By Al Ezzo-Lawson

 As Jamaica celebrates another year of independence, I find myself reflecting deeply on what this milestone truly means, not just in ceremonial form, but in substance, in spirit, and in our national character. 

Though I may currently reside abroad, my heart remains tethered to the land of my birth, my beautiful Jamaica, the land of wood and water, of rhythm and resistance, of brilliance and boundless potential. My departure was never a detachment. It was a journey to gain, to grow, and to return.

My roots are still planted at home, in property, in investment, in purpose. Jamaica remains my final destination, the place where my story began and where it must one day continue. But while we celebrate our sovereignty, we must also examine our reality. We are independent by name, yes, but are we truly independent in thought, in governance, in vision? 

Too often, we cling to the wrong ideals and cast aside what is right. We follow trends, repeat mistakes, and lose ourselves in the noise of chaos and division. It is as though we do not fully grasp the treasure we possess. Jamaica is adored globally, a coveted destination, a cultural powerhouse. Tourists marvel at what we often overlook: the warmth of our people, the flavour of our cuisine, the richness of our music, the breathtaking beauty of our land. 

They fall in love with the very things we take for granted. It is a sobering irony that outsiders often see the gem more clearly than we do ourselves. Our nation, though vibrant, is at a crossroads. We cannot deny that we are in a tattered state—socially, economically, politically. The mismanagement, the violence, the short-sightedness threaten to unravel the very fabric of who we are. But I believe, with every fibre of my being, that redemption is possible. 

My hope lies in the generations to come, that they will look beyond the surface, beyond the glitter of quick gains and foreign praise, and see the soul of Jamaica. That they will have the courage to rebuild what has been damaged and reimagine what is possible. That they will not merely inherit a country, but consciously shape a nation.

Jamaica, I love you, in your glory and in your growing pains. You will always be my home, my compass, my first love. Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! May our future reflect the greatness we so often forget we hold.