Jamaica PM Holness shares statement on Commemoration of Int’l Day of Reflection

Jamaica: Prime Minister Andrew Holness has shared a statement on the Commemoration of International Day of Reflection on 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda.

The statement by the office of the Prime Minister read, “On this 7th April 2022, marking the 28th year of the commemoration of International Day of Reflection on the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda, Jamaica acknowledges the extraordinary significance of the day. We will always stand in support of the people of Rwanda in remembrance of this horrific assault on humanity. While twenty-eight years have passed since the horrors inflicted on over one million Rwanda Tutsi and moderate Hutu, the residual trauma persists in the survivors, their children and all of Rwanda.”

“In commemorating this day, Jamaica pays homage to the resilience of the Rwanda people, not only as survivors but as a people who have overcome the monumental challenges of restoring a nation. They did so through rebuilding lives and livelihoods, through reconciliation of different parties, softening hearts embittered by conflict and building bridges to understand and reconcile with the person who they once perceived as enemies,” it further read.

“Rwanda, in its rebirth, exemplifies a country on a path to continued progress. It is recognised as among the fastest-growing economies on the African continent. Jamaica salutes and stands in solidarity with this great country, this great nation,” the statement concluded.

Many residents took the comment section and expressed their points. One of them wrote, “Thank you from myself and all Rwandans. I lived and taught there, and this country and its people are beautiful and more peaceful than just about any country in this world right now. We cannot forget the aftermath of colonialisation, which is directly responsible for the genocide.”

Yet another wrote, “Wow… 28 years already. God bless the Tutsi, for I would never forget or forgive the Hutu’s for the horrific crimes committed against our fellow African brothers and sisters. SELAH.”