀on is a testament to this truth. Our history is punctuated with instances where we turned adversity into opportunity, brought light into the dark, and inspired hope amidst despair. In the face of looming uncertain琀椀es, let us not forget our past triumphs in all the sectors of our country. These are not just markers of our history, but torches to light our way forward. Together, we have the power to shape our future, no ma琀琀er the challenges that stand in our path. Helen Keller reminds us that, “Alone we can do so li琀琀le; together we can do so much” The power of collec琀椀ve ac琀椀on, the power of uni昀椀ed purpose, has been and will always be, our greatest strength. As we chart the course for the next chapter in our na琀椀on’s history, I humbly ask each of you to recommit to the work at hand. Let us carry with us the lessons of the past, the ambi琀椀ons of the present, and the dreams of a brighter future. With our combined e昀昀ort, there is no limit to what we can achieve. May our country forever stand as a beacon of unity, resilience, and progress. The future is not something that just happens. It is up to us to create it. Happy Independence Day Jamaica, “land we love!” 6 6