The Biden administration on Friday congratulated Jamaica on its 59th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain, saying that Washington and Kingston share “deep historical ties.”
“On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Jamaica as you celebrate your independence this August 6,” said Antony J. Blinken, US Secretary of State, in a statement.
“The United States and Jamaica share deep historical ties, an enduring friendship and common values,” he added. “Our longstanding partnership enables us to work closely as we confront some of the most pressing challenges facing the Western Hemisphere, from the climate crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic.’
Through initiatives such as the US-Caribbean Resilience Partnership and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, Blinken said the US and Jamaica “will work together to further our shared goals of economic prosperity, regional security, health and disaster resilience, as well as advance democracy and human rights in the hemisphere.
“We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Jamaica in your 59th year of independence,” he said.
Locally, Brooklyn Council Member Farah N. Louis, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, on Friday shared her “warmest greetings and congratulations” to the Jamaican Diaspora on the 59th anniversary of Jamaican independence.
Louis, who represents the 45th Council District, noted that this year’s Independence Day is being celebrated under the theme “Stronger Together.”
“August 6th is not only a celebration of freedom from colonial rule but also a recognition of Jamaica’s enormous cultural contributions to the global stage – from the songs of Bob Marley to the gold medals of Usain Bolt,” she said.
“Appropriately, this summer marks yet another triumph of Jamaican athletes at the Olympics, including Jamaica’s women sweeping the medals in the 100-meter dash,” Louis added. “New York City, in particular, would not be the culturally vibrant place it is without our extraordinary Jamaican American community.
“On this celebratory occasion, I wish the Jamaican people much prosperity in the years ahead,” she continued.
