Governor spreads hope in Christmas message

His Excellency the Governor, Sir Kenneth Blackburne, shared a heartfelt Christmas message with the nation. He reflected on the achievements of the outgoing year and shared his wishes of joy and prosperity for the years to come.

PUBLISHED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1959

Governor’s Christmas message:

HOPE FOR US ALL: STILL FURTHER PROGRESS, GREATER PROSPERITY

His Excellency the Governor, Sir Kenneth Blackburne, in his Christmas message to the people of Jamaica, refers to the progress made by the island in the attainment of full internal self-government in 1959, and expresses the hope for steady advance in the future, based on the traditions of honesty and fair play inherited from the past.

The following is the text of his message.

"My wife and I are very glad to be able to send our Christmas greetings and our good wishes for 1960 to the people of Jamaica."

“The year 1959 has been momentous because it has seen the introduction of a new constitution carrying with it full internal self-government. But this great advance has brought with it few outward changes; most things seem to be going on very much as they did before. And so it is perhaps difficult for those of us who are living at this time of great change to realise the full significance.

“History will, I am sure, record the events of 1959 in more dramatic form. Those who come after us will be able to read how the final move from colonial rule to internal self-government came in a spirit of harmony and accord.

“And those who come after us will also be able to read how Jamaica continued to move steadily forward during the first year in which her people were solely responsible for controlling her destinies.

Greater happiness

“And so, as we come to the close of 1959, it must be the hope of us all that 1960 and the years which follow will bring with them still further progress for Jamaica, and still greater happiness and prosperity for her people.

“It must be the hope of us all that this steady advance in the future will be based on the traditions of honesty and fair play inherited from the past, and will be inspired by the spirit of progress which animates the Jamaica of the present.

“My wife and I are indeed proud and happy to be in Jamaica at this significant time in your history, and to be permitted to share your successes and your disappointments, and your hopes and your fears.

“Christmas is a family festival for all of us in the Christian world, and my family and I are indeed happy to send to all other families in Jamaica our very best wishes for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.