(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) As Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, has hailed the strides that the country has made on the national, regional and international fronts.
In a congratulatory message to the Most Honourablae Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica, Ambassador LaRocque recalled that Jamaica was one of the inaugural signatories to the Treaty of Chaguaramas and continued to play an instrumental role in the integration movement.
“The Community looks forward to Jamaica’s continued commitment to the integration process, as well as to the country’s further progress in the social and economic spheres, bolstered by its strong traditions of democratic governance, as it moves boldly on to the next fifty (50) years of nationhood,” the Secretary-General said.
The text of the message reads:
“It is my distinct pleasure on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to extend to you and to the People of Jamaica, heartfelt congratulations on the celebration of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary as an independent nation – a momentous milestone in your country’s history.
As you “Proudly Celebrate Jamaica 50”, the entire Community celebrates with you in being the first English-speaking Caribbean country to achieve this landmark. Your nation’s first fifty (50) years have seen great progress in many areas, and Jamaica is renowned worldwide for its outstanding contribution in the arenas of culture, sports, and academics, among others.
Jamaica, one of the inaugural signatories to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, has continued to play an instrumental role in the progress, growth and development of the integration movement. The Community looks forward to Jamaica’s continued commitment to the integration process, as well as to the country’s further progress in the social and economic spheres, bolstered by its strong traditions of democratic governance, as it moves boldly on to the next fifty (5o) years of nationhood.
I join with the Caribbean Community in extending best wishes for the continued advancement of Jamaica and the well being of its People on this golden jubilee of your political independence.”
