The number one resource that any nation has is its human resource, in other words its people. In this Jamaica’s 60^th year of independence, this year’s theme is Re-igniting a Nation for Greatness.  When something needs to be re-ignited it means that the current flames are dying, oxygen is short and flames need to be rekindled.  Growing up in the country, we often had to light and relight wood fire for cooking outdoors.  It was clear then as it is now that without oxygen the fire would not thrive and therefore we had to fan the flames intensely in order to make sure the flames did not go out and that the fire was evenly distributed under the pot.  Hence, Jamaica this is a call for oxygen. This theme is therefore a call for us as a people to fan again into flame, to arouse, trigger and stir up the gifts that we have been given as a Jamaican people individually and collectively “so that Jamaica may under God increase in beauty and prosperity and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race”.

The Right Excellent Marcus M. Garvey said: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”.  Therefore, in order to re-ignite our nation for greatness we have to make a conscious effort to re-ignite our human resources/our people at all ages, stages and levels by actively and intentionally informing, engaging and teaching them about our common descent, our past, our history, our out of many one people origin, our unique culture and our language.  This needs to happen in our homes, at our workplaces, in our schools and other institutions, wherever our human resources are.  

One way we can Re-ignite our Nation for Greatness  is by unearthing parts of our history and sharing it with the current generations.  Our ancestors sought to instil in the generations of their time, grit and resilience and how to survive perilous dangers, toils and snares even when their own worth as human beings were challenged.  On May 30, 1962 , the Government of Jamaica in Ministry Paper 40  in order ‘to prepare the youth for responsibility , independence and freedom”,  sought to ensure that our schools would have a national pledge, a national song and a national prayer which be used daily and/or weekly.   As a child, regularly I said the pledge and sang the song and anthem and perhaps even heard the prayer.  As a nation, we need to intentionally teach the national anthem (in particular verse two), the national song, the national pledge and the national prayer to our upcoming generations as we are in danger of losing our unique human resource culture.  We have to remember that our responsibility, independence and freedom were bought with blood, sweat and tears and should not be taken for granted. 

The baton has been passed to this generation and therefore we cannot shrink away from our duty and what we have been called to do in this generation. Let us fan into flame the gifts of our human resources, i.e., our people, with the words of the national prayer and may this be our daily prayer as we re-ignite our people our nation, Jamaica land we love for greatness:

“Let us pray:

Let us give thanks for all God’s goodness and the wonderful heritage into which we have entered: For  Jamaica , our Island home , the land of our birth – We give Thee thanks, 0 God

For the majesty of our hills, the beauty of our valleys, and the flaming loveliness of our gardens – We give Thee thanks , 0 God

For the warmth and brightness of our days and the calm and peace of our countryside – We give Thee thanks, 0 God.

For the rich heritage of our people coming from many races, and yet one in purpose, in achievement and in destiny, and for the dignity of labour and the service given by every citizen of our land – We give Thee thanks, 0 God.

For freedom, just laws and our democratic way of life – We give Thee thanks, 0 God.

For the high privilege and responsibility of Independence and for bringing us to nationhood – We give Thee thanks, 0 God.

For our parents, teachers, religious and other leaders and all those who in every walk of life are helping to prepare us for responsible citizenship, and for all those who are giving voluntary service in the public interest – We give Thee thanks, 0 God.

For the poets, artists and thinkers and all who create in us the vision of a new and better society – We give Thee thanks, 0 God.

For our godly heritage, the example of Jesus Christ and the sacrifices of our fathers in the faith — We give Thee thanks, 0 God”.  AMEN!!