Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter

Chief Justice Zaila McCalla pins the insignia of the Order of the Nation on Dr Patrick Allen, the country's sixth governor general, on the occasion of his installation at King's House yesterday. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

The afternoon showers that sprinkled the lawns of King's House could not dampen the pride and goodwill with which Dr Patrick Allen was yesterday evening installed as Jamaica's sixth governor general.

Allen took the oath of office just after 5:30 p.m. and pledged to "wholeheartedly discharge the duties that accompany this office".

The new governor general encouraged Jamaicans to start an 'I believe' campaign as a means of healing the land, which has been broken by violence, strife and poverty.

"'I believe' must be etched in every classroom, the screensaver on every computer and cellphone; it must be internalised in the heart of every student until dreams are born in the hearts of our children as to who they can become and the contribution they can make to the development of their nation," Allen said.

He added: "It must be the theme in the morning papers and the optimism of the evening news until the waves wash away our shame and we evolve into a nation destined for greatness."

Allen replaced Sir Kenneth Hall, who retired after less than three years in office for health reasons.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding said that Sir Kenneth "has been an excellent governor general and has served this country well".

"I regret that circumstances have impelled him to relinquish the post after only three years in office," Prime Minister Golding said.

Moral authority

Golding went on to express confidence in the abilities of the new governor general saying: "Dr Allen brings to his office a lifetime of service to the people of Jamaica. He brings a reputation for integrity and impartiality. He brings, as well, a moral authority, which will guide him in the leadership he is called to provide and the decisions he will be called upon to make."

Meanwhile, Allen pledged to be "a governor general for all of you - a governor general for all Jamaica".

"My commitment is clear and without equivocation: I will set forth to stir the people of Jamaica, inspire them to greatness, and seek their recommitment to building a great society," the new governor general said.

"My appointment to this office has demonstrated that we are indeed one people and that anyone in Jamaica despite race, colour, creed, religion or economic station can rise to the highest position. This is a Jamaican dream that has again been realised today. Marcus Garvey was indeed right when he said 'We can accomplish what we will'."

Approximately 2,000 persons witnessed the historic moment yesterday when Chief justice Zaila McCalla invested Allen with the commander of the Order of the Nation shortly after he took the oath of office.

Among the dignitaries to witness the occasion were Sir Howard Cooke, former governor general; former prime ministers P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga, President of Trinidad and Tobago, Professor George Richards; President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Nicholas Liverpool, and Cuthbert Sebastian, governor general of St Kitts and Nevis.