Guyana celebrates Independence - country committed to regional unity

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar says his country must continue to take the lead in promoting regional unity and work within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to strengthen the bonds of integration.

In his message to mark Guyana’s 48th anniversary of independence on Monday, Ramotar said the country is marking the milestone of its political history in a world that has grown more complex, more interconnected, but, unfortunately, one which still remains very unequal between the developing South and the developed North.“International relations today are still dominated and determined by a handful of rich countries.  Many of the institutions established, particularly the international financial institutions mostly geared to serve the interest of the most rich and powerful countries.”He said developing countries have to manage the affairs of their states in a great disadvantageous situation and this is reflected in the growing inequality in relation to access to resources and the huge income gap between the rich and poor countries of the world.Ramotar said that the richest 85 persons in the world are worth more than the poorest 3.5 billion persons and that almost a half of the world’s wealth is owned by just one per cent of the population.“The struggle, therefore, for socio-economic justice and a more equitable world, continues.  One of the major issues is the need to democratise international relations. It is patently evident that the vast majority of countries in the world and by extension the peoples of those countries do not have enough influence on international politics and economics.”Ramotar said the situation demands that Guyana continues to build greater solidarity among the developing world while it works in alliance with those developed countries interested in genuine partnership.

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Guyana celebrates Independence - country committed to regional unity

Protests at Brazil Independence Day

7 September 2013 Last updated at 14:26 ET Police used tear gas to try to disperse demonstrators in Rio’s city centre Protesters in Brazil have disrupted Independence Day celebrations, demanding better public services and the end of corruption.

More than 100 demonstrators interrupted the traditional Seventh of September military parade in the city of Rio de Janeiro, shouting slogans against the authorities.

They clashed with police, who threw tear gas and made several arrests.

There were clashes in Brasilia, where President Dilma Rousseff gave a speech.

In Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo, hundreds of people have been taking part in a march, which has been largely peaceful.

Activists used social media to call for protests in more than 150 cities.

Brazil saw a big wave of protests in June, as the country prepared to host the football Confederations Cup.

Initially, demonstrators demanded that a hike in bus and underground fares be revoked.

But the demonstrations grew into a much larger movement against corruption and excessive spending in preparations for next year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, which Rio will host.

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Protests at Brazil Independence Day

Independence Message by Governor General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The following is the August 6, 2013 Independence Day Message from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen in full:

My Fellow Jamaicans, at home and in the Diaspora,We bring the curtains down on our 50th Anniversary celebrations and begin our 51st year at a time when our country is beckoning to us for our recommitment to rise and build!This is a call to all of us; none is exempt! Our National Anthem constantly inspires us to believe that we are a country blessed by the Eternal Father.We must believe that we are uniquely equipped to pursue our bold mission outlined in Vision 2030 of making Jamaica a place where we choose to live, work, raise families and do business.We are all aware that there is some distance between where we are and where we want to be, but we must not be discouraged. Rather, let us embrace the many challenges which confront Jamaica, as a call to action and encourage each other to serve to the best of our ability, with dignity, honour and integrity!Today, we remember with pride what Jamaicans have accomplished through their dogged determination to succeed, their creative genius, their perseverance and resilience, and especially in sports, their drive to make Jamaica proud.We also remember and laud the many Jamaicans overseas who have built up a reputation for sterling contributions to the development of their country of residence.Here at home, we recognize and commend the many persons from very humble beginnings who have triumphed in their respective fields because of their commitment to hard work, their discipline, their focus on the attainment of their goals and their belief in their God-given potential to achieve their dreams.They confirm my belief that the large majority of Jamaicans are decent, hard-working, law-abiding citizens and that we have the capacity to transform Jamaica into the country which we envision. “There is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica.”In my travels across Jamaica:I have met many of our unsung heroes and heroines from all walks of life, who, motivated by the tough economic conditions, sharpen their skills and use their inventiveness to create small businesses which provide jobs for others.I have been privileged to meet children and youth whose hunger for education and whose focus on their goals inspire me to persist with my “I Believe” Initiative.I have seen people, both young and the more mature, invest of themselves in building up others through the impartation of life skills and the development of their capacity to earn a decent living.I have interacted with several of our business persons who are contributing their time, talent and resources to the upliftment of our people.I have met others in the media who commit to using their space for the advancement of positive values and attitudes, thus resisting cheap sensationalism.I salute those in the entertainment industry who recognize and accept the weight of responsibility to be good role models on and off stageI know strong people in government and politics, the Church, the security forces, civil society and academia, who will not bend their principles, but will render faithful service to God and country, thus demonstrating the independence of their spirit.These, the warm, caring and hospitable people of Jamaica, are what is right about our country. Together, let us make a significant difference, even reaching our development goals in advance of 2030. Each Jamaican, whether at home or abroad, has the responsibility to help restore our image as a peaceful and productive country. Each of us must accept our responsibility to defend what is good and what is right about us. Edmund Burke, a classical political thinker of the late 18th Century said something which is so relevant to us and our times, and I quote:“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (and women) to do nothing.”As we celebrate our Independence, let us believe in and build the Jamaica which we are destined to be:  “triumphant, proud and free”!Lady Allen joins me in wishing you a happy Independence. May God bless Jamaica, Land we love!-JIS

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Independence Message by Governor General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen

Jamaicans in Atlanta celebrate island"s 51st Independence

News

Thursday, August 01, 2013 | 9:39 AM

WASHINGTON DC — Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in Atlanta, Georgia, will mark Jamaica’s 51st year of Independence with two major activities from August 4 to August 10.The programme of activities, planned by the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA), commences with a Thanksgiving Service at the Hillside Presbyterian Church in Decatur at 5:00pm on Sunday, August 4. The service will feature music, songs and poetry, which capture Jamaica’s cultural heritage.The sermon will be delivered by Professor of Theology at Emery University, The Rev Dr Noel Erskine, while the Rev Dr Barry Davis, will bring a special musical tribute.The celebration comes to close on Saturday, August 10 with the Annual Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway.This spectacular black-tie event which is the premier annual Caribbean event in Atlanta attracts patrons from Georgia and surrounding states.A special feature of this year’s event will be the honouring of Vin Martin, former Jamaican Honorary Consul in Atlanta, who retired from that position at the end of June this year after serving for 16 years. Among those who will paying tribute to Martin, include, US Congressman, Hank Johnson; President of the AJA Errol Ritchie; Dr Erskine and Dr David Panton. Two educational scholarships will be awarded to two students of Jamaican parentage, one from the AJA and the other from the Tropical Sports Club. The AJA Community Service Award will be presented to Ms Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson of the Golden Krust Bakery.Prominent show and dance band, The Fabulous Five will provide entertainment.According to AJA president, Ritchie, the annual events commemorating the anniversary of Jamaica’s independence are very important to Jamaicans in Atlanta. “They serve to bring us together in a cultural bond that oftentimes overpowers the individualistic urges that seem to restrict our coming together as a people. “These events bring back memories of our time in Jamaica and force us to reflect on our achievements as a nation and as individuals. They also serve to remind us of our rich culture and generate the festive mood that we have all come to associate with our independence celebrations “he said.

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Jamaicans in Atlanta celebrate island"s 51st Independence

Independence Day message by Opposition Leader Andrew Holness

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Tuesday, August 06, 2013 | 2:46 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The following is the August 6, 2013 Independence Day Message from the Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness in full:My fellow Jamaicans:Independent Jamaica is now 51 years old. This is truly a day to be joyful and proud, a day to rejoice in the memories of the courage, determination and triumphs of our founding fathers and other pioneers, who relit the fires of freedom to achieve for us our Independence from colonial rule. This is a day to remember their struggles and sacrifices with sober reflection.So as we celebrate this Independence Day, let us renew our national commitment to addressing in meaningful ways those critical areas of our society that remain issues of concern.In terms of our economy, we now have an IMF agreement at long last! But this is still not the time to express relief. The IMF agreement we have is not the cure-all for our economic problems. We will not have success in our economic programmes unless we can show the political will to implement meaningful structural economic change. One such change must be tax reform, which will see a lower tax burden to all, a wider tax net and greater tax revenues.Let us renew our commitment to improving the productivity and efficiency of our economy by ensuring that all our labour force is trained and certified and that businesses are able to retool and incorporate the latest technology into their production.Let us recommit ourselves to ensuring that our education system is of the highest standards and that our teachers are motivated as instructional and institutional leaders. Education is the real long term solution to national growth and development. We must protect and cherish all of its stakeholders. We must seek to implement those measures that will boost performance among both teachers and students while being careful to avoid short-term measures that will have a negative impact on educational outcomes in the long run.Regarding our energy sector, the cost of energy has continued to be a major impediment to our development. We must therefore acquire the firm resolve to examine and fix the inefficiencies in this sector. We have to develop new and efficient and environmentally safe base load production of electricity. Energy is critical to growth; in this area our current arrangements make us energy dependent. We must restructure our energy sector to be efficient with fuels on which we are import dependent and advance our capabilities to produce energy from the sun and wind with which we are blessed.Noted scholars Philip Sherlock and Hazel Bennett, writing in, “The Story of the Jamaican People” explained: “Emancipation gave them [our ancestors] the right to free movement, the right to choose where and when they wished to work but without basic education and training many were compelled to remain on the plantation as field hands”. This continues to be the story of many Jamaicans today. Though all Jamaicans are physically free, to make whatever choices they wish, without education and training many Jamaicans are compelled to remain in poor circumstances.  Let us commit to ending abject poverty in Jamaica. We will not all be rich, but no one should be poor. As a symbol of our independence and nationhood let us set as a guarantee for all Jamaicans that we will build an economy and society where all Jamaicans can have quality access to the amenities and opportunities which when paired with their freedom and effort will lead to their happiness and fulfilment.These areas directly affect the future and hopes of all Jamaicans. So, while we celebrate our Independence, let us take the time to reflect on what we need to do to protect and enhance this Independence. Let us bear in mind these constructive words of Sir William Alexander Bustamante in 1962 on the occasion of our very first Independence Day: “Independence means the opportunity for us to frame our own destiny and the need to rely on ourselves for so doing”.Have a blessed, but also a productive day.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Independence Day message by Opposition Leader Andrew Holness

Jamaicans in Maryland and Washington DC celebrate Independence

WASHINGTON, DC (JIS) — Jamaicans residing in Washington DC and Baltimore, Maryland, will be celebrating Jamaica’s 51st Anniversary of Independence with several activities, beginning this weekend.

In addition, from August 3 to 11, the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC under the leadership of Ambassador to the United States Stephen Vasciannie will be engaged in activities supported by leading Jamaican organisations.The activities commence with the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM) annual independence Ball, which will be held at the Martins West Conference Centre, Baltimore. Vasciannie is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Ball which is expected to attract about 400 Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica.This year, JAM will present the Marcus Garvey UNIA Award to Dr Maxine Clarke, while the distinguished community service award will go to Dr Hyacinth Dunston-Hunter.Among those to bring greetings at the event are Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor, Anthony Brown, who is of Jamaican parentage; US Congressman, Elijah Cummins and Baltimore’s Mayor, Stephanie Rollins BlakeThe Dumbarton Chapel at Howard University’s School of Law is the venue for the annual Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, August 4, starting at 11:00 am. Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, Reverend Charles Henry Dufour, will deliver the sermon. Vasciannie will deliver the Independence message from Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller.Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and representatives of the US Congress and Senate will attend the service.Three charities in Jamaica — Harmon Valley Basic School in Claremont, St Ann; Heroes Circle Basic School in Kingston and the Good Shepherd Foundation — have been selected to receive this year’s offering.On Monday, August 5, Vasciannie will host a reception and Independence Art Exhibition at the Embassy, commencing at 6:30 pm.  The exhibition will feature the works of Jamaican artists, Webster and Charlene Ferguson-Campbell, who will display over 50 pieces.And on Sunday, August 11, independence celebration activities close when the JAM hold its annual Independence Thanksgiving Service at the Baltimore Central New Testament Church of God, commencing at 5:00 pm.  The guest preacher will be Bishop Stanley Murray.

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Jamaicans in Maryland and Washington DC celebrate Independence

$100m Independence allocation will generate income for small businesses -- Ministry

News

Friday, July 26, 2013 | 11:55 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Youth and Culture today said the Government’s allocation of $100 million to the Emancipation and Independence celebrations for 2013 will generate revenues for medium, small and micro business across the country. According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Sydney Bartley the staging of such events should be seen as much more than leisure or entertainment activities, but rather as part of a creative industry which generates jobs and other opportunities for hundreds of Jamaicans.“As an industry, several things are happening: there are persons working and they get that work whenever the creative industry has an event.  When the Government is celebrating Independence, dancers, musicians, bands, sound system operators, hairdressers, vendors and many others are employed”, he said.Many of the participants in these activities are from inner-city communities and they look forward to the staging of the ‘Emancipendence’ events primarily because of the potential to earn. In many instances these occasional events are their only source of income, Bartley said.The Permanent Secretary argued that the staging of events such as the Grand Gala provides a financial boost to businesses, performers and skilled technicians and therefore represents an investment in the Jamaican economy.Speaking at the recent launch of Emancipation and Independence celebrations, Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna said that the Government was aware of the economic challenges that the country is facing and as such the celebrations will be held within the context of fiscal responsibility and done within budget.“The Government in general, and specifically, the Ministry of Youth and Culture, recognises the importance of staging these celebrations as a part of the programme for economic and social restoration. It has been manifested time and time again that we are at our best when we celebrate the achievement of our nation,” Hanna said.

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$100m Independence allocation will generate income for small businesses -- Ministry

$100m Independence allocation will generate income for small businesses -- Ministry

Latest News

Friday, July 26, 2013 | 11:55 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Youth and Culture today said the Government’s allocation of $100 million to the Emancipation and Independence celebrations for 2013 will generate revenues for medium, small and micro business across the country. According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Sydney Bartley the staging of such events should be seen as much more than leisure or entertainment activities, but rather as part of a creative industry which generates jobs and other opportunities for hundreds of Jamaicans.“As an industry, several things are happening: there are persons working and they get that work whenever the creative industry has an event.  When the Government is celebrating Independence, dancers, musicians, bands, sound system operators, hairdressers, vendors and many others are employed”, he said.Many of the participants in these activities are from inner-city communities and they look forward to the staging of the ‘Emancipendence’ events primarily because of the potential to earn. In many instances these occasional events are their only source of income, Bartley said.The Permanent Secretary argued that the staging of events such as the Grand Gala provides a financial boost to businesses, performers and skilled technicians and therefore represents an investment in the Jamaican economy.Speaking at the recent launch of Emancipation and Independence celebrations, Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna said that the Government was aware of the economic challenges that the country is facing and as such the celebrations will be held within the context of fiscal responsibility and done within budget.“The Government in general, and specifically, the Ministry of Youth and Culture, recognises the importance of staging these celebrations as a part of the programme for economic and social restoration. It has been manifested time and time again that we are at our best when we celebrate the achievement of our nation,” Hanna said.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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$100m Independence allocation will generate income for small businesses -- Ministry