Governor General Sir Patrick Allen :

My fellow Jamaicans:

I extend warm greetings to you as our nation celebrates forty-nine years of Independence.

It is without question that August 6, 1962 represented a watershed moment in our history. That historic date was the sum total of the contribution of our forebears to nation-building occasioned by their passionate belief that Jamaicans deserved the freedom to determine their own internal affairs and destiny as individuals, and as an independent country.

From slavery, through emancipation, self-rule, Universal Adult Suffrage and the championing of the rights of workers, the journey continued in earnest, and today we celebrate Independence as the seminal outcome of their vision for Jamaica.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding

Today, we celebrate the 49th anniversary of our independence. Next year, God's willing, we will celebrate our golden jubilee - 50 years as an independent nation.

We have already started planning the series of events to commemorate that significant milestone. We hope to make it a grand homecoming for thousands of Jamaicans who live overseas but for whom Jamaica will forever remain their home.

As we begin our 50th year of independence, we are thankful for the blessings that God has given us, for, despite all our challenges, we have been blessed. We are thankful for all that we have achieved for, although there is so much more that we must strive for, there is much of which we can be proud.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller

My fellow Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, today marks the 49th anniversary of our nation's Independence.

For us, this is a significant milestone for many reasons. Since our Independence, we have had the privilege, the honour and the responsibility of charting our own path to development in this dynamic global community.

Some of us will remember the pride we felt in 1962 when the Union Jack was lowered, and the Black, Green and Gold hoisted. We remember the elation we felt when the first strains of the Jamaica National Anthem were heard.

We remember the overwhelming emotion we felt at the first session of Parliament on Tuesday August 7, when the Queen's representative, Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, uttered these eventful words (and I quote)

"My government in the United Kingdom has laid down its responsibilities and has ceased to have any authority in and over Jamaica, after more than 300 years."

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Jamaica on the 49th anniversary of your independence this August 6. We join you in celebrating the rich history and culture of Jamaica and honouring the many accomplishments of the Jamaican people