In an extraordinary year, we have faced many challenges and have had to modify how we live our lives. We had to adjust to new ways of socialising, worshipping, working and even shopping.
The Coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the world at large and the United Kingdom in particular, taking a particularly heavy toll on our Diaspora with many of us having to say goodbye to loved ones while observing social distancing measures.
I am heartened by the resolve and determination of our people in adjusting to the ‘new normal’. I would like to salute the members of the Diaspora who have worked on the frontline, such as nurses, doctors, bus drivers, teachers and those in other vital support services.
The Jamaican High Commission will continue to work along with the many community groups and individuals to provide support for vulnerable members of our community. Last year also saw the Black Lives Matter protests, which served as a catalyst for meaningful discussion and a commitment to pursue remedial action to arrest the lingering issues of discrimination.
I am pleased that one of these steps will be the inclusion of the contribution of Black people to the development of the UK, as well as more on Britain’s colonial past in the national curriculum. We cannot shy away from the realities of slavery and the resulting institutional racism. We must understand our past and learn from those experiences to prevent its repeat, and instill confidence and a sense of pride in our young people.
As we look forward to a better new year, we can reflect that during 2020 we have faced some of our darkest hours, but we have also discovered the true strength within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.
May God continue to bless you and your families.
