A flag raising ceremony, to mark Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the United Nations (UN) was held Tuesday at the auspicious site of the headquarters of the world governing body.
On a rainy Sept. 18, the event was attended by the president of the General Assembly, political officials of Jamaican heritage, and diplomats including those of countries that co-sponsored the G A resolution providing for Jamaica’s admission half a century ago.
Jamaica became a member of the world body of nations on Sept. 18, 1962.
Fourteen countries co-sponsored General Assembly resolution 1750 (XVII) entitled: ‘Admission of Jamaica to membership of the UN.
They are Australia, Canada, Ceylon (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka), Cyprus, Ethiopia, Malaya (Malaysia), Ghana, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Tanganyika (United Republic of Tanzania), and the United Kingdom.
In reflecting on Jamaica’s 50 years of membership, the country’s ambassador to the UN, Raymond O. Wolfe, noted that along with other members of the global community, Jamaica seeks to bring renewed attention to the most pressing challenges facing the world today, including the impact of the global financial crisis, climate change, human rights, and sustainable development.
Over the past 50 years, Jamaica has served on several influential bodies within the UN system, including the Security Council.
As a responsible member of the global community, Jamaica has spearheaded debates on critical issues of international concern, such as the empowerment of women, human rights, non-communicable diseases, racial discrimination, and the abolition of slavery.
In this regard, Jamaica, along with partners from Africa and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is currently leading an initiative to erect a permanent memorial at the UN in honor of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.
