FORTY years is not a long period in the history of a country, but over these last 40 years our achievements here in Jamaica have been outstanding.

I have seen the evolution and therefore, I am more aware than many, of the great progress we have made.

One cannot fully appreciate the situation without reflecting on the state of our country in the pre-Independence period.

There was a time when we were a racist country, when the whites dominated every aspect of life and determined where we should go. There was a time, too, when the best education was for the wealthy, whether it was acquired here or abroad.

I can remember the grave period of poor social and economic conditions of the disenfranchised majority, the time of limited franchise, then progress with universal adult suffrage and the subsequent development of the Government in stages — first with self-government and then finally, Independence.

We must count our blessings since then.

Our governments have effected laws to ensure that the complex society within which we live is regulated.

The social changes have been great, including the ownership of wealth, and although the distribution needs to be more broad-based, more and more people are able to live comfortably.

The advancement in education has been phenomenal — from a period when the three “Rs” were the basis of the education for the masses, to a state where we now have three universities, our children have wide access to education at the secondary level and we are managing our own businesses and financial institutions.

There has been mobility in professions as in business. Many persons, from every stratum of our society, have risen to the top of their fields of endeavour.

There have been great improvements in the provision of utility services — light, telephone and water — housing and general infrastructure.

We have made tremendous strides in health and have eradicated many of the tropical diseases.

Our medical practitioners have gone on to create a great reputation among themselves, likewise our scientists. Many have been the recipients of international recognition and awards.

Despite our size, our influence at the world level has been great. Many of our bright sons and daughters have been skilled negotiators and held top posts in the United Nations, the Commonwealth Foundation and other international organisations.

Significantly, the Jamaican does not consider himself inferior to anyone.

The great strides we have made in the international sporting arena have been a source of pride, joy and unification. And who can deny the great impact of our music and other aspects of our culture at the world level?

There are other areas which show how blessed we are as a result of God’s grace on this nation — the natural beauty of our land, the commingling of our people who were from varied ethnic backgrounds, the Godly foundation upon which we find common ground for honour, morality and integrity.

It is true that at times diabolical incidents have plagued us and created unsociable conditions.

The incidence of HIV/AIDS must be regarded as a peril. In this instance the whole nation must recognise that anyone must join with the rest of the world to eliminate this scourge. There has to be national commitment.

The evil of corruption, drugs, guns and violence against our brothers and sisters have marred our joy and peace.

Individually and collectively, we must use our tremendous energies to make our Jamaica a better place for all.

I am a firm believer in the fact that we can do all things through God. Our National Anthem, one of the symbols of our Independence, speaks to our understanding of the need for, and the power of, His impact on our lives. We can and must turn to Him for healing the wrongs in our society and for empowerment to accomplish what we need to do.

More time must be spent in acknowledging our successes and identifying our possibilities. This is not a time for looking backwards and discounting our accomplishments.

Over the last 40 years we have done enough to inspire our people to greater heights. We must pursue this as we have the capacity, the intellect, the talent and the energy to do so.

Let each of us commit ourselves to our pledge –

Before God and all mankind,

I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart,

The wisdom and courage of my mind,

The strength and vigour of my body,

In the service of my fellow citizens.

I promise to stand up for justice, brotherhood and peace,

To work diligently and creatively,

To think generously and honestly,

So that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity,

And play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.