This is the land of my birth!
Today, those words take on a special meaning as we celebrate 63 years of independence. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the gift and responsibility of calling Jamaica home.
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Ours is a land of golden beaches and turquoise seas, of lush mountains and fertile valleys, of sunsets that take your breath away. But our greatest treasure is our people; resilient, creative, determined, and bound together by love for this island. We have faced challenges, and we will face more.
But we are a people who rise, who rebuild, and who never give up on the dream of a better Jamaica.
Happy Independence Day to every Jamaican at home and abroad let us continue shaping a brighter Jamaican future together.
Consul General of Jamaica
New York
My Fellow Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica,As we celebrate another milestone in the remarkable journey of our beloved Jamaica, I extend warm and heartfelt greetings to our vibrant Jamaican Diaspora across the 33 states served by the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, and to our friends in Puerto Rico and Bermuda. This 63rd Anniversary of Independence is more than a date on the calendar. It is a testament to a people who continue to rise, to overcome, and to contribute with pride to every corner of the world we touch.
We celebrate this year under the inspiring theme, “Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green and Gold”, a call to carry our identity with honor and to live each day with courage and purpose. The Black, Green and Gold are far more than the colors of a flag; they are the living story of who we are as Jamaicans. Black speaks to the firm grounding gifted to us by our forebears, whose strength and resilience carried them through struggle and sacrifice to secure the freedoms we now enjoy. It is the unyielding foundation upon which our people, through determination and courage, carved a path from hardship to hope. Green carries the promise of growth and renewal. It is the fertile land of our island home, but also the seeds of hope planted by parents and ancestors who dreamed of brighter days and a future of endless possibilities. Gold shines as the light that guides our steps. It reflects the natural wealth of our country, the brilliance of our culture, and the unshakable optimism of a people who believe in tomorrow and dare to walk boldly toward it.Together, these colors are not mere symbols. They are a song of resilience, a poem of hope, and a banner of triumph for Jamaicans wherever we may be. They remind us that our heritage is not just to be carried, but to be lived—radiating strength, inspiring purpose, and lighting the way for generations to come.For those of us in the Diaspora, the Black, Green and Gold take on even deeper meaning. These colors are stitched into our journeys, reminding us that even as we build our lives in new lands, our roots are deep and unbreakable. Roots do not confine; they empower. They give us the strength to adapt, to thrive, and to uplift the communities we now call home, while never forgetting the soil that gave us our first steps…
On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, the Consulate General in New York, and my dedicated team, I wish for each of you a joyful and inspiring Independence. Let us be proud, let us be bold, and let us continue to shine in the Black, Green and Gold.
“Dear Prime Minister, On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I take great pleasure in congratulating the Government and People of Jamaica on this celebration of the country’s Sixty-Third Anniversary of Independence. Jamaica has much to celebrate, having made great strides in its economic and social development. The country has also demonstrated exemplary leadership both regionally and internationally, and has blazed a cultural footprint on the global stage, through music, sports, art, cuisine, and other areas of endeavour.
Prime Minister, as a Founding Member of the Caribbean Community, Jamaica continues to play a key role in the regional integration process. As current Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government, Jamaica is in good stead to drive momentum towards achieving many of the Community’s objectives, as demonstrated during your successful hosting and chairing of the Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Montego Bay in July. The Community has greatly benefitted also from Jamaica’s coordinating role on behalf of CARICOM for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, and leadership on external trade negotiations, in keeping with your assigned role in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet. I look forward to Jamaica’s leadership as the Community seeks to strategically and effectively navigate evolving global dynamics, and preserve the interests of our citizens, who remain the key stakeholders in the regional integration process. We extend our best regards to the Government and People of Jamaica, trusting that your vibrancy, creativity, and commitment to excellence will continue to foster even greater future growth and development.”
It is a distinct honour and privilege to extend warm greetings to Jamaicans at home and across the globe, as we come together to celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of the Independence of our beloved nation—Jamaica.
This year, under the theme “Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green, and Gold,” we are reminded of the deep meaning held within the colours of our national flag—a powerful daily expression of who we are as a people. The black speaks to the strength and creativity that have sustained us through both triumph and adversity. The green reflects the hope and abundance of our beautiful land. And the gold captures the warmth of our sunshine and the richness of our spirit. As we celebrate—whether in Kingston or New York, Montego Bay or Miami, Portland or Washington DC—let us wear these colours proudly. Let them remind us of our journey: one defined by resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. Jamaica’s story has been shaped by a courageous and visionary people—those who dared to dream of freedom and sovereignty, and who worked tirelessly to build a nation rooted in justice and opportunity.
Today, we honour that legacy. We celebrate the continued contributions of Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora who elevate our country’s name across the globe—in music, in sport, in business, education, public service, and beyond. Here in the United States, I am continually inspired by the strength, solidarity, and enduring pride of our diaspora. You carry the black, green, and gold not only in your hands, but in your hearts—and your unwavering support continues to enrich Jamaica’s global legacy.
As we mark this significant milestone, let us reflect on how far we have come, and look boldly to the future we are building—together. Let us remain united in purpose, steadfast in our pursuit of progress, and committed to creating a Jamaica that is strong, safe, and prosperous for generations to come. On behalf of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., and the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the Organization of American States, I extend heartfelt wishes for a joyful, proud, and reflective Independence celebration.
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It is my honor and sincere pleasure to wish you a Happy Independence Day on the 63rd anniversary of the day we began a bold new chapter of self-governance and self-determination.
It’s no easy feat to break from the past while carving a path forward, but that is the story of Jamaica. And it is the story of Jamaicans.
This year’s theme, “Steaming Towards the Future, Honing Good Character,” speaks to the very heart of who we are — a people fueled by ambition, strengthened by values, and driven by a shared belief that better always lies ahead. Hope and hard work. That has always been the foundation of our success.
It’s the spirit I see in our athletes competing on the world stage, and in our artisans learning to bring their wares to market. It’s in our taxi drivers, farmers, fishers, and the young talent hungry to distinguish themselves in an economy deeply connected to tourism and hospitality.
At Sandals Resorts International, we’re proud to be part of that engine. As the largest private employer in the country, we take our role seriously in building a future where more Jamaicans can dream big and win.
Because one thing is certain: there’s no stopping a determined Jamaican.
Big up, Jamaica! With hope and hard work, the future is yours.
