Jamaica's Governor General, Sir Patrick Linton Allen, who was knighted yesterday by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, is urging Jamaicans living abroad to support his 'I believe' campaign.
The pastor, former teacher and head of the West Indies Union of Seventh-day Adventists told The Gleaner he would be meeting with Jamaicans overseas to see how they can help Jamaicans rediscover positive values and forge a positive future.
"This is a very critical time in our history. Nationally, we are between a rock and a hard place. Jamaicans are hurting economically, financially, mentally, socially, spiritually. It is at this time that Jamaica needs the service of all its citizens," said Sir Patrick during a celebratory function, held in his honour at Jamaica's High Commission in central London yesterday.
Quoting from Norman Manley and a speech he first gave when he was officially inaugurated as governor general, Sir Patrick said: "Although it may seem that we are in the night of our deepest despair ... I prefer to think we are approaching the morning of hope with everything before us. We have the tomorrows of opportunities ... and limitless possibilities of achieving our God-given potential with creativity and success despite the odds. I believe that in the crisis of contemporary experiences lie the seeds of opportunity and renewal. All of us should act."
Sir Patrick's campaign was backed by his wife of 33 years, Lady Patricia Allen, who is taking an active role in the 'I Believe' campaign as patron of several organisations which mentor, motivate and support women and young people.
Lady Allen, a former teacher and nurse, told The Gleaner:
"The diaspora can help by being a voice, by visiting youth and community groups when they visit Jamaica. We need financial help. We believe that, for example, music plays a part in creating activities for young people so if we can get musical instruments that can be given to areas which are vulnerable, then we can use this to get the young people together and teach them the values we have lost."
Making history
The High Commission's function followed a ceremony at Bucking-ham Palace in London at noon (UK time) which saw Jamaica's first Seventh-day Adventist governor general officially receiving a knighthood from the Queen.
Buckingham Palace had already issued a statement saying Her Majesty had named Sir Patrick a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, effective May 26.
Accompanying Sir Patrick and Lady Allen on their visit to Buckingham Palace were his wife's cousins, Doreen Hines, her children, Glendon and D'Anna and her friend, Colline Silvera, who stood outside the palace gates.
They had travelled from Maryland in the United States to watch their relative get knighted, the cousins told The Gleaner.
"I told this guy 'That's my cousin!' But he didn't believe me," said 16-year-old D'Anna. "I was excited. I saw their cars going in. I kinda jumped and my heart leapt - That 's my family in there. It was cool and quite fun. I've never felt this Jamaican in my life," said 15-year-old Glendon.
"I was inspired to see someone from the basic Jamaican background get to be at Buckingham Palace because it says to me that any little boy or girl can dream of doing something big," added Colline.
Later on, Sir Patrick, who has also received the Order of the Nation and named a Commander of the Order of Distinction, told the scores of Jamaicans who flocked to the High Commission that "this is a tremendous journey" for him.
Making history
Sir Patrick is the sixth person and fifth Jamaican to hold the post since Jamaica's independence in 1962.
During the proceedings, Jamaica's High Commissioner to the UK, Burchell Whiteman, led a minute of silence to remember Travis Johnson, the founding member of the Jamaican Diaspora movement, who worked tirelessly for Jamaicans in the UK.