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 honoring the many accomplishments of the Jamaican people.

I visited Montego Bay in June for a high-level U.S.-Caribbean meeting and I was fortunate to experience Jamaica’s well-known warmth and hospitality. During that visit, I was reminded of the strong historical ties between our two countries. Americans of Jamaican descent have contributed so much to our country and the world.

On this anniversary of your independence, we honor all Jamaicans, and celebrate the vibrant friendship between our countries.