KINGSTON, Jamaica—Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on Jamaicans to embrace a national responsibility towards nation building as the country marks 64 years of independence.

In his Independence Day massage, Holness said Jamaica’s freedom carries an obligation for each generation to preserve and strengthen the nation for those who follow.

“We honour the courage and the sacrifice that carried us here, and we remember that independence is not a single moment in history. It is a responsibility renewed by every generation. It is our duty to preserve what those before us built, to strengthen what has been weakened, and to leave to our children a Jamaica more secure, more productive, and more hopeful than the one we inherited,” Holness said.

Reflecting on the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the prime minister acknowledged the extensive damage to homes, schools, roads, bridges, water systems, farms and businesses but praised Jamaicans for their resilience and solidarity in the disaster’s aftermath.

“But even in the most difficult hours, we saw the true character of Jamaica. Neighbours helping neighbours, public servants working beyond the call of duty, members of the security forces restoring access and order, churches and voluntary organisations providing relief, and Jamaicans at home and abroad giving generously. Our task now is to build a stronger Jamaica, which can endure future shocks better than we ever have, ensuring confidence in our future that will inspire the coming generation,” Holness urged.

Holness said through the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), the government is creating the capacity to coordinate, finance, and deliver reconstruction at the scale that has not been seen since independence.

“NaRRA will be an instrument of disciplined national action. It will cut through fragmentation, it will prepare sound projects, it will enforce standards, and it will protect the public purse. And it will ensure that works are completed properly, efficiently and transparently. This is an undertaking of historic importance,” the prime minister said.

He said the reconstruction programme is intended to reduce vulnerability to future disasters, strengthen rural communities, revitalise towns and cities, and build on Jamaica’s existing economic progress.

“This reconstruction effort is guided by a national vision to reduce vulnerability, to open new areas for development, to strengthen rural Jamaica, to renew our towns and cities, and to build on the strong foundation we have already laid for sustained economic growth,” the prime minister said.

Holness stressed that rebuilding the country would require discipline and accountability from both the Government and the public.

“But renewal on this scale asks something of every one of us. It asks for respect for law and order, for protection of public property, for honest work, for fiscal discipline, and for strong families and communities that refuse to surrender their future to criminals and disorder. Every dollar wasted is a road not repaired, a classroom not built, a water system left vulnerable. Every act of corruption steals from the Jamaican people. Every delay caused by indiscipline postpones the future we are building. We must therefore demand high standards from the government, from contractors, institutions, and from ourselves,” he said.