Independence is the day that signalled the birth of our nation; the day we took charge of our own destiny.

August 6, 1962 represents the culmination of the sacrifices and struggles of scores of Jamaicans.

They came from all walks of life and dared to believe that as a people we could and should chart our own path.

This day requires that we recall the journey our people have taken since winning political self-governance.

While we emphasise the weaknesses and missed targets over the period, we must focus on the several landmark achievements.

Charting ourown course

The theme for this year's Independence Day is 'I believe in Jamaica'.

Belief in Jamaica is about confidence in who we are as a people. It reaffirms that we are capable to chart the course of this nation to a common destiny, in which each of us can share as equal stakeholders in the wealth of our country.

Belief in Jamaica means the future is ours to determine; not for others to grant us.

To believe in Jamaica is a belief in the nation-family.

We must strengthen the bonds of love, respect and peace within our own families and within the national family.

Rely on natural talent

All of us must honour our responsibilities as citizens, relating to each other with respect.

We can all take strength from the outstanding achievements of our people in the areas of sport, the sciences, art and education, in academia, music, and culture.

We must rely on our natural talents and skills that make us unstoppable, genius, innovative, entrepreneurial, altruistic, gallant and inspirational.

On this day, we should celebrate the innovativeness and creativity of the Jamaican people, recognising that the solutions to the modern struggle lie within us.

After all, we are the land of 'tun you han mek fashion'.

Portia Simpson Miller

Leader of the Opposition