A NEW international embryo has taken shape and Jamaica plays a leading role.
It was Jamaica that proposed to this new international community the very relevant and thought-provoking new international economic order. And it was Jamaica which proposed the International Year of Human Rights. It was Jamaica too, and Jamaicans, that sounded the death knell of the heinous apartheid system in South Africa. We must never forget that Jamaicans of all races, colour and classes who have distinguished themselves internationally in varied fields of human endeavour with distinction and excellence and made a name for themselves and our country as achievers.
Now this New Year, this new millennium, presents this dynamic, resourceful and creative nation and people of accomplishment with new opportunities and new challenges. These are opportunities and challenges which must be faced at home and together, making creative and imaginative uses of our national resources and that of the international community of which we are an integral member.
We are prayerfully thinking that in an independent gesture of national goodwill, in the spirit of partnership and with corporate and civil independence, might not each non-governmental organisation of civil society in Jamaica, particularly umbrella organisations, after full, mature and prayerful consultation with and among its stakeholders, take the initiative to formulate a five-year, solution-directed, development plan for its organisation and membership to manage and implement in phases? Each organisation (or corporate board) would thus look at the national action agenda and unilaterally or in collaboration with another organisation or agency (NGO or government) voluntarily design a solution-directed programme falling within the ambit of its own broad aims and objectives and not inconsistent with the letter or spirit of its own social mission. We humbly suggest that such a five-year development plan programme be always subject to be independently reviewed, refined and directed. Also, that it be adopted and initiated any time between the beginning months of the new year 2001 and Independence Day in August 2001, as a gift to this outstanding and struggling nation of ours, Jamaica, "land we love".
With our hearts filled with concern and love for the peoples of Jamaica, its institutions and organisations, we earnestly appeal to all to deeply reflect and consider the timely words of Baha'u'llah:
"O contending peoples and kindreds of the earth, set your faces towards unity, and let the radiance of its light shine upon you. Gather ye together, and for the sake of God, resolve to root out whatever is the source of contention amongst you ."
May the Almighty bless and guide this nation of Jamaica, its peoples, its communities and its families. Indeed, may this first year of the new millennium have a very positive influence on the decade to come, with God's unfailing help.
- National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Jamaica.
