Pause and reflect on the strength of our heritage – GG
Governor-General Prof Kenneth Hall has called on all Jamaicans to pause and reflect on the strength of our heritage, recognising that the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future. Following is the governor-general’s National Heroes Day message:
THE celebration of National Heritage Week affords all Jamaicans a very special opportunity to explore the great moments in our history…to recall the brave deeds of our National Heroes, reflect on the resilience of our founding fathers and honour citizens, who have excelled in service to our country as we resolve to strengthen the foundations of our nation.
This year’s activities under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage…The Strength of Our Nation”, allow us to take special note of some of the diverse traditions in our heritage that bind us as a people.
Generations of Jamaicans can speak proudly about our National Heroes – the nation-builders who fought for what they believed. Our heroes were, indeed, people who stood up for noble ideals, fought against injustice; and through their numerous acts of courage helped to shape the history of our country and chart the course for a better Jamaica.
As a people we must maintain our traditions – those “customs and practices” which make us who we are, and which help to identify us as Jamaicans wherever we go.
I am buoyed by the hopes and aspirations of our young people. I am heartened by the goodwill that our senior citizens demonstrate in their efforts to pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Yes, we face many challenges in our society; but, as the poet said, “. hope springs eternal”.
The recipients of our National Honours and Awards reflect the dreams, aspirations, innovativeness, determination, resilience, talent, and the uncanny ability of Jamaicans to “tun we han’ and mek fashion”.
I call on all Jamaicans, as we celebrate National Heroes Day, to pause and reflect on the strength of our heritage, recognising that the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future. In other words, our heritage is ours to build on, and if we understand our past, and learn from the experiences of our predecessors, then we can indeed, look to the future full of hope and confidence.