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'I believe'
New GG says nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed
BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Observer staff reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, February 27, 2009
NEWLY installed Governor General of Jamaica Dr Patrick Allen yesterday took office with his own formula for taking on the tough economic climes and a rallying cry of 'I believe'.
Dr Allen, in his inaugural address after being installed as the sixth governor general of Independent Jamaica at a ceremony at King's House, said the economic downturn now being experienced in the island could be the opportunity for Jamaicans to feed themselves, rely less on imported goods, promote a healthier lifestyle and improve the quality of their diet by eating home-grown foods.
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| Newly sworn in Governor General Dr Patrick Allen and his wife Denise are swamped by an adoring, camera-happy public immediately after his swearing-in ceremony held at King's House, the office residence of governors general, in Kingston yesterday. (Photo: Joseph Wellington) |
"Globally, we are in turbulent times, uncertain times, the worst of times..." he said. "Nationally, we are between a rock and a hard place... it is necessary we recognise fully our predicament in order to commit ourselves to a way of escape."
The former president of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists said the conditions that pervade Jamaican life "scream at us to immediately develop and implement a survival package... that will call on the creative genius of all well-thinking Jamaicans in defence of the nation.
"There is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica," he said to applause from guests attending the ceremony.
"My commitment is clear and without equivocation. I will set forth to stir the people of Jamaica, inspire them to greatness and see their recommitment to building a great society... Every Jamaican must know, think, internalise, personalise and actualise the theme "I believe", the governor general said.
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| Former governor general Professor Sir Kenneth Hall (right) stands by while Dr Allen takes the Oath/Solemn Declaration and Affirmation of Allegiance and the Oath/Solemn Declaration and Affirmaton of Office. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) |
"I believe in Jamaica, I believe in the people of Jamaica, I am committed to doing my best as I carry out my responsibilities," he said. He also affirmed an earlier pledge to be "a governor general for all Jamaica".
Former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, in passing the baton to Allen, told him that the tasks were manageable and that the position would provide the scope to exercise the leadership qualities for which he was well known.
"I can further assure you, based on experience, that the bonds between the Office of the Governor General and the Jamaican people are sufficiently secure and you will find this new post both exciting and satisfying," Sir Kenneth said.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in his address, said the new governor general was no figurehead and was chosen after the most careful consideration.
"This practice of relying on the judgement of the governor general in sensitive decision-making is a significant innovation toward good governance unknown to most other Commonwealth jurisdictions but an innovation that has served Jamaica well, and is an illustration of the political maturity of the nation," Golding said.
"He will make a worthy successor to Sir Kenneth," the prime minister added.
At the end of the ceremony, it was clear that the governor general, whose appointment had been a talking point for weeks because of his high office as an Adventist leader, had stood the first test reasonably well.
"I believe his speech was excellent, very inspiring and well delivered. I think he established the theme for his tenure with 'I believe'," Government Senator Tom Tavares-Finson told the Observer afterwards.
Faith Innerarity, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport, was also impressed. "I believe it was an excellent speech, a rallying cry, the kind we need," she said with a smile.
An employee of King's House - the official residence of governors general - said she was already taken with her new boss.
"He did well," she said. Upon hearing that Dr Allen was the father of three she said, "well now, we will have some grandchildren around King's House".
Allen was also yesterday invested with the Insignia of the Order of the Nation, Jamaica's second highest honour reserved for governors general and prime ministers, by Chief Justice Zaila McCalla.
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