His Imperial Highness, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie, has urged Jamaica College students to strive to be leaders by working hard academically and striving to develop firm principles.

The prince addressed the students on Thursday, shortly after arriving in Jamaica for a nine-day visit.

“You are the future and I am sure amongst you are some very bright people who will be future prime ministers, scientists and (inventors), but the important thing in education is that you also have the morality that distinguishes what is right from what is wrong (and) what is just from what is unjust,” he said.

The prince told them that with principles, commitment and hard work, they would achieve success and become good leaders.

“I thank you for welcoming my grandfather and hope one day you will also welcome my children,” he told the group gathered in the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, which also included members of the Rastafarian community.

The prince and his spouse, Princess Saba Kebede, were greeted by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, as well as school officials and students.

His visit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the visit of his grandfather, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie, to the island in 1966. The emperor made a stop at Jamaica College during his three-day visit at that time. Golding was head boy of Jamaica College in that year.

The Prince extended gratitude for the warm welcome he and his delegation received since arriving at the Norman Manley International Airport, where he was met by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange.

Acting principal of Jamaica College Rohan Wong said the institution was honoured to host the prince, in what he described as “a milestone event”.

Wong said he hopes that in the future, the school will continue to receive visits from Prince Sahle-Selassie’s lineage.

— JIS