LEADER of the Opposition People’s National Party, Mark Golding on Independence Day (Sunday) said Jamaica has come a far way but still has a long way to go in realising true independence.

“Looking back at the past 61 years, we can take immense pride in the strides we have made as a nation — from the achievements in arts and the cultural expressions that have shaped our national identity, to the advancements in education, health care and infrastructure that [have] improved the lives of countless Jamaicans.

“We have really come a far way. But, having said that, we still have much further to go as we face serious challenges that we must overcome for Jamaica to achieve the greatness which is our destiny,” the Opposition leader said, before adding that violent crimes need addressing. He said, too, that many Jamaicans are struggling to survive, among other problems that need to be remedied.

“Violent crime continues to plague our communities, causing pain and suffering to many Jamaicans… There are too many Jamaicans struggling to make ends meet, unable to access quality education and health care and even basic services. Our environment, too, is under threat. We cannot ignore the urgent need of the unfolding risks of climate change.

“We must build resilience and safeguard our environmental assets for future generations — that is our responsibility. We must transcend the narrow, empty confines of partisan politics and come together in a spirit of unity as Jamaicans, recognising that we are all stakeholders in our country’s future.”