The State of Maryland has officially declared August 6, 2023, as Jamaica’s Independence Day.
The Proclamation was presented to Her Excellency Audrey Marks, Jamaican Ambassador to the US, during a special service on July 30, celebrating both Jamaica Emancipation and Independence.
The event took place at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, with the Maryland State Governor, Wes Moore, signing the Proclamation.
The Proclamation commended Jamaicans as they marked the country’s 61st Independence anniversary. The statement recognized the contributions of Jamaicans to the State of Maryland, emphasizing how the state’s strength emanates from its diverse population.
The document stated, “The State has drawn strength from the diversity of our people, and today we honor those who trace their roots to Jamaica for the many ways in which they have contributed to the richness and triumph of the State of Maryland.”
It went further to declare a recommitment to nurture and foster avenues for business, professional, educational, and cultural exchanges between Maryland and Jamaica in the spirit of Jamaica’s Independence Day celebration.
A call for resistance and sacrifice
The sermon, delivered by Rev. Astor Carlyle, the Senior Pastor of the Webster Memorial United Church in St. Andrew, exhorted Jamaicans to resist injustice, discrimination, and corruption.
Echoing the sentiments of historic Jamaican figures such as Sam Sharpe, Nanny, Paul Bogle, Marcus Garvey, and Bob Marley, he urged the congregation to “stand up for your rights.”
In his speech, Rev. Carlyle encouraged the willingness to “sacrifice comfort and convenience on the altar of principle to ensure that truth and right win and give up privileges today so that [our] children and grandchildren may have a better life tomorrow”.
The role of the Jamaican diaspora: Contributions and influence
Rev. Carlyle praised the Jamaican diaspora for their significant role in Jamaica’s development through remittances, health missions, and ongoing support to their former schools.
He also implored them to use their influence to counteract the gun smuggling problem that threatens their homeland.
Rev. Carlyle reminded the congregation that every Jamaican – old or young, male or female – shares a stake in the strength and pride of their homeland.
“Let us show up, stand up, and speak up, so that Jamaica may, under God increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race,” he said.
The service, moderated by Rev Dr. Bertram Melbourne, Dean of Howard University School of Divinity, dedicated the offering collected to the Community for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI) in Montego Bay, St James, Jamaica.
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