Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller, has said that celebrating Jamaica Day will strengthen the spirit of patriotism, and build pride and self-esteem, particularly among young people.

“The idea for Jamaica Day was to inculcate a sense of pride of Jamaicans at home and abroad. It was also intended to educate our youth population of our rich history so that they may understand why we are the way we are and to appreciate the legacy of our forefathers,” he stated.

Mr. Fuller was speaking at a flag raising ceremony Friday Feb. 17 at National Heroes Park in Kingston to kick off activities for Jamaica Day 2012 under the theme: ‘Celebrating Jamaica: Goals for Gold’.

The Custos, in his address, used the opportunity to encourage Jamaicans to recommit their efforts to nation building, while appreciating the legacy of the forefathers.

“As we celebrate Jamaica Day, let us give thanks;  let us honour those who made it possible.  But let us also recommit and redouble our efforts to the nation building process that they (forefathers) made possible and started and which all of us have a duty to advance,” he said.

He noted that while the challenges of the past may be different from now, “they require the same qualities of courage, commitment and even defiance if we are to triumph, as they did,  and fulfill the legacy that they have left us”.

Jamaica Day celebrates and highlights the country’s history and its achievements over the years. It is one of the flagship projects of the Culture in Education Programme. The core objective is to provide opportunities to learn more about the country and affirm Jamaica’s unique contribution to the world.

This year, marks the 10th year that Jamaica Day is being observed.  However it is the third year since the day has been proclaimed a National Day by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, taking the celebrations beyond the schools to government agencies, private sector companies, as well as all Jamaicans.