While we largely view the shackles of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the rear-view mirror, this period of ‘Emancipendence’ has come around with the news cycle inundated with discussions of the failures and weaknesses of some of the organs of our democratic nation.

Try as they might, the team at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission has not been able to cut through the pall of disharmony and discontent overshadowing the country.

Talk of the Gospel Star winner, the themes of the Festival Song entrants, the erudite Festival Queen aspirants, or the bevy of activities in the magnificent Independence Village, is as white noise to the cacophony from opposing forces.

The pride of ‘August Mawning’ has been overshadowed as we battle discussions of the constitution being outmanoeuvred to secure the extension of retirement ages for the director of public prosecutions and auditor general.

The celebrations have been marred as integrity commissioner and Members of Parliament trade barbs as to motive and compliance.

The Jamaica Police Federation has drawn battle lines as it aims to enforce a ruling secured against the State it serves.

There is growing concern about the safety of major financial entities, as funds have gone missing and heads sent on leave in unconnected matters.

Violent crime waits in the wings to again claim pride of place in the struggles afflicting the nation.

But there is hope in the knowledge that the land still produces and the sun shines and the people are strong and creative.

The goal of being the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business has not been thrown on the rubbish heap.

Still, our children learn of the heritage and history connected with this season.

Still, the pride of a people now free to be combatants against themselves must be celebrated.

Still, the organs of nationhood and democracy have not been toppled.

Still, there is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica.

As a nation, we must march on in the cause of a better, unified country remembering the pride of 1838 and 1962.

In this incomplete mission we still must pledge the loyalty of our hearts and minds in the service of our fellow citizens.

Success will require the setting aside of egos and the recall of the mission of “strong and free”. The notion of opposition for the sake of opposition has to fall on stony ground and working side by side must become the order of the day.

We take this on as nation with the knowledge that this ought to be the shared pursuit of our race. Our island nation is part of a global pursuit of respect for identity and for self.

It is time that the mission find its pride of place and all well-thinking individuals coalesce around the good in us in hopes that it will quiet the bad.

The season of celebration should remind us that our forebears wait in expectation that we will run our leg of the relay even more successfully than they did theirs. To do so we must truly pause and recognise the achievements heretofore as that will shape the rest of the journey.

Let Emancipation find its rightful place in the heart and soul of this nation. It will take effort… a luta continua.