THE MOST EXCELLENT SIR HOWARD COOKE O.N., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., GOVERNOR GENERAL
OF JAMAICA
EMANCIPATION MESSAGE
To be born in a free society is a privilege that should never be
taken for granted. For many of our forefathers, this was not their experience,
and many gave their lives to change the social structure to that which we now
enjoy. However, freedom and the independence that it gives has responsibilities
and consequences, which if we ignore, will keep us in another type of bondage.
As we celebrate Emancipation Day, I am reminded of the many freedoms that
became ours on this day, and which we must always seek to safeguard from future
bondage. Among them is the freedom to have an opinion and express it, some call
it free speech; the freedom to walk through the Land in peace; the freedom to
be prosperous in business and the freedom to live without fear. These are fundamental
rights of a free society that must be protected by all citizens, if all citizens
are to enjoy these freedoms. Truly, as a society we cannot move forward if we
are shackled to attitudes and values that tear down instead of build up, that
breed strife instead of peace, and that undermine instead of encourage.
At this juncture in our social evolution, it is imperative that we examine
ourselves as a people, look critically at the motives surrounding our actions
and make choices that will not jeopardize the privileges we have as a free society.
I believe we have the capacity to be a beacon to the world. It is my wish therefore
that the celebration of Emancipation Day will stir us to lofty ideas of commitment
to our country and usher in a new day for Jamaica on the eve of our Independence.