To the good people of free and Independent Jamaica

The excellent staff of The Gleaner asked me to write a brief note on behalf of the deCordova Family concerning the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's independence from British rule. I am honoured by the request. Nothing is more precious to the human endeavour of life, prosperity and peace than liberty and the freedom to chose one's own destiny free of outside control or coercion. Jamaica's freedom-loving people made that momentous decision some 50 years ago on August 6, 1962. You well deserve to and should remain proud of it.

Over 170 years ago, my great-great-great grandfather Jacob deCordova and his brother Joshua deCordova, sat across a table and discussed not only how the newspaper they envisioned could have personal benefit, but how it could benefit and serve the Jamaican people. Of note, The Gleaner's creation in 1834 roughly coincided with another courageous act of Jamaican independence, the ending of the inhumane and ungodly institution of slavery.

No doubt, and likely unrecognised fully at the time by the deCordova brothers, The Gleaner would not only champion private enterprise, but would become a staunch advocate for and the ally of a free and open press, an idea admiringly carried forward under the watchful care of the Hon. Oliver F. Clarke. Without objective doubt by any student of liberty, both an open press, and an environment encouraging and rewarding the individual pursuit of gainful trade or occupation, are cornerstones and a bell-weather of a people's true independence. I am humbled if my Jamaican family has facilitated or contributed, in some small measure, to your independence.

Again, to the good people of Jamaica, may your star of Independence continue brightly to shine, both in the sunshine and in the rain of the future.

Warmest regards, and with my heart in Jamaica, I remain,

Very truly yours,

David Vann deCordova, Jr., B.B.A., J.D.

Attorney and Counsellor at Law

Beaumont, Texas

David Vann deCordova is the great-great-great grandson of Jacob de Cordova, the founder of The Gleaner.