NEVER FORGET

WESTERN BUREAU:

Disappointment over low public turnout overshadowed St Elizabeth’s Independence Day observance on Thursday, as civic and municipal leaders gathered with only a handful of residents to mark Jamaica’s 64th year of Independence.

The flag-raising ceremony, a symbolic display of resilience and national pride, was held against the backdrop of the parish’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed homes, public facilities and the municipal offices.

Mayor of Black River Richard Solomon said he was grateful that the annual observance went ahead despite the challenges but lamented the poor attendance.

“I am appealing to the people of St Elizabeth and wider Jamaica. We must never forget those who fought for our freedom. Independence is not something we should take for granted. That history must remain embedded in our DNA,” Solomon told The Gleaner.

Solomon stressed that it was important the devastation caused by the hurricane did not prevent the parish from observing Independence Day.

“As you can appreciate, Independence Day is a very significant day in our country. Although we were battered during Hurricane Melissa, we are a resilient people, and all the critical agencies came together to ensure that this year’s Independence celebration was held,” he said.

The ceremony, which is traditionally staged at Independence Park in Black River, was relocated to Black River High School after the park sustained extensive damage during the hurricane.

The mayor argued that greater emphasis should be placed on teaching Jamaica’s history and the significance of Independence in schools so younger generations fully appreciate the sacrifices that secured the country’s freedom.

He also said that while slavery has ended, Jamaicans must remain vigilant against what he described as “modern-day slavery” by protecting their freedoms and working to build a stronger future.

“Our responsibility is to build a future that we can all be proud of while honouring those who laid the foundation before us,” Solomon said.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com