Celebration of Jamaica's heritage

Who doesn't love gifts? They take different manifestations and have significance for each occasion. Featured today is a silver case, which was a gift to Jamaica from the United States of America on the occasion of Jamaica's Independence in 1962.

The case was part of a silver desk set given by the Vice President of the US and Mrs Lyndon B. Johnson.

Inscribed on this case are the words, "God grant that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may persuade all the nations of the earth so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere and say, "this is my country"' - Benjamin Franklin.

According to the US department of State, the United States established diplomatic relations with Jamaica in 1962 following its independence from the United Kingdom.

The United States and Jamaica maintain strong and productive relations based on trust and mutual interest. This close friendship is built on a foundation of people-to-people ties and a vibrant Jamaican-American community. The United States and Jamaica foster prosperity and stability for both countries within the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

This silver case is now part of the national collection at the Institute of Jamaica.

- Information compiled by Sharifa Balfour, assistant curator, National Museum of Jamaica, Institute of Jamaica