JAMAICA'S INDEPENDENCE AND EMANCIPATION CELEBRATED AT OAS

Jamaica's 39^th anniversary of political independence from Britain, August 6, was celebrated with a reception at the Organization of American States (OAS) on Wednesday evening, with the Ambassador, Dr. Richard L. Bernal, highlighting the nation's accomplishments during the past year, notably in the economic arena. The reception also marked Emancipation Day, August 1—a national holiday in Jamaica and a number of English-speaking Caribbean nations where slaves were freed 163 years ago.

Bernal also used the occasion to formally announce to the Jamaicans, diplomats and U.S. government officials on hand that he would be demitting office at the end of the month, wrapping up a tour of duty that lasted just under 10 and a half years. He thanked the Jamaican community at large as well as colleagues in the diplomatic corps for their support and collaboration over the years, and said he was "fully committed to continue to serve my country and region."

Prominent among the gains the Ambassador singled out were a stable currency exchange rate and low inflation, efforts to lift the standard of living for the more vulnerable sections of the population, and improvements in infrastructure, health, education and the public transportation system. He added: "Our tourism and bauxite industries continue to do remarkably well, showing consistent growth." Citing last year's statistics, Bernal pointed to a record 1.326 million stop-over visitors that represented a 6 percent increase over the previous period.

He said the government had also made significant progress developing the information technology industry, "in recognition of this sector's critical potential for employment and economic growth in Jamaica," noting as well the "substantial expansion of training to prepare hundreds of young Jamaicans to take advantage of the jobs in informatics and e-commerce."

Bernal lauded Jamaicans in the United States for helping to advance nation-building and economic development on the island. He also called on his compatriots to "re-dedicate ourselves to the task of nation-building, while seeking to more closely adhere to the high ideals of our national heroes. Let us resolve to let nothing and no one divide our nation or distract us from the challenge of a world which is changing rapidly and in profound ways.

"We are the descendants of people who overcame slavery, colonialism and natural disasters to be free and independent," declared Bernal, who was accompanied by his wife Margaret and Embassy staff. In addition, representatives of Air Jamaica, Jamaica Tourism Board, SuperClubs, Grace Kennedy & Co. and Western Union (money transfer) mounted displays showcasing the island's industries.