THE MOST HONOURABLE ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, MP, PC PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA I am pleased to extend warm Jamaican gree琀椀ngs to the Consulate General of Jamaica as well as the esteemed a琀琀endees marking Jamaica’s 61st anniversary of independence with a gala event. This momentous occasion not only commemorates our na琀椀on’s rich history but also pays tribute to the remarkable achievements of our people who have made invaluable contribu琀椀ons to their homeland. The Consulate General of Jamaica has been a steadfast advocate and guardian of our Jamaican heritage, pro- mo琀椀ng our vibrant culture, tradi琀椀ons, and values around the world. Their 琀椀reless e昀昀orts in fostering strong bonds with the Jamaican diaspora and represen琀椀ng our na琀椀on with integrity and excellence are truly com- mendable. As you gather to celebrate this signi昀椀cant milestone, I encourage you to re昀氀ect on the progress we have made as a na琀椀on and the countless contribu琀椀ons our people have made to society. Jamaica’s journey has been one of resilience, innova琀椀on, and determina琀椀on, and it is through events like this gala, that we recognize and honour the indomitable spirit of our people. I am pleased that the Consulate General of Jamaica has organized this gala event which will bring our people together in a 琀椀me of celebra琀椀on, re昀氀ec琀椀on and forecas琀椀ng, as we turn our eyes to the future we want for our great na琀椀on. Importantly, this event represents the Consulate’s con琀椀nued commitment to showcasing the best of Jamaica and fostering unity and goodwill. st So, as we come together to celebrate Jamaica’s 61 year of independence, let us con琀椀nue to embrace our shared values of unity, inclusivity, and resilience. May this gala serve as a reminder of the strength and beauty of our na琀椀on and inspire us to strive for even greater heights in the years to come. I know this celebra琀椀on will be a successful and memorable one, 昀椀lled with joy and a renewed sense of pride and purpose as we embrace our Jamaican iden琀椀ty and con琀椀nue to chart our path towards a future of peace and prosperity for all our people. God bless Jamaica, and God bless all Jamaicans, at home and abroad. 7 7